When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
After several issues and losing a oil pump 2 times, decided to tear this engine down and see what's up. Now this is a sleeved 427 from Texas speed with less than 10k miles. Issues was excessive blowby and low oil pressure. It also busted 2 oil pumps. In the pics you can see where, I guess they clearanced the block. Looks like it was done with a punch or chisel and the bottom of the lifter bores are jagged/sharp. Also weird pattern on the area where the caps bolt down.
That’s definitely a hokey job on the rod clearancing there. I’ve never seen inside a TSP sleeved block, so I can’t comment as to how they do the clearancing. I’ve had several blocks sleeved at RED, and Steve uses his CNC to cut the notches with a program. It’s a very pretty notch from RED, and will clear a 4.25” stroke. As far as the lifter bores go, that’s normal. They just didn’t get dressed by TSP. I use Cross Buffs and dress the lifter bore bottoms to remove that leftover casting. Your main cap register pads look normal.
That’s definitely a hokey job on the rod clearancing there. I’ve never seen inside a TSP sleeved block, so I can’t comment as to how they do the clearancing. I’ve had several blocks sleeved at RED, and Steve uses his CNC to cut the notches with a program. It’s a very pretty notch from RED, and will clear a 4.25” stroke. As far as the lifter bores go, that’s normal. They just didn’t get dressed by TSP. I use Cross Buffs and dress the lifter bore bottoms to remove that leftover casting. Your main cap register pads look normal.
This was a july of 2020 build....covid year. Guess quality slipped then. The guy doing the tear down said it had excessive piston to wall clearance, and no crosshatch, was real smooth.
This was a july of 2020 build....covid year. Guess quality slipped then. The guy doing the tear down said it had excessive piston to wall clearance, and no crosshatch, was real smooth.
Darton or Power Bore sleeves? Are the piston skirts wore badly?
Darton or Power Bore sleeves? Are the piston skirts wore badly?
Top line of the invoice says....TSP darton sleeved Gen IV aluminum block. Further down the list it says...Texas Speed 4.070 Gen 4 Engine Power bore sleeve.
I really didn't look at those, was fixed on the block. My mechanic did mention, may need to get them coated.
How long are the sleeves? They should be like 5.80 inches or so. Here is my ERL block clearanced for a 4.125 stroke. These are 5.80 inch sleeves. My old motor had piston rock to an it was addressed with a different design piston for the length of the sleeve.
How long are the sleeves? They should be like 5.80 inches or so. Here is my ERL block clearanced for a 4.125 stroke. These are 5.80 inch sleeves. My old motor had piston rock to an it was addressed with a different design piston for the length of the sleeve.
Too bad. They had a good reputation for quite awhile. I've seen quite a few guys complaining about their workmanship since they sold out to new owners a few years ago....
I have to ask how you lost 2 oil pumps? They ate themselves or did the relief valve stick open? Losing the crosshatch is typically tuneup related, but the bores might not be round either.
I have to ask how you lost 2 oil pumps? They ate themselves or did the relief valve stick open? Losing the crosshatch is typically tuneup related, but the bores might not be round either.
1st time...not real sure. It stripped all the bolts holding the front plate on the oil pump.. maybe a year ago. This time looks to be my fault. The harmonic balancer bolt walked out at the track and the balancer moved forward enough, to throw the belts off. Had it towed home. Apparently when I put in a new bolt, the key got between the hub and pump, busting the gears. With all the other stuff and not sure, I decided to have it tore down and gone thru.
1st time...not real sure. It stripped all the bolts holding the front plate on the oil pump.. maybe a year ago. This time looks to be my fault. The harmonic balancer bolt walked out at the track and the balancer moved forward enough, to throw the belts off. Had it towed home. Apparently when I put in a new bolt, the key got between the hub and pump, busting the gears. With all the other stuff and not sure, I decided to have it tore down and gone thru.
I see, thank you for the explanation. Yeah, some motors are just problematic like that. I agree on tearing it down and now you can fix it for good.
Just a update... rings came out gapped at 0.031. Ended up sending the block to Chris Struab to get the block straightened out. Heard from him today. He said the mains was crooked...I guess that means they was not straight when it was line honed. He re-line honed it. Had to take it to 4.128 to get the cylinders true, and decked the block 0.003. I've sent pics and all info to TSP...but I've been dealing with a salesman,cause the manager hasn't emailed me back. Even if he says 'not my problem'...I'd like to hear it, from him.
I’m VERY interested in hearing what TSP has to say about this. Service after the sale makes or breaks any company. Reputation is everything in this hobby. Keep us updated please.
I’m VERY interested in hearing what TSP has to say about this. Service after the sale makes or breaks any company. Reputation is everything in this hobby. Keep us updated please.
I've only talked to a salesman so far. I've emailed him 8 times so far, with pics and info. He said he's sent it to his manager and he was supposed to get in contact with me. So far...he hasn't...
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.
Thoughts on this... 
