John writes:
>The general consensus seems to be "decking" at some time past. I have heard
>of this procedure and assume that it has something to do with equal
>combustion chamber volumes. Does that make sense?
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Actually, decking is done usually to true or straighten a slightly warped
block. Very little is machined off, and I would be skeptical of a block
that had that much removed (enough to remove the engine number). The
recess that Chris Prugh mentions is found on 72 and later Spitfires, and
GT6's and if any decking is done these must also be re-cut to insure proper
sealing (or if enough is cut just use an earlier gasket). The biggest
problem with removing that much material, is that the pistons may now have
to be trimmed so as not to stand proud of the block which may cause them to
hit the head, not a particularly desirable quality. Sometimes decking is
done to allow one to equalize cylinder volumes, but then the above piston
trimming is necessary to achieve zero (or some other pre-determined) piston
deck height on all pistons.
Barry Schwartz in San Diego, CA
Bschwartz@encad.com
72-V6/5sp Spitfire ( daily driver )
70 GT6+ ( when I don't drive the Spitfire )
70 (sorta) Spitfire ( project )
73 Ford Courier ( parts hauler )
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