RJC Girdle Installation

[Mad_Trbo]

Curious, how much work does it take to install the RJC girdle? Does it actaull require additional work to the block and caps. Say I am having regular block prep work performed. Line hone etc....

The web site indicates a backyard mechanic can install the girdle, so my assumption based on such is it is a bolt up affair. With the motor out of the car of course.

Can anyone confirm - please?

 

[turbo nasty]

No it MUST be installed to exacting standards and by a VERY competent machinist/builder.

Just call around to 2 -3 big Buick Turbo v6 builders and see.

 

[gnxtc2]

Stop, don't line hone/bore the block without the girdle in place.

The caps need to be milled and the girdle in place before the line hone. The girdle will distort things. Also when you line hone, I would bolt the heads on. The heads will also distort the block. With the girdle and heads bolted on, it places the block as if was built.

Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com

 

[Blazer406]

.........The web site indicates a backyard mechanic can install the girdle, so my assumption based on such is it is a bolt up affair.

ROFL

I think that is like saying you can bore your own block at home...... with a par of kitchen scissors.

 

[Blazer406]

IMHO.... a competent machinist will want between $400 and $500 to do the installation correctly with the line bore.....

HTH

 

[Mad_Trbo]

Interesting comments based on what is on the RJC site.

Thanks for the feedback, though! Now I am informed.

 

[Blazer406]

I think there is a writeup I saw... maybe on his site... that indicated you could send your caps in to have them machined.... then he sends them back.... with some shims..... and you could install them.....I don't think it is possible to do this install right w/o line honing/line boring your block after the complete installation.

That definately requires a competent machine shop..... a line bore is one of the easiest things you can do to completely ruin your block.... if it isn't done right....

HTH

 

[Boost231]

its far from just a bolt of deal.

 

[MSDGN]

It's not a bolt it piece...but it ain't rocket science either...I sent my caps to Jason to have them milled...the rest of the girdle install I did myself...then took the block to the machine shop for line hone...you just need to follow the instructions carefully when installing...I think one of the most important things is the clearance between the block rail and the girdle after torquing it down...if it's off or different from side to side then I would think you could have problems...guess I was lucky as mine came out to the specified number all around...

 

[Race Jace]

yes it is very simple to install the girdle. anyone with good mechanical aptitude and common sense can do it. You have to machine the hump of the middle of the cap so the girdle has contacts the whole top of the cap. measure the girdle preload, make the adjustments to the shims and you are done. I used to have the instructions on my site but i had to take them off for obvious reasons. e-mail me and i can fax or e-mail you a set and you can read through it.

hope this helps.