Recent content by illmanners

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    Ring and pinion gear ratio

    A chevy small block in good condition will run all day long at 2700 rpm without doing any damage. My concern on that issue would be gas mileage, not engine wear. (given that the engine is in good condition.) However, a ring/pinion change would be the least expensive way of lowering highway rpm...
  2. I

    Camshaft input from experience.

    I've installed about a dozen of these in engine build-ups almost identical to yours and never had a complaint. Has the idle you are looking for, but more importantly, is a great performer with 650 CFM carb, ignition and headers. Summit Racing® Camshafts Camshaft, Hydraulic Flat Tappet...
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    new to chevy 1986 break calipers question

    MPTCAGE: Welcome and thanks for the question. Your header indicates you have an 86 1500 so am assuming you have an 85 Chevrolet 1/2-ton pickup, C-10 (2-wheel drive) or K-10 (4-wheel drive.) The 1500 designation is used with GMC only during the Wide-Body years. In most cases the parts will be the...
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    What reman heads to use?

    For the dollars spent, I stay away from re-man heads and typically, the parts/labor cost to have heads completely rebuilt, exceeds to cost of just buying new heads as those costs have radically decreased with time and competition. Plus with re-man heads, there is always the core issue and if you...
  5. I

    Aluminium heads for small blocks

    Has anyone tried these heads and if so, any problems or advice ? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Complete-Aluminum-Cylinder-Heads-SBC-fits-Chevy-350-190cc-64cc-2-02-1-60/351633229200?hash=item51def94590:g:S7kAAOSwE~1cASFL
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    harmonic balancer

    All traditional small block Chevy V8s except for the 400 use a neutral balanced harmonic balancer. The 400's harmonic balancer has a counterweight built in it. Common engine building practice (including the factory's) for all non-400 applications is to balance the harmonic balancer to neutral...
  7. I

    hard crank (broken starter?) issues

    If you have to use starter shims, either there is an obstruction (dirt, grease, debris) on the mounting surface of the starter or engine block or the drive end housing of the starter is worn so badly that it needs to be replaced. Additionally, the correct starter bolts are specifically designed...
  8. I

    Mismatched heads?

    While it costs no more to coax more horsepurrs out of a 350 than it does a 305, and the bore does equate to more power, we were pulling 330 horsepurrs out of 283's in the '70s. If you are doing a budget build and already have a decent 305, if you can't find a reasonably priced, rebuildable 350...
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    Too much sh** to clean by hand?

    It all really depends on how the engine was maintained prior to you. Typically, a well maintained 5.3 (or any LS, for that matter,) is good for at least 250K before a rebuild is necessary. I have one Yukon that I bought with just over a 100K on the clock and it's still running strong with 314K...
  10. I

    Small block and starters

    Bellhousing mounted 3-bolt starters were used by Chevrolet from 1955 through 1962 on most engines (6-Cylinder and V-8, including 348 and 409.) A version of it is still in use for industrial applications like Hyster. The last redesign of that starter was 1990 so parts are readily available as are...
  11. I

    700R4 Rebuild cost

    If you cab get a 700R4 rebuilt for $800.00 where you live, I want to move to where you live cause even if I do the pull and install, the best price for a rebuild (700R4) in my area is $1500.00, plus convertor. Zero warranty without new convertor, aux cooler and new cooling lines.
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    Big block guys, help me out here

    It's already been suggested, but I always pull the front clip or at least everything from the radiator shroud forward. It's just so much easier that way as you will only need to raise the nine high enough to clear the frame to motor-mounts and pull the engine and tranny as one piece. Plus when...
  13. I

    383 Stroker or 6.0 LS??

    Let's be honest here. If you are going to be towing 4K, an LS "may" get a tad better MPG, but expecting decent MPG from a gasoline engine when towing is like trying to make a silk purse out of a sows' ear. From a cost and ease of installation standpoint, with as few changes as possible, I'd...
  14. I

    454 low oil pressure.

    Typically, 10 pounds per 1000 rpm is recommended oil pressure at operating temperature. On a cold fire-up, a 454 in good running condition should be producing 40 to 70 pounds according to Chevrolet (1992 GM Repair Manual.) It appears that both your oil and filter are fine, however, since you...
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    Whats your hand soap?

    For years, I'd start the day with an application of either a product called Pro-Tek Invisible Glove or Avon's Silicone Glove. Both products, when used properly, place an invisible barrier between your hands and dirt, grease, etc. Then it's a simple matter of washing your hands with a good hand...
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