Engine Rebuild
When rebuilding an engine (numbers matching) - what is OK to replace or what needs to be rebuilt to keep the status of "all numbers matching"? Such as: water pump, alternator, starter, etc?
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Re: Engine Rebuild
Best is to determine which parts are correct, ie casting/stamping numbers, dates. Then rebuild/restore in a way that doesn't alter the correct visual configuration in any way, and reestablishes the factory correct appearance and finish. -
Re: Engine Rebuild
Al,
Which engine do you have? When you say numbers matching, do you mean that you believe the engine to be original to the car? What are your goals for the car, flight judging, driver, racer or what?
Assuming that the engine is the original one and it has never been apart, make sure the machine shop does not deck the block. That will wipe out the broach marks on your stamp pad and maybe the numbers, too. I would recommend following Duke's advice to manage the compression ratio to maximize HP and fuel economy. Here's a link to the compression ratio article that was originally in the Restorer:
Scroll down to page five.
JoeComment
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Re: Engine Rebuild
Al, Mike and Joe have given you some great advice. If you want to restore to NCRS standards, all of the external parts that have a date or serial number and are correct for your car should be restored or reconditioned. You have a lot more leeway inside the engine, but be careful not to do anything that can cause you trouble or change the idle characteristics. Like gorrilla springs or a too of a hot cam. Of course, there's nothing wrong with staying completely stock, either.
PaulComment
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Re: Engine Rebuild
The original starter and alternator that came on your car has part identification numbers and dates. These numbers are judged. The replacement parts you purchase will not match what you have. If you don't want to keep them, you could sell them to someone looking for your dated parts for their restoration. Numbers do have value. If you have a 1970 original alternator with the right numbers it will sell for a good amount of money.Comment
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Re: Engine Rebuild
Hi Al,
You've gotten some good replies so I'll only say Welcome to the NCRS, and also to the Discussion Board.
I hope to see more posts from you!
Regards,
Alan71 Coupe, 350/270, 4 speed
Mason Dixon Chapter
Chapter Top Flight October 2011Comment
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Re: Engine Rebuild
Al,
As others have said, first determine which of your parts are original. Carburetor, Intake Manifold, Water Pump, Exhaust Manifolds, Starter Motor, Alternator, etc. They will each have a casting number or part number that should be visible. Most of them will also have a date code, and if the date code is 30-60 days before your car's build date, there's a good chance it's the original part (exceptions for longer time periods between a part's manufacture date and your car's production date are possible). Even the cylinder heads and probably the intake manifold should have date codes that will be visible when removed from the engine.
The Judging Guide for your model year is available at the NCRS bookstore (click the 'NCRS Shop' tab at top of the screen). It should have all of the information you need to identify the casting and stamped part numbers on the various parts, and how to interpret the date codes found on most of these parts, to verify whether they are original to your car.
If they are original, and you want to keep it that way, have them all reconditioned and/or rebuilt
If you find that some parts have been replaced over the years, like a water pump or starter motor as often is the case, there are people who specialize in these parts and you can obtain a correct-date rebuilt/restored part for your car.Comment
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Re: Engine Rebuild
Oh, come on! Try finding an early 1969 884 with REAL internals -- and yes, they were way different than later internals -- and can be seen through the rear vent slots. I have only seen one, and I am sorry to say I have no pictures. Diode trio and voltage regulator leads and configuration were way different on the early units. They look like I made them in my basement.
And did you know original internal voltage regulators were dated? Just remove the field connector and look down into the slot in the case. We haven't begun to have all the fun there is to have -- yet.
TerryComment
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Re: Engine Rebuild
Al, I agree with the posters---rebuild everything you can see and anything you can. When I rebuilt two of my original engines I did that and I saved those parts that couldn't be rebuilt for two reasons: First, when looking for a replacement part I know exactly what it should look like for that time period, and Second, what can't be rebuilt with todays technology may be rebuilt in the future. Remember all of the heads, blocks, manifolds, etc. that were junked for minor issues and today could be rebuilt and repaired?
SteveComment
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