HEMI Tech: Machining

**This is being started in tech week, but isn't really related to tech week**

So I've been talking to a few people about machining work for my hemi build. What to get, what's actually needed, what to look out for, etc. etc.... So, that's when I realized we don't have a topic related to just machining for Hemis! A very important topic in my eyes. So let's see what kind of things we can talk about and add another chapter to the Hemi Tech archive.

1) Block Machining
- What is a sure sign that the block needs attention (obvious, but should still be listed)
- What can someone look for while the block is sitting on the stand/floor of the garage?
- What are the standard machining practices to prep a block for rebuild?
- When should a block NOT be overbored?
- When should a block be magnafluxed?
- Is sonic testing really necessary and when?
- should a block ever be decked for the heads?
- when should a line-bore be performed, if ever?
- What should be done to main caps and when?
- Do oil galleys need attention?
- Can a cracked block be repaired?

2) Heads
- what should be inspected right off the bat?
- When should a head be decked/surfaced?
- When is porting recommended?
- Can valve guides be replaced at home?
- What are the standard procedures that should be performed/requested by a machine shop doing quality work?

3) Crank
- What should be inspected before taking the crank in for sevice?
- What standard services should be performed?
- When should the journals be attended to?
- What should/can be done to oil galleys?
- When should the journals be under-filleted where they meet the counter balances?

4) Camshaft
- What should be inspected before taking the cam in for sevice?
- What standard services should be performed?
- When should the journals be attended to?
- When should it be reground?
- What else should be attended to and why?

5) Rods
- What should be inspected before taking the rods in for sevice?
- What standard services should be performed?
- When should the bearing seats be attended to?
- What should be done to big and little ends of the rods?
- When should the rods be shot-peened, if ever?

6) Other misc. machining required?

7) What would someone expect to pay for all these services?

Hopefully these questions will spark some discussion or other questions so we can get yet another topic filled out for our reference. I realize some are real obvious questions, but that shouldn't stop us from stating the obvious and getting it out there to someone who may NOT think it's so obvious.

 

Deck to crank checked to verify square(parellel) or not. If cylender has little/no wear/out of round over bore might not be needed, or big over bore could prevent additional boreing. Obvious look for cracks in block, often near freeze plugs.

 

Here is a link to a thread I have going on machining work for my 331:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143018

Thanks George! Keep the info coming! I know you have tons of info packed away on everything Hemi!

 

Can anyone confirm or not if all (392) Hemi mainbearings are actually fully grooved?

 

SONIC TESTING IS A MUST IF YOU HAVE A BLOCK WITH ALOT OF WATER JACKET RUST OR IF YOU ARE DOING A LARGE OVER BORE.

Like my .090 over 330 DeSoto .......... mine was fine, But it was a MUST for big over bore

 

Elaboration on my original comment. Deck height should be checked to make sure both banks are the same, and that they are square both front to back & top to bottom.

 

Yes they are.

 

One of the most important things that is often overlooked is a crack test. Its on top of the must do list when I spend money on an unknown block....

 

On a tangent here... Considering adding a reference thread to the HEMI Tech section for local machinist in "your area" so people know where to go and what we think of them. It would require the attention of all HAMBers that know of shops that do HEMI work though.

What do you guys think???

 

I think it's a great idea.

The only shop I could trust with my parts is no longer in business.

Perhaps they could "sticky" it for a while so all can see the request. Or maybe open the request up to all engine makes, as a truly good engine machine shop can work on anything from a Briggs & Stratton to an EMD.

 

I'm upping this with a great thread started by Dyce and his 392 sleeving chaos. He sleeved all 8 cylinders and there's some good discussion about block strength related to sleeving. Great thread and worthy of linking!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=292239