Anyone really know how to build a sbc

I'm building a sbc for the challenge but am having problems building it.I have lots of questions.Anyone willing to call and talk to me with real knowledge on what to do? Can you tell I'm a little frustrated.lol

For starters have you read the "How to rebuild a small block Chevy" and "How to Hotrod a small block chevy" Both books are a bit dated (unless they ahve been updated)

By small block what year motor are you talking about? There were changes through the run.

I use to build them allot but it has been 15 years since I screwed one of them together. I have built many other motors since but I would be afraid that my info on the "hot" setup would probably be out of date.

What issues are you having? If it is basic rebuilding and interchangeability of the basic parts I can help.

What's stumpin' you? Be specific, we're a patient bunch.

Dan

Keep in mind it is just an engine. And has all of the usual parts that go together inthe same way. I have rebuilt an enormous variety of engines, including diesels. They are all basically the same, just in detail. Same goes for the basics of tuning As dean1484 said , get a manual.

Ask away. We're here for ya

Ok,push rod length? The rockers hit the springs and need to be raised up so not to hit the spring retainer or ground down.how to hook up the tv cable for the 700r4 so the pressure in the tranny is right.I bought the kit for the carb but nothing lines up so I can attach it.I bought Holley parts so i would not have this problem,and I have spoken with tec support and they said the carb might be to old to use??

In reply to speedbiu:

For push rod length we need to know a couple things. Do you have roller lifters, and if so factory or aftermarket. Also are you using vortec heads (center bolt valve cover and special intake manifold). For the kickdown hopefully someone can get back with an option. I have always modified a quadrajet cable bracket to bolt down with the holley bolts but I don't know the proper location for the linkage at the carb, I have always had a place to connect it. For adjusing the cable once it is attached the cable should have a way to set the cable at full throttle. You open the throttle all the way and press down on the top of the cable end and pull the cable back until the cable is stretched out. This is how I remember it anyway, someone else may be able to explain it better.

speedbiu wrote: Ok,push rod length? The rockers hit the springs and need to be raised up so not to hit the spring retainer or ground down Did you change the cam, grind the valves, swap rockers or something to make the stock push rods not work? .how to hook up the tv cable for the 700r4 so the pressure in the tranny is right. I thought pressure was controlled by the plate in the pan. I bought the kit for the carb but nothing lines up so I can attach it.I bought Holley parts so i would not have this problem,and I have spoken with tec support and they said the carb might be to old to use?? Measure the location of the hold down holes, measure the bore diameter of the throats, find some identifying numbers on the body or the bottom plate of the carb. Call the Tech back.

ok guys I'm down to installing the roller rockers and setting the valves,but the valves set crooked.Is this normal?? and does anyone have the firing order for a sbc?? Thanks

18436572

1357 is driver side

2468 passenger

this would all be in a $15 Haynes manual... you should be using

Buying one tomorrow.Sorry for the dumb q's but I'm no engine builder

speedbiu wrote: Buying one tomorrow.Sorry for the dumb q's but I'm no engine builder

Well you are an engine builder now. We all been there.

Buy the manual for the year and model the engine is from although all you really need is the engine overhaul procedures, service limits, clearances, torques and tightening sequences etc.

Good luck

speedbiu wrote: Buying one tomorrow.Sorry for the dumb q's but I'm no engine builder

No one is an engine builder until they build an engine.

Curious how you made out.

Dan

I'm no engine builder and getting ready to scrap this project.It was for a challenge car but this engine has just killed the fun.Cars been finished for a month and this darn engine has just got the best of me.

The heads are on if you're doing push rods. What else is taking the fun out of it?

Can you find someone that can spend a little time with you and check your work?

Engines are easy if you are just rebuilding them to stock specifications and have the tools to measure every parameter and then you actually do measure every parameter.

If you want to modify, you need to put down the wrenches and pick up the books. You need to study until you understand the nature of how an engine works and what effect your modifications will have. Not a trivial skill and the reason why engineers get paid well to do their jobs.

If you are not wanting to do the full study, it is possible to find good proven engine recipes. The hot rod mags publish them on a regular basis and there are several on the internet.

There is a team that wins the challenge drags on a regular basis. He seems to have the ninja inside line on why SBCs work. Maybe he will chime in and help get you out of your predicament.

http://www.competitionproducts.com/Pushrod-Tools/products/791/

Yup. Get a pushrod length checker and some valve checking springs. The mojo is simple. Rocker tip should stay centered on valve tip throughout entire cycle. You might also find yourself cutting and bending the pushrod guide plates to achieve proper alignment.
Then again, if this is all OE junkyard stuff, I can't imagine why alignment would be so far off unless heads have been severely angle milled. Bent pushrods, maybe?

If Speedbiu could list the original engine (year, displacement) , parts changed or aftermarket upgraded and non-stock type modifications that would help us better understand whats going on there.

Ex.: retrofitting a roller cam and valve train to a flat tappet block

I still think the enlistment of a local Chevy yogi or monk, studied and experienced in the ways of building these things, would be a great way for him to reach a profitable conclusion to his voyage in building a Chevrolet.

speedbiu wrote: ok guys I'm down to installing the roller rockers and setting the valves,but the valves set crooked.Is this normal?? and does anyone have the firing order for a sbc?? Thanks

On a sb the valves sit straight up.

Are there any stock car race shops near by ? Most run chebbies. May be they could help.

Got the valves ajusted and rotated the motor to find out it locked down in one spot like it was hitting a valve.So I loosened up all valves again and still lock down on one place so disconnected the torque converter still locked down.pulled plugs out still locking down in one place.I have removed the engine and pulled the pan and can't find anything caps on right re torqued the mains and rod caps and its still locking down in one place.but hears the kicker it will rotate freely counter clock wise but locks up rotating clockwise.(LOUD SCREAM) lol

Does it always stop in the same position ? How is the timing chain. ? Just a thought.