Looking for The Engine (Part 1)

Since we already have The Car selected, our project starts by looking for The Engine. There are few options laying around, so we started by checking them out.

Option 1: SBC 350

Good old small block Chevy 350. Came with a car. Does it run? Is it a 2 bolt or 4 bolt block? Nobody knows! Let’s start the inspection by whipping out a (loaned) compression tester:

After trying it out couple times, we got some numbers down. Some of the results are on incorrect rows, but it’s still there. And this one does not look promising:

Some more inspection is needed, so let’s start to tear this bad boy down:

Bummer, it’s a 2 bolt block, so not a ”bad boy” after all. Still, does not look too bad. Almost surprisingly clean bottom end. Let’s continue by looking at the top end:

Uh-oh. This does not look good. This is way too clean compared to other pistons. And the concerning thing is that this is not the cylinder without compression, so we are looking at least couple different problems here. A peek at the problematic cylinder might have revealed a part of the problem:

A groove deep enough to easily catch a fingernail. This block would need at least one or two cylinders drilled, and new pistons installed.

Bearings on the crank are not looking too hot either:

Since are planning on getting this show on the road with minimum budget, this engine is a now go. Required machining work, new pistons, bearings etc. would easily take couple thousand euros, so we need to look for other options.

Option 2: Abandoned 305

In the depths of the warehouse of one of the members, there is an abandoned 305. Already disassembled, and all the parts should be there. Shining a flashlight down the holes told similar story, this engine too would require major machine work to be even viable option, and since we are looking to get some kind of performance out of the engine, it simply does not make sense to start working on 305.

What’s next: Inline six, or something else?

There is still one option already in the warehouse. Inline six from one of the old daily drivers, supposedly stored in perfect running condition. Maybe we’ll dig it out, and try to start it. Or maybe we’ll look for something completely different…