Started putting new engine together

Discussion in ''Da Nailhead' started by Aussie V8, Jun 29, 2017.

  1. Aussie V8

    Aussie V8 Well-Known Member

    I have sent the ARP technical section a question on this. The shorter bolts are fine, plenty of thread, but the longer ones I'm not happy with. I'll wait for a reply and maybe then contact TA. Possibly somewhere along the line the wrong bolts have been put in the box ??
     
  2. dual-quadism

    dual-quadism Black on Black

    You should be ok with ARP head bolts, but you really dont need them unless your Nail is going to get boost. Stock head bolts are fine, you may as well return the ARP's. Take that $$$ and spend it on the heads. Don't trust TA on Nailhead stuff. Their rockers/headers/timing chains are ok, but they really have not put any R&D into Nailheads like they did with the 455. I refuse to use any of the TA cams or springs for them.
     
    8ad-f85 likes this.
  3. Aussie V8

    Aussie V8 Well-Known Member

    The reason I bought the ARP bolts is that I got this engine in pieces and all the bolts were missing. I can't return them because I bought them several years ago in anticipation of this engine build and only just opened the box. I'm hoping that maybe if they sent me the wrong ones, they will make good on the proper long bolts.
     
    8ad-f85 likes this.
  4. gsgtx

    gsgtx Silver Level contributor

    the 455 and nailhead cams from TA are ground on the same lobe specs.
     
  5. 8ad-f85

    8ad-f85 Well-Known Member

    I think you demonstrated his point. The engines have different needs.
     
  6. gsgtx

    gsgtx Silver Level contributor

    if they have different needs in the cams, i would like to know what they are ?
     
  7. dual-quadism

    dual-quadism Black on Black

    Head flow primarily, I/E flow ratio, etc. It's like saying "they use the same lobes as a SBC" , just because it works for one doesnt mean it works for both. You already know this, you have a mean running Nailhead yourself :). My main point of contention is just the old, no thought involved, grinds. The comp thumprs kill them power wise, along with just about anything custom out there. Nails need way more exhaust duration, but, again, you ready know this. I am building 3 425's and a 401 coming soon. Going to do a little cam experimenting with them with lobe ramps and amount of exhaust duration/LSA.
     
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  8. dual-quadism

    dual-quadism Black on Black

    If you need bolts, I have tons of them. Just about any Nailhead bolt can possibly need. Ebay ARP's, as long as they are new, they will sell. PM me if you need anything
     
  9. gsgtx

    gsgtx Silver Level contributor

    i will start a new thread so we dont take over Ken's thread.
     
  10. Aussie V8

    Aussie V8 Well-Known Member

    If you need bolts, I have tons of them. Just about any Nailhead bolt can possibly need. Ebay ARP's, as long as they are new, they will sell. PM me if you need anything

    Thanks very much for the offer, I appreciate that. I have got a reply from ARP and they say that TA buys bulk bolts and re-packages them. I received a reply from Sherri at TA and she confirms Mike does not use the ARP washer so the bolt should be OK at that length.
    Phew, another load off my mind.
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2017
  11. gsgtx

    gsgtx Silver Level contributor

    omg changed the oil in the 401 and did not put in the stp like moly additive so far no leaks. going do the big motor now. thanks so much. use this additive for years in different kinds of make engines. that thick moly seems like it would help leaks and not make leaks.
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2017
  12. 8ad-f85

    8ad-f85 Well-Known Member

    Imagine my surprise finding out the same!
    The instructor to the area's machinist school clued me in on that.
     
  13. Aussie V8

    Aussie V8 Well-Known Member

    Just an update. I have taken the crankshaft to an expert and he is going to make improvements to the seal area and make recommendations. He only deals in
    crankshaft re-builds old and new and knows his stuff.
    Meanwhile, I have looked carefully at the timing gear / chain area where the timing cover goes. There are 2 threaded holes. Researching, I have found out these are supposed to house an oil dripper ? Same as the attachment. Please confirm.
    Remember I got this 401 engine incomplete and in pieces, so many parts missing. If this is where an oil dripper goes I can make one.
    Also, what means are there on this engine for a camshaft retainer ?

    IMG_7249.JPG dripper.jpg
     
  14. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    The later blocks, like my 66, don't have those 2 holes. I wasn't aware the early ones had an oil dripper, sounds like a good idea.
    They do have a splash shield that goes on after the crank gear goes on to keep excess oil away from the front seal.

    There is no cam retainer, apparently the cam doesn't move forward in normal operation.... maybe the distributor gear and drag from the oil pump keeps it rearward.
     
  15. Aussie V8

    Aussie V8 Well-Known Member

    That's good that you confirmed about the retainer, thanks Walt.
    I picked up the crank today and he did a great job on it. So now I'm on to fitting crank, pistons and rods. The whole job is dragging me down a bit so the sooner I get it together and in the chassis will give me space in the workshop and piece of mind.
     
  16. gsgtx

    gsgtx Silver Level contributor

    do you know what they did with the crank so rear seal would not leak ?
     
  17. Aussie V8

    Aussie V8 Well-Known Member

    Lightly ground the crank seal surface.
     
    8ad-f85 likes this.
  18. gsgtx

    gsgtx Silver Level contributor

    thank you.
     
  19. Aussie V8

    Aussie V8 Well-Known Member

    Finally got the engine and transmission in the chassis. Before I bolt the heads down just want to be sure which way UP the Best head gasket goes. There's no markings on it. My guess it's A but just want to make sure please. IMG_7260.JPG IMG_7261.JPG
     
  20. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    A


    Tom T.
     

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