Yesterday was a great day! The blue beast fired up for the first time! Made good oil pressure and purred!
We just have a small issue with the timing chain cover. Once pressure builds we start hearing a scrubbing sound. My engine guy thinks we need to put a "button" on the cam.
Anybody here got any thoughts?

Congrads on getting it to run! I know that feeling of excitment, keep us posted

Itsdave92570 said: Congrads on getting it to run! I know that feeling of excitment, keep us posted

... hearing that first firing is music to the ears.

Rogue Wave said: ... hearing that first firing is music to the ears.

the only thing more gratifying (IMHO) is the first set of long black marks after a rebuild.

congrats.

Thanks for the support! It really is a great feeling. We tore the front end down and the timing chain was getting into the cover just a bit, trying to locate another cover with the timing tab for an 8" balancer, put the button on the cam and we should be in business.
I spent a few extra bucks on balancing and the way it ran, it was worth it! That Rat motor is SMOOOOOOOTH!

Balancing really pays off.

Great News!

daveb12 said: My engine guy thinks we need to put a "button" on the cam.

Hey guys, I'm a little light on the engine lingo. Can anyone explain what this is?

JR

The button is either a phenolic or nylon button that is inserted in the end of the cam. A cam will move back and forth just a bit "cam walk". The only thing that really keeps the cam in place is the timing chain. We used a doouble roll chain on the big block and it takes up a bit more space than a standard chain, so when the cam walks it barely touches the cover(this is not a good thing)The button gives it a stopping point, since it's a non-metal part, it keeps the chain and gear off of the cover with no wear on anything.

Thanks for the detailed explanation. By the way, congrats on the new powerplant, she's a beauty.

JR

Long night last night! The parts came in, I broke down and bought a new timing chain cover, had to spot weld the timing tab on it. We ran it a long enough to seat the cam. The cam button and cover solved the noise problem!
Odd thing though, I have brand new exhaust and the longer the car ran, the deeper the tone got. Anybody else have this happen? I'm assuming the new mufflers have some 'glass in them. I like the sound! Brutal yet subtle!
It idles with 35 lbs of oil! You guys should hear the sound of those secondaries opening up! ( insert Tool Man grunt here)!!!!!!!!!!
Happy 4th to all!!!!!!!!!!