Engine Building Part 2 - Gapping Rings, Installing Pistons in a 350 Chevy

[@pk-fb2yr]

This is why I watch a variety of people, everyone teaches a little something that someone else don't. Thank you sir.

[@PetesGarage]

I appreciate that!

[@shaunmorrison1438]

I have a 91 chev 4.3 what roller lifters can I use were do I get over size valve covers for this application

[@Someguyto]

@@PetesGarage Are 4 cylinders pretty much the same thing such as the honda civics?

[@jumpspace7414]

Adept Ape is another great channel

[@sixtyfourdroptop1207]

Very thorough! Best video I’ve seen

[@coreykennedy2077]

That was an amazing video. I love how you show the entire process: not skipping over valuable parts. I remember the first time I was putting a piston in and I hammered it as hard as you would to hammer a wheel stud out of a huge diesel truck, and afterwards, the piston was in, but the crank was totaled: $900. Dad was so pissed off

[@PetesGarage]

ooooooo, that was an expensive lesson.

[@charlesmartin7347]

@@PetesGarage Hello Pete ,Charles I bought a sbc engine from Summit it's a 4 bolt main , two piece rear main seal . The problem I have is in front wear the timing chain goes the block has two holes that goes to the lifter's is that normal .

[@alanw5812]

it's wasn't your fault, you are the learner, problem always the teacher.

[@buyamerican3191]

Great video Pete, it's so nice to watch someone that actually knows what he's doing instead of the ones that "think" they know.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Craig, it's good to get a variety of opinions

[@chrisproctor3779]

Thank you so much for these step-by-step videos, Pete! I am not a mechanic, but I have a 350 that I want to build and put in my 55 Chevy pickup. These videos will help me sooooo much!

[@PetesGarage]

You can do it!

[@pospc2]

Going back and watching these videos again after about a year. Edit:I guess i watched them again about 3 months ago. Must be addictive.

[@PetesGarage]

There's always something to learn

[@shaneluthy3041]

Wow! How have I only just discovered this gold mine? Only took this video for me to get addicted. Top quality. 10/10 already recommended to a friend. Everything you'd need to know, and then some more on top.

[@PetesGarage]

That is awesome! Thanks Shane

[@edburton5137]

Thank you!! I bought a 390 to replace the 289 in my wife's cougar to take it back to factory specs. Trusted the seller and did a compression test last night... 3 cylinders low pressure. Want to keep the block as it matches the car but don't want to spend 10-15k on rebuild. Going to bring it in the basement for a winter project going to watch a lot of videos and this one was excellent. Can't believe you put your phone number on at the end that is amazing

[@PetesGarage]

Good luck with the project, I'm happy to help

[@donogoobo9992]

Also: ring gap is dependent on your usage. The one mentioned in this build seems to be a common NA engine type. A Nitrous or boosted engine with 18 Lb boost will call for .007" per inch of bore diameter. When grinding rings, only grind one side of the ring. That way you can easily keep the ends parallel and the gap even. (As an experiment: Grind two ends at the same time and compare by squeezing the ring together. The outside corner touches and the inner corner has a gap.) Lastly: When preparing your block: Very gently debur and round off the top edge of all cylinders. That way it is less likely to catch and break a ring during piston install. Good video!

[@PetesGarage]

Great comment, thank you

[@Supanova70]

Yea my silverlite piston called for .026 street strip.Rings came out of motor as .033

[@jasonkeith674]

Thank you sir 🙏 I’ve torn down the 5.7 HEMI to the block, for my grand Cherokee. These little videos are educating me on what I must do for the rebuild. I appreciate the vids. Keep ‘em coming.

[@PetesGarage]

Right on

[@LithiumSolar]

Fantastic video and explanation, thank you!

[@PetesGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peteragersea377]

Throwing 30 over pistons and rings bearings with a home job in a 400 sbc today. Haven't done it in 20 years . Good reminder video.

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it helped

[@peteragersea377]

@@PetesGarage yes it did bottom end all together. Was weird used the same pistons as you

[@andrewalberico6177]

great video i feel like you showed everything, a lot of people on youtube just skim through things and skip steps but you showed everything you have the best video about this stuff out there thank you.

[@PetesGarage]

That's very nice to say, thank you Andrew

[@mean1flyer]

2 year old video but awesome to be here. very nicely done and good instructions and well explained. Thanks Pete's garage

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend

[@keithsfastcars1133]

Attention to details is a must. Glad you are teaching that. Great job!

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you Keith

[@KhanJan-vr1qw]

Keith Mann hgovkvk

[@beetalius]

great video man, thanks! you include a lot of details on the minor things that other videos don't cover.

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@metrork1]

The chamfer on the connecting rod faces the front of the engine, timing cover side

[@dakotatucker7653]

Thanks Pete. I have a 383 stroker engine that I had fully built in 2008. After putting it in my 1966 Chevelle, I moved away for college. I only drove the car a few times (less than 500 miles), but when I did drive it, I drove it hard. I was young and reckless. I am now 30 and got the car out of my moms garage in Illinois and into my garage in PA. After doing some assessment, I found 4 broken pistons caused by what I would assume to be detonation. Like I said, I drove the car hard and not very often. These videos of yours are going to help me tremendously when it comes to fixing my engine. I know it would be best to have a pro do this, but TBH, no man should ever let another man touch his car without him present haha. And how the hell am I going to evolve as a Car Guy if my "work" is just opening of the bill fold? Thank you for being a resource for myself and so many others!

[@PetesGarage]

Right on my friend....you gotta build it yourself

[@pospc2]

Rewatching your videos again...it's giving me the engine building bug. I haven't built an engine in almost a year. I think I'm due lol. Btw you were right when i asked about using STP as assembly lube. Used it on the last engine and no problems at all.

[@PetesGarage]

That's awesome! It's time for me too. I think people overthink assembly lubes.

[@charlesmartin7347]

Good question I always wondered that I saw a gentleman building a 1600 Vw bug engine and that's all he swears by half oil without detergent and STP say he's been doing it for x amount of year's zero problems.

[@Meantime5]

Thanks Pete, your videos help a lot of people like myself, so I don't drop the ball while rebuilding a 305. A 350 is already in the pipeline.

[@PetesGarage]

Great to hear!

[@robjones6488]

Love how you show the whole process keep up the great work..👍

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Rob, I appreciate your comment.

[@beetalius]

yeah, it's the little things that other people miss. i'm learning but i feel like i'd have better chance of not totally screwing up after watching this series

[@citoloft1969]

I am building believe it or not the same set up. This video is perfect for my project. Thank you so much appreciate it.💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@PetesGarage]

Enjoy it

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Pete excellent video on the build process in real time. Nice to see how it’s really done. Thanks for sharing stay well Artie 👍🇺🇸

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@bash6566]

God bless you pete.Very categorically done, kudos and thank you.Also you may just need to oil your piston insertion tool. Thank you for this whole engine rebuild vid.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend 👍

[@richarddoire2872]

Appreciate you showing the real time and the step by step,great video

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Richard

[@DiLLY_V92]

I’m rebuilding a Honda 4 cyl vtec and this was still very helpful. Nice video 👍🏼

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@petar443]

Awesome videos Pete. And you've replayed nearly every question asked in the comments. Too bad you don't film such builds anymore.

[@PetesGarage]

I try my best. I would, but how many times can I film building a 350...lol

[@allan7934]

Great video. Really enjoy the context, and almost feel the confidence rising to build my own engine. Only thing missing...check book to match. Till then, your videos will keep the dream alive.

[@PetesGarage]

You can do it

[@badgerrun8771]

New subscriber, love your videos. There are very few people that go into good detail on the little things like you do and its appreciated. Starting two engines tomorrow and this series helps greatly. Keep turning wrenches man.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks and have fun!

[@jmcenterprises9591]

Thanks Pete, looking forward to more!

[@mikemc7704]

Hi pete, I have been a subscriber for a long time. The videos that i enjoy watching are your engine Building videos especially the small block chevy rebuilds.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Michael

[@sidickkante5938]

Forde Engine

[@chineduokabechinedu9126]

Good job thank you so much Pete, your video is really educative. Am looking forward to seeing more videos on different cars engines installation

[@PetesGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@edwatts9890]

I always dunk the piston(s) into a can of oil immediately before installation into the cylinder(s). After tightening the rod bolts/nuts, I wipe the top(s) of the piston(s) off in order to avoid having a lot of oil in the combustion chamber(s). In this way, there is plenty of lubrication available upon startup and very little piston/bore wear.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for the comment Ed. Good stuff!

[@edwatts9890]

@@PetesGarage: Thank you. I am a mechanical engineer who owns a repair shop, and I have been a gearhead rebuilding engines from lawnmowers to heavy construction equipment since I was in high school fifty years ago. I also worked in the defense/aerospace business for quite some time, but cars, trucks, and racing were never far away. Keep up the good work.

[@simonaustin8332]

That was really helpful, I’m doing a z1000 , it’s daunting for me but that’s so helpful, thank you. And you’re a nice geeza. From Simon in the UK

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you Simon, good luck with that Z

[@thedobermangang3503]

SMART MECHANIC...........GOOD VIDEO .THIS GUY WOULD BE A EXCELLENT INSTRUCTOR

[@PetesGarage]

Wow, thanks

[@kite7214]

That was a great tutorial. Thanks a lot. Keith in UK.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@shairafzalkhan3106]

thanks you solved my confusion how to measure it. I watched 19 videos no one explained that easily like you did

[@PetesGarage]

I'm happy to help

[@shairafzalkhan3106]

@@PetesGarage thanks

[@dartaniantau]

Great video, good info and interesting to watch. Thanks for a lot of the good tips, my only 2 cents are, yes "clicking" the torque wrench multiple times may move it out of accuracy faster, however if fasteners still move when you click it the second or third time then it is indeed torquing it even finer and closer to the mark. A lot of the machinery manuals I use at work specifically tell you to do this. First click is within manufacturers tolerance for the torque wrench (assuming it's been calibrated), sometimes that is pretty damn close to the money and it wont move after that on the same setting, other times it's 3-6 percent off on the initial click and will need additional clicks if you want the actual torque closer to what the wrench is set and calibrated to. Keep up the awesome videos though

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for the comment

[@jamesthornton5498]

Very Informative and well done. Thanks so much for video and help!

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kosworkshop]

If the opportunity presents itself, I would love to see a video on setting timing as well as how to break-in a sbc. I only ask because of the educational quality of your videos.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for the idea!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

outstanding video and appreciate how you show every step. i like the detail. show it like it really is. Thank You 👍

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you Arthur!

[@mikeholler3497]

Thanks Pete, very thorough and helpful.

[@PetesGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@funtime-gq8ju]

Thanks for doing this vid best in explaining how to rebuild your engine

[@PetesGarage]

No problem 👍

[@johnbehneman1546]

GREAT VIDEO & EDUCATION!!!! I LEARNED SO MUCH!!!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks John

[@rbarr1200]

True teaching ability. Thank you

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@capecrusader6932]

I really appreciate the time you put into the engine build videos. I have restored many complete cars but never built a motor, or transmission. It is time my 61 rambler restomod gets a new heart beat. I was wondering if you have a video demonstrating how to file the rings if you do need to increase the gap and the tool you like to use to accomplish the task. Thank you again.

[@PetesGarage]

I do have a video about rings. It's on the last 440 build I did.

[@jaketm369]

your channel has inspired me to build an engine. Looking for blocks

[@PetesGarage]

Awesome! You can do it

[@turtlefights4194]

Best car videos Hands down

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you very much my friend

[@taylormkct]

Thanks Pete for a really good descriptive video 😁😁

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@sametcanszhobipesinde8007]

Your videos are very good.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@neb-co2cs]

Another great video man. Keep it up!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks again Benjamin

[@goldruch]

very nice video and for the details. thank you for the help.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for watching

[@CarlosLopez-tt5py]

Wow your are the best I'm learning some good stuff, for my rebuild of my magnum 3.9 gracias amigo

[@PetesGarage]

That is awesome! Thank you my friend

[@ryanwinkelman1781]

I had a 3.9 magnum in an old Dakota. The damn thing was nearly indestructible. But if you have a Dodge truck I think I'd skip the 3.9 rebuild and just do a 318 (5.2) or 360 (5.9) swap. All three are nearly indestructible but the 318 is my favorite. With the right top end those things will love to rev and make some power.

[@Just1Spark]

You are an awesome instructor. :)

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend

[@brianonthego]

I like your attention to detail.

[@PetesGarage]

It's the details that help make you successful.

[@tjhamer3]

even if i have seen it before we still like your vids

[@PetesGarage]

I try to put something new in every video

[@tictocpops1_276]

Very well demonstrated, thanks

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Bobo

[@dominion4x4gonz43]

Thanks for such detailed video

[@PetesGarage]

My pleasure

[@jlunde35]

Great video series. Thank you for posting.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Jim

[@eddie_8317]

good video.. 👍 can't wait for the next one.

[@PetesGarage]

It's out!

[@tykellerman6384]

Great videos Pete thanks

[@GPSGPS500]

Good point, I saw many people working with a torque wrench and tighten many times, that's wrong. It means over-torqued!

[@PetesGarage]

Torque wrenches are often used improperly.

[@johnschutt9187]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@PetesGarage]

You're welcome!

[@s1914]

Great vid Pete 👌

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@19211265]

Well said and done ✅ I subscribed 👏🏻👍🏻

[@PetesGarage]

Welcome my friend

[@kermets]

thanks for the cool video, I know it becomes messy but I think ( and i do) wipe the rings with a smear of oil so they aren’t dry on the sides (top and bottom) also that ring gap seem a tad big, I have used next size up rings once and filed them down for correct end gap as we know we loose some compression with large end gap, Awesome work cheers Brett

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for the info!

[@warbirdflyer7276]

Thanks for a great video.

[@PetesGarage]

Glad you liked it!

[@lawrencecoore3569]

I dont have a chevy but this information is good i tell you

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Lawrence

[@tech270154]

thanks for all the tips

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for watching

[@glennmorrissey5309]

Great tutorial. Thank you!

[@PetesGarage]

You're very welcome!

[@mohamadjanoun9869]

Excellent explaination

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@davel4666]

I've built some engines in my day and I must say your video is excellent. Your approach is right on the money. I like the cleanliness and the gloves. I noticed the spotless block as well. You say in the video that this isn't going to be a very big build, but I notice the Eagle rods, which are good for 600 HP. That would be a lot for a street engine. So what are the goals of this build? Thanks and I will be checking out your other videos.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you very much Dave. I treat every engine the same. It is going in a '76 Vette daily driver. The goal is a little more HP than factory that is reliable.

[@tobroke2007]

real nice video, ty for posting sir. will be building me a 350 vortec soon this will be helpful.

[@PetesGarage]

Awesome! Good luck

[@saulorozco5787]

Thank you great video very clear

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks Saul

[@nextdoorpowerwashing8340]

Best video yet!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@wilbroadmchama1959]

Thanks you sir have learnt something

[@PetesGarage]

It's my pleasure

[@wilbroadmchama1959]

@@PetesGarage thanks

[@SMOBY44]

Quick, easy tool to set the ring in the bore for checking, put a ring in the second groove to create a stop against the deck, no guess, ring is square.

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for the tip

[@ogbobbyharris5561]

love the 4 bolt mains 👍🏾

[@PetesGarage]

Me too!

[@irfanakram4476]

Nice working

[@nimrodwamen6344]

Really helpful 👍💯

[@PetesGarage]

Glad you think so!

[@hipstarchild]

Great video

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@abubakarisadiqueibrahim481]

Love the way you work.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend

[@marklowe7431]

Standard budget type build but in reality it's going to be a very decent engine.

[@PetesGarage]

Turned out awesome, thanks Mark

[@pospc2]

Please note that sometimes pregapped rings maybe a little on the tight side. Its always a good idea to check them and may have to file slightly. I have encoutered this mostly with NPR rings. Granted they are cheap rings but they do fine for a budget build.

[@PetesGarage]

I agree 100%

[@MrTaDodge]

You might try seeing end gap on the rings in their corresponding cylinder not all the rings in the same bore like you did. Better yet don't make a how to video on engine building if you don't know what your doing yourself

[@AnselmoViegas-jo1tx]

I like the program

[@stoutracingteam5539]

Great video bud

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@ratishdutta4227]

God job i like yours works

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend

[@romanjaspe4172]

Thanks so much brother. Regards

[@PetesGarage]

My pleasure!

[@ldnwholesale8552]

18thou, you were lucky. Last engine I did had about .025, actually worse than the 130000 miles ones I replaced.

[@PetesGarage]

Wow, I make sure we bore and hone to a standard ring gap size

[@joshuacharlery8529]

Thanks Pete!

[@PetesGarage]

No worries!

[@stellarv5689]

👍 Nice video

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@waylonmccrae3546]

Very informative , I've always used .004 to cylinder bore D` ....never a problem .... Never heard of .0035 when did this happen ?? LOL

[@PetesGarage]

It happened when some manufacturers developed products they wanted to consider special or custom.

[@sandyshoremann7524]

@@PetesGarage I used to use 1 thou per 1 inch of cylinder circumference which is pi x D. But also depends on ring material and heat load from power adders like: turbo, nitrous etc. Thanks! - Sandy

[@llewvirtue861]

I normally make the gap difference on the second ring a bit bigger than the top ring to prevent flutter, but I'm Shure it will be good, as you said, not a high powered motor

[@PetesGarage]

That's a good practice. I follow what the manufacturer recommends

[@sparklingsams3155]

Pulling my ca18det engine out. Low comp all 4. What do i need to know before buying a head gasket and piston rings.

[@PetesGarage]

Just look to see what the cylinders look like

[@sparklingsams3155]

@@PetesGarage thank you. I drop oil did a wet test all 4 is 175 psi. Unreal.

[@kingc3521]

Badass video. I’m doing the exact same engine.

[@PetesGarage]

That's awesome! good luck

[@caseygates2175]

That was awesome!

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks my friend

[@sajidhussain2099]

Top video Top man 😊

[@PetesGarage]

Thanks! 😀

[@venkybabu4842]

This is called a four cylinder engine. 360/4 so 90 is the switch over point max out 45. Usually engine is a gas chamber pistons and a spin rod or shafts. Fire up and spin makes tyres rotation and gears to control rotation all others are directional moving controls. Like the steering wheel etc. Engine is one that is always sealed to make sure no damage and extreme care on assembly and misfire.

[@PetesGarage]

Interesting

[@mostafaammar81]

Thanks from Egypt.

[@PetesGarage]

Thank you my friend

[@lenBrill1971]

10:16 I use new engine oil and coat the cylinder walls and the piston/rings in oil before installing the piston assembly. Everything goes together coated with new oil. :)

[@PetesGarage]

I do the same

[@lildeena1]

How do you do this without a threaded crank? Turn by pushing counterweight? I got my crank in. I was thinking installing the crank gear early and using a homemade tool similar to what I used on bicycle cogs called a chain whip. Or maybe a socket with a slit to slide along the woodruff key. Or the balancer loosely fitted and with long bolts attached

[@PetesGarage]

I use the balancer bolt, it works great. All the ways to mention will also work.

[@MilkyWayMelon]

Thank you

[@PetesGarage]

You're welcome