all components to an engine

[DrewskiSS]

i know this is such a retarded noob question but i have to learn and start somewhere right?
after buying a block, what are all the other components i have to buy? can someone direct me to some reading i can do to really learn and understand about it?
thanks everyone in advance. i know im dumb lol

[mike23109]

We've all been there so don't worry about the question. It obviously depends on what type of engine you're building as to what you'll need. All engines will basically need the same components: crank, rods, pistons, heads, etc.

If you google "how to build...(insert your engine here)" you'll get a multitude of good answers. The link below is the first response to "how to build a small block chevy." It's a good article and I'm sure there are other equally good articles and referencs to books too.

Good luck.

http://www.carcraft.com/howto/1004/index.html

[DrewskiSS]

thanks mike! thats a huggeeee help! i really appreciate it and without bustin my balls about the amateur question haha.

im doing some research now and im finding a bunch of great articles. thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

[Vegas69]

Once you get done reading your first book, find a quality engine builder and let him pick your components.

[DrewskiSS]

todd, do you have any recommendations for books to read? chevy in particular?

[Vegas69]

I started out with How to build a small block Chevy 15 years ago. I can't find the exact edition on Jegs tonight. Cruise through these and pick one out and read it cover to cover. http://www.jegs.com/c/Collectibles-B...48701/10002/-1 I personally love the engine and mechanical stuff. Check out my engine build thread. https://lateral-g.net/forums/show...highlight=zl-1

[Scorpner]

If you go to a book store you'll be able to look though some to find something you'll like. I don't recall the two I have, but they both differed some in tips and methods that gave me some insights and options for going about it. There's also lists at the back of some books with est. HP/Tq ratings. Even if you have one built, it will give you a lot of insight into what you might want to do and less regrets in the end.

[deuce_454]

a piece of advice is to buy a kit .. somthing like PAW ( https://secure.pawengineparts.com/sh...cfm?catid=1594 ) they will put together a package of "matched components" its real easy to think you want the best of everything.. and that way your project ends up costing a fortune...

also the parts are mashined and checked so you dont end up buying junk and spend money trying to rebuild it just to find you got screwed...

and youtube is a prety good source of how to vids if youve never seen it done before

and lastly a personal tip, atleast one that works for me... its much easier to assemle an engine on a table than a cheap rotating stand... lay the block on the table when installing cam and crank.. and stand it on end on a pair of 2x4 pieces to install pistons... its much easier to tap them in horizontally

[DrewskiSS]

thanks guys. going to pick up some books today. ill read a bunch of them so i really start understanding whats going on. theres so many to choose from

a piece of advice is to buy a kit .. somthing like PAW ( https://secure.pawengineparts.com/sh...cfm?catid=1594 ) they will put together a package of "matched components" its real easy to think you want the best of everything.. and that way your project ends up costing a fortune...

this is a great thought also. for my first build i might get a kit and just upgrade it when cashflow comes. i think this would also be real helpful. thanks.

[70rs]

Have you started building that engine yet? How is everything going so far?