Side view of block, w/o heads
As always excellent work! A little off subject, but anyone know which auto parts chains stores carry SS hose clamps?
Pep Boys, AutoZone have Trident brand hose clamps relabled and sold in 2's. I forget the brand they're sold under, but look through the clear plastic and make sure they're Trident. Of course, ABA is better.
Absolutely beautiful. What is the best way for a beginner to learn all this? I am 32 and I am hoping it's not too late to learn.
Find one (or preferably more) people that have done it and ask questions. Most, including myself, a very willing to help. If you dive into an engine project, be prepares for the initial expense of tools. Even if you think you have a fairly good set now, you're not quite prepared for what it may actually take! On my first full-blown Ferrari engine rebuild, I spent more on tools than on parts for the engine.
Ric, Why the rebuild? also, what tools are specific to Ferrari engines other than boring and head pullers?
Thanks - Would be nice to find someone in my area doing a project & then lend my assistance! I think it would be hard to learn things all alone - I need a mentor!
The heads needed reworking due to accumulation of carbon beaten into the valve seats. The machine shop told me that he has seen many "ocassional-use" cars fouled up with carbon due to the use of reformulated gas (oxygenated). The bottom end has not been redone, as it is all within spec. It wasn't so much that it was special tools, but a lack of proper tools. I had a Crafstman Set of 350-ish tools, and that wasn't quite enough. I needed taps and dies, files, a dremel tools, pnuematic tools, a compressor, micrometers, calipers, feeler gauges, etc.
Ric: Excellent work. Like many here, I am always trying to learn. Do you have a list of "must read" books for someone planning a rebuild like that?
Inspiring books on my list include: Carroll Smith's Tune to Win Carroll Smith's Build to Win Carroll Smith's Prepare to Win Carroll Smith's Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners and Plumbing Most of the cosmetic prep is a learned thing, however.
Ric, as always, fantastic shots, thank you. I am currently in the midst of a major service, 348 spider. Have some questions. Coolant hoses. Can you provide specifics for the coolant hoses you replaced the Ferrari OEM hoses with? My understanding is the Gates Green Stripe hose is superior to the OEM hose. Tensioner bearings. Have seen ads for improved tensioner bearings for the 348. Do you use an aftermarket bearing? Better bearing? Plan to replace belts, tensioner bearings, waterpump, coolant hoses, cam seals, plugs, check valve clearance etc. Any other problematic areas you would recommend checking/ replacing? Your opinion is appreciated.
You can check with Paul Hill, Hill Engineering, one of our sponsors. I believe he's come up with a nice set. Rick: This is the type of work I've become used to seeing you post. I always look forward to seeing your projects. Please keep the board posted. Are you going to add any nice performance mods while you've got it down? I'd also love to know how you're going to detail the inside of the engine compartment. I'm very interested in this! J
Oh that is such nice work Ric. Awesome job. What did you use to get the engine so clean? Keep us posted.
Its ALSO a shame that Ric Rainbolt hasn't been heard-from in years.... The pics weren't the important resource that was 'lost' to this board - the person who posted them had more F-car knowledge in his pinkie than most FChat posters have in their whole head....myself included.