[crazycarnut]

Any of you engine builder have any tips to give me?

[wilit]

Yeah, buy a crate motor.

It's fun to assemble your own engine. But after machine work, and buying all of the parts, it's usually just as much, if not cheaper to just buy a crate motor from some company. I recently rebuilt the 351 in my Bronco. All totaled, I spent about $2800 in machine work and parts. That didn't even include heads. I had the exhaust side of my E7 heads gasket matched. For just a few hundred more, I could have had a 427 longblock from PAW.

[JUSTNLX]

I my self don't like crate motors. I would rather build my own. That way I know that the clearences are correct for my intended use. But that's me!

Have you built or assembled an engine before?

Just make sure you check clearences at least twice. Make sure the engine parts are clean. Invest in some block cleaning brushes. They are cheap and well worth the time and money. A clean block is very important. Don't just rely on the machine shops hot tank to get the block clean. It does a great job of getting most of the crap off/out, but you would be amazed at how much more the brushes will find.

Take your time!

[crazycarnut]

ok here is the story. I have a 347 short block sitting in my garage. i recently blew the 302 that was in my car. so i am going to be buying a top end kit to go on it. I havent ever built a engine but hey got to start some time right. The thing that concerns me the most and i dont know if its a big deal or not but i have no idea how to time a cam in. Is there a good book out there that goes over everything step by step?

[fordeverpower]

mainly on the cam on make sure the dot on the crank gear and cam gear line up straight when you are on tdc of compression stroke of the first cylinder. other than that there are several cam degreeing wheels and kits available.