first time engine build

[derekbitt]

can some of you guys suggest a good book to rebuild my chevy 350 engine out of my 1998 k1500. i have done a liittle top engine work but i need some firts timer info to get started on some of the aspects of a first time engine build. also any advice is also welcome. also this venture will be an educational one, I am not worried about messing up and budget wont be a problem. I intend for this to be job that will take several months.

thanks in advance,
Derek

[Tall]

Hrm. I don’t think a book can do rebuilding an engine justice. Not that its really difficult; but each engine has its own attitudes about coming apart (it only takes a couple bolts to not come off properly to mess you up); or more worn spots.

What I would recommend is see if a Jr. College is offering a class on it. You get the use of all the machine tools; and a teacher that has probably taken apart more engines then there are cars in the town. And it would cost you less then the machine work alone would cost you on your engine at a machine shop. Or if you have friends that are knowledgeable in this area. Not the “Yeah…I did it once…back in 72.”

But I would say this as advice.

1. Be Organized! Label all the bolts in bags; make sure the valves/Lifters/Rods stay in order and with its mate! Don’t mix them up; or you will be kicking your self as you have to tear the motor apart again.

2. Make sure the parts are machined at a good machine shop!

3. Don’t go skimpy! Do the job right; if your not sure on something look it up; pay a few bucks more to get the quality part. You may save a few cents; but at what cost? I just rebuilt my engine and have had a headache on stuff I should have replaced when it was out. Because now it’s a big mess; and I remember the good ol’ days where I could have just popped it in if I was smart.

[JaVeRo]

I bought a book several months ago "How to rebuild your Small Block Chevy" by David Vizard. I think I got it from amazon, not sure.

I have only had time to skim thru it but was impressed with the detail. Nothing like the newer Helm manuals that say something like:
Pull motor.
Pull crank.
Pull pistons.
Replace pistons.
Replace crank.
Replace motor.
So maybe that is exagerated but you get the point.

It appears from the copyright that the book was written in 1978 and revised in 1991. I wouldn't think there would be much difference from 91 to 98 but I could be wrong.

James