Thread: 400 SBC rebuild advice!

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Hello, I have a complete 400 small block chevy engine witch is on the engine stand, when I took off the heads I noticed that there is some "play" on some of the pistons once I move them side to side, People tell me its because of worn piston rings! so I have bought a set of Sealed Power pistonrings At the size of 40over ingine bore. The engine is at 40 over right now so I was thinking of "freshening up" the motor by just replacing the piston rings,rod and main bearings and honing the motor. The heads are the 882's witch will get rebuilt, The pistons look in good condition and the engine cylinder walls are good, no scratches! Am I missing something? I appreciate any advice given thank's Danny.

Danny,

The best way to determine if a basic rebuild will work for you is to use a micrometer to measure the diameters of the pistons and cylinders and determine what the clearance is. You need to measure the cylinders at several points up and down the cylinder to make sure they are not worn more at the top. Off the top of my head I don't know what the clearance specs are for your motor. I suggest that once you have it apart, take the block and pistons to a machine shop and ask them to "mike it" (measure with a micrometer) for you. That way you know for sure what you are starting with. It should only take them a few minutes and any charge would be minimal, if they charge you at all.

If the clearance is within specs your plans to freshen the motor up should be fine. Be sure to inspect the other components carefully while you have it apart.

Good luck with your project

Pat

Originally posted by techinspector1
Danny, this will be the cheapest 13 bucks you ever spent...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books

Tech is right, its a pretty nice book. Has lots of info, head and block numbers as well.

Alan

dont use that stock felpro blue head gasket it isnt good for anthing over .020"go with the felpro marine/hiperformance gasket i forget the # don'tfix what aint broke just run it. rings won't effect piston rock only worn out cylinders and pistons .if you hone it you'll probably see if it needs to be bored i built 2 400's one of them is 060 over and no problems although it is a 1970 which seems heavier than my other one that is a 1978.don'tworry about ialittle piston rock shove tite lobe sep.cam in it and have fun

when the pistons get hot they expand

Originally posted by Streets
I sure hope he didn't wait 2 months to get an answer to his "problem"!!

No kiddin I would have had mine half wore out by now.