Editing How to rebuild an engine (section)
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==Machining== ===Deciding what machine work to do=== What will the engine be used for? This will be the determining factor on how much you're going to spend. In any case, whether it's a stock replacement swap or a race engine, there are a few things that should be done. #Have your block degreased and magnafluxed. If it passes the magnaflux test, proceed to the next step knowing it to be crack free. #Have it sonic tested; this way you know if the engine block is even worth using. #Have the block checked for core shift. #Most reputable shops can check out the vitals of your engine castings and internal parts. #Have your cylinder walls checked out for roundness and wear to determine the oversize needed. #Have your machinists put a fresh hone on your cylinder walls, unless you plan on doing this step yourself. #If over-boring an engine, use a "torque plate" if at all possible. #Don't forget to have new cam bearings installed if the hot tank ruined them or if they were too worn to reuse. ====What to expect to pay for machining work==== It really varies by where you get the work done and what you actually get done. An average machine shop charges around $90.00 per hour (ca. 2012). A simple head grinding could take as little as a half hour whereas a major bore and hone could take a few hours. ===How to select a machine shop=== Cleanliness, experience, referral from trusted sources, knowledge, etc. Remember, anyone can purchase the machinery and equipment. Good equipment is necessary, but so is experience. No two shops do things the same way. Talk to the shop owner/manager and find one that you are comfortable with. Big names don't always assure top quality. Your machine work is only as good as the machinist performing the work! Meet and talk to the machinist that will be working on your engine...establish a rapport...be his friend as the future life of your engine is in his hands! Always interview the machine shop that is going to do the work on your engine. See that the shop has a complete line of rebuilding equipment to do the job that you want done. Check out the equipment that they have. Here's a page showing [http://www.allstates.com/Engine.html engine rebuilding tools]. Beware of shops that just "front" the actual work for other specialty machine shops. Cut out the middle man, do your homework and take your heads directly to the shop that can grind and fit your valves, AND flow your heads on their flow bench to see the improvement and benefits of their head work. Do your homework! Also, some machine shops specialize in certain engines (such as the AMC V8 if you want the "oil line mod" done), and it is advisable to seek out a shop that specializes in the engine you're rebuilding. Be sure while interviewing the machine shop to ask what engines they know a lot about. Don't ask "Do you know a lot about this engine?", as they can simply reply "yes". Ask them "What engines are you guys familiar with?"
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