Rebuilding head - what should I have done to the block?

[Anonymous]

66 Stang 200.

I have decided to go with the following modifications.

1. Rebuild Head
2. Holley 5200 carb w/ carb adaptor
3. Dual outlet headers
4. Petronix ignition and flame thrower coil.

My question is: Since I am removing the head to have it rebuilt, what should I have done to the block while it is still in the car? I do not have the money right now to pull the entire block and have it rebuilt, but I want to make sure that I do whatever is necessary to the block while it is still in the car before replacing the head after it is rebuilt. The engine has about 70,000 original miles.

Thanks

 

[LaGrasta]

Get in there and make the top of those pistons shine. And of course be sure to clean all the gasket material away.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks! Is there anything that I should replace?

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks! Is there anything that I should replace?

 

[LaGrasta]

Only the gasket.

 

[Anonymous]

i am just finishing my rebuild... i pulled out the pistons, and went to town on 'em with a wire brush(a soft one). hone the cylinders and check for any cracks. all you need for that is a drill and a hone whcih can be borrowed from auto zone. since your doing that get new bearings for the pistons and re-ring the pistons. all that should only take a few hours. but if your trying to rebuild, dont half a$$ it.

 

[simon]

When I make some metal part (in this case piston tops) shiny, there´s usually some loss of surface material. Won´t that hurt compression ratio?

 

[Anonymous]

Can I do all that with the engine still in the car?

thanks

 

[LaGrasta]

Scrupbbing the surface of the pistons will remove all the carbon build up and the shining of the top shouldn't be enough to make any difference. A soft wire brush just to slick 'em up is what I'm talking about. I think I used a brass bristle brush on the end of my variable drill. You would be hard pressed to remove enough to make a differance.
Anyone else have any advice for these guys? This is only one guy's opinion.

 

[Anonymous]

if you use a soft wire brush to clean the pistons you shouldnt lose any surface material. yes you can do all that with the engine in the car. i did. just drain the oil and drop the pan. while speaking of which replace the oil pump while the pans off. once the pan is off you'll be able to take the pistons out completely. making it easier to clean them. then you can hone the cylinders. and do all that other stuff.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help. I hope to get started on this in the fall.