GM HOLDEN 304 V8 ENGINE RE-BUILD [EP2]

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Today on The Skid Factory its time to Re-assemble the Holden 304 V8 engine.
Our mate John has measured the bores and confirmed that the engine is in good shape so a bunch of new parts have been ordered and are ready to be installed.
Huge thanks to all of the Aussie Owned companies that have supplied parts for this build!
Check them out here!
www.precisioni...
camtechcams.co...
www.golebyspar...
Cheers to John for his expertise and tools throughout the Re-Build of the engine.
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Please note: We like to make interesting car mods and show you how we've gone about it, but we can't promise that anything we show you will work for your particular car, or that you won't harm yourself, someone else, your car or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and unless you know what you're doing, do not fool around with very serious machinery just because you've seen us make it look so easy.

[@theskidfactory]

Support the show and grab yourself some Merch!! Www.theskidfactory.com

[@chris-Big-cee-jones]

You need to wear the shirts to make people want them so we can be cool like you

[@Smalltownthrifts]

Turbo shirt ordered! Thanks for staying off paid memberships :) although your one of the few I'd sub to if you did ;)

[@wobblysauce]

Shirt with a big pic of Al.

[@jdm_john8240]

Ordered the Turbo T shirt, thanks, you should push the merch more

[@rustymk1668]

Gotta get TK on for a head porting tutorial sometime

[@inspectorgadgetman]

This is why engine builders are worth the money they charge as they have the expertise to make sure your engine is correctly put together so it doesn't become a disaster.

[@Brock_Landers]

Yes sir, when I had my Honda race engine assembled, I didn't just slap it together in my garage, I took it to an engine builder that owns a machine shop and got the rotating assembly assembled at the same time as the machine work was done. It's currently making 612 whp.

[@agga3955]

GT3582R LSVTEC EJ8 Honda race engine??? What the.

[@Ricks408]

So many ppl dont understand the intricacies of having a built performance engine let alone building the things 😂😂 i couldnt believe what it took to build a blueprinted balanced stroker cleveland years ago. The time and work involved reminds me to take the upmost care in maintaining it

[@Brock_Landers]

@@agga3955 How many Honda 4 cylinders have you seen that are capable of 800 wheel horsepower? So yes, it's for my drag racing car, so it's a race engine.

[@orangejuicepony6881]

That and labor is expensive, that is a SLOW job.

[@lamboferruccio]

I work on cars all day, I come home and look at this for relaxation, it’s a sickness I swear 😂

[@auscam]

"This is how the pros do it 😎" "... Oh wait it's backwards"

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Everyone needs a John in their toolbox.

[@hk5809]

“Isn’t it acme” clearly John knows his engines and cartoons 👌🏻

[@shortredman1]

Isnt ajax a cleaning product :P

[@user-Clint315]

@@shortredman1 Ajax is/was fastener (nuts and bolts etc.) company.

[@shortredman1]

Cool, here is Aus its also a cleaning product :)

[@jimbotheassclown]

In America also AJAX makes powder hand soap and dishwashing soap and im sure other crap . Their a Colgatepalmolive company .

[@jaybloggs8699]

Ajax (Disney), a fictional company (the Disney equivalent of Looney Tunes' Acme Corporation

[@MartinObviously]

Heads next, basically the mane for the iron lion

[@El_Chompo]

And then the exhaust which represents the lion's roar.

[@markm0000]

@@El_Chompo No it represents the lion's anus where flatulence is amplified for the entire kingdom to stand and admire.

[@El_Chompo]

@@markm0000 EXACTLY. I'm glad someone else understands. It's not that complicated people.

[@fullnoyz7670]

sirgallium defillpo 4into1 extractors twin 3 inch stainless pipe into hooker mufflers! 304 porn

[@johngriffin9547]

"Who'd have thought that little strip of plastic wouldn't be as good as thousands of dollars worth of measuring equipment and a trained operator" My favourite quote now. :D :D :D

[@802Garage]

For anyone interested, PapadakisRacing did an awesome video checking the accuracy of Plastigage. Proved that it can do a pretty good job. Not that it is able to do everything the fancy gauges can.

[@carlcomputer9686]

@@802Garage really makes sense if you think about it. Not much to go wrong with a bit of plastic

[@jamesearlcash7725]

Ian williams Sounds more like human error

[@wobblysauce]

Yep, you are meant to remove it, but some leave it in the engine... though that plastic cap is a different issue.

[@procrastinator1842]

@@ianwilliams487 Plastigauge ain't plastic. It's clay.

[@MrJarmore]

I love how down to earth Al is. Even with all his years of knowledge and experience, he can still admit to not knowing things. And truly listen to another professional in the field. Very refreshing

[@Rich77UK]

Damn I love Australia. V8s, JDM, awesome weather, scenery and people. I miss it terribly.

[@stevedavis4626]

Watching with headphones and damn John’s a bit of a heavy breather. I thought the latest Nugget Garage episode was an ASMR experience 👃👂😂🤣

[@muntee33]

Steve Davis All thats goin on here and thats what you dial in on... thanks for sharing

[@1984stevemoore]

@@muntee33 no disrespect to the boys haha but it's all I can hear. I love this show, it's merely an observation. Not gonna become one of those lowly scum complaining about free content :D

[@evansisgreat]

I'm thinking we might want to get John doing some exercise so he lasts a few extra years. Too few guys like this around!

[@donk115]

I think Al and I just had a moment. We were staring at each other at the end there, and both smiled at the same time. There was a real connection there I swear

[@amounifnd]

The 'Iron Lion'....gotta be one of the best Engine builds on KZbin. Even better they're from Oz.

[@fastmonaro05]

Great engine, won so many Bathurst 1000 over the years. Great heads that Torque Power have now taken to a new level. And that sound. The firing order make them sound so sweet. Love these motors. And the torque made from 355 cranks makes them a great street weapon. Well done to re building on a Aussie icon.

[@cameronjansz88]

Omg i thought the video ended i was so happy when u opened the garage up again and kept going

[@michaelmatthews8171]

A big thanks to john hes a legend for sharing his skills....

[@CruiserBrah]

Trick on the rear main I was taught during my apprenticeship by an ex holden mechanic was to soak the rope seal in oil and leave a smidge (the technical term.....) proud to put pressure on the seal for when it wears in. The theory behind this was that having that little bit extra would give it a longer life. Worked for the most, pretty well every rope seal I replaced would last a lot longer beforemit would start to seep. You just had to be careful not to do it too long as id would make far too much drag as Al mentioned.

[@GrimmRetro]

yup i did that to mine 5 years ago and still not leaking :)

[@craigmandall9420]

I worked at holden for 12 years and resealed dozens of these and that's what i did too. We used to push them down into their recess with an extension bar too just to compress it a bit more so it wouldn't burn out from too much friction

[@CruiserBrah]

Craig, yes I forgot about the extension rolling it in the groove with something round, typically a socket extension.

[@CruiserBrah]

Oh, I always cut it after rolling it in.

[@timjohnun4297]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't some of the earlier (Red) 308's have a neoprene seal? I'm sure they did. Like, they started with rope, then switched to neoprene, and then back to rope for the late ones? Or am I confusing the 8's with the 6's?

[@page1of1]

Thanks again Al, was awesome too meet you on the weekend. Greatly appreciate the time you guys put into the show.

[@DiscoStu12081983]

Has to be my favourite episode you’ve done yet. Love watching people who are great at doing what they do, learn from someone that’s great at something else. Watching Al take in info off John is amazing, never too old to learn 👌

[@myjizzureye]

Tony from knight engines in Adelaide? He is the man for anything related to that engine.

[@crunchynutcornflakes]

Modesty quote of the year: "I don't know much about building engines" - Turbo Yoda. What a legend.

[@yarpos]

All the measuring and checking is interesting. It would be more interesting if you talked about what you would do in each case if it was out of spec over or under.

[@travellingsoldier5018]

Speaking for myself that was the most informative session yet. I have waited 10+ years to be schooled on how an old Holden V8 should be cam timed for a modified cam during a rebuild, (@29:00) having personally experienced the disappointment of "runs but gutless", if the issues are not clearly understood by the builder. There are many steps that are straightforward but cam timing ain't one of them. Thank-you.

[@thegingerpowerranger]

So good to get this kind of experience on the show. Makes for very interesting show, especially when Al is even learning!

[@heartbreakandmotorjive1867]

Big thanks to John! Love his attention to detail and willingness to share his knowledge with us.

[@AtomSmasher5]

Three clicks are no different than one. Anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand physics. AgentJayZ, the guy that rebuilds industrial jet engines, has beat this one to death.

[@mareksumguy1887]

Sam dynamic friction vs static friction.

[@RangieNZ]

Agentjayz is a cock. I too worked on gas turbines and when you point out stuff he's done wrong he just blocks you..

[@AdhdJimmy]

Loved the xxxx on the table with all the clearance gear 😂

[@jaybloggs8699]

It was filmed on a weekend 🤔😂

[@titaniumw-qy4ys]

I really like the long episode so don't be afraid to do them .

[@Rattus-Norvegicus]

Thumbs up just because Woody shaved that squirrel off his lip...oh and the engine.

[@markferguson4255]

Awesome episode guys. Never seen a 304 get rebuilt, very cool. 👍

[@michaelgleeson1198]

An awesome episode, John has shown the internet the right way to assemble an engine, John thankyou sir you know your craft very well, Woody no more Iron Lion, Aussie 5ltr yeah

[@MikeStubbsRace]

Ive done the Knife Stone method as per the advice of The Skid Factory, I can confirm it works a bloody treat!

[@joey243win]

Love the episode. ..bit different to euro twin cams ive worked on Always learning. ..plus its great bedtime watching for the little guy!

[@theglitch_713]

More 39 minute episodes!

[@johndamaskopoulos5183]

Great video fellas, finally a bit more proper car stuff for engine nerds like myself

[@madmat2001]

FWIW, during the degreeing of the cam, 15-11.5=3.5 not 4.5.

[@sallythescorpion]

madmat2001 yeah dude. I thought the exact same thing😐

[@383uts]

Come racing has a youtube page on how to fit rope seals without causing any leaks, very good video. They show you how to check if the seal is crushed correctly with the crank and cap on with a feeler guage. That's the only down side of Holden blocks, if you dont fit the rear main correctly, you have to pull the motor out to fix it. Another thing to do which is popular here in Western Australia with 308 and 304 engine builders is to convert the rear main rope seal to to a chev neoprene , requires a little machine work to make it happen. In the old days of the early 308, rope seals had asbestos in it, thats why it was virtually leak free and lasted for hundreds of thousand of kms. Neoprene has far less drag on it plus if it leaks, easier to replace.

[@devianb]

Love that part at the end. Angry disappointing stare turns into happy laughter.

[@Mastrosity]

guys punch the squirter hole on the cam retainer bolt shut. It'll help with oil pressure

[@aaronnoyb]

Punch?? What happened to one spot with the MIG?? Definitely worth it for the oil pressure.

[@theskidfactory]

If you have to do this the tolerances on the engine and/or the oil pump is dead.

[@MrRoybob]

That iron lion is gonna be amazing when you put it in the MCM Yaris!

[@cameronjansz88]

Excellent video. Makes me feel stupid for putting together my entire engine without measuring anything though haha

[@blackcountryme]

Sometimes it has to be done... Although when you are at the side of the motorway, stopped, and surrounded by clouds of steam.or smoke... Ah. Well. 😁

[@rayban5737]

Did it run?

[@stevem7889]

Great tech info on this epesode fellas. You guys are killing it.

[@sf2372]

Awesome series, brings back memories of a VK Director rebuild i helped my mate with (RIP) Good old 304 was the shizzle back then.

[@alltheboost5363]

I think this is your guys's best episode to date. The amount of knowledge that you're sharing with the world on engine assembly make it look like anyone can do it.... if you understand some basic engine concepts. Hopefully this will inspire people who have never done this to do it.... it can be done by the diy'er. All you need is a few basic tools.

[@markoradisic7232]

Love these two blokes , they are so informative 👍

[@someyoungguy6990]

Just goes to show no matter how much you know, someone will always have that little bit more knowledge than you. And it's great to see just how humble and down to earth you both are. Building proper engines and not hand grenades !!

[@vilsiran]

First engine builder on you tube I’ve seen use inside micrometers. I also use snap gauges to double check. Well done.

[@Karlos-bh9zk]

I know you Aussies are speaking english, but it's like you're speaking a different language to me. Being a complete novice as far as engines are concerned, this is addictive to watch. Respect to the machinist, for his knowledge and skill. Greetings from a Pommie, loving the content.

[@hiboostchosh]

This would honestly be one of the best episodes so far I loved this so so much, I think we have all grown up around this motor we are all old enough now and we know this motor isn’t a 1000hp daily motor, but most of us have all grown up around this engine, I know my old mans had 2 or 3 few uncles etc, this is great.

[@bmh67wa]

Those connecting rod bolt condoms have been a lifesaver for me a few times.

[@Ecosse57]

you can use bits of fuel line too.

[@felixlugo9109]

Never too old to learn something new

[@Huntsomatic]

Don't let these people bully you out of growing that mo, woody

[@RagedxxKill]

Turbo Yoda you are such a legend man. You're knowledge is unreal, and truly is an inspiration. I've watched all of your videos since the early days of MCM and was always just dumbfounded by how much you know. Thanks for all the videos mate 👌

[@ScottSherrington]

Wow! Your on the trending list, I don't even think the MCM boys last Mira video got there!congrats guys it's a testament to how good you guys have become!

[@Srg.Whoopsie]

Press f to pay respects to woodys dirty moe

[@gowerski]

f. bring back mo

[@Srg.Whoopsie]

@@alexcorona aww man woody mansions would of been an awesone name lmfao

[@Joe_kickass25]

F

[@stevenhall1004]

Get a dial bore gauge for measuring up. So much easier and takes out the "feel"

[@TheStreet111]

Awesome to see such pros and Al enjoying learning, could see it in his face.. Iron Lion t-shirts will sell for sure!

[@Skremn01]

Mark Brennan agreed. Should be a shirt..

[@gregmyatt9932]

Hey Al, the reason for running a high volume pump is to be able to use a lower grade oil. Yes guys do run HV pumps and still use 20w50. You should drop to 10w or 15w and synthetic espeacailly if your running roller cams. I solved many clevo oiling issues doing this with a 25% Higher volume pump and synthetic 15w 40 penrite oil.

[@lavitabella9069]

John with professional equipment 🏁🌐🐨

[@981deadman]

Oh man, i love this guys !!

[@TokyoCraftsman]

This is great to see the attention to detail explained so well. Cheers from Tokyo!

[@jaymckean3274]

Watching y'all gives me greater confidence as to fixing cars. ROCK ON.

[@ryanhaq9363]

love the transition between night and day

[@El_Chompo]

This is one of the most carefully measured and cared for engine assemblies I have seen. Nice work boys I learned some things. For instance, the iron lion is a great name for an engine. King of the Savannah or as you might say down under King of the Bush.

[@82Strahly]

Up the Iron Lion! I'm with you Woody 😂😂👌🏼

[@elliottg5987]

My first time watching a TSF series, nice change from MCM, slower and more detailed. It's good to call it the iron lion, btw, I hope you get that right in the end.

[@BlownCommodores]

There is a neo seal conversion that can be done on these engines, surprised TK didn't mention it.

[@simonmoat7311]

Yeah I thought there was, isn't it the Buick V6 rear main seal that fits?

[@BlownCommodores]

@@simonmoat7311 yep. It needs a little trimming but it does fit. I believe there are a couple of engine shops that can supply the seals pre-trimmed to suit.

[@TheDrgrim]

thank u guys an all u sponsors doing a pro video bloody awsum

[@damienwalker1026]

Watching you dial in the cam was excellent. Not sure I could do it myself but you made it easy to follow without to much fuss. Yeah... good stuff.

[@bikingnutcase0]

This would be really dull, were it not for the fact I’ve built engines and had to do this myself! Really enjoyed watching you guys delving into the nitty-gritty. Doing this bit properly is what makes an engine last, and it’s great you’re showing novices what’s really involved.

[@Ecosse57]

love the all aussie build. other designs come along but nothing warms the heart like a v8. looking forward to seeing what this goes into.

[@bansheemopar]

That is a proper method and good explanation of how to measure bearings and clearances. I prefer a dial indicator to measure clearance and roundness, but both work equally good.

[@connorbesson488]

Can you guys do a tech series on crank bearings how to size etc

[@mongreluc1588]

You can buy a two piece rubber lip seal to replace the rope rear main

[@Ken-fisho]

Thats what my engine builder used when i worked my 308 back in 93, 440 rwhp then some scum stole my car never to be found

[@colinstu]

funny, was watching Eric the car guy doing pretty much the same work just a couple days ago. Deja vu! Interesting slight differences in how it's done.

[@MegaAndroyd]

I see the caterpillar got away. Thank goodness. :)

[@dayspoiler4608]

old mate was an awesome addition.

[@stephenwilliamson4556]

Loved this, it's almost like therapy watching you guys at work. I get so absorbed in what you're doing, it's very easy to forget the outside world. I've got a few stickers as well as a "Use ya brain" t shirt, just because I thought it was funny.

[@keithsutton100]

Awesome vid guys! Lots of tips and insights on how it should be done

[@shooter77us]

This is how we did it back in the day. Holy shit I feel old.

[@bigpapadan205]

Awesome vid boys, really informative and interesting. Good to see Al getting stoked too. Keep it up.

[@poydapoyderson646]

You blokes come across extremely honest, you tell us what you dont know as well. That’s how you get customers in this dodgy FOS field. Well done boys. Tempted to drive up from Victoria to get my work done.

[@ceegee3664]

Never seen this level of detail in assembly, will learn somfink when I watch again, do the same wif annada mota and I'll buy a turbo t shirt, promise.

[@Maddd64]

Iron Lion it is, Al are you talking about TK383 from the Holden v8 Forums, that man knows his Thongslappers!

[@blakehoskins9293]

Good to meet you boys out at Power on Petrie last weekend. Keep up the awesome work.

[@dant565]

Love a big episode.👌

[@Pablo668]

Pretty thorough rebuild going on there. Even mad keen Holden fans know their cars come with leaking main seals as standard equipment. The JB Camira you guys are gonna put this in is going to be stonkin.

[@dibley1973]

@22:15 if only Marty and Moog were there we'd have some great innuendo about the shaft and bore!

[@propylene22]

Great video guys, Al looked like he was having a great time. Good to see. 🤓

[@djwozzawoz]

I'm from Wales, UK and into motorbikes and I love this channel. just sayin'. Top Work, Fella's..

[@billgates3452]

Great video guys, brings me back to when I built my 355 stroker engine a few years ago. I’m sure you guys will be more confident on first start then I was. Lol👍

[@bradleykempton1757]

Wicked video guys it's nice to watch it done with proper tools. Although we know you can do it without.

[@shaukahodan2373]

"Forced induction"? Nice try! As if Turbo Yoda would put a supercharger on this V8...

[@STAG162]

22:44 the bolt with "AJAX" on it, and Wile E. Coyote... cool story bro

[@StreetDreamzTT]

Wow, I gotta watch this episode like 5 times. This is way above my curve lol.

[@richbrown5852]

So iron lion made me think of the posthumous Bob Marley track, and Joe Gibbs made me think of a huge amount of 70's reggae. Nothing to do with engines (but hugely discouraging with my desire to fettle my daily driver past double stock hp) whilst educational and informative, not least entertaining. Thank you guys!!!

[@stephenmarton7631]

WHAT?!?!? BO ONE IS BUYING THE TURBO SHIRTS???? I SHALL BUY THREE RIGHT NOW!

[@paulc4519]

Good stuff. Loving the aussie 5.0 and the details you guys go into

[@mortenbakke2810]

Usually I can't relate to much, seeing that I haven't built any cars in my life, only done brakes and suspension and so on, but this engine build has a lot of similarities with my job as an engine builder and for a change I know exactly what is going on:D

[@marykebotha3296]

nice work boy's, big fan here from South Africa keep up the good work and videos

[@Sonicdude10]

I had never known of the Holden version of the SBC. Interesting design changes they made. I especially love the side of block mounted oil pump. Makes me wonder if anyone would make a hybrid block that shares this front end with the LT1 version reverse water flow and snout distributor so no need for oil pump or distributor in back of engine. EDIT: By SBC I mean the traditional design small block GM engine. I live USA and worked on plenty of them growing up in a GM lover family. LOL