Engine Building Guides

Step-by-step walkthroughs of the procedures every builder needs to get right.

• How to Check Bearing Clearance — Using Plastigage to measure main and rod bearing clearances. Step-by-step with spec table.
• How to Set Piston Ring End Gap — Proper filing technique, stagger positioning, and oil ring installation.
• Engine Break-In Procedure — Complete flat-tappet AND roller cam break-in. The critical ZDDP requirements explained.
• How to Degree a Camshaft — Finding TDC, degree wheel setup, intake centerline, and lobe separation verification.
• How to Evaluate Machine Shop Work — What to inspect when you get your block back. Red flags, measuring guide, questions to ask.
• Blueprinting an Engine — What blueprinting actually means, what gets blueprinted, and whether it's worth the cost for your build.