I'm just not sure what my priorities should be as I haven't seen much discussion on blocks with such low mileage. There's VERY little wear; the bores look great, even the tappets were barely worn. I've got forged pistons and a forged crank so no need, nor desire to replace pistons or bore the block.
Laser-focused question: If rebuilding a stock 350 L82 with low mileage and wear what machining procedures should be done and what parts should be replaced / upgraded?
Engine Build Details: Profiler 195cc heads, aggressive Mike Jone Hyd Roller 227@0.050"; long-runner TPI-style EFI intake, 440 hp @6,000 RPM/ 460 ft lbs @ 4,500 RPM (EA simulation); 10.2:1 CR; SBC 350, L82 (4 bolt mains). Given that I have forged pistons and a forged crank and a Holley EFI, I'd love to be able to spray a 125 HP NOS shot, if desired, too.
I'd love to make upgrades / perform operations that are a good "Bang for the buck"; the fewer machining operations, the better, as far as I'm concerned. (When the bottom end needs refreshed in the future I'll go with a stroker kit and have major machining done, but not today.)
Specific Questions:
- New Rings?: Are new ring materials significantly improved enough that I should get new piston rings?
-I called Total Seal yesterday to see what it would cost to get a modern LS-like ring pack and spacers on my old L82 5/64, 5/64, 3/16 and they quoted $490.11; WAY too much $$ for 6 HP @ 6,000 RPM. - Decking the block / squaring the block: I've heard from some threads here on ST that these old SBCs are notorious for having uneven / unsquare decks. I'd obviously like to have more consistent CR and Piston-to-head clearance cylinder to cylinder. But I REALLY want to maintain my #s on my #s matching block and I don't want to
dramatically increase the CR. - Rod Bolt / Mains Bolts Upgrades I've heard that one of the weaker links in these old SBCs is the stock rod bolts and mains bolts. ARP advertises a 2x - 4x improvement in strength over stock bolts. My understanding is that studs could significantly increase the load on the rods/mains and if going with a mains studs upgrade I should have the mains honed. -My question then becomes whether just upgrading to a high quality ARP mains BOLT also necessitates checking for roundness or honing or not.
- Freeze Plugs: Should I have the freeze plugs replaced for some reason?
- Crank Bearings: My understanding is that crank bearings get worn primarily based upon mileage and RPM and I probably don't need to worry here.
- Rear Main Seal: Oil leaks are evil; replacing rear main seals with the block in the car SUCKS, I should put a new Felpro gasket on while the block is out. -My thought, anyway.
What else?
Adam