I'm to the resto stage in my 69' Coupe 400 where I'm starting to think about the engine. It is currently torn down to the block and I'm wanting to very inexpensively clean up the block (& maybe heads too). Nothing fancy just want a fresh coat of paint to look good on it (there really wasn't anything wrong with the engine when I tore it apart, was just thinking to beef it up but now reality/budget just want to get it going again).
Question is, could I just use an engine degreaser and hose on it or would it be better to take it to an engine shop and have them hot tank it, or whatever they do ? How much does that typically cost ?
Its pretty unusual for a block with any miles on it since new (or a rebuild) to not have a ridge at the top of the cylinders from piston ring wear that would need removal.
Take it to a machine shop, have them tank the block, chase all the threads in the bolt holes, clean out the oil passages and maybe maniflux it for cracks just avoid problems down the road. The removal/installation of cam bearings is also something I leave to a shop.
There are also the questions about the need for an align bore of the main bearings (are they straight?) and oil restriction plugs that Pontiacs can benefit from among with other rebuilding issues.
Suggest you begin by purchasing the Pontiac Engine book from Jim Hand and reading it.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
Its pretty unusual for a block with any miles on it since new (or a rebuild) to not have a ridge at the top of the cylinders from piston ring wear that would need removal.
Take it to a machine shop, have them tank the block, chase all the threads in the bolt holes, clean out the oil passages and maybe maniflux it for cracks just avoid problems down the road. The removal/installation of cam bearings is also something I leave to a shop.
There are also the questions about the need for an align bore of the main bearings (are they straight?) and oil restriction plugs that Pontiacs can benefit from among with other rebuilding issues.
Suggest you begin by purchasing the Pontiac Engine book from Jim Hand and reading it.
How bad is the ridge? Cam bearings usually dont wear much, check them out though. ?No need for an align bore if you are re using the original crank and the original bearings looked good. Clean it up, deglaze the cylinders with a ball hone, install new rings, as they wear. Replace main and rod bearings. No need for oil restrictor with hydraulic flat tappet lifters.