Hi Folks,
I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my VI aluminum head (should be coming with the next month) so I'm finalizing my build plans for the short block. It's a stock 68 200 block, never been pulled. Here's my plan...looking for thoughts/opinions based on what you're reading here. I'm not trying to build a race/track car, but just a cruiser that has more pep than stock. I'm located in Cincinnati, OH - around 500' elevation. I run premium 93 fuel almost exclusively, since I don't drive it a lot. I'm aiming for 9.5 to 10:1 compression ratio.
1. Machine the block - over bore/hone as needed, align hone, thorough cleaning, etc
2. New bearings - main, con rods, cam
3. New oil pump, pickup screen, intermediate shaft (all Melling)
4. New motor mounts
5. Keith Black Hypereutectic Flat Top pistons (oversize TBD after machine work)
6. Hastings Cast Piston Rings (they don't sell Moly rings for the hyper pistons, widths are nonstandard 1.5mm, 1.5mm, 4.0mm)
7. Schneider Racing Cams 270-H, 270 duration, 214 at .050", 110 LSA, .485" lift with YT 1.65 rockers
8. Vintage Inlines dual roller timing chain
9. FlowKooler High Flow water pump
10. Full gasket set - do you all recommend the rope rear main seal or the newer material?
I'm planning to reuse my rods, mains, etc. At this time, I'm not planning to balance the rods or use ARP rod bolts. Is this a necessary step? Balancing is expensive - around $250. If I do ARP rod bolts is it necessary to balance the rods?
I also do not plan to zero deck the block based on my current pistons, as the KB hyper pistons have a .030" tall compression height. I'll carefully measure when I disassemble and adjust accordingly, but I may only need to just run over the deck surface and that's it.
Appreciate any thoughts or input - this is my first major overhaul. Once I finalize all the head build, I'll chime in with those details (chamber size, springs, etc).
Cheers,
Matthew
I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my VI aluminum head (should be coming with the next month) so I'm finalizing my build plans for the short block. It's a stock 68 200 block, never been pulled. Here's my plan...looking for thoughts/opinions based on what you're reading here. I'm not trying to build a race/track car, but just a cruiser that has more pep than stock. I'm located in Cincinnati, OH - around 500' elevation. I run premium 93 fuel almost exclusively, since I don't drive it a lot. I'm aiming for 9.5 to 10:1 compression ratio.
1. Machine the block - over bore/hone as needed, align hone, thorough cleaning, etc
2. New bearings - main, con rods, cam
3. New oil pump, pickup screen, intermediate shaft (all Melling)
4. New motor mounts
5. Keith Black Hypereutectic Flat Top pistons (oversize TBD after machine work)
6. Hastings Cast Piston Rings (they don't sell Moly rings for the hyper pistons, widths are nonstandard 1.5mm, 1.5mm, 4.0mm)
7. Schneider Racing Cams 270-H, 270 duration, 214 at .050", 110 LSA, .485" lift with YT 1.65 rockers
8. Vintage Inlines dual roller timing chain
9. FlowKooler High Flow water pump
10. Full gasket set - do you all recommend the rope rear main seal or the newer material?
I'm planning to reuse my rods, mains, etc. At this time, I'm not planning to balance the rods or use ARP rod bolts. Is this a necessary step? Balancing is expensive - around $250. If I do ARP rod bolts is it necessary to balance the rods?
I also do not plan to zero deck the block based on my current pistons, as the KB hyper pistons have a .030" tall compression height. I'll carefully measure when I disassemble and adjust accordingly, but I may only need to just run over the deck surface and that's it.
Appreciate any thoughts or input - this is my first major overhaul. Once I finalize all the head build, I'll chime in with those details (chamber size, springs, etc).
Cheers,
Matthew