[PontiacChris]

I just got my block back from the machine shop and I'm getting ready for my first build. What all do I need to do before I can start bolting parts on? What do I need to clean, check and measure? Thanks

[tonyk]

Is it bare or assembled short block?

[PontiacChris]

It's a bare block.

[Scarebird]

Buy Jim Hand's book. Then build.

[BVR421]

wash it 6 times and then do it again, get any machining grit out of all the crevices, corners, galleys if the plugs arent already in, check that all plugs are installed, wash cylinder bores with wd40 until a white paper towel wipes clean
Jim Hand book has some very useful tips.

[cblandin]

Cleaning is critical as other suggest. I used multiple spray cans of Berryman's B-12 carb spray shooting it into various passages, etc. If you clean it with water have some WD-40 ready to immediately coat the cylinder walls, lifter bores, etc. as cast iron flash rusts pretty damn fast. Remember to check clearances on everything as you go and just take it slow and easy. I assembled my 455 over two (or was it three) weekends this Summer, and it actually starts and runs - how about that! I would also suggest making sure you have all of the 8 zillion little extras it takes to assemble everything. I had to actually order parts TWICE during my assembly at wait for them to arrive.

[loco]

hone properly

[ChrisTransAm78]

Make sure to take the oil pump apart - chunks of metal were in my new one. Its a reported issue with many here. Search the forum for 1st time build advice. I know there was a thread here that discussed alot of it. Biggest thing is take your time. Jim's book would be a plus...

[67cruiser]

Chris, first thing i done was buy a 12 gauge shot gun cleaning kit from Wal Mart of, i ran it thru every oil passage in the block and you would be surpised of what came out?? After that a 5.00$ trip to the car wash and totally cleaned with a good scrubbing with Tide and water and then a good rinse. I blew dry everything out and spraying WD-40 OVER ENTIRE SURFICE and whipped clean, My motor is together and believe me i can sleep better knowing i did this.

[PontiacChris]

Thanks for the advice I'm going to make sure that every thing is real clean. Now I have another question for you guys. I started to clean the block today and noticed the back cam bearing is scratched and at an angle. Is it supposed to be at an angle, and how bad does a scratch have to be before its a problem? Thanks

[Colin]

Take it back to the machine shop and have them fix the cam bearing.......it isnt supposed to be in at an angle.

[PontiacChris]

I took the block back to my machine shop today. He said that the casting in the block makes it look like its at an angle. So as long as the cam will turn in the bearings and the oil holes are line up its OK he said. So I ran home and got the cam now he's going to check. Tell me what you think from the picture. How much clearance should there be between the distributor gear and hidden plug? He also said that I should be OK with the scratches in the cam bearings. Is that true?

[PontiacChris]

Heres the pic.

[ChrisTransAm78]

Alot of people recommend drilling a tiny hole in that plug to oil the gear there. Unsure of size but I bet you can search for it here and find the size. Jim's book would have it I bet.