when to rebuild the engine

[luvmyclassics]

I was planning on rebuilding my engine right now (already have some surface rust on the cylinder walls). However I don't think the rest of the truck will be put together until summer 2017.

Is it better to build it now (would be stored in a garage in Michigan) or wait until the build is close to complete?

[JSeery]

Coat the cylinders walls with grease (or anything to prevent rust) and wait is my suggestion.

[39topless]

Wait to build the engine. Remain flexible>

[r_reed]

wait sounds like a good idea. plan on plenty of time for machine work, etc. so your engine will be ready when the rest of the truck is. we waited 6 months for our machine shop work to get done.

[40cpe]

You can kick the can down the road, but parts and machining won't be any less expensive next year

[luvmyclassics]

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The engine has already been bored and decked, Pete has done a regrind on the cam and all parts have been balanced so I am ready to build. Just a question if that is the right thing to do. Could fog the engine after building but not keen on the idea of the engine being exposed to temp changes.

[A bones]

Originally Posted by 40cpe

You can kick the can down the road, but parts and machining won't be any less expensive next year

This is my vote. Prices never seem to go down in this hobby.

Temperature changes are no concern. Be sure to keep it out of moisture. Pay regular (monthly?) visits with an oil squirt can. Give it a turn to keep the cylinders oiled. When its time to run, be sure oil pump is primed. (I keep hearing Vaseline) Spin it fast, no plugs, to bring oil through the all the passages.

Probably told you nothing you don't already know but, this is what I feel to be right.

I sure wish I had the power of those twenty dollar bills from the sixties!!

[19Fordy]

Build it now and seal up all openings and wrap it up in a blanket. It will cost less and be ready when you need it. I bet using a block heater while its being stored would also help? Try silica gel packets too.

[tubman]

The only thing I can tell you is to at least double any time estimates you get from anyone. I usually only do odd-ball engines (flatheads, Early hemis, and Olds Rockets) and something always happens to mess up the time frame. Parts availability especially can be a problem if you find you need something during the build.

[Floyd]

These are all opinions. Is all the machine work done-done? Cam bearing in, heads surfaced, rods re-conditioned, valve seats finished? You said it is bored and balanced, therefore you have the pistons and the block is finish honed to fit. If the outside work is truly done and you have all the parts, you can always wait. However the summer of 2017 is just around the corner. Also if the parts are stored properly, oiled, WD-40-ed, protected, wrapped , etc it should make no difference if it together or not.

[Binx]

WD-40 in the bores won't stop the rust. Grease the bores and all of the machined surfaces on the block then DOUBLE bag it with trash bags. Oil the cam's machined surfaces and wrap it with plastic wrap (saran wrap or whatever).

When you decide to start the rebuild, you'll need to put the block in a storage tub and scrub the bores and the rest of the block with kerosene or whatever solvent you choose.

[Bubsyouruncle]

And don't forget about Mr. Murphy.