C1 59: Engine revision

[Rob M.]

Hi all,

Next week my correctly casted engine (230hp) will arrive from the States and I'll send it to the revision company to make sure it is in 100% condition when I'm going to drop it in the car in October. I wonder what items I should point out to the engine revision company to do (obviously they will have quite a good idee what should happen but I just want to be sure I don't forget anything):

* Put in hardened valve seats for unleaded fuel usage
* Inpect and, if needed, enlarge the cylinders
* Replace all bearings
* Replace chain
* Replace valves
* Replace clutch plates

Others things ?

thanks (again) for your suggestions,

greetings,
Rob Musquetier.




The C1 '59 restoration project

[don izzo]

Re: C1 59: Engine revision

Rob, be sure to tell the rebuilder NOT to deck your block. This will likely remove the numbers on the Vin pad! Be sure he completely understands your wishes NOT to have this done. Make a big deal of it so he and his workers won't forget you or your instructions! I had my block magnafluxed prior to rebuilding to be sure there were no hidden cracks(worth the cost). Also consider new guides with late model style valve seal conversion, and a three angle valve job will help the motor breath better. Not much you can do to these heads so anything that will help is a definate yes for me.
Good luck!
Don

[Brian Monticello]

Re: C1 59: Engine revision

Rob,
If the cylinders need boring and you need new pistons, I'd go for a complete rebuild. In addition to the items you have listed I'd add:

1. Professionally clean block
2. New cam lifters and cam bearings
3. Recondition rods
4. Check crank and grind if necessary

Unless your valve seats are already recessed, I would not install hardened valve seats.... that is, unless you plan on driving it hard. Do make sure that the valve guides are in good condition and do not accept knurling as a option for "refreshing" the guides. If they are already knurled, then get new guides (and valves).
Brian

[Dave Suesz]

Things to consider...

Unless a) You are planning to put 100,000 miles on the engine or b) The valve seats are worn down, I would not bother with the inserts. They are not as important as was once believed. Mind, 10 years ago I rebuilt one of my cars' engines, it needed 3 inserts, and I did them all, so basically I am saying none or all, based on your worst valve.

Cylinder bore, same deal. If your worst cylinder is within blueprint limits, don't bore. Boring, by its nature, decreases the amount of iron between the cylinder combustion and the coolant water. If your cooling is marginal on a hot summer day before boring, it will be a problem after.

Check bearings and valves, replace if not perfect, chain & clutch should be replaced if not new.

[Jerry C.]

Re: C1 59: Engine revision

I would also have the engine balanced as it makes a much smoother running engine and not that expensive.

[Roger Legge]

Re: C1 59: Engine revision

A few other items - valve springs (also consider retainers and locks), oil pump, connecting rod bolts (have rods resized).

Roger

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 59: Engine revision

All,

Thanks for your advice, next Wednesday I'll bring the engine to the revision shop and use all your comments in getting a perfect job done!!!

greetings,
Rob.