62 engine rebuild

[Houston U.]

Starting to get serious to rebuild my original 62 327, 340hp. I have original crank & cam. Is it recommended to use them or get new ones for original block & heads? Also, thanks again for reminding me to get guarentee regarding VIN pad...I've heard of such horror stories.

[Terry D.]

Re: 62 engine rebuild

Houston

What do you plan to do with the motor? Is the car a trailer queen? Are you going to race it, drive it once in awhile? Makes a difference. As a dailey driver I would keep the crank, have it turned if necessary, replace the cam, how many miles on the engine? Lots of things to consider, not enough info
Terry

[Joe C.]

Re: 62 engine rebuild

Starting to get serious to rebuild my original 62 327, 340hp. I have original crank & cam. Is it recommended to use them or get new ones for original block & heads? Also, thanks again for reminding me to get guarentee regarding VIN pad...I've heard of such horror stories.

Good questions above. Also, why are you rebuilding it?

Simplest and cheapest way is to install fresh bearings and rings. If bores are decent, you might get by with a clean-up hone and re-use the pistons. Polish crank journals if not badly scored. DO NOT replace the oil pump...........check the end clearance on the gears and surface the gears, housing and the cover so as to leave no more than .0015" end play. Spot weld the pickup to the pump. Replace cam and bearings, lifters, rockers and pushrods. DO NOT install hardened exhaust seats. Have a high quality 3 angle valve job done to the heads, and replace any valves as needed. Lap all 16 valves into seats. OPTIONAL: have heads pocket ported, or do it yourself (see Vizard: How to Build and Modify Chevrolet Small-Block V-8 Cylinder Heads).

[Duke W.]

Re: 62 engine rebuild

Houston

What do you plan to do with the motor? Is the car a trailer queen? Are you going to race it, drive it once in awhile? Makes a difference. As a dailey driver I would keep the crank, have it turned if necessary, replace the cam, how many miles on the engine? Lots of things to consider, not enough info
Terry

The forged steel, Tuffrided SHP crankshaft should never, ever be turned unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. Turning these cranks removes the Tuffrided surface, which reduces crankshaft durability. The crank should be measured for dimensional conformity and straightness. Most will pass. Then it's just a matter of Magnaflux inspection and polishing the journals.

To the OP: You need to honestly assess your driving conditions and objective for the rebuilt engine. Look at the following thread and follow the links for all the engineering and test data. If you are interested, you can contact me via email.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?40888-A-fresh-327-LT-1-is-on-the-road

The more homework and planning you do, the better the result will be. Many rebuilds end up as disasters because the owner didn't do his due diligence.

Handing the project over to some "engine builder" is a recipe for disaster.


Duke

[Larry B.]

Re: 62 engine rebuild

I to am doing a 62 327 but that is what I have done all my life I have a Rottler F65 CNC Machine to do all machine work on. Your crank is probally ok rods can be reconditioed and be better than new .The bore depends on the taper in the cylinder. Good 3 angle valve yes Lapping valves went out with the indians.What your plans for the use of the motor will determine where the cam and pistons to use for the gas we have today.If the valve guides are loose I like to replace the valves with oversise stems much better than replaced guides or knurl.If I can be of any help call 541-218-7754.Also balance the assembly.

[Joe C.]

Re: 62 engine rebuild

I to am doing a 62 327 but that is what I have done all my life I have a Rottler F65 CNC Machine to do all machine work on. Your crank is probally ok rods can be reconditioed and be better than new .The bore depends on the taper in the cylinder. Good 3 angle valve yes Lapping valves went out with the indians.What your plans for the use of the motor will determine where the cam and pistons to use for the gas we have today.If the valve guides are loose I like to replace the valves with oversise stems much better than replaced guides or knurl.If I can be of any help call 541-218-7754.Also balance the assembly.

I like to lap the valves, especially when reusing old ones, so that I can check the width of the seats, as well as ensure a perfect seal. If the OP intends to wind his 097 equipped engine past 6000 RPM on a regular basis, it would be prudent of him to invest in a set of inexpensive Scat rods before he has the rotating assembly balanced.