Bore Block First or Buy Pistons First Then Bore Block
12-01-2003, 05:35 AM
#1
Bore Block First or Buy Pistons First Then Bore Block When you build an engine, any engine from the ground up, what order do you do things?
The way it looks now, I'll probably be going the 6.0L iron block route. 409 CU IN.
I plan on buying a bare 6.0L block soon or maybe a whole engine if I can get it really cheap. I won't be building a engine until next year, but would like to slowly start buying parts over the next year. (easier to afford this way)
I've heard two different ways of building a short block.
1st - Bore block to desired bore (4.030 in my case) and then order custom pistons to fit my bored block
2nd - Buy standard pistons for my desired size bore and then bore the block to the desired size for the standard pistons (custom bore).
I would like to go with the 2nd choice, that way I can buy all the parts as money allows. Once I bought all the parts, I just have to get the machine work done and then start building.
Ok engine builders, tell me what you think, any idea's, comments, advice is greatly apreaciated!!!!
Thanks,
Bill
The way it looks now, I'll probably be going the 6.0L iron block route. 409 CU IN.
I plan on buying a bare 6.0L block soon or maybe a whole engine if I can get it really cheap. I won't be building a engine until next year, but would like to slowly start buying parts over the next year. (easier to afford this way)
I've heard two different ways of building a short block.
1st - Bore block to desired bore (4.030 in my case) and then order custom pistons to fit my bored block
2nd - Buy standard pistons for my desired size bore and then bore the block to the desired size for the standard pistons (custom bore).
I would like to go with the 2nd choice, that way I can buy all the parts as money allows. Once I bought all the parts, I just have to get the machine work done and then start building.
Ok engine builders, tell me what you think, any idea's, comments, advice is greatly apreaciated!!!!
Thanks,
Bill
12-01-2003, 06:23 AM
#2
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Personally I would buy the pistons first. If a certain size is on back order, you change opt to change sizes for something in stock. It isn't going to cost any more to have it bored out a little more or less.
12-01-2003, 07:05 AM
#3
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Buy the pistons first. Have the block bored and honed to fit the pistons. Take the pistons with the block so the machinist can measure them and the block with the same equipment. Also have the rings and the ring manufacturer's recommendation for cylinder bore finish. Discuss this with the machinist.
If this is your first engine, consider getting some design advice from an engine builder. It may not be free, unless you buy stuff from him, but it will probably be worthwhile.
My $.02
If this is your first engine, consider getting some design advice from an engine builder. It may not be free, unless you buy stuff from him, but it will probably be worthwhile.
My $.02
12-01-2003, 07:29 AM
#4
Bill....it really does not matter. I have done it both ways. When you have the block bored and honed, just ensure you tell them the finished bore size after honing. They have the tools to endure precise sizing.
Then just order the pistons you need for that bore size. 4.030" is a very common LS1 size these days. Many of the vendors will have them on the shelf. If you are getting a rotating assembly, I would get that before I had the block bored, just to make sure you can get what you want.
Then just order the pistons you need for that bore size. 4.030" is a very common LS1 size these days. Many of the vendors will have them on the shelf. If you are getting a rotating assembly, I would get that before I had the block bored, just to make sure you can get what you want.
12-01-2003, 07:56 AM
#5
Thanks for the info guys, I'll probably buy the parts, then do the block work.
I want to do this right the first time so I have a few more questions.
From some of the research that I have done, I want to have the skirts & the dome of the pistons and main and rod bearings coated.
What brand of pistons, rods, rings, and bearings do you guys recommend? Should I just pick a brand and go from there?
Mainly the motor will be a N/A, but once in a while I will hit it with a 75 Shot of N20.
I want to do this right the first time so I have a few more questions.
From some of the research that I have done, I want to have the skirts & the dome of the pistons and main and rod bearings coated.
What brand of pistons, rods, rings, and bearings do you guys recommend? Should I just pick a brand and go from there?
Mainly the motor will be a N/A, but once in a while I will hit it with a 75 Shot of N20.
12-01-2003, 12:22 PM
#7
You can do it either way. One thing you must do before ordering pistons is any decking of the block. If your block is decked, it will increase the total amount that the piston will come out of the cylinder. If you cut the block .010" and order a standard off-the-shelf piston, you could end up with pistons coming out of the hole too much. This is something that can easily be overlooked, so I just thought I would mention it. 
Let us know if you have any other questions. We're here to help!
Trevor
Texas Speed & Performance
Let us know if you have any other questions. We're here to help!
Trevor
Texas Speed & Performance
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12-01-2003, 01:12 PM
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You would deck the surface if it were worped. Machine shops use a true straight edge ruler with a feeler guauge to check for low spots. I personally wait for the pistons before doing the machine work on the block. Had the deck checked and didn't need to be decked. I would do a sonic test to offset bore some of the middle cylinders for max wall thickness. Cost me 90 for a sonic test, but well worth it.
