The Ford Barn

Jim Brierley · 01-06-2024, 12:48 PM

Interesting story Pete, and very true. If the guy had babbitted the Pontiacs, as most did, they should have been straight when the babbitt was cut.
I don't know if you knew Wes Cooper? I was at his shop one day when he was building B engine using Pontiac rods, he simply used Pontiac inserts with another, different, insert inside of the Pontiacs. Not the way I would recommend, but I guess it worked. I've also seen him lighten valves by just using a common bench grinder, with just holding the valve head against the wheel. For some reason he had a pretty good reputation as an engine builder, he specialized on Cragars.

01-06-2024, 12:48 PM	#9
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,251	Re: Rod alignment Interesting story Pete, and very true. If the guy had babbitted the Pontiacs, as most did, they should have been straight when the babbitt was cut. I don't know if you knew Wes Cooper? I was at his shop one day when he was building B engine using Pontiac rods, he simply used Pontiac inserts with another, different, insert inside of the Pontiacs. Not the way I would recommend, but I guess it worked. I've also seen him lighten valves by just using a common bench grinder, with just holding the valve head against the wheel. For some reason he had a pretty good reputation as an engine builder, he specialized on Cragars.