Rebuilt engine, never run

[Texas97]

I have been searching for a new engine to replace the 400 in my 69 Coronet. since its not original and all that, it opens up LOTS of possibilities for me to replace it. i was going to go the stroker route, but when i price it out, I get to like $6k just in parts and that's no machine shop work included.

i have found a rebuilt 440 (like 10 miles away) with all kinds of goodies on it, trick flow heads and trick flow cam ( Camshaft, Hydraulic Roller, Advertised Duration 296/300, Lift .600/.600, Lobe Sep. 108), A/C compressor, with all the receipts. its been sitting since it was built in 2018. Never been installed in a car, never run outside of the engine break-in from the shop. fully assembled and sitting on an engine stand. its been passed to a couple of people who had plans to use it and didnt/went another direction.

it looks like its been stored inside this whole time, no surface rust on anything, valve covers all on, etc.

anyone have any reservations about running an engine like this or should i be pulling the head off first and double checking the cylinders/pistons, etc?

also come with a 1st Gen holley sniper which i dont want to even mess with but i would sell it outright

 

[Doorkicker]

I'd pull the oil pan and then the heads. 15m of work will save you huge pain down the road. Also, you can check clearances in specific areas to get a feel for the engine... bore, deck, between rods, thrust, etc.

 

[Cranky]

I'm thinking you live more than 10 miles away from me lol. Do what door kicker said....might could even put a dial indicator on the side of a rod's bottom end and push it against the crank and back to get a feel of how much clearance it has. But if it's full of assembly lube, there won't be much movement at all but at least you'll know it's not too much clearance.

 

[Texas97]

I'm thinking you live more than 10 miles away from me lol. Do what door kicker said....might could even put a dial indicator on the side of a rod's bottom end and push it against the crank and back to get a feel of how much clearance it has. But if it's full of assembly lube, there won't be much movement at all but at least you'll know it's not too much clearance.

im assuming you're 4-5 hours east of me.

 

[Texas97]

i kinda want to give a once over and send it.

the bad part is the car is at my body man's shop for the near future. i bet i cant think about getting it back for another few months. so likely it will come to my house and sit on an engine stand for 6 months, at least.

 

[Cranky]

im assuming you're 4-5 hours east of me.

Pasadena....and real close to the LaPorte city limit.

 

[R413]

I would talk to the shop that did the work/dyno running. Sitting for 8 years inside won't hurt anything.

 

[ruffcut]

I have a 493 thats been built and sitting never run for 9 years now. Always in a heated building. Wouldn't be concerned if it was installed and ran. The build was to be a street motor for my race to street conversion. The car and race trailer have been sold. Now what to do wit the motor and a rebuilt pushbutton big block transmission? Oh well.

 

[Texas97]

Pasadena....and real close to the LaPorte city limit.

yeah, I'm west of SA.

 

[Texas97]

any comments on the cam specs?

 

[Cranky]

any comments on the cam specs?

It's a bit radical....good that it's a roller cam. Uh, does the guy live in Kerrville?

 

[Fran B]

L[ke Post #2 but seller might not what to pull heads. Maybe give seller some money, how much?? to pull heads? Maybe camera that fit in spark plug hole to a phone? If you give seller money for a look see that $ goes toward purchase if you buy it.
Guy on here bought an engine and was given receipts.
The catch the receipts weren't for the engine he bought.
The guys 10 miles from you is a plus. R413 said talk to builder.

 

[Cranky]

L[ke Post #2 but seller might not what to pull heads. Maybe give seller some money, how much?? to pull heads? Maybe camera that fit in spark plug hole to a phone? If you give seller money for a look see that $ goes toward purchase if you buy it.
Guy on here bought an engine and was given receipts.
The catch the receipts weren't for the engine he bought.
The guys 10 miles from you is a plus. R413 said talk to builder.

I have a similar situation.....fresh engine sitting on a stand (wheels on the stand have flat spots now lol) but has been in a decent room in the shop and it's bagged. Thought about getting one of those cameras too to look into the cylinders. Everything else looks good though. Intake and pan hasn't been installed so at least the bottom of the cylinders can be viewed.

 

[toolmanmike]

If you can't hear it run you at least have to take it partially apart to check it or take your chances.

 

[Cranky]

If you can't hear it run you at least have to take it partially apart to check it or take your chances.

Oh man, you don't believe mine is perfect?? lol

 

[toolmanmike]

Oh man, you don't believe mine is perfect?? lol

I would trust you. (should I?)

 

[Cranky]

I would trust you. (should I?)

Ask Wayne LOL

 

[Texas97]

im halfway interested in pulling the valve covers, checking head bolt torque, retightening all bolts and just sending it.

of course..... should i just go TKX instead of the 833 i have now?

 

[Cranky]

im halfway interested in pulling the valve covers, checking head bolt torque, retightening all bolts and just sending it.

of course..... should i just go TKX instead of the 833 i have now?

Pulling the VC's is easy and yeah, do that at the very least.

 

[coloradodave]

im halfway interested in pulling the valve covers, checking head bolt torque, retightening all bolts and just sending it.

of course..... should i just go TKX instead of the 833 i have now?

Easy answer. Planning on local cruising / tire bashing? Stay with the A833. Want to do A LOT of freeway trips where that .68 ratio will let your engine lope and get better mileage? Go with the Tremec. Have to consider rear gears as well. I did the 5 speed but could have spent that money elsewhere...