Jake_92RS

So, I finally got that first piece of the adventure that is building an engine. Casting#: 3970010 w/ 4 bolt mains. Looks to be a pretty solid starter, especially when I picked it up for $125. Now the question is where should I start with block preparation? I know it needs to be crack tested and such, but where can most of the prep work be done? Thanks you guys.

Night rider327

iTrader: (13)

If it's just a bare block.. You don't need to do any prep work really. The machine shop will vat/hot tank clean it, check for cracks, remove old freeze plugs and cam bearings.

If it's a full engine, you can take it all apart. Just be sure to steel stamp number the rod beams, rod caps, and main caps.

If you want to smooth up the block, you can grind/sand all the outside surface with a die grinder, stones and sanding rolls. This would be done on like show car engines.

You can check the oil return holes in the lifter valley, timing chain area, etc and grind out any casting flash from the holes.

But that is pretty much it for the prep work on your end until it comes back from the machine shop.

After you get it back, then you wash, blow, brush, and dry the block. Tape it up and paint it. Then start building the engine