Super Stock SBC - Rotating Assembly Installation

We got our block and rotating assembly back from the machine shop. Time to slam them together. (carefully).

Bottom End Assembly

Tools Needed:

Torque Wrench
Micrometer, 2.000-3.000”
Dial Bore Gauge
Dead Blow Hammer
Piston Ring Filer
Hand File
Feeler Gauge Set
Piston Ring Compressor

Supplies Needed:

RTV Sealant (Example)
Assmebly Lube
- Recommend something with molybdenum and graphite (example), but all engine-builders have their own preference.
Engine Oil
- Weight doesn’t matter, just something to keep the cylinder walls coated while you’re fitting your rings. I typically use Rotella 20w-50 because that’s what I have laying around the shop.

Important Specs/Measurements

Bearing Clearances
- Target 0.001” per 1” of journal diameter
  - Main Bearings : 0.0025 Target (2.450” Journals)
  - Rod Bearing: 0.0021 Target (2.100” Journals)
Main Bearing Stud Nut Torque (Per ARP supplied sheet)
- Inner 7/16” Nuts – 80 ft*lb
- Outer 3/8” Nuts – 45 ft*lb
Connecting Rod Bolt Torque (Per ARP supplied sheet)
- ARP 2000 3/8” Rod Bolts – 63 ft*lb
Crankshaft Thrust – 0.003 – 0.010”
Piston Ring Gaps
- Top Ring – 0.016”
- Second Ring – 0.025”

Measure Bearing Clearances

Bearing clearances for both the main and rod bearings need to be measured before anything is assembled. Depending on your measured clearances, you can order larger or smaller bearing shells to get to your desired clearance.

Start by measuring the journals on the crankshaft. Using your micrometer, measure the diameters of each of main and rod journals. Make sure to record these measurements. I like to measure each journal twice, 90° apart each time and then average the two values to get my final measurement.