Engine Re-assembly With the new 350-cc crate engine disassembled and thoroughly checked for critical performance specs, the engine is now ready for re-assembly in preparation for installation in the 1968 Camaro RS. The re-assembly begins with the lower end of the engine. Following is an outline of the engine re-assembly as shown in the episode.
- Before re-assembly gets fully underway, one critical and fairly elaborate adjustment must be made -- degree-balancing the cam. To begin the process, the harmonic balancer and timing cover are removed from the engine, revealing the timing chain (figure A).
- A degree-wheel is then attached (figure B) in order to "degree the cam." This process measures precisely the movement and relationship of the camshaft with respect to the crankshaft. The engine and timing chain can be thought of as analogous to the sprockets of a bicycle that must turn together in the proper relationship. In the case of the engine and chain, the adjustment must be exact.
- Once this critical measurement is done, the timing cover is replaced.
- Sealer is placed around the edge of the oil-pan mount, and the oil-pan gasket installed on the studs (figure C).
- The oil-pan can then be installed (figure D) and bolted in place.
- With a little yellow grease applied as a lubricant, the harmonic balancer is then re-installed using a specialized harmonic-balancer installer tool.
- The last step in installation of the harmonic balancer is to tighten the securing bolt to proper torque specs using a torque wrench (figure E).
- The engine lifters used in this engine are the high-performance roller type ( figure F, left). The roller lifter, when in contact with the camshaft, has lower rolling resistance and creates less friction -- allowing the engine to operate with more power. The flat type (figure F, right) drags across the face of the camshaft, causing friction and engine wear.
- With the lifters lubricated and installed, the valley pan can be re-installed (figure G)
- With the bottom end of the engine assembled, the next step is to bolt on the cylinder head. The aluminum alloy heads represent a considerable advancement over the original cast-iron heads of the old engine.
- Before installing the head, the head gasket is placed on the dowels (figure H) on top of the engine block.
- With the gasket in place, the head can be carefully positioned on the dowels as well (figure I).
- With the engine head in place, some thread sealer is placed on the mounting bolts, and the bolts are installed into the head and block and hand-tightened.
- With all of the bolts in place, each is then tightened, in sequence, to the proper specifications using a torque wrench (figure J).
- The engine is then rotated on the stand, so that the process can be repeated on the other head (figure K). The gasket and head are positioned on the dowels, then secured with bolts and thread-sealer.
- With the heads secured in place, the push-rods and rockers are lubricated and installed in the engine (figure L), reversing the sequence of the removal procedure.
- With all of the push-rods installed, a valve-adjustment can be performed, precisely aligning all of the valves to spec. As each valve is adjusted, a mark is made on the engine to indicate completion of that particular adjustment.
- The next step is the installation of the intake manifold. The joining surfaces of the head are cleaned, some sealer is applied at each end, and the intake-manifold gaskets are put in place (figure M).
- The mounting surfaces of the intake manifold itself are cleaned, and the manifold is then carefully positioned on the gasket (figure N), compressing the silicone to form a good seal. The manifold is placed straight down from above, avoiding sliding it into position.
- With the manifold mounted in place, the valve covers (figure O) and center-bolts are installed.
- The distributor hole is covered with tape to keep any foreign matter or dirt from getting into the engine.
- With the manifold in place, the spark plugs can be installed (figure P).
- The final step in the engine re-assembly is installation of the water pump (figure Q).
In the segment that follows, the engine and transmission are installed into the Camaro.
RESOURCES :
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques
Model: 0895863758
Author: Tom Currao
Full title: Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques for 1967 to 1981 Camaros
H.P. Books
Camaro Restoration Guide: 1967-1969 (Authentic Restoration Guides)
Model: 0760301603
Author: Jason Scott
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Original Camaro: 1967-1969 (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760309256
Author: Jason Scott, Andy Kraushaar
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Camaro Exposed: 1967-1969 - Designs, Decisions and the Inside View
Model: 0837608767
Author: Paul Zazarine
Bentley Publishers
Special thanks for DIY's Classic Car Restoration -- 1968 Camaro RS
East Tennessee Camaro Club
President: Harold Pena
3710 Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-633-8340
E-mail: jalpeno@worldnet.att.net
Smokey Mountain F-Bodies
Website: www.smokeymountainf-bodies.cz28.com
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com
Photos provided by:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Website: www.brickyard.com
Year One
Website: www.yearone.com
GUESTS :
Butch Capps
Mid-South Gear Specialists
1903 Rosewood Road
Knoxville, TN 37924
Phone: 865-524-4800
Classic-car and replica-car expert; automotive engine specialist.
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