Are you just replacing the pistons and rings, or are you doing a major
rebuild? I rebuilt my GT-6 engine last summer, same basic block, etc.. as
yours, smaller displacement due to crank throws.
If you want my advice, spend the money and tear down the motor, have it
tanked, cleaned, and magnafluxed (checking for cracks), then decked, align
honed, and bored (squares the block). Put in new freeze plugs, replace the
head studs and manifold studs, new water pump, oil pump, spin on filter
adapter, and oil cooler. Have the crank cleaned, magnafluxed, and
ground/polished as required. Have the cam inspected, maybe replace it with
a slightly hotter grind - see ARP or find someone with connections to the
sports six club. Have the head cleaned and inspected, replace any worn
(excessively i.e. unserviceable) parts and do a 3 angle valve job after
shaving a few thousands to ensure straightness. Finally have the shop
handle fitting the pistons, pins, big end bearings, and mains and return it
to you as a block with rotating assembly installed, the head separate, and
get out the shop manual to finish it yourself (save on the labor cost,
besides, it's not that hard, takes a few days if you take your time and
triple check everything if it's your first rebuild. the machine work cost
me about $700 here in Oklahoma, and I don't want to remember what the parts
cost. The engine runs like a champ though and I'm very pleased with the
results - I basically have a new motor, and after fitting a Crane ignition
system, and having already rewired the car with a harness from Painless
Wiring Products (kit includes a GM color coded modern harness with pre wired
fuse block, and enough connectors, wire, and instructions, to wire a stretch
limo if you're so inclined). My GT-6 has gone almost 4,000 miles since the
rebuild, I've driven it from Oklahoma city to San antonio and back twice,
and I use it to commute 140 miles round trip between my home and work, there
have been no electrical or engine related mechanical problems since the
rebuild,(the car runs hot, and I'm still trying to sort out if it's a timing
or cooling system problem. I guess next step is to flush it and check, the
radiator was rodded and resoldered.
Dave Korzun
69 GT-6 +
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