Well, after seeing the girdled 494 short block on e-bay listed for the third time, I decided to gamble and was the winning bidder. Anyone who might have seen this short block, give me your opinions(good or bad). I will pick it up on 10-9 and just wanted to know of anything I should check for before handing over the $$$$. Thanks
If you do some searches on the site, you'll see a few comments. The things done to that block command a pretty penny. If it does everything you want from it, then you got a good deal!
Can you plastiguage the a main bearing and a rod bearing? I would really want to know if the setup is to loose. Motor should turn over easily and smoothly with a breaker bar. Can you check the deck height? Get any evidence of work from the machine shop. The shop may have listed the clearances and what they have done. Good luck. I got a short block from a board member and it was everything promised but I still pulled it down and checked everything. I saved about $1000 over starting from scratch.
I may be corrected on this but if it was me anything over .020 on the rods and .025 on the mains would be a no buy.
I wouldn't worry so much about bearing clearances as that is a fairly inexpensive fix if it isn't right. Depends on who built this engine if I would tear it down or not. I think the price is fair for what you got but it depends on the machine work. Those bearing clearances would be.002 and .0025 the extra zero makes a world of difference and depends on who you ask and what the application is for the clearances.
Before picking it up, Id ask who the machine shop was that built it and if you could talk with them about THIS PARTICULAR BUILD. Id also ask what brand of parts, for each part, were used and if receipts were kept. If you get alot of hmmmm'ing and Hawwwing .... Run away !! If not, make the call....ask the questions and then hopefully go collect your prize
Thanks for the input and keep it coming. I talked to the engine builder today and he said the parts were shipped to him and all from T/A. He seemed like a pretty knowledgable builder and said that he spent a lot of time building this engine. It has JE forged lightweight pistons, 4340 billet rods and crank(stroker), total seal plasma moly rings, block girdle, new T/A front cover and oil pump w/external regulator, 4340 double roller billet timing set, and a few other items. The short block is assembled. Anyone interested in calling me before 10/9, please do so @ 281-399-2276. You can leave your # and I will call you back so you wont pay the long distance fees. Thanks, Shawn
Bearing Clearances are important!!! Rods .0015 to .002 Mains .002 Most buick guys run too loose. Works fine till about 60 psi and will not make any more. Problem is your pulling 7000 rpm, and are going so fast you never notice that your oil pressure is a little low, will slowly wear on bearings in the long run. Oil pump clearance also critical. Oil filter bypass needs to be blocked, otherwise it will open at high pressures, then you circulate unfiltered oil. VERY BAD The only reason for the oil filter bypass is so when Johnny Dumb Ass doesn't change his oil for 15,000 miles and the filter clogs, the motor will still get oil, which is better then no oil. If this is supposed to be a "race motor" and you see the oil filter bypass is still in place, I would bring some ???
Who built this engine? I am an hour or so from the seller. I might know who built it or may be able to find out more about the builder. Tom Jenkins
It was a place called Bumper to Bumper in Bloomington, Ill. That is the name of the auto parts store, with the machine shop next door. The builders name is Danny.
I have heard good things about that short block by very knowing people on this board. I too wanted it, but didn't have the cash to put on it. Glad you got it!
well, I picked it up 10-9 and everything looked to be just as advertised. My Stage 2 heads should be here in december and will finish the assembly and hopefully be happy with it.
