03-08-2018, 09:05 PM
I've been playing with this too lately. I am using Phoenix rods and the big ends won't fit down the bores, you can only install them without the block in place. I've been test fitting the block without rings to check heights and clearances and so on.
On the bench that was easiest as per the green book with the crankcase vertical and the block packed up in height so you can slide it across and onto the pistons. I had to cut a packer to sit on the side of the block between the mounting lug and the core plug so the block was level.
I did try dropping it on vertically but even without rings that was difficult as the pistons and rods flop about (pistons mainly) and it's hard with one pair of hands to line everything up. I don't see how you could do it easily with rings in place by yourself.
And it is all definitely easier with the engine out and sitting on a flat surface at a sensible height.
My job today is to make up some sort of ring compressors so when my silicone base gaskets arrive I can assemble it properly.
Simon
On the bench that was easiest as per the green book with the crankcase vertical and the block packed up in height so you can slide it across and onto the pistons. I had to cut a packer to sit on the side of the block between the mounting lug and the core plug so the block was level.
I did try dropping it on vertically but even without rings that was difficult as the pistons and rods flop about (pistons mainly) and it's hard with one pair of hands to line everything up. I don't see how you could do it easily with rings in place by yourself.
And it is all definitely easier with the engine out and sitting on a flat surface at a sensible height.
My job today is to make up some sort of ring compressors so when my silicone base gaskets arrive I can assemble it properly.
Simon