Cams, Cranks, and Pistons: Putting together the short block on our 283 Chevrolet

Our 1966 Chevy 283 Small-Block is inching closer and closer to running again. This week things are actually going back into the block. It's always an exciting moment for Davin and the team when we start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. So, stay tuned because the payoff for this one in fast approaching.
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[@josephreisinger33]

And I remember having this conversation with a friend that said " why are you going over the motor? And I said, if you mic and plastic gage everything to spec and lube everything, you know the motor will last and perform as it should and in most cases better than when it came off the production line. I don't like walking home. I would rather drive it home seeing that I'm the one who put the motor together.

[@JCWren]

I had that exact problem with the first 318 I built. Well known machine shop in the area, they've built over 1000 racing engines, do lots of stock rebuilds, machining, etc. Took the block in to get it decked, bored 0.30 over, cam bearings, line bored, etc. Got home, started assembling it, checked the crank clearances with a plastigauge, had way too much vertical clearance, and too little horizontally (like the crank would not turn). Took it back, turns out the machinist had an "experienced" new hire set up the line bore and the kid didn't zero the machine correctly, so it was off. Because of that and a couple other issues from other customers, the kid got fired. Machinist reset the block, went over the whole thing, got it straightened it out. Wasted some time and some gas, but at least didn't cost me any money. And the shop was up front that they screwed up.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

I'm gonna get beat up for saying this, but shame on the machinist for not dog walking that new experienced employee. I'll give 'em props for taking care of the problem but they ought to have paid for your time & gas too 🙂 Yes, I'm a harda**, I know.

[@edwardmohr5798]

Of all the you tube channels, your's is the most thorough without the drama.

[@raynyhus2026]

Very good point, never just assume that since the numbers add up means everything's good. It happens to the best of them.

[@brucebello2049]

Hi Davin, loved the video and your approach to building the engine, couldn’t agree with you more, do it right or don’t do it at all, brilliant job, well done, take care

[@retiredafce3373]

To me it’s eye candy, a work of art and I would build it the same way!

[@lbh002]

Most defiantly! BTW, Ret AF Comm. 👍

[@retiredafce3373]

@@lbh002 nice to meet you brother!

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

It looks so sweet at the end when he spins it over, pistons and all... This engine 'should' last a very, very long time.

[@jamieweirdworld]

My buddy's 64 Corvette was restored before he acquired it, and it's a beautiful car. Seriously amazing. Whoever built the 327 in it did nothing about balancing the rotating assembly, and it's about the shakiest SBC I've ever seen. He's fine with it, but if it were mine, that engine would come right outta there for some refreshing.

[@glenhardy4770]

All I can say it WOW. Your work ALWAYS amazes me! Beautiful!

[@reaper20015]

I like the idea of using rags to drop the crank in. Saves those "oh damn, my finger moments".

[@harrisroyer3030]

I love the thumbnail with the two pistons Crossing each other

[@Cartier_specialist]

Truer words were never spoken than what you said about "just because it should be doesn't mean it is".

[@cdstoc]

I love the fact that you tell us about the snags, too.

[@davidblalock9945]

“Why would you spend all this time and effort for a bone stock build” Its called building a bullet proof engine that, with proper care and regular maintenance, will last for another 300k miles.

[@HollyBoni]

Also while it's time and effort, it's pretty fun too.

[@tomdamon7208]

that is why you do al the machine work AND check everything . Great tips and great vid !

[@sonyhk3824]

It is useful. Cheers guys 👍

[@thelexkex]

"just because it should be, doesn't mean it is"

[@lloydg4942]

Someone once told me "It's better to verify than assume" . Indeed it will save time in the long run.

[@bovh8764]

another awesome and informative video! Love it!!!

[@gettcouped]

Totally agree with you. Also modernized tolerances on slightly modernized old school engine is a beautiful build! Seeing how you can develop the platform but keep it with stock build in mind!

[@edsmachine93]

Very nice engine. Very clean and sanitary. Machine work looks nice. Take care, EM.

[@Youcallthesebagels_]

Song is “I can still dance” by Tigerblood Jewel

[@r1learner178]

Looks nice, be good to see and hear it run when it is finished.

[@SpatialDragon]

I am down to muting the sound on these videos and using closed captions. Prevents hearing loss because the sound mixer is deaf. I am surprised the video guy is not blind.

[@ellieprice363]

I agree. Love the video and Devins explanations but can’t stand the hammering sound and turn it down as fast as I can. Why not some soothing music instead of blasting out my fillings.

[@davidlong1786]

What is your audio set up? Do you have the bass turned up too high? I use a Kenwood receiver with Infinity bookshelf speakers and the balance is fine for me. Check your settings in Windows also and try adjusting those. The mix on this is nowhere as awful as some other youtubers that think they need a train blast of music and almost muted voice.

[@ellieprice363]

@@davidlong1786 Thanks for your concern. Bluetooth to my hearing aids which I admit is not the best.

[@busterulmer7092]

Like Ellie Price, I wear hearings but elect not to use them on videos. My issue is that speech is not clear, CC is the way for me.

[@MarkMeadows90]

5:52 The old Donut Media's B2B song!

[@Youcallthesebagels_]

Dude that song had been stuck in my head for years and I couldn’t figure out where it’s from lol

[@mikescott1307]

Nice clean professional job!

[@jb4359]

Amazing work. As always 🤩

[@lazyhoundracing9621]

Thank you for the "real life" video. Stuff happens. Thank you for your time.

[@GNaron]

That is one pretty little motor!!! It should run really nice.

[@janjandraper9378]

watching from the Philippines... well done.. 🇵🇭🇵🇭👏👏👏

[@mikewasfaret9563]

283 chevy and 289 ford's are couple of my favorite engines.

[@blazingleicas7000]

Just noted that you replaced the block drain plugs with petcocks; good move.

[@claycoates5056]

the BIGGEST problem with today's mechanic's do not want to take the time to do the work that needs to be done and that some times that means taking things apart to do needed rework every one thinks he know better and that he is the BEST

[@scottdoubleyou563]

I think he just used it as a handle to install the cam. He'll likely use a steel one for final assembly.

[@bj2294]

Why use a nylon cam gear? I know they are quiter but they also wear out faster and can strip teeth. That happened to my 1968 GTO.

[@oikkuoek]

Handling purposes only. it got thrown back into the bin after the camshaft was safely put into place. Nylon gears are easier to the hands.

[@mikekenyon3322]

Davin was using it as a handle, as mentioned in the beginning.

[@Hagerty]

As pointed out by Oikku Oak and Mike K, it's on there just for handling. New timing set will be installed when we get to that step.

[@jimrutt9729]

When installing the oil pump, my automotive college teacher drilled through the bolt and took airplane wire and tied it off so the bolt would not drop into the oil pan.

[@realdeathpony]

Yeah. Never seen a sbc or bbc drop that bolt. Ever

[@rushwal]

Schrodinger's crank shaft. Just because it should be, doesn't mean it is, until you check it.

[@wingman5985]

The reason to put so much detail into this stock engine is precisely because it is stock. You do not intend to destroy the engine by racing it. Besides, Grandpa always said "if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right".

[@oikkuoek]

" To minimize the leakage" :D :D :D Every faulty design needs a solution.

[@brarautorepairs]

Built my own Chrysler motor at home on the Garage floor. Did I check every single measurement twice? No. Was I anal about using assembly lube? Nope, used oil I found. After having two engines ruined by "local experts", I decided to slap together my own Frankenstein engine which had more HP, torque and fun. I beat it all day everyday. Moral of the story is, yea sure you can be super careful with every little detail on an engine or just see what happens. I'm no engine builder. I didn't even bother to plastic gauge the bearings. I knew it was loose and it lasted a few rally races before it needed a refresh. Here this guy is spending countless hours and money (thanks to Rock auto for their sponsorship) to work on a stock engine.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Y'all are just too talented. :D

[@logancarter2134]

Concerning the question as to why put so much detailed effort into a stock engine. You only get one chance to do it right the first time!!! My question to the guy that asked that would be, if you are going to spend the money and time to rebuild ANY engine why would you NOT put in the effort to do everything possible to make sure it's as good as it can be???

[@marcryvon]

I would'nt like to have the question guy rebuild my "regular" engine. As if only super engines deserve his attention ! 🤔

[@manicmechanic448]

I had a similar problem with my 350. It had mixed and matched crank journals, and it had to be line bored. I wish I had of balanced it, though.

[@jwrappuhn71]

That was really cool guys.

[@mattgraham1983]

😂🤣6:37 ❤if I could... smooth as silk😉this is how you can achieve big numbers.. aye Davin 😉

[@scotttwombly6528]

Like the old school Torque wrench. Bought a really nice one in the early 80s. Still working great. Click click

[@robertdavidson3090]

If everything is fit and balanced you have that assurance that the engine will run and that you have double checked everything. If something critical is off by a thousandth it will come back and bite you and there now is the expense of fixing something that should not have happened. Plus never trust parts until checked as things are not as they used to be.

[@nazoe83]

*Saya tidak menyangka chanel ini sekarang berkembang pesat subcribernya. Dahulu pertama saya subcribe chanel ini masih 50 ribuan, dan sekarang ? Wow.. Amazing 👌* *Semua ini berkat ilmu otomotif yang selalu dibagikan, semoga bermanfaat.*

[@MuntiionCars]

Nice one.

[@Friedbrain11]

I wouldn't put a motor together unless it was checked and corrected on everything. I don't care if it is a "stock" rebuild or whatever. It must be as close to perfect as I can get it. It will perform better for much longer than the factory build did.

[@OgamiItto70]

"Why are you going to all this trouble on a stock build?!" Here are some possible reasons: 1.) He doesn't want to have to work on it again. 2.) So as to have a great baseline engine for future upgrades. 3.) The pride of a craftsman: "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right."

[@georgef1176]

Beautiful motor. Be nice a beautiful 55 chevy

[@tenthousanddays2103]

If you think critically about offsetting the rear seal including the little tool that comes with the rear seal that keeps the grooves from cutting the back side of the seal and what has to happen as the cap is installed, it doesn't make sense.

[@r1learner178]

I think those little plastic 'tools' are for when you are fitting the seal when the crank is still in the block/engine in car so when you slide it around it doesn't shave the back seal.

[@tenthousanddays2103]

@@r1learner178 Yes, which is exactly what you'd be doing with part of the seal hanging out of the cap and part of the seal hanging out of the block. Shaving the back side.

[@r1learner178]

@@tenthousanddays2103 Not if you have de-burred the block properly. There won't be a sharp edge there.

[@tenthousanddays2103]

@@r1learner178 In that case you would have to offset the seal to cover up the hole you've created by chamfering the parting halves.

[@r1learner178]

@@tenthousanddays2103 I am not talking about a big chamfer, just a deburr, enough so you don't cut your fingers or scratch the crap out of the thrust bearing when you push it in..The seal on a SBC should be offset anyway to minimise the chance for leaks. The seal is usually crushed in their pretty good so it seals. Well mine is fine and I deburred the block, the chamfer where the cap registers in the block needs sealant but.

[@jasilva78js]

I would love for you to rebuild my 65 283 just like that one

[@nathrak]

We need a dyno update on that 4.6 build!

[@thiagoemorge]

Gosto de ver a montagem dos motores,ótimo trabalho!

[@Jo-gb9iu]

Классная мастерская, ничего не скажешь!!!

[@RolandWalper]

YES, 100%

[@scotthultin7769]

My son is running one of you engine 👍

[@curtisvonepp4335]

MELLOW OUT THAT TRASH MUSIC 🎶 SWEET AND RELAXING . OK.

[@piffiiiiiiit]

A 300hp built should get as much care and attention as a 1000hp build 👍

[@stevemadak6255]

There's a question ; how many times can you align bore the mains on 1 SBC block ? Now that you have moved the crank where is your deck height? Stock SBC is 9.020. Rebuild pistons(overbore) set the deck height at 9.000( to allow for decking of the block). As meticulous as you are being I'm sure you will check where the pistons are in the hole once assembled. As for being thorough I will tell you this. I've built many different things. That %1-%2 you spend perfecting each component adds up to %5 at the end product. FWIW, IIRC, In my experience. :P

[@josephwallace6821]

my answer to that question is if you want it done right then do it right

[@blown572hemi]

I've asked why on a couple of issues with this build because it's not gonna be a 2hp per cubic inch build but nylon cam gear? Why? After repeated heat cycles and wear, they fail every time

[@paulcooper7178]

I believe Davin said he was just using the nylon gear as a handle to help with installation. I could be wrong of course.

[@dailyadventures6448]

@@paulcooper7178 You are correct. You probably watched the whole video too, not just the end where the engine is partially assembled.

[@jamesdiehl8690]

Better to check everything twice before you get it together in the vehicle. Then, you have to take it back out and figure out what's wrong! 😀😃🙂🙃

[@jtp682]

love your video! I am hoping to get your opinion on something. I have a chevy 350 that I want to freshen up without machining. I specifically want to replace the main and rod bearings to increase engine longevity. So regarding the rod bearings, can I just replace them, do the clearance checks, and retorque them without having to change the rod bolts/nuts? Its just a stock, average HP late 70' engine that is just a daily driver. Thoughts on this?

[@jacknewton661]

I got the original 283 engine and transmission in my 64 chevelle convertable malbu what would it cost to rebuild that engine with a thumper cam in it 🤔 not trying to race but I love the cam sound

[@woof3598]

wondering about the crank, never seen a 283 with a front bolt,, all mine have been press fit balancers

[@maldo72]

what do you like to see on the bearing clearance main and rods?

[@paulmac9634]

Hey Davin, I don't believe you have given us the cam specs, could you tell us more on this??? Also, what lifters and pushrods are you planning to use?? (Sorry if you already went over this in a previous video). Thanks!

[@joen5332]

If chances are the engine at 1 time was overheated severely causing It to need to be lineboard

[@charlessmith3758]

No Sir, do not offset your rear main seal. Aligning the seal correctly uses "crush" to seal the mid line. You are wrong Hagerty.

[@MaShcode]

One of these days you’ll get it right. 😉

[@Formulabruce]

Align Bore... moving the crank UP in the block, but NOT the front and rear crank SEALS.... have seen these LEAK before... just saying.

[@kyleforeman4543]

Ck,cj,ck,an double ck..get it done

[@waynebouskill5796]

Hi mate, love your work, quick question, what is the brand or name of the pink assembly lube you use? Kind regards Wayne

[@linemotors8385]

👌Buenísimo!!!

[@ni_wink84]

Why do all this? “Because if the thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing right” -Hunter S.Thompson

[@soldasproencio2674]

Excelente trabalho amigo...abraço do 🇧🇷

[@chuckhursch5374]

Trust but verify

[@realdeathpony]

Cams? As in more than 1??

[@geoffegan9424]

I'd like to ask what has happen to the old stock car & why have you not been working on it ?

[@lonely-lo1153]

How come the main caps are torqued in order from one side to the next while heads are from the center out?

[@r1learner178]

Because you are not trying to squash a gasket evenly to get it to seal.

[@lonely-lo1153]

@@r1learner178 but dont main caps distort the block?

[@r1learner178]

@@lonely-lo1153 More than likely, but it all depends on what sort of motor you are building as to whether you would be concerned about it, stock rebuild - not a concern, NASCAR motor - probably torque caps down before boring just to be sure, along with torque plate honing etc. Machine shops will do whatever you want - it just costs you more. Torque plate honing is one thing worth paying for but.

[@robvine4413]

what doo you use for assembly lube that brushes on

[@jagvette1]

When I rebuilt engines I used Lucas assembly Lube, what is the red stuff you use ?

[@realdeathpony]

Redline engine lube

[@jcricket-vr5xr]

hey just a question the guy building the engine is he hagerty I'm new to the channel thanks

[@antoine0195]

Do you think you reduce fuel consumption with regards to the really stock build?

[@marcryvon]

I'd say that depends. If Bob had a nice week-end on his monday morning shift build. 🙄

[@skylinefever]

The build does have some tech that didn't exist back then, and might get better MPG. That roller cam will reduce friction VS the flat lifter cam the engine originally had. Also, with the right lobe profile, he might be able to get a little more mileage and gain a littl HP at the same time. He has pistons with anti friction coatings, and that had the potential to reduce friction for more MPG. It is one reason engines made in the 2000s and later got antifriction coated pistons. He didn't show what kind of piston rings he ordered. However, if he ordered something better than stock, he might benefit if they seal better than stock stuff and have less friction.

[@amandawatson5931]

These shorts are too few and too far apart, we’re being block teased here 😏

[@CouncilOfDort]

My question is why would you rebuild a 283 unless you wanted a low power oem motor?

[@r1learner178]

Why not, pretty sure they were the first Chev to have 1hp per cubic inch. They are a short stroke big bore motor that will rev hard all day reliably and sound good doing it. Depends what you are putting it in, a Hot Rod it would be great fun - a big land yacht not so much fun.

[@user-bd6go6pf4f]

Hi! How to choose the diameter of the piston taking into account the thermal gap in the cylinder block so that the cylinders are not stuck in the block?

[@genefogarty5395]

The piston size is matched to the bore size and the rings seal that small amount of tolerance between the two. The rings are gapped with thermal expansion in mind.

[@realdeathpony]

You just make a best guess and hope for the best. You know, power stuff. Its even better to mix and match weights of pistons.

[@whogivesacrap84]

I work for UEM/KB/ICON/Silvo-lite pistons. Most pistons will have a standard clearance built into them, 3.700 to 4.100 bore will typically have .0015 built in to the piston. So if you are going .030 over on a 4.00" bore the piston will measure 4.0285 at the dial point on a hypereutectic piston like these KB's are. Performance applications, boost , nitrous, type of racing will all require more piston to wall clearance. Most manufacturers will include a sheet of recommended clearance guidelines as well as recommended ring gap. Hope this helps!

[@genefogarty5395]

@@realdeathpony Lol!!

[@eadelfin]

7:43 Having to have the block re-honed. What happened?

[@Hagerty]

Davin sort of mis-spoke. It didn't need to be re-honed from a cylinder standpoint. All that was good. It needed a line hone because the crankshaft was too tight once the main bearings were torqued to spec.

[@iHelpSolveIt]

What grease is that?👁️

[@canabox7112]

Why the dry cam lobes?

[@loganamurray64]

They’ll probably pour lube on em from inside the valley

[@r1learner178]

Looks like a roller cam, no need for lube if it is, just oil will do.

[@ianatkinson8464]

😎👍

[@der_pinguin44]

Sorry, I upvoted to 70.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Sadly soon all combustion cars including classics will be banned from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia :-( In Germany the Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing all conventional fuel stations to only one state operated central gas station per city or county. Now they want to slow down all the gas station pumps from 20 litre per minute to 2 litre per minute...From 2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too....as exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox oils...California and New York will do the same from 2027 on.... So no investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer....They even created a new kind of crime here, called emissions and smoke crime.!!!!!!!!

[@wingman5985]

Sorry Davin, I cringe every time I see you apply assembly lube with that Chinese acid brush. There's nothing safer than a clean finger that won't leave any bristles. Just saying.

[@joshuagibson2520]

283? Why?

[@aaronsaegebarth6891]

why not?

[@Hanzyscure]

I got one in 5,000 pound station wagon with a 350 horse corvette cam and overdrive. Gets 24 mpg on the highway.

[@skylinefever]

He is building a numbers matching car, and that is great for collectibility. Having that exact 283 it was built with adds value. It is also why he was extremely care to ensure all identification marks on the block and heads were not damaged.

[@joshuagibson2520]

@@skylinefever aaaah. I see.

[@curtisvonepp4335]

WHERE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD DO YOU FIND THAT TRASH 🗑 MUSIC. ?

[@asimplehorseman4648]

What do ya mean there's nothing else to do "today?" I see Snowball's car sitting there in the background just screaming for some MORE attention. I swear you banana heads are waiting for him to die before you finish it, just sayin.

[@Hanzyscure]

Define banana head.

[@asimplehorseman4648]

@@Hanzyscure I'm 62 years old and do not answer questions like yours.

[@Hanzyscure]

@@asimplehorseman4648 Good for you youngen