[Fot] who builds their own engines?

[WILLIAM TOBIN]

  Hi Gang, I build my own after having the machine shop check the align
bore, shave the head, etc. I grind my own valves and seats and do the
assembly work.
  Full disclosure: in a previous life I went to an automotive college and
worked for a decade or so as a mechanic. Have all the tools (and then some!)
and a big garage. And hundreds of drill bits and taps- let me know what you
need.
  Kaz is right, take your time and do it right. Clean everything thoroughly.
And get an accurate torque wrench; spend the money on a good one and it will
last for years. Same with dial indicators or mics.
  Before you even think about firing it up, build up oil pressure. I made a
shaft to turn the oil pump after the dist and drive gear are out. Drive it
with a drill motor; works great. Pull the spark plugs and turn the engine
over with a spare starter motor. Make sure you have oil everywhere.
  Then like Kaz says, there's nothing like hearing your own creation come to
life!
  Good luck, Bill----- Original Message -----
  From: <toodamnfunky at comcast.net>
  To: <tony at tonydrews.com>
  Cc: "fot" <fot at autox.team.net>
  Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 12:21 PM
  Subject: Re: [Fot] who builds their own engines?


  > I'm with you Tony, If I had to pay for engine builds I probably wouldn't
be
  > doing it.
  >
  > I have learned how not to build them a couple timesB but with advice
  > fromB your
  >
  > website, Kas, FoT, Ken G of BFEB and Fred Hodgson of Auto Wizards I'm
getting
  > better.
  >
  > My background has been in small & big block chevy's but as I found out
the
  > hard way
  >
  > there is very little that translates to our little tactor motors.
  >
  > Without these resources it would take years and lots of money in blown
motors
  >
  > to get it right.
  >
  >
  >
  > Jim G.
  >
  > RMVR
  >
  >
  > ----- Original Message -----
  > From: tony at tonydrews.com
  > To: fot at autox.team.net
  > Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 5:26:25 PM GMT -07:00 Chihuahua / La Paz /
Mazatlan
  > Subject: Re: [Fot] who builds their own engines?
  >
  > I build my own engines - learned the ropes from uncle jack (Dad). B If
  > I had to pay for that I would have a hard time affording the hobby.
  > But, I've cost myself quite a bit due to stupid mistakes too. B I put
  > together web pages detailing jack's engine building tips as well as a
  > couple of pictorials from my last couple of teardown / rebuilds to try
  > to help out others who are trying to do it themselves. B Of course,
  > Kas's books are invaluable!
  >
  > I'm not pushing my site, just reminding folks that this resource is out
  > there.
  >
  > http://www.tonydrews.com/uncle_jacks_engine_building_tips.htm
  >
  > I've done the tranny, overdrive, rear diff and all wiring too.
  >
  > But, I have a knack for that kind of thing too - some folks just
  > aren't cut out to rebuild engines and transmissions. B No knock to
  > them, you need to have your brain wired a certain way for that stuff
  > to make sense, I think.
  >
  > - Tony Drews
  >
  > Quoting Bill Bartlett <BillBartlett at wingnutracing.com>:
  >
  > > Curiosity
  > > Just wondering how many racers build their own engines vs have them
  > > professionally built and prepped?
  > > Bill B
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