Frequently Asked Engine Prep & Installation Questions
Q. What’s the best way to lift the engine?
A. If the lifting points are Accessible, pickup diagonally from the front Left or Right Front Cylinder Head to the Rear Left or Right Cylinder Head. Otherwise from exhaust port holes in the cylinder Heads. Use a high grade Bolt. USE a heavy duty chain or cable long enough to prevent scratching the Valve covers or damaging the Air Cleaner
Q. What grade Oil do you recommend and how often should I change the Oil?
A. We normally suggest going over to a high Grade SAE non - synthetic 10W / 30 Motor oil. After 4 to 5 oil changes if you would like to go with a synthetic or blended version then this is O.K. Do an initial oil change after 500 Miles then just every 3000 miles from there.
Q. What do I need to do to break in the Camshaft and engine?
A. Engine Factory will normally do the break in of the camshaft on our Turnkey Carbureted engines. Upon taking your vehicle on the road for the first time stagger the throttle from 30 to 50 MPH several times to get the Piston Rings seated properly. Keep the RPMs under 4000 RPMs for the first 1000-2000 miles.
Q. What is the max Redline RPM on this engine?
A. This can vary some from each motor we sell but generally speaking we like to keep them at or under 5500 RPMs. In most cases you will have all the power you’ll ever below this level anyway.
Q. What’s the proper way of filling the Cooling system & what Thermostat is used?
A. When filling cooling system, remove trapped air from your block. This is extra important when you are installing a new or remanufactured engine with a totally dry block. The easiest way to do this is to remove your highest heater hose, fill cooling system and watch air bubbles percolate out of hose when all air stops and nothing but coolant comes out. Block should be full. Start vehicle and monitor your engine with gauge! We typically don’t install a Thermostat due to the tendency of the engine to get trapped air in the system. After initially taking your vehicle on the road after 50-100 miles you may put one in. Typically we suggest an opening temp.of about 190 degrees.
Q. What other parts should I look for or replace before installing the engine?
A. This can be a huge list but one of the most important ones to mention would be the Radiator. Use a brand new Aluminum or 3 to 4 core Radiator to keep your replacement engine cool. Some other items would include Engine and Transmission Mounts, Clutch, Torque converter, Fan, belts, hoses, Ujoints, pulleys, hoses and clamps, fuel lines, sensors etch. Reference our installation tips list along with a manual. If you don’t feel comfortable to take this on then contact a qualified mechanic.
Q. What about upgrades to Brakes, Transmission, Rear End ect.?
A . Your driving style has a lot to do with this so you have control over the gas pedal. As with anything the weakest link is always going to go first. So lets say if you have an original engine putting out 190 HP and you are moving up to a 400 + HP street beast. More than likely your Transmission needs to be upgraded. Different Gear Ratios can also have a huge affect on low end power. As far as the Brakes are concerned, if your trying to stop let’s say a 4000lb. vehicle with the old original drum brakes with some serious Horsepower under the hood it’s a good time to consider going to Disc brakes!
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