Ross Racing Engines’ Tony Lombardi cut the valve reliefs using an end mill and his adjustable piston vise. Build, text and photos by Mike Mavrigian The Pontiac bigblock build (starting with a 455 block and boring/stroking to 501 CID) is progressing. I apologize for the time delay, but this build has been [...]
This installment in our LS 5.3L “retro build” covers installation of our hydraulic roller lifters, cylinder heads, pushrods and rocker arms, completing the valvetrain. . Build, text and photos by Mike Mavrigian . CYLINDER HEADS While there’s nothing to complain about with the original casting number 862 aluminum heads (GM P/N 12559862), making them flow [...]
Build, text and photos by Mike Mavrigian . I realize it’s been a while since my last posting of this project’s Part 1 article, but I’ve been tied up with multiple projects at the same time. Since the Part 1 article, I’ve obtained the crankshaft, had the heads finish-machined and assembled [...]
WE COMPLETE THE SHORT BLOCK Build, text and photos by Mike Mavrigian In this build installment, I’ll cover camshaft, timing, oil pump, windage tray, oil pickup, front and rear engine covers, oil pan installation and more. Due to the length of this article, I’ll save cylinder head details and installation in the next part of this build [...]
UPGRADING THE ROCKER ARM TRUNIONS INSURING OEM ROCKER ARM DURABILITY FOR PERFORMANCE USE Text & photos by Mike Mavrigian If you’re gonna pound on an LS engine that features OE rocker arms, you need to perform this simple aftermarket trunion/bearing upgrade! . In the process of building any LS engine, if [...]
WE BEGIN THE BUILD OF A BORED STROKED PONTIAC 455 TO OBTAIN 501 CID AND ABOUT 600 PONIES. THE GOAL:TO CREATE AN IDEAL “INDIAN” POWERPLANT FOR STREET, STRIP AND STREET RODDER APPLICATIONS Prior to block machining, the block exterior was smoothed and detailed. Not only will this ressurected Pontiac provide some ground-pounding thump, but it’ll [...]
WE BUILD AN LS ENGINE ON A BUDGET AND TRANSFORM THE MODERN ENGINE INTO A RETRO MOTOR THAT HARKS BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS IN THE PROCESS. BASICALLY, WE’RE BUILDING A CARBURETED 327 CID LS ENGINE, WITH CUSTOM TOUCHES THAT REMIND US OF AN EARLY 1960′S SMALLBLOCK CHEVY We started with an [...]
The flattie, adorned with chrome plated headers from Red’s Headers. These pipes fit like a dream. I thought I’d provide an update with regard to both the Ford flathead build (which has already appeared as a 5-part series on precisionenginetech.com and in the latest issue of Hot Rod & Restoration magazine), as well as [...]
For 2011, I’ve decided to produce two new engine projects, each of which will provide handy and informative tips for our readers. Naturally, each build will be presented in our normal manner…as a multi-part series of technical articles. The new projects for this year include a Pontiac 455 and a “Budget LS” build.
(l to r) Scott Overlund, Engine Pro; Brent Walk, Dart Machinery; Nick Weed, Performance Engineering; Tom Stuyvesant, Engine Pro; Dave Lorentz, engine winner; Tom DeBlasis, Hastings Manufacturing; Paul Hauglie, Melling Engine Parts; Shane Turner , JE/SRP; Jeff Hutchinson, Pro Finish Powder Coating The winner of the Engine Pro $20,000 engine giveaway at US [...]
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