Help putting my engine back together

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

79K15 HIghSierra

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2020
Posts
83
Reaction score
175
Location
South Carolina
First Name
Reuben
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
K1500
Engine Size
350
Hey all, just got my rebuilt 350 back, and am going to start putting it all back together. First project of this type, excited to get into it! I’ve done a good bit of research and feel confident to reattach all the components (it is currently only the block with heads on it, lacking intake, oil pan, valve covers etc) my question is this: what order should I install all the components? I don’t want to put on, for example, the timing chain cover only to have to remove to put on the oil pan. Any help is appreciated! I know these are noob questions but that’s what I am! Cheers

You must be registered for see images attach
 

SquareRoot

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2017
Posts
3,698
Reaction score
6,693
Location
Arizona
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
85
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
Assuming from that pic, I'm assuming the cam and timing chain and freeze plugs are installed? Next would be the oil pump, timing cover (and tab if separate), and oil pan. Install the intake manifold, flexplate or flywheel.

Drop engine in vehicle or frame. Bolt up torque convertor or clutch. Install carb, water pump and drive accessories. don't forget to install the water temp and oil pressure sending units.

Adjust the valves, install valve covers, set engine to TDC, REMOVE distributer if installed and PRIME the engine with oil! Reinstall distributer, lure gearhead friend over for initial startup. Start engine and break-in camshaft. Locate and fix source of any fluid leaks.

Drink beer, lots of beer. Enjoy new engine in squarebody. Complain about ****** gas milage in squarebody. Post on this forum "How to get better gas milage?" :gathering:
 

79K15 HIghSierra

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2020
Posts
83
Reaction score
175
Location
South Carolina
First Name
Reuben
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
K1500
Engine Size
350
Assuming from that pic, I'm assuming the cam and timing chain and freeze plugs are installed? Next would be the oil pump, timing cover (and tab if separate), and oil pan. Install the intake manifold, flexplate or flywheel.

Drop engine in vehicle or frame. Bolt up torque convertor or clutch. Install carb, water pump and drive accessories. don't forget to install the water temp and oil pressure sending units.

Adjust the valves, install valve covers, set engine to TDC, REMOVE distributer if installed and PRIME the engine with oil! Reinstall distributer, lure gearhead friend over for initial startup. Start engine and break-in camshaft. Locate and fix source of any fluid leaks.

Drink beer, lots of beer. Enjoy new engine in squarebody. Complain about ****** gas milage in squarebody. Post on this forum "How to get better gas milage?" :gathering:

Yes timing chain, cam and freeze plugs are in! Dude thank you this is such a concise little explanation many many thanks!
 

Grit dog

Full Access Member
Joined
May 18, 2020
Posts
5,971
Reaction score
9,894
Location
Washington
First Name
Todd
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
454
Good luck on the project Ruben! Looking nice and clean!
Always exciting to get a new power plant!

1 bit of advice. Once your ready to fire it up, double check, make damn sure you got the distributor and engine both at #1 TDC and not 180deg out.
Don’t ask me how I know, but it’s a good way to destroy a new muffler or 2 if you're 180 off!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
42,124
Posts
909,596
Members
33,615
Latest member
Jakebr8k
Top