[chris spires]

For those of you that have built engines in the past, or are currently building an engine, I need some advice as to what to look out for, and tips to make the engine perform better. perhaps there's a tool you found that helped out alot, or a technique you used that made something easier. I have reringed old engines, and done a lot of repairs, but nothing as involved as a complete rebuild, with a bored block. I don't want to spend all this money and have it start knocking or tapping, etc. So any help you poncho gurus can provide will be very much appreciated. Also, any parts( cams, pistons, where to get parts, etc) will help alot too. Thanks

[chris spires]

For those of you that have built engines in the past, or are currently building an engine, I need some advice as to what to look out for, and tips to make the engine perform better. perhaps there's a tool you found that helped out alot, or a technique you used that made something easier. I have reringed old engines, and done a lot of repairs, but nothing as involved as a complete rebuild, with a bored block. I don't want to spend all this money and have it start knocking or tapping, etc. So any help you poncho gurus can provide will be very much appreciated. Also, any parts( cams, pistons, where to get parts, etc) will help alot too. Thanks

[berrygoat]

Keep everything super duper clean. Use Berkable 2+2 as a serious parts cleaner.
Don't drink beer as soon as you start working on it.
Invest in a high quality engine stand with 4 wheels not three
When done working for the night put all tools away.
Use a big work bench so you can lay stuff out
Use lots of assembly lube
Tap ALL bolts holes
Don't overtighten the oil pan gasket
Use a GM assembly manual while you work but read it 5 times before you start and take notes. When in doubt use this board to ask questions.
There are a ton more secrets but here are a few.
Good Luck

[ddouble]

I agree with everything above and would add check tolerances twice and a good quality torque wrench is cheaper than redoing everything. Good luck. My weekend wrench and social club just finished a mild AMC 360 for a CJ. We are a strange bunch. Not a Chevy guy in the bunch and no Mustangs in the drives.

[chris spires]

Thanks for the advice guys. What kind of special tools do ya'll reccomend? You know, that weird stuff you don't keep in your tool box.And what are the most important tolerances to check?