BUDGET Chevy Big Block Build! - Part 2 of 3 ( long block assembly )

Work continues on the 460ci big block chevy (454 bored 30 over). In this episode we'll talk about head gaskets, heads, and compression ratio. I'll also show you proper rocker arm geometry, how to measure push rod length, and how to set hydraulic lifter preload. We're inching closer to putting this on the dyno, and getting it installed in the 1972 Chevelle known as "Independence".
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[@glennrubel4326]

It's nice to hear when a feller gives their dad credit for learnin them somethin.

[@mikecollins9789]

The dots are a great trick, but why would anyone use red paint? That's just ridiculous. Green is far more accurate.

[@dukeofearl6256]

Don't know about anybody else, but I watched this whole vidjeo and I feel smarter.

[@ViceGripGarage]

That's the goal!

[@Zanehoward88]

I know I did and it’s perfect “timing” no pun intended. I’m building my first engine and needed the explanation however I’ll be using stock heads and and hardware so I don’t need to measure pushrods. Thank goodness!

[@earlhollar1906]

@Mikhail Dukem is it the E85 or is it that 93 whatever stuff?

[@earlhollar1906]

Hey, what you using my nickname for?

[@whitetrashbandit2704]

I just started it.. been at work all day. But I'm sure I'll learn a buncha giga what's it's.

[@bradhoward8950]

I wish he was my auto shop teacher back in high school. I absolutely love his approach to teaching.

[@dougsmaintenanceshop5868]

I had Auto Shop, 1, 2, 3. Couldn't agree more. I had some "conduct behavior" disorders back then, as I am sure everyone in my auto shop did to some degree. People forget how important Auto Shop is for the kids that need hands on learning and maybe a place to feel valued. Not everyone's learns the same way.

[@MrScoob1988]

Hook your peepers on this

[@kalvinlabuik3366]

Totally agree 👍🏾

[@davidwoermansr]

This is exactly how my shop teacher was he was the 1 that taught me how to smoke a cigarette and weld at the same time and also introduced people to the ether bunny

[@XJRenovations]

I love the fact that you involve your children in your work and teach them.

[@davidwoermansr]

Only way to do it I've got 7 kids doing dirt track derby or both all building their own cars now all 3 of my girls grew up in the shop and farming and still there

[@patrickmorrissey2271]

Derek acts like a goofball... But this is one of the most clearest, easiest to understand explanations I've ever seen.....

[@brandon8495]

A fella is learning things with his new VGG gear on. Let's get Derek to a million subs.

[@JerGol]

On 929k at the time of writing, but I've been watching that rising steadily. He's going to smash right through 7 digits any time now!

[@ArdFarkable]

YES, new vgg exactly what I need after a long Friday!

[@ViceGripGarage]

hope you had a great week

[@ArdFarkable]

@@ViceGripGarage not bad, just need the snow to disappear, dang salt is everywhere! Can't drive the fun cars!

[@deeznuhtz2919]

Most underrated automotive channel on the interwebs

[@ViceGripGarage]

Thanks

[@jerrycraig6522]

It's so true!!!

[@jerrycraig6522]

And Derek is a very smart man, there's a whole lot of information swirling around in that cerebral vortex!!!

[@Overtime_Wrenching]

Even better than that jungle website

[@LuanCristianThums]

I'm happy to say his channel is slowly becoming not-underrated (or whatever the correct term would be, i dont know). People realized how awesome this channel is and subscriber count is steadily rising

[@Mickeymotormount]

I like the simplified way he explains setting up the valvetrain. Excellent tutorial.

[@kurtehrhardt6652]

Thanks Derek for an understandable procedure for calculating push rod length

[@scottmcmullen7541]

OUTSTANDING! great video Derek! Anybody watching that has never put a engine together this feller is a good teacher.

[@greatnateadventures]

One of my favorite channels on KZbin, thanks for the great content Derek! 🍻

[@ViceGripGarage]

Appreciate your view

[@gilmour73]

A guy talks like he has no clue what he's doing, but basically talks like an engineer in the intro!

[@mrdarklight]

He's a lot smarter than he lets on. Which is... fine.

[@greenmonalisa]

He's a smart feller

[@jasonstrout4502]

He's definitely a fart smaller...er smart faller. Hahahaha

[@earlhollar1906]

@@jasonstrout4502 After eating potato chips and drinking Hams Beer I'm a Smart Feller too. Oh.... popcorn's even worse.

[@c117ls7]

A guy could teach those engineers a thing or 2 I bet!

[@MarshallRC13]

This is by far, the most informative engine build video I've seen. And, in a language any feller can understand. Thank you for that.

[@jordonsteiner316]

I'm in the early days (or years) of building a 383 stroker for my 91 c1500 sport. And these motor build videos give a guy a 98.234% chance of not making a mess outta things. 🇨🇦 Thanks from Canadada

[@marykaywohlert9228]

Made our weekend even though I don’t know what your talking about I enjoy listening to you

[@ViceGripGarage]

much appreciated

[@MattStriker252]

A guy is very impressed with a fellers skill at splainin stuff....

[@jondwyer3037]

This guys lookin forwards to the next instalment . Great video Derek, keep em coming, I love what your doing.

[@Axetele]

Gobsmacked here. This three-part series replaces two full years of expensive trade school around these parts - from which one graduates as a rank amateur with no job but needing $10,000 worth of tools to even apply for one. Utterly brilliant.

[@george8873]

Instead of trying to be funny and failing with a witty comment, I will just say that you did a very good job of making things look easy. You're a great teacher.

[@chrisbayne3512]

One cold snack and beer thirty later guy has been entertained and taught. This is great content

[@heskeylator]

"A false positive is never good... Especially in torque and pregnancy tests" Advice note #634 in the book.

[@andywagoner4869]

Right!!

[@AnDrEw122100]

Man you really know your shit . It’s one thing to be able to do this stuff but to explain it like you do is another .

[@sjwoz]

Depth of experience shows when a guy can advise on wise cost savings and hows it effects performance, if at all. Great build to watch-thanks Derek!

[@the_bishop]

This video was brilliant. I've been doing valvetrain geometry and hydraulic lifter valve lash the hard way forever.

[@drtb69]

Only 964k... this gentleman should have at least 2-3 million subscribers ! He would save so many of us Time Money and prevent mistakes and frustration!! I will be spreading the word to watch Vice Grip Garage to all the grease monkeys, car enthusiasts, diy'ers black thumbs , shade tree guys that I know !! Keep up the fantastic content sir. Please.

[@davo1863]

Through out my schooling years, my ability to comprehend what ever it was they were trying to learn me, was limited to the amount of boredom, and unnecessary talking the Teacher was doing. I made straight A's in small engine's and welding class. My favorite teacher. all other subjects C's D's. Been watching VGG for a while, your videos are very entertaining and of course educational, or refreshing of forgotten methods, that i don't do on a regular basis. But watching part two, if i had Derrick as a teacher, of all subjects, because he just taught all subjects just now, i would be a mechanical genius!

[@xdboardsurfer]

Well shoot, you didnt say a guy was gonna need his mathalator machine.

[@RnRtech]

You explained it all very well. I have not built a motor in years but this brought it all back. Thanks

[@johncooper9976]

You are always entertaining to watch, but you am blown away by how much you know. Just a hole lot of respect from this feller.

[@whitetrashbandit2704]

On part 3 can you say "welcome back to class everybody" . That would be awesome.

[@saganworshipper6062]

Talking about the oil pan "guy's gonna have a lot of pressure coming back, and I might brake, *then I'm gonna hit a wall*".........that left me dead in stitches.... lmao @ 28:55

[@thomasceruzzi1871]

How is it that I'm 56 years old and just now learning a non intimidating way to set up a valve train?? Thank you Derek, proves that you're never to old to learn something.

[@macklandtube]

Perfect level of explanation with a sprinkling of humor to break up the length. Luv it. Still waitin for that VGG dictionary.

[@joeavery6587]

Nothin better than a cold snack while watching VGG

[@michaeltablet8577]

Unless your watching from here in Texas and watch while eating a double meat Whataburger!

[@ViceGripGarage]

@@michaeltablet8577 I did enjoy my whatsa whatever burger thingy, when a guy was down there. Big, they are.

[@michaeltablet8577]

@@ViceGripGarage Would love to have you back this way anytime! Love your videos!

[@billkaczynski7709]

I am 75 still wrenchin and enjoying VGG. Great vids

[@WrenchBender]

I've done a few engines, 318 Mopar, 302 Ford, two 350 Chevys. Now I've got this same 454 project in the works, been reading, books and online forums about builds, planning parts assemblies, strategizing different fuel injection scenarios, got a spreadsheet made up with cam numbers... then I found this channel! makes it look sooo easy! Thanks for making this series on the 454!

[@RandalPinkFloyd75]

"It's looking sharper than Meryl Streep's nose and I ain't kidding ya. "

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great explanation on mid lift for the rocker arms Derek @ViceGripGarage

[@sketchydentist6336]

I’m loving this series. Reminds me of growing up building dirt track cars and engines with my old man!

[@dcspooky6903]

Never been this early for one of the best channels ever!

[@beardedscrapper538]

Thats how my buddy told me to adjust rockers. I had never done it before. She ran great.

[@cgeary4homes]

Great video and tutorial. Explained in layman's terms and easy to understand. You're a great instructor and source of common Sense information.

[@floydlenz2280]

For a "I don't know" kind of guy that was pretty fact filled and specific.. Congrats Amigo great video.. Keepem coming!

[@strshooter7399]

Great technique on adjusting the valve train hardware, wow, so simple, but clearly effective. Thanks 👍

[@GloggsCoolJ]

These episodes just get better and better, and the white board was a nice touch to explain what was going on. And i like that its not a lot of noicy background music, and he talks calm. More Derek to the people 👍

[@ViceGripGarage]

Thanks!!

[@bryanpoole4749]

"Someone help me understand " is my new go to phrase when I'm aiming my stupid gun at engineers

[@chrisclarky9229]

Anybody remember shade tree mechanic back in the day early 90s? This channel reminds me of that and I guess this is why I can't stop watching

[@Ellington_Industrial_Arts]

I've totally used that lash adjustment method since I've watched this video. Thanks for sharing a few short cuts with us noobs! 😊

[@firstname3078]

Wow, I feel like I just sat through a master class on valve train assembly! I love this channel!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good tips on the 90 degree and setting the lash to zero and continuing it until you have 2 full rotations very tried and true easy none forget way of doing it Derek nice work on the explanation 👍 @ViceGripGarage

[@mommagoldenchild_loc0364]

Wow I’ve heard lessons on Valve trans a Million times! That was the first time it actually made any sense! Keep doing what you do I love your channel. Specially how you get old Chevy’s running. Would love to see you get a Old’s with a Rocket motor running homie💯💯💯

[@erikw5846]

I'm from Ontario, I love the Ontario license plate on the wall. Nice work Derek

[@joshluna4978]

Can’t wait for part 3! You sure have the best builds! USA 🇺🇸 spokesman of KZbin! Cheers, Vespa Squash from Nor-Cal!

[@j.j.clingman4083]

Awesome detailed video buddy!! I don’t no why people make it so difficult on adjusting rockers!! I just built a 421 sbc & I ended up putting her on the dyno when I was done also!! The very first motor that I have ever built & acully put on a engine dyno!! I’ve built plenty of motors over the years but it definitely goes a lot better by taking your time, being completely clean, & I always do it in steps!! After running mine on the dyno & getting it tuned in there was absolutely no leaks & it put out 687 max HP at 6200rpms & a max of 702 torque!! I was completely happy with my build!! The guy on the dyno said the heads I put on it we’re a very good set of heads for the money & for me not having to do absolutely nothing to them after checking everything out on them!! They are the AFR aluminum heads & I’m running a dart block!! It’s going in my 1969 Chevy 4x4 1Ton!! Awesome build once again & I can’t weight to see what she can do on the dyno!!

[@RichieRouge206]

This was fascinating and Derek really explained it well. He’s a clever feller for sure! Great video

[@andrewfindlay9698]

I haven't been learned so much since i got my pen licence..... Zero Lash...Good name for a cold snack.....can we watch part 3 now...its fun.

[@ronp499]

Great video as always! It's nice to see someone building their engine themselves. This is how my grandpa taught me and I plan to teach my kids. Keep up the good work.

[@williampommeranz6821]

Great rocker geometry discussion/procedure.

[@quicksilver2510]

I'm not a big engine guy, but Derick makes it interesting and easier to understand.

[@twRage96]

This blows all other engine "education" videos out of the water. Would love to see more informational videos in the future, thinkin you're helpin a lot of fellers out.

[@GroundhogzGarage]

“Try to avoid going till your ears get hot”. Classic!! 15 minutes later and I’m still laughing....

[@matthewzappala289]

Sir your disclaimer in the start of your videos is invalid, you can’t be an idiot if you can explain compression so well. 😎👍

[@ToyCollectorBoy]

Love the lifter lesson and all the numbers. Very interesting and informative. Watching your channel makes me more confident as a mechanic and feel better about taking stuff apart on my car. Thank you.

[@frogy420]

Omg thank you so much For the rocker arm geometry I've been like agonizing so bad over how to do that and I've messed up once already and I don't want to do it again

[@dilligafdude9434]

PowerNation TV eat your heart out. Give Derick a camera and he'll learn ya real good. Honestly reminds me of an instructor I had when I was in tech college.

[@matthewaitken6200]

Very informative and explained perfectly! Keep up the good work and have a great day.

[@ViceGripGarage]

Thanks

[@ryanmacewen511]

I always wondered why I 'couldn't' just do it THIS WAY!.' Then I worried, should I be checking it with engine running and lifters all pumped up!?. Thank you for confirming my curiosity. I guess I was RIGHT. (as were 1000's of racers). Thank you Derek! I'm going to do this EXACTLY, next time I service the top end. THANKS! I did see this elsewhere on KZbin, but I'm glad you are also spreading the gospel. ;)

[@jamesrice7287]

I wish you had discussed dry sump oil pan set ups in this video. I've heard about them but nobody I've seen yet has really explained in simple language how that works.

[@Petrochemtester]

One of my eyes rolled out to the corner and an ear started bleeding, but I think I got about 76.2% of that valve geometry down pat🧐

[@randyruth6928]

Super informative Derek, Your making it look easy, And thats not the cold snack talking...

[@wyliemoose5217]

my math brain is hurting LOL...GREAT explanation... Yes I am going back through all the old video's and following each build to the end. Like watching a show with no commercials or wait LOLOL

[@wyliemoose5217]

time for another cold snack after the lifter math

[@tonyrunyon375]

I can absolutely 120% no bullapit verify and guarantee that adjusting the valves that way worls! Pops owned a Mobil gas station 6 islands 4 bays right smack dab in Southern California and he grew up in the car culture when it was just gettin ripe! I was at the.station every day after school and thats one of the first things that I remeber that he taught me to do at 11 yrs old!

[@stuartsteiner9820]

Moses!!!! He’s probably forgot more about engines that I could ever know!!! Awesome channel.

[@jerrybrothekid]

One thing that was not stated respective to the rocker arms. On the trunnion, there is a " Flat " area, and, a " Rounded " area. Make sure the " Flat " area is facing UP where the adjuster nut seats. I have seen this mistake, usually when a builder is in a hurry, and, the end result, once started is NOT pretty. Great Vid and Very informative. I learned a lot about how to establish pushrod length, it sure makes it faster, easier, and, in my opinion, more accurate. Thanks for the Vids Man, keep them coming.

[@kennethreiver985]

I love the idea for adjusting valves . How I was taught is when the intake opens and closes do the exhaust and when the exhaust starts to open do the intake . Your way is much easier . Excellent video.

[@vf19blue]

Had to LoL at the Keira Knightley/Shakira analogy, thanks for the learning and the laughs Derek, never a dull moment 👍

[@jasonketchum4052]

Dude that was so easy to get those set ! I will remember this for sure .

[@jbradymd]

Definitely NOT an idiot! Love this channel.

[@ericwilliams2574]

My dad and I had that exact Head Gasket conversation when we were rebuilding my Jeep XJ's 4.0 I-6 and my Crown Victoria's new 4.6 DOHC out of a destroyed Marauder ( still under construction ). For the Jeep, I was looking for practical power for towing a small fishing boat and driving on dirt roads to go fishing. I did re-bore the 4.0 to 4.7Liters, and a camshaft and valvetrain to produce 288hp @ 344 lb-ft of torque at 3,800rpm. And actually get 21 mpg highway! Quite a cherry. My Crown Vic remains to be seen. I am still driving it on the SOHC stock Modular, but, we pulled a 4.6 DOHC out of a totalled 2004 Mercury Marauder and is still a work on progress... Slow progress. Every gasket we look at is under scrutiny. On his own project, a 1978 Oldsmobile Delta 88's 350 V8; he is just wanting better than the stock 150hp... No big deal on a 60s-80s Small-Block GMs. He wants a respectably powered cruiser.

[@wilko89]

Lobe to see you get her done videos then watch another where you actually do it right haha love the channel learnt so much and love to see you working with your family to get her dun!

[@hgbarnes1584]

I learned something... I learned something!!! Thanks Derrek.

[@thomastaylor298]

Derick, this has to go down as one of your best ever. Very informative with humor mixed in to keep everyone attention. Some of this I knew but never seen it explained so well. Thanks for showing you knowledge and experience. Hope this gets 1 million views for you.

[@drtb69]

Great video as always thanks for the knowledge and demonstrations and being a happy go lucky person. I wish more people were like you with that great attitude 🙂👍

[@danielcoopersr6257]

Thanks for the valve lash tip. love the channel. Ol Independence gonna be a beast.

[@theaustinite5320]

Derek, You just seated me up in the timing machine and went back to 1989, it’s my Engine ( internal combustion engine) design class at UOT( university of a technology) at Baghdad ( I’ll be dipped).

[@richardchapman7860]

Derek, great videos! A couple of things to remember... when doing pushrod length measurement, make sure the cam is positioned so the lifter is on the back of the lobe. If you dont check then you might be doing the measurement with the cam giving partial lift and that will result in too short a pushrod. Also in your part 1 video, when you put in your crankshaft, check it spins easily after you torque down each main bearing. Very easy to have a bit of junk in the journal that will cause it to bind and score your bearing. Do same for the big ends but it's a bit harder to gauge due to drag from the piston rings in the bore.

[@stevenmenary2862]

One of my neighbors is an old time funny car mechanic and he still goes to mechanic school even today.

[@jedgarhughes3541]

Dude awesome video! I have never seen pushrod length figured out like that. It’s great

[@michaeldirkx8344]

Thanks for the education. Just like when i was in highschool. And have mechanic and engine lessons. I still cant follow it but I love to see it..👌

[@kevsumner2064]

I am gobsmacked. Absolutly brilliant.

[@phinsup6410]

I really love this build. It is going to help me a lot I think. Im building my first engine. 383 stroker for the mullet machine.

[@kenswitzer4133]

Don’t have to use lighter spring to determine pushrod length.saves tim by not changing springs. Thanks Derek. I am at this point in my build.

[@RGS243]

A guy can wholeheartedly say this is the best car channel on the KZbins

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

Buckin Billy Ray sent me. Nice wardrobe you sent him! PEACE, LOVE AND POWERSAWS👍✌👍

[@franco8049]

Good job. Look forward to the final results👍👍👍👍🇨🇦

[@michaelcarmack4731]

George straight stuck in a guy’s head

[@earlhollar1906]

I had the sturdiness of the engine stand stuck in my head.

[@michaeldufresne9280]

Awesome video Derek as always very very informational thank you. Best channel on the web.

[@INKEDCREATIONS]

I got a drinking game, take a drink every time you pick up and set down the head gasket. Lol I love the channel and the revivals. Keep up the great work

[@SS454LS6]

A+ on getting your valvetrain geometry correct