Good article in GMHighTechPerf on GN shortblock prep/buildup/clearances. Link inside!

[Two Lane]

Negative.

 

[NJTurbo]

 

[Outpost]

The engine build-up in these GM HTP articles is the most recent build for Old Gray, the magazine's former project car.
Jack built the motor, Ron and Paul installed it and oversaw the break-in, and we've driven it ever since.

 

[1badTTA]

This caught my eye in the short block shopping cart

"TRW forged pistons - part No. L2481F-30... $469 per set"

Last time I checked (actually when I bought mine) they were $249. If they would have been that much I would have just spent $600 on custom JE's.

 

[NoNos38]

He might have been including the price of JE rist pins and rings for that much..
Matt

 

[GNSCOTT]

After reading some of the articles in that magazine, i've come to the conclusion of never trusting what any magazine says. They don't always pick the best vendors, or the best parts. When I first bought my GN, car craft had a 3.8 build up using all Kenne Bell stuff. I had a list all made out on what to buy, and thank God I found out before it was too late. I use any mag. for entertainment purposes only.

 

[.38 special]

does anyone know where or what chain of stores carries gmhtp mag? Barnes and Noble, Walgreens, etc? I cant seem to find it anymore. I dont really want ot subscribe b/c only about every other issue has something useful.

 

[GNSCOTT]

B&N is supposed to have. I prdered a subscription through some MADD telemarketing thingy, and haven't received it yet. I've ordered through them for years w/ no probs..Figures, the 1 mag. I actually wanted , hasn't come yet.

 

[Two Lane]

Books-A-Million has it...my sub took 6 months to begin.

 

[87GN_70GS]

He brings out some good points. However, one thing I disagree with is using the FM cam bearings in all the positions. The GM bearing is much harder, and better suited for use in the no. 1 position (front). When heavier valve springs and high volume oil pumps are used, there is more torsional load placed on the cam. This load results in more downward force being placed on the cam bearings and especially the front one. The harder GM bearing should be used in the front. I found this out the hard way.

 

[turbolc2]

Engine Mods

Nearly everything that is related to Jack Merkel came straight out of the Buick Power Source manual (red white & blue book).The reason I know is that most of the stuff in the article (except for steel caps @ 2&3) is present in my engine that was built years ago.Even the notion of opening oil gallies in the 2 & 3 bulk heads is discussed in the "Power Source Manual".

 

[NJTurbo]

I saw one of these books on e/bay i bid up to $80.00 then let it go. I figure hey with all the help here, why pay all that money when i can just post on the board.

 

[Gr82baGN]

All I know is I went to Rons for an Engine build up, he pointed me to Jack and it was done, right, the first time. Any questions I had about the build up of my engine Jack was more than happy to answer any time, professional to the bone. Paul treated my car as if it were his own when removing the old engine and installing the new engine. My beast runs hard and strong, every day, rain or snow 7 days a week. No problems starting up no problems in boost. I wish they made the roads a little wider, seems I sometimes accidently hit the pedal to hard and I end up a bit sideways. Darn those street tires.

 

[Buicksx2]

Agreed.....Paul's a good guy and top mechanic.