Motor Rebuild Parts

[bartz paul]

Usually, whenever someone experiences a need to either repair or
overhaul/rebuild their engine, often time is of the essence and they also
need help to select the appropriate parts. So where do they go, why of
course, the GMCnet. Periodically someone asks and others respond. And this
process continues to repeat itself down the road.

Seeing Brent mention Clevite bearings below, in conjunction with engine
overhaul/rebuilding, got me to thinking that it would be a good idea to
establish a recommended listing of parts and brands applicable to the
foregoing. Notice I mentioned "recommended listing". This should then be
given to Patrick to post on his web site for the benefit of others to access
and utilize as well as well as offer it to the GMCMI to incorporate into
their Parts Index. Why make owners have to plow old ground when we can do
otherwise.

First we need to develop the type of parts listing and then list the
applicable brand(s).

Anyone feel this has merit??

To start out, lets build the list. I'll initiate and anyone else feel free
to add to it or fill in info. Do so by inserting parts types in
alphabetical order in the listing.

Engine Overhaul/Rebuild Parts Recommendation Listing

Type Brand Part Number
Remarks

Camshaft (403 cid)
Camshaft (455 cid)
Camshaft Button
Distributor
Exhaust Valves (403 cid)
Exhaust Valves (455 cid)
Headers Doug Thorley 355Y
Intake Manifold (403 cid)
Intake Manifold (455 cid)
Intake Valves (403 cid)
Intake Valves (455 cid)
Main Bearings (403 cid)
Main Bearings (455 cid)
Pistons (403 cid)
Pistons (455 cid)
Rings (403 cid)
Rings (455 cid)
Rods (403 cid)
Rods (455 cid)
Rod Bearings (403 cid)
Rod Bearings (455 cid)
Thermostat
Water Pump

Now it's your turn!

Paul Bartz

From: Brent Covey [mailto:deville]
Sent: Thursday, November 18, 1999 2:36 PM
Subject: Motor Rebuild

The Clevite 77 and its close relations (tri-metal type bearings with copper
underlay) are notorious for eating cranks. They're nearly universal however,
usually its all you can get. Drag racers love them, because they're very
tolerant of heavy pounding, but they are not suited to passenger car
engines. Best bearings I've ever seen thus far are Moraine '400' type, which
are aluminum faced, tin plated steel back. Almost every GM engine since 1962
has used an aluminum bearing from the factory, and they are extremely
reliable in service, and seldom at the root of a problem.

 

[tom warner]

Arch think everyone should take a step back and have a deep think before we
select components for the olds 455 engine in the GMC motorhome, In my case
the primary goals are longevity and ease of maintenance. I would not
recommend the Mondello SAR 455 for the GMC Motorhome use for one simple
reason. They have to be adjusted periodically. Its a bitch to take off the
valve covers of the 455 in the GMC because of the accessory brackets. That
would discourage many from not having the adjustments done. The original
rockers are fine and last a very long time as attested to by the many
engines with multiple thousands of miles on them. And when they need to be
replaced they are very cheap approx $16 a set. So my vote would be to keep
the original rockers for the majority of users.

>In a message dated 11/19/1999 9:03:41 AM Central Standard Time,

>
>>
>> Anyone feel this has merit??
>>
>Paul
>
>Since I am still going through this process I think it is a wonderful
>idea. I would like to see more than just a comment. I would to see
>a persons thoughts on why they did what they did or why they bought
>this part. Then I could see the reasons behind what they did. I will
>now what I am doing and why. The problem is that my engine is not
>running yet.
>
>Mondello SAR 455. Cast steel roller tipped rocker arms. First roller
>tipped rockers are easier on the valve guides. I should be able to keep
>valve seals on it for a long time. Second it gets rid of the aluminum
>bridging that I never liked. Finally they are adjustable. I did not go
>with aluminum rocker arms because we will never see the kind of RPMs
>to need them. I did not go with needle bearing rocker arms because I
>dont think they have the longevity I want. I am sure these can be purchased
>cheaper from another source. I am not intimate enough with this engine
>to just go out and start buying parts. By the time I am ready to build my
>next one I will be.
>
>Take Care
>Arch
>
>

 

[dave mumert]

Hi all

I think a list of part to avoid would be of value as well (Clevite 77
bearings, oversize valves, etc).

What about transmission parts like bands, clutches, torque converters etc.

Dave

 

[dave1]

>...I would not
>recommend the Mondello SAR 455 for the GMC Motorhome use for one simple
>reason. They have to be adjusted periodically. Its a bitch ...

When using the SAR455 rocker arm kit do you also replace the lifters with
solid lifters? If you keep the hydraulic lifters, why would it be necessary
to adjust the rocker arms once they are set properly after installation?
Wouldn't the hydraulic lifters take up any slack caused by component wear
in the valve train, just as they do with the OEM rocker arms?

Dave
Ann Arbor, MI.
73 Sequoia (26'/455/EFI/HEI/160=B0)

 

[tom warner]

lets not get hasty in adding parts to avoid. I see nothing at all wrong
with the Clevite 77 bearing shells. In fact they are on Mondellos
recommended list of parts and he sells them. A

>Hi all
>
>I think a list of part to avoid would be of value as well (Clevite 77
>bearings, oversize valves, etc).
>
>What about transmission parts like bands, clutches, torque converters etc.
>
>Dave
>
>
>