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 [...]
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.
A Kalamazoo, MI racer added a $20,000 racing engine to his list of winnings during Engine Pro’s Engine Giveaway presented by Dart Machinery at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, MI on September 12, 2009, during the Fifth Annual IHRA Funny Car Nationals. Justin Wanamaker’s name was the last one remaining as names of [...]
The FE ready for it’s dyno visit. PROJECT FE PART 5 Text and photos by Mike Mavrigian INTAKE MANIFOLD With the heads installed, and before installing the rocker shaft systems, you must install the intake manifold. FE manifolds feature captive pushrod holes (the pushrods pass through the intake manifold). In order [...]
How long will it take to convince some folks that flat tappet cams must be “broken in” and operated over the long term with enough zinc phosphate (ZDDP) in the oiling system? Professiona engine builders should all know by now that the major oil companies have greatly reduced the amount of high-pressure ZDDP from their [...]
Subscribe to Precision Engine
Sign up for our E-newsletter