[GOSFAST]

Couple tips about the tools need to check ANY brg shell thicknesses.

You really need a very accurate micrometer, preferably one that does read in "tenths", and you should have a higher-end bore gauge (Sunnen for instance) to complement the micrometer. There are bore-gauge setting fixtures to work with this procedure also but not necessarily required?

There is another extremely accurate way to get the brg thickness, it's by using a "height-gauge", it is almost a fool-proof method, and they're not really that all expensive. They read in "tenths" and are available with a digital read-out, ours don't have this option as we have a large choice of other tools to get the job done!

Also, Dale has it correct to get a desired brg clearance, BUT, you don't have that "grinding-the-crank-size" option when ALL the components are "new", it isn't in play, for instance when you purchase a new stroker kit!! For correct clearances in this scenario you have very limited options for any correction!

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. For most of our Flathead builds we "aim" for .002" on the mains, .002" on the rods. Usually we end up "right-in-the-ballpark"?? Anyway, here's a shot of a Chevy main shell being measured on the "height-gauge", this particular one just happens to be exactly .100" thick (the "probe" has a nice radius for the brg curvature)! Gauge made 1 full turn right back to "zero" and a shot of the bore gauge checking clearances.