Building forged 5.3 block from summit without machine shop?
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Building forged 5.3 block from summit without machine shop? Ok so in my area finding a machine shop worth anything is next to impossible and the one machine shop in the area that is good usually takes 9-12 months turn time to do a motor. So I bought a 5.3 block off summit racing that is apparently left over GM stock that are already machined and have cam bearings pressed in so my hope is that I can build this block without the use of machine shop. I have never assembled a bottom end before (only ever done rod bolts and cam installs) so I am a complete newbie on engine building. My question is theoretically can I buy a balanced forged rotating assembly with 3.78 pistons and put in this block and stud everything so long as everything checks out while doing so? Has anyone done this and can share some knowledge with me.
Thanks
Thanks
9 Second Club
Joined: Dec 2015
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Ok so in my area finding a machine shop worth anything is next to impossible and the one machine shop in the area that is good usually takes 9-12 months turn time to do a motor. So I bought a 5.3 block off summit racing that is apparently left over GM stock that are already machined and have cam bearings pressed in so my hope is that I can build this block without the use of machine shop. I have never assembled a bottom end before (only ever done rod bolts and cam installs) so I am a complete newbie on engine building. My question is theoretically can I buy a balanced forged rotating assembly with 3.78 pistons and put in this block and stud everything so long as everything checks out while doing so? Has anyone done this and can share some knowledge with me.
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
9 Second Club
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what/where did you buy the rotating assembly from? 3.78 piston? A simple honing I may be able to find a machine to do but I don't trust most shops around here for much more than that. Also just by switching to studs you needed the line bore re-done?
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My line bore ended up being ok, I used a factory crank also from summit, Eagle rods, and Wiesco pistons. I had it balanced locally.
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From: Minneapolis MN
You will have to get the block honed regardless. The rotating assembly will have to be balanced also. Building an engine without a full blueprint is pretty sketchy. Could really cost you down the road.
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Thread Starter
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Gotcha thanks for the input guys. The rotating assembly will come balanced, will be ordering through Brian Tooley and I am now planning on having the machine shop hone and check the line bore since everything will be studded. Hopefully it doesn't take too long. I appreciate the input.
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