So uh, now what... Big block on a stick...

[ViperMan]

So the 440 is home safe and sound.  Right now it's wrapped in a tarp on my front porch until I can break it down a bit better and store the parts.

Here's my question.  Eventually this thing is going to a machine shop and getting the full she-bang.  WHAT should I do with it until then?  What do you do to preserve the engine to make sure it won't seize, rust (any further,) etc?  If I remove the pistons, do I coat the cylinders to ensure that they don't corrode?  I'm going to leave the crank and cam in the block because frankly that's the safest place for them until the machine work begins.  Both are being replaced anyways though...

This engine is simply going to sit for a while - I don't have the 6K-or-so I need to get it finished, nor the 8K or so that the car needs to receive this monster - so any suggestions on how to preserve it would be much appreciated.  And donations are accepted via cash, personal check, or credit card via PayPal. 

Jeff

[FJ5_440]

I use a spray made for tooling, but I'm not sure where you would get it.  I have also used spray white lithium grease.  It seemed to work about as well for me.  I took everything apart and sprayed it down though.

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree coat all the machined surfaces with any grease , bagging it may not help if you are in a humid climate ... I know you are tkaing it all apart so water cannot sit inside is a beeter idea keeping indoors in temp controlled above freezing is ideal

[74 340 4speed]

After you tear it down, coat with grease or oil, and plastic bag it.  I put my extra 400 block on an engine stand in the basement, and wrapped it in a plastic bag.  I have one of my cars stored in the basement, so I bought a dehumidifier.  It would be a good investment for anyone who has a car or engine parts in storage and lives in a humid climate

[go-fish]

Car in the basement? Wow, is it a tigt fit?
I use white lithium grease. I know an old drunk that claimed to have a Chevy 409 block in a 55 gal. drum filled with used motor oil that got hauled of for junk when he was out of town on a pipe fitting job. IDK