THE FINAL ASSEMBLY

by Mike Mavrigian

Our intent with this build is to illustrate how you can take advantage of current LS (mechanical) technology, and still create a somewhat old school traditional appearance, grabbing in the range of 450 HP, all without breaking the bank. In terms of exterior finish, we intentionally “relaxed” our normal attention to visual detail, in an effort to somewhat simulate what the factory might have produced on a production line (we suppressed our urge to dress the surfaces). As a result, we did not take the time to smooth out the casting exterior surfaces (opting not to eliminate casting flashings or polishing out uneven surfaces). Paint-wise, we followed the same approach. We purposefully did not attempt to create a show finish.

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Build, text and photos by Mike Mavrigian

The Pontiac 455, bored/stroked to 501 CID, is finally completed. This article covers all remaining aspects of the assembly. Next is the dyno run, which I’ll cover in an upcoming article.

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The Pontiac is being completed today, getting ready for display.

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Both current project engines, including the “Retro” LS engine and the Pontiac 455 will be on display at the upcoming Hot Rod & Restoration show in Indianapolis. This year’s show is held at the Lucas Stadium complex, adjacent to the Indianapolis Convention Center, March 23-24, 2012.

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Note: Both current engine projects will also appear in upcoming issues of Hot Rod & Restoration magazine!

BUT WAIT….THERE’S MORE:

In addition, two previously built project engines will also be displayed, including the famed custom “street rod” 383 CID engine and the red & tasty Ford flathead engine.

All four engines built by Mike Mavrigian at his Birchwood Automotive facility in Ohio (www.birchwoodautomotive.com)

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Build, text and photos by Mike Mavrigian

Note: This engine, as well as all of our engine projects, is designed, test-fit and assembled by Mike Mavrigian’s Birchwood Automotive facility in Creston, OH.

Now that the block, oil pan, valley cover

plate and timing cover have been painted,

we can begin final assembly.

Regardless of how clean you think the block may be, don’t assume anything. Take the time to perform one final block wash/rinse/dry. Once the block is clean, immediately apply a thin coat of oil to the cylinder walls to prevent surface rusting (apply clean engine oil to a clean, lint-free paper towel and wipe each bore).

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Goodson Tools & Supplies for Engine Builders Tapered Wrist Pin Bushing Press Kit is designed to remove and replace tapered bushings in diesel applications with wrist pin diameters up to 54mm. The press base is designed to work with a shop’s hydraulic press to ease tapered pins into and out of connecting rod eyes.

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Before NASCAR announced that Sprint Cup cars would be using electronic fuel injection in 2012, some racing teams – Hendrick Motorsports and Penske Racing, for instance – had already turned to the world leader in electronic fuel injection technology, Bosch, to prepare fuel-injected V-8 engines as test beds. These engines, utilizing Bosch components, duplicated the pending NASCAR engine with electronic fuel injection.

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Edelbrock LLC, is excited to announce the release of its 2012 Edelbrock Automotive Performance catalog.

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Sniper Motorsports has recently launched a new line of plumbing products for high performance enthusiasts. They comprise hose ends, adaptors, and matching stainless steel braided hoses.

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The introduction of an all-new carburetor, especially in this millennium, has become increasingly rare. But Demon Carburetion has done just that. Named the 625 Street Demon, it is engineered for hot rods with stock to mildly modified engines.

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Eddie Motorsports has recently released their latest catalog of custom billet parts for Street Rods & Muscle Cars.

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