34 replies to this topic

[davew]

I do not build engines, I have no dog in the hunt.

Step 1- remove engine
Step 2- send to engine builder of your choice
Step 3 pay the bill
Step 4- reinstall engine using engine builder prefered break-in method
Step 5- drive the car knowing the engine is not the reason you are mid pack.

By the time you buy all the parts, pay a machine shop to do that work, you will be within striking distance of just paying someone to do it right the first time. There are lots of very minor detail secrets in getting horsepower out of these engines. No one trick will get you 5 HP. It is knowing the 50 items that will get you 0.1hp each. Learning those 50 items has taken all the well known engine builders years of trial and error. That info is what you pay for.

Dave

[LarryKing]

VDub, In theory you are right, any competent machinist should be able to build an SM motor using the GCR and FSM.

In reality, everyone who has replied is correct. Those "secrets" and "tricks" are never mentioned in the rules and therefore fall under "doesn't say you can", but since noone can/will tech these processes, well... (search 'genie' and 'toothpaste').

[Anthony Ralston]

that was terrible.. It is always the stupid things that get us! Still cursing that stupid alternator belt at barber that cost us one of the best engines I had ever built
Still a nice lap though Danny!

How would an alternator belt cost you an engine?

[Greg Kimble]

Ralstig,

Alternator belt also drives the water pump.

Greg

[Jim Drago]

correct, water pump did not turn, overheated and scored block and warped head.
Jim

[SaulSpeedwell]

ALL NEW HOSE CLAMPS - hate to destroy a great new motor when a tired hose clamp lets go - this one still hurts to this day. It was a really GREAT motor until the f'n radiator clamp let go!
And I was lucky the $1.00 crappy hose clamp didnt kill me in the process - it tried really hard to!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9xo1OFHKK4

Let me guess ... auto parts store worm-gear clamp? They stretch, they break, they pucker the hose.

OEMs use the spring-type clips for a reason ... but another good alternative are these. You can usually find them easily at big-truck (18-wheeler type) supply places.

[SaulSpeedwell]

ok ok...i will send it out to one of the recommended on this site..now back to my original question...

If you fear the site is full of shills (which it is) , at least make sure you send it to an SM engine specialist of some sort. It is extremely rare that Joe Local Builder Guy makes a legal piece better than one of our SM specialists - but it does happen.

[Alberto]

Let me guess ... auto parts store worm-gear clamp? They stretch, they break, they pucker the hose.

OEMs use the spring-type clips for a reason ... but another good alternative are these. You can usually find them easily at big-truck (18-wheeler type) supply places.

Yep. I use those on my old track car, now street car with a custom radiator and coolant hose setup. I bought all new OEM clamps and OEM hoses when I built my car but I'd use these Breeze constant torque/tension clamps if that wasn't an option.

Breeze Clamps. Google them. I think McMaster has them so does Amazon.
http://www.amazon.co...1Z8MMXF8Y9ZEFHJ

[Anthony Ralston]

Thanks for the info. I was wondering what those were called.

After hearing all of the hose popped off, clamps failed stories; I'm becoming a little paranoid.

[SaulSpeedwell]

Breeze Clamps.

Be careful , Breeze is just the manufacturer, and they make the craptastic ones as well.

And remember, the OEM clamps will work JUST FINE, and prevent you from buying the wrong size or overtorquing them.

[Zauskycop]

Okay...what sizes do we need ? ;-)

[Alberto]

Be careful , Breeze is just the manufacturer, and they make the craptastic ones as well.

And remember, the OEM clamps will work JUST FINE, and prevent you from buying the wrong size or overtorquing them.

Yep. That is why I included the link.

I prefer the OEM clamps myself. I got a brand new set during my SM build. On my other car, I had to resort to annoying silicone hoses due to the angles and AL attachment points and had to resort to the constant torque/tension clamps.

[Alberto]

Okay...what sizes do we need ? ;-)

The ones in the link for hoses that go to/from the radiator should work
Diameter Range: 1-1/4" - 2-1/8" (32mm - 54mm)

[Zauskycop]

I was playing around and I already ordered some!

[screaming monkey]

Don't forget the most important part of building a 1.6 is the donuts! DON'T FORGET THE KK DONUTS!!. (not sure what there for or where they go but i know they help with making big power)