348 Tri-Power Build gone wrong / Follow New Rebuild

['37-4D]

Crank, Cam, Pistons / Rods are in. Show-Cars sent the wrong springs. So we can't start on the heads.
We re-ordered new ones, should be here in a few days. Hopefully Friday.

 

[oldskydog]

Through the center freeze plug hole, try to get a pencil between the cylinder walls. If it goes easily its a regular thickness wall. If the pencil won't go it's a thickwall but would need to be sonic checked for actual thickness.
Scott's "SAMPLE" block is a late 58 872 casting and has, or had a 4.31 bore. I have seen another with a 409 bore. No guarantee, but every one I have seen has the thicker cylinder walls.

 

[427John]

The pencil test, thats funny,there is a similar test for checking ford 390 blocks to see if they have thick walls and can be bored the needed .080 to 428 size.I think its with drill bits though.

 

['37-4D]

Also remember to advise the new guy that the rear cam bearing is a critical install.

@61BUBBLE348 This pic is for you

 

[scott hall]

Through the center freeze plug hole, try to get a pencil between the cylinder walls. If it goes easily its a regular thickness wall. If the pencil won't go it's a thickwall but would need to be sonic checked for actual thickness.
Scott's "SAMPLE" block is a late 58 872 casting and has, or had a 4.31 bore. I have seen another with a 409 bore. No guarantee, but every one I have seen has the thicker cylinder walls.

Yes Cecil it is still the same bore and the complete short block together. Still wanting to find something about the sample being cast on the left rear ledge.

 

[oldskydog]

I imagine it was cast as part of a test program...maybe machining, metalurgy or whatever?

 

[427John]

Maybe they were testing to see how thick they could make the cylinder walls with an eye toward larger 409 size bores?

 

[427John]

If that is the case sounds like these would great blocks for a boost motor at near stock bore.

 

['37-4D]

Thought I'd throw these in here while we wait for the heads assembly pics

Here are a few flash back build pics with the "failed" original first build motor

 

[DonSSDD]

What does this thing weigh? With those back tires and that low weight, this thing will be smoking rubber. The NEW 348 will have double or more the power of the OLD 348.

 

[Don Jacks]

Not double but it'll feel like it from the torque increase in the lower rpm range where he normally runs it.I'm waiting on the dyno tests and driving impressions .

 

[Iowa 409 Guy]

Have to get the power to the ground first.....

 

['37-4D]

What does this thing weigh? With those back tires and that low weight, this thing will be smoking rubber. The NEW 348 will have double or more the power of the OLD 348.

I would imagine somewhere around 1500-2000 lbs if I recall from an early conversation with the guy that fabricated the body.
I better start a petty cash piggy bank for shoes for sure LOL

 

['37-4D]

@DonSSDD
This was captured by a local downtown car enthusiast that likes to photograph and film Hot Rods and Muscle cars!
This is with the old motor. (observe smoke from exhaust pipes. They were blocked that day and dumping out back and still they came out)
I wasn't even trying that day. And YES, the new power will be something else I'm sure.
As @Don Jacks said: Brace yourself for a hole new animal. Easy on that pedal....."
SOUND ON LOUD

 

['37-4D]

We are back. Assembly under way:

Valve covers won't fit with the new rocker arms
Going to need spacers!!!

She sure looks PUUUURTY!!!

 

[64ss409]

Are the pushrods the correct length?

 

[Don Jacks]

Exactly where are the rockers hitting those covers? Some of the Scoripion rocker are "rounded on the corners for that and those are to be used on the outer or end positions.If those aren't and they're hitting on the exhaust rockers on the ends of the head,a little grinding may be in order.

 

[La Hot Rods]

Looks like the exhaust rockers on cylinder's # 3 and 5 have rounded corners on the pushrod end of them.

 

[64ss409]

Looking at no 7, intake open, exhaust closed. Intake rocker is near the end of the rocker slot, exhaust not far from center, which made me wonder if push rods were too long.

 

['37-4D]

@Don Jacks @La Hot Rods I Just noticed that. Thank you. Will relay info. That might actually save us from ordering spacers and waiting longer!!!