[i82much]

If I were contemplating building my first engine, I would get a junkyard Chevy 350 and do a cheap cast rebuilder piston job. Learn how to measure and assemble. If that went well and after driving it for a few years, I'd sell the Chevy and try doing something like a 428 build. But no way I'd start off with something like a 428 block on my first build. Walk first, run later.

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by i82much

If I were contemplating building my first engine, I would get a junkyard Chevy 350 and do a cheap cast rebuilder piston job. Learn how to measure and assemble. If that went well and after driving it for a few years, I'd sell the Chevy and try doing something like a 428 build. But no way I'd start off with something like a 428 block on my first build. Walk first, run later.

I would respectfully disagree with a Pontiac being any more complicated or difficult in any way to rebuild than any other V-8 vintage engine. Most of us really like the 428 engine. It is a great one, but hardly rare. It was the BASE engine in all 69 Bonneviles. So there's 90,000 units. It was optional in all 1967-1968 and 1969 full size cars. So a reasonable estimate is 200,000-250,000 units? It's the same process to rebuild as any 326-455 Pontiac V-8 with the same costs involved. As mentioned in my previous post, with a good book, a good machine shop, and some basic builders tools, I just don't see any problem. The OP seems to have successfully rebuilt a three speed automatic transmission which IMO, is way more complicated than a gasoline engine.

[i82much]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

I would respectfully disagree with a Pontiac being any more complicated or difficult in any way to rebuild than any other V-8 vintage engine. Most of us really like the 428 engine. It is a great one, but hardly rare. It was the BASE engine in all 69 Bonneviles. So there's 90,000 units. It was optional in all 1967-1968 and 1969 full size cars. So a reasonable estimate is 200,000-250,000 units? It's the same process to rebuild as any 326-455 Pontiac V-8 with the same costs involved. As mentioned in my previous post, with a good book, a good machine shop, and some basic builders tools, I just don't see any problem. The OP seems to have successfully rebuilt a three speed automatic transmission which IMO, is way more complicated than a gasoline engine.

not saying a pontiac is harder, just cheaper!

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by i82much

not saying a pontiac is harder, just cheaper!

That's for sure. In my classes, we can still build a 400HP SBC from a junk yard truck core for $1000.00 in parts. From a teaching standpoint, a SBC is very easy on the instructor. All of the machining equipment manuals and all the tooling is designed around a SBC. Those engines more or less rebuild themselves and are very forgiving. You can install the cam bearings any witch way, makes no real difference. With 17 head bolts, half of them can be loose or bottomed out in rust, really doesn't matter. They have so many damn fasteners, 25% of them can be too loose, too tight or missing and the stupid thing still runs. They are the perfect engine for an idiot or a rough beginner. I see your point.

[TRADERMIKE 2012]

Originally Posted by i82much

If I were contemplating building my first engine, I would get a junkyard Chevy 350 and do a cheap cast rebuilder piston job. Learn how to measure and assemble. If that went well and after driving it for a few years, I'd sell the Chevy and try doing something like a 428 build. But no way I'd start off with something like a 428 block on my first build. Walk first, run later.

Mikes reply:

I see your point; however, I have experience with 5 times motor rebuilds and installations, plus one TH 400 Trans. build, that we just successfully built. I have never installed the Crank and piston rings etc.., But I believe we are ready for this new experience, I have the tools, might as well put them to work. A good idea would be to start the motor on the stand prior to the installation? Also, I see that Butler sells the entire kit, all I need to do is to choose the kit for me.

After we use the micrometer on the used parts, we would use plaster gauge for the crank and Rod journals, of course. This I will do in my own shop and then make some phone calls and get the forums input.

If the block needs boring, then the question is what Piston size to go with and what Journal Bearing size. Since I just bought the new Harmonic Balancer and Flexplate, I would stick with the externally balanced route. The machine shop needs to let me know if the Crank needs to be turned and if I need a line bore. Then what the bore size (if any) needs to be and I could buy the kit with a new rear main seal, of course.

Since the Heads were knurled, I could bring them back and get them redone with solid Brass stems installed and the exhaust valve bosses cut for their proper seals. As a matter of fact, since the Head Mechanic told me that he was cutting the Exhaust bosses back and changed his mind, because I did not know any better at the time, I feel he owes me that.

I read a book on building a small block chevy when I built my 327 ci that got stolen on my first build. I have been watching engine build shows for ten years, plus videos on You Tube.