Building a 500/400 F.F.E. with Mega-Squirt

[airfueleddie]

After consulting with Chryco and other pro's I decided to re-do the rear seal retainer. I "offset' the seal about 1/8-1/4" and did the same to the lower seal. I used new O-rings and seals with the lip facing towards the oil, I placed a smear of RTV on the sides and near the block/ret. parting line being careful not to overdo it. Thanks Chryco! (You can see the 'tail' of the seal offset at the right hand corner sticking out a bit. The lower seal was also offset at the opposite end.

[airfueleddie]

I cleaned the oil pan rail and placed a smear of MoPar black RTV and checked my shimpack again,(They were marked according to stud number and location) and mounted the girdle. I also used Lock-Tite (Blue) on the oil pan studs.

[airfueleddie]

#1 cylinder Piston&Rod assembly. I made sure the ring gaps were positioned according to instructions. The Rod chamfer for the crank radius faces towards the counterweights, the valve reliefs oriented correctly, then slid the pin through the rod and piston using Torco assembly lube on the piston pins, I installed the spiral retainers by expanding them  3/4" and starting the tip positioned towards the crankcase then using a "dulled" small screwdriver worked my way around the groove to the end. I was careful not to 'gouge' the soft alloy of the pistons, I double checked everything as far as 'orientation,(Gaps, valve relief position, spiral ring groove integrity, ring clearance which was .001 on the top and second rings grooves, piston pin support rail dimple facing down and towards the oil pan). 7 more to go!

[airfueleddie]

Done with the Rods&Pistons. BTW, they were filthy! especially the wrist pins which are of a tapered design. Perfect for holding all kinds of crud!LOL

[airfueleddie]

I love PowerHouse's products. All kinds of neat tools to make the job easier! This is there bore SPECIFIC billet tapered ring compressor for 4.3750. I have a feeling I'll be building another similar sized bore plant anyways soon. From here the shortblock goes to school for use in an alternative fuel class, this will give me user friendly access to their equipment,(the fools).

[airfueleddie]

I placed the shortblock on my Engine Dolly to take it to school. This Dolly is very nice and reasonably priced. I got mine at Mancini Racing

[airfueleddie]

Next thing I am going to buy when I get the money is the 440source heads and Victor 383 Intake with 4 hole throttle body and my PCM, all 1 purchase! I can also slam the rear camshaft block plug in now.

[airfueleddie]

Here's how the ignition system works. http://www.dainst.com/info/edis/edis.html it's not as complicated as it sounds.

[Jacksboys]

That engine is looking good.  Keep up the hard work   

[airfueleddie]

I moved everything to school cause they have much more equipment. New home

[airfueleddie]

I had to use an extension to gain the necessary torque to place .0075 stretch on the rod fasteners. The bearing clearance was .002 the side clearance was .012

[airfueleddie]

I cycled the rod and checked the wrist pin boss rod clearance and there was plenty at least .150 on both sides as it was cycled.

[airfueleddie]

I'll probably place the engine on here and break it in. Or blow it sky high! There is a Bank across the street. If I dont get a phone call complaining of the noise, I'll consider this project a failure!LOL

[airfueleddie]

The shortblock minus the valvetrain, oiling system is complete. Still a long way to go but this does give one some hope or comittment, like in being comitted!

[airfueleddie]

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