So i tried a google search and a search on here and didnt find much. Anyways i started smoothing all the casting marks on my sbc and wanted to see how others have turned out. I figure i will have a lot of time into it, but it will look bitchin when its done. I have found that a flapper disc works great for it for larger areas. Hope to see some pictures shared!
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2399802#post2399802 A 'how-to' I posted many years ago!
i spent a good amount to time checking out this guys build threads this weekend. i dont remember where exactly. but he talks about smoothing casting marks. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=7732842
I had to read that 3 times - a Pontiac engine in a Dodge pickup - that's something you don't see every day! I have to agree with Don. ^^^ What's it going in?
What the heck, might as well do the transmission as well. Had to swap the Corvette output shaft and extension housing over when it was rebuilt. Not that you see this anyway.
Watch that stuff slip out from your grasp when you don the white cotton gloves... "Whooops!" (CRASH!) Stuff's so pretty it makes me noivous!
I never smoothed mine out completely, just took off the sharp edges and made sure paint would stick... I think it turned out well for how coarse it was... Sent from my SM-G900R4 using H.A.M.B. mobile app
Are y'all using high temp engine paint or regular enamel? It looks almost like it was poured on thick and smooth, like dipping something in chocolate. Lots of work, but sure looks great!
I did spend a little time on the engine and transmission in my 23. Used Roloc discs, primed with epoxy primer and topcoated with Imron. Never saw one inch of the transmission once the body was on, but I knew it was there. Don
4 inch grinder, then a die grinder. I knock down all the casting flash and sharp edges on whatever I build, don't like getting cut. I did a sbc valley all the way smooth for oil drain back, never again, I'll never grind all the casting flash off the outside. Well, if I ever have a fender less hot rod, maybe.
I guess he is referring to the feeling that some have that the rough surface of the block helps get rid of heat, whereas a smooth surface will not. I live in Florida and have never seen any difference between the two, so who knows if that holds any water. I can't imagine those little bumps really contribute much to cooling. If your car overheats from something as simple as smoothing the block, you have bigger issues than that. Don
I can't image that the surface would be diminished that much by smoothing that what's left can't dissipate sufficient heat to cool, plus the transmission and engine are cooled externally as well. Likewise, do alloy or chromed pans trap radiant heat? I've not seen or read anything to the contrary in all my years to support or refute those assertions that heat is trapped to such an extent that smoothing is detrimental and affecting cooling. Even so, it might be minuscule. Anyway I had nothing to do for a few hours. Most likely those that do it, appreciate how much work goes into the aesthetics for something that everyone may never really see.
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