66 Big Block Decking

[Todd C.]

I have an original number matching 66 L72 motor. Unfortunately, the block is in dire need of decking which can erase the numbers on the stamp pad. I live in the Houston area and I've asked a few machine shops on the northwest side about decking the block, and they all state that they would not be able to protect the stamp pad. Does anyone know of a machine shop in the greater Houston area (Southeast TX) that is capable of decking a 66 big block (and that has actually done it) without impacting the stamp pad ?

[Mark E.]

Todd,

I would run, not walk, to another machine shop that has experience working with collector cars and their valuable original engines. If they say protecting the pad while decking can't be done it's because they don't want to take the time or just don't want the liability if the screw up.

I live in North Texas so can't recommend a Houston shop. But I know Wayne Calvert in Denton can do it.

Why do you think the block needs to be decked?

[Mike M.]

LaSalle engines in breezewood pa just bought a new decking machine that can spare the pad. google them if the distance not too great. they've been doing my engines for years.they know their business. mike mach

[Todd C.]

Todd,

I would run, not walk, to another machine shop that has experience working with collector cars and their valuable original engines. If they say protecting the pad while decking can't be done it's because they don't want to take the time or just don't want the liability if the screw up.

I live in North Texas so can't recommend a Houston shop. But I know Wayne Calvert in Denton can do it.

Why do you think the block needs to be decked?

It overheated and exhaust was getting into the coolant. The deck is rather rough/warped. Never hurts to have a second opinion though.

[Tim G.]

Todd, good friend, Carl Everett here in Austin uses a wonderful engine builder in Round Rock, TX that has a protective bracket that he bolts to an engine to physically keep the decking machine from damaging the broach and stamps. Not only does it protect the pad, but it is also made so that the decking stops exactly where the head bolts to the block. Once machined and reassembled, you cannot see any evidence of decking. This protective bracket was necessary when the engine builder had to deck a rare 1969 ZL1 engine with stamps on it and these could not be disturbed.
Don't let your rare and valuable engine get in the hands of someone that will erase the stamps and do tens of thousands of dollars damage to your car.

Glenn's Machine Round Rock, TX

[Todd C.]

Todd, good friend, Carl Everett here in Austin uses a wonderful engine builder in Round Rock, TX that has a protective bracket that he bolts to an engine to physically keep the decking machine from damaging the broach and stamps. Not only does it protect the pad, but it is also made so that the decking stops exactly where the head bolts to the block. Once machined and reassembled, you cannot see any evidence of decking. This protective bracket was necessary when the engine builder had to deck a rare 1969 ZL1 engine with stamps on it and these could not be disturbed.
Don't let your rare and valuable engine get in the hands of someone that will erase the stamps and do tens of thousands of dollars damage to your car.

Glenn's Machine Round Rock, TX

Thanks Tim! If I can't find something similar here in the Houston area, I will give Glenn's a call.

[Mark E.]

It overheated and exhaust was getting into the coolant. The deck is rather rough/warped. Never hurts to have a second opinion though.

I'm NOT an expert engine builder but have heard machine shops tend to recommend more machine work than needed (line boring and decking come to mind). It may be worthwhile to research how much surface imperfection is tolerable and if decking can be avoided altogether. For example, Fel-Pro offers their PermaTorque head gasket for "imperfect sealing surfaces." They claim it will handle total warpage (block and head) up to 4 mil. That's a lot but If your engine is borderline maybe surface the heads to minimize the issue? Again, this is just me thinking; perhaps folks with actual experience will chime in.

[Ray K.]

Todd,

Put a straightedge on the block and with a feeler gauge measure the block at several points to get an idea of how much it is warped. As suggested, a head gasket may solve the issue. Best approach, I think, is to go with Tim's recommendation for a shop who can do as Tim described

Ray

[Steven B.]

Todd,

Put a straightedge on the block and with a feeler gauge measure the block at several points to get an idea of how much it is warped. As suggested, a head gasket may solve the issue. Best approach, I think, is to go with Tim's recommendation for a shop who can do as Tim described

Ray

Todd, Tim's recommendation is a proven shop and not all that far from Houston. I have seen one of his blocks and nice, undetectable work. Also a nice drive.

[Leif A.]

Todd,
If Tim recommends someone, you can take it to the bank. Why continue to "hunt" for someone in Houston who you don't really know when you can drive/ship your engine 180 miles and have, not only, quality work but assured peace of mind.

[Gary B.]

For a special occasion I’d drive 180 miles for a chocolate mousse. I’d happily drive that distance for highly recommended engine builder.

Gary

[Mark E.]

Life for Chevy fans would be simpler if the pad was on a different surface than the block deck... like Olds and Pontiac engines.