How to Build a Small Block Mopar Engine

The small block Mopar engines were among the most durable engines to come out of Detroit. However, like all other engines, they cannot last forever. When it becomes necessary to rebuild your small block Mopar engine, following these steps can save you time, money and frustration.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Install the camshaft first, because access is much easier before installing the crankshaft. Before installation, be sure to liberally coat each lobe and bearing surface with moly-lube. This will ensure that the cam lobes will be properly lubricated and hardened during initial start-up and break-in.

2. Apply liberal amounts of engine-assembly lube to crankshaft journals and all contact surfaces. This is especially important at the rear mail seal contact area, to prevent seal damage on initial startup. Also be sure to apply assembly lube to all main and rod-bearing journals.

3. Set the crankshaft and main bearing caps. Check for easy rotation of the crankshaft. Then torque the caps to 85 lb-ft. Remember that once all the caps are torqued properly, the crank should still be easy to turn.

4. Install the pistons and piston rings. When possible, purchase new pistons with the connecting rods already installed. Using a piston-ring expander tool is essential to the installation of the rings. Proper piston-ring fit is crucial to ensure proper sealing and oil control. Consult a specifications manual to determine the proper gaps for the compression and oil rings for your particular engine. Check the gaps with a thickness/gap gauge. To install the pistons, use a piston-ring compressor tool. Complete the piston assembly by installing the rod-bearing caps with a torque of 45 lb-ft.

5. Install the timing chain by carefully slipping the large sprocket over the crankshaft and bolting the smaller sprocket to the camshaft.

6. Install the oil pump after filling the cavity with engine-assembly lube.

7. Install the timing chain cover and oil pan.

8. Install the heads using quality head gaskets. Consult a specifications manual to determine the proper torque settings for the head bolts.

9. Install the intake manifold, carburetor and air filter.