Old Car Engine (Repair and Rebuild)
Once you've decided to rebuild your old car's engine, the first step should be make a plan and a budget. This should include all parts needed, and any machine work you will need to outsource.
Read: Does My Engine Need A Rebuild?
Chances are you'll be buying a some new tools. In addition to hand tools, they'll be several specialty tools needed as well.
Read: Tools Needed For An Engine Build
NOTE: Tools are generally not included in an engine budget, because they don't go with the car if sold, and they'll likely be used again.
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To pull an engine out of a car, you need an engine hoist.
Engine Hoist - Buy or Rent?
I've always rented or borrowed an engine hoist when needed. Most major auto parts stores offer two-day rentals, but you must leave a deposit, usually with a credit card.
Remember that you'll need an engine hoist at least twice, once to remove, and once to reinstall. If you think you'll be doing more than one engine removal, consider buying one.
Engine Removal
Before removing the hood, mark where the hood hinges go. This will help with re-install later. Pulling the engine out with the transmission attached is harder, so if you can, try to separate them before lifting the motor out. This will save you time later on.
Once it's out, you need to mount it to an engine stand.
Engine Stand
You can rent or borrow an engine hoist, but you need a good quality engine stand. Stay away from those cheap $50 specials - get a good, heavy-duty stand. If it's a classic American V8, a 1,000-lb minimum capacity with dual front wheels is a good choice.
My engine stand is a Hein-Werner with a 1,250-lb capacity. I've had it for over 30 years and it's seen it's share of motors.
Engine Tear-Down
With the engine securely mounted to a stand, engine tear-down can begin. Cleaning and tagging everything taken off the engine will make the reassembly process a lot easier.
TIP: Put parts in marked boxes and keep them out of the way.
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Bottom End Rebuild
Inspection and rebuild of the bottom end includes harmonic balancer, oil pan, oil pump, pistons, rods, crankshaft, and of course, the cylinder bores. Once the engine block is completely stripped, it's probably taking a trip to the machine shop.
Engine work that is frequently outsourced includes having the block chemically cleaned, new cam bearings and freeze plugs installed, and having the cylinders bored (if needed). Your engine may also need cylinder head work.
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Top End Rebuild
Automotive cylinder heads with high-mileage often need machine shop work. This may include new valves, guides, and springs.
Tools needed for disassembling, cleaning, and measuring cylinder heads include a valve spring compressor, gasket scraper, and a digital caliper.
Lapping valves does not take the place of a valve job, but it does confirm whether or not one is needed.
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Camshaft Replacement
Before computer-controlled engines, the 'brain' of the engine was the camshaft. Vehicle weight, engine compression, transmission type - these factors and others must be considered when choosing the right cam for your engine. Replacing the camshaft on any engine requires methodical disassembly, inspection, and careful reassembly of parts.
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Pontiac 389/400
Read: Pontiac 389 Engine Build
Read: Tri-power Carbs and Manifold
Read: Dual Quad GTO
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Small-Block Chevy V8
All classic American V8 engines have performance potential, but early Chevy V8s have more performance potential right out of the box. This is largely due to it's already good breathing characteristics, coupled with the availability of good factory and aftermarket performance parts.
Read: Gen-1 Small-Block Chevy
Read: Old School Small-Block Chevy Build
Read: Best Heads For Gen-1 SBC
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Chevy Stovebolt Six
First introduced in 1929, the Chevy overhead-valve inline six-cylinder engine remained in active production until 2001, a total production span of 72 years.
Read: Chevy Stovebolt Six
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Flathead Ford V8
Although offered in several displacements, the Ford Flathead V8 remained the pretty much the same throughout it's production. Any part needed, including replacement blocks, are still available!
Read: Ford Flathead V8 Identification and Specs
Read: Flathead Ford Performance Upgrades
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I've heard rebuilders say intial engine start-up is both fun and scary. Using the correct engine assembly lube will give you piece of mind.
Read: Best Engine Assembly Lube
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Engine Swaps
Modifying a car to fit another engine, or modifying an engine to fit another car, is only the first step in an engine swap process. Once the motor's installed, it's a multiple series of "mini projects". The transmission, cooling, wiring, etc. all need to be gone over and be properly functioning.
Read: Engine Swap Basics
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Engine Oil
The 10W-30 oil your car left the factory with is not the same 10W-30 that you buy today. There are more flat-tappet hydraulic cam failures than ever before, brought about by inferior foreign lifters as well as the removal of ZDDP additives from motor oils.
Read: Best Oil for Classic Cars
Read: Best Oil For Daily Driver
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Related Articles:
Tools Needed For An Engine Build
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