GM Bow Tie Vortec Small Block Engine - Blue Thunder 355
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Because Grady wanted to use a ring diameter of 0.040-inch, he held the bore at 4.039 inches. The idea is to make the most power possible with a flat-top piston so that the engine would seal exceptionally well, be able to pass a lot of air, and see as much compression as possible with the new GM Bow Tie Vortec cylinder heads. A common 350 block was stress-relieved and sonic-tested before the honing process. Grady used the same length studs used on the engine to secure the honing plates. By using a fine lapping compound under the spacers and washers, Grady makes sure that hardware doesn't spin when he torques the plates down prior to the honing procedure. If these pieces move upon the bolt-stretching sequence, they will likely distort the cylinder walls. Grady finishes the honing process with a Sunnen J83 stone. It's critical to use the same MLS gasket as you use on the engine and spray both sides of it with WD-40 (for extended reuse) so it won't stick. View Related Article
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