Modern Engine Blueprinting Techniques. Mike Mavrigian
CarTech®
CarTech®, Inc.
39966 Grand Avenue
North Branch, MN 55056
Phone: 651-277-1200 or 800-551-4754
Fax: 651-277-1203
© 2013 by Mike Mavrigian
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Edit by Paul Johnson
Layout by Monica Seiberlich
ISBN 978-1-61325-120-1
Item No. SA251
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Mavrigian, Mike, author.
Modern engine blueprinting techniques : a practical guide to precision engine building / by Mike Mavrigian.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references.
1. Automobiles--Motors--Maintenance and repair. 2. Automobiles--Motors--Modification. 3. Tolerance (Engineering) I. Title.
TL210.M345 2013
629.25’04--dc23
2013011409
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Title Page: Every piston/rod assembly must be measured and weighed so they are within a couple grams of one another. To achieve maximum performance, you must have components on the rotating assembly that are precisely balanced.
Back Cover Photos
Top Left: Be sure the wall thickness of the cylinders is thick enough for rebuilding. If it isn’t, you need to junk the block. To sonically test an engine, slowly run the sensor probe along the cylinder wall (in a number of clock positions and from top to bottom) while monitoring the gauge readout.
Top Right: Measure journal diameters in different clock positions so you take all the necessary measurements. It isn’t a bad idea to perform a backup measurement with a different micrometer.
Middle Left: A connecting rod vise allows you to remove a rod cap from a new rod, or when tightening rod bolts with the rod off of the crank. Using a common bench vise can cause serious damage to the rod, and burrs or gouges can be created, which can lead to stress cracks and failures. A dedicated purpose-designed rod vise allows securing the rod without damage.
Middle Right: Spiral locks can be tricky at first but once you install a few it becomes second-nature. After gently spreading the spiral apart, insert one end and “walk” the remainder in a counterclockwise direction into the groove until the final end snaps into place. Some installers use fingers along with a small, flat-blade screwdriver; specialty installer tools are also available.
Bottom Left: Check the initial cut (note the witness cut through the dye) for uniformity and concentricity.
Bottom Right: Some LS cylinder heads have integral rocker pedestals; others require separate pedestal rails. This 5.3L LS features rocker rails. Hand snug a couple of rocker bolts to center the rail before fully tightening. Also, be sure to apply high-pressure assembly lube to all valve tips, rocker pushrod cups, and rocker valve tips.
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CONTENTS
Hand-Held Magnetic Particle Testers