Chevy 350 Small Block Build - Part 3 My First Engine Build

Once all the end gaps checked out okay, it was time to put the rings on the pistons. Even with cool tools to do this task, the job still requires a matter of physical dexterity. Here, the main oil ring is installed.

The two compression rings are installed using a ring spreader. This tool creates even pressure to expand the rings, allowing them to slip over the piston's crown and into their respective groove. Care is imperative here, as these rings can break if you're too aggressive.

With the rings in place, the next operation is to grease the bearings on each side of the rod's large end. This is because two rods on each journal will rub against each other when the engine is running. This rod side clearance will be checked with a feeler gauge once all of the piston/rod combos are in place.

A tapered ring compressor is used to get the pistons into the block. A hammer, such as this trick plastic, lead shot-filled unit from Powerhouse, made this a simple chore for our first-timer, Pat.

Milodon provided the complete oil system for Patrick's engine. Included were the aforementioned windage tray, an oil pump baffle, which controls the oil at the back of the pan, a 7-quart kickout-style pan, and a high-pressure pump with a custom pickup. Note the studs for the windage tray and the steel coupling collar for the driveshaft. The factory shaft uses a breakable plastic collar to connect the shaft to the oil pump.

Here's Milodon's screen-style windage tray. You must fit the tray over the studs and lower the nuts in order to get the correct clearance between the tray and the rotating assembly. Once in correct relation, the bottom nuts are torqued down.

The Milodon special pickup is fit into the pump and has an extra support strap, which is bolted to the pump body. This makes it virtually impossible for it to separate from the pump.

Camshaft installation is made simpler with a tool like the one Patrick used from Powerhouse. With the cam's rear journal in the block's front bearing, Pat coated every lobe and journal with a special break-in lubricant. The special tool simply bolts to the front of the cam and allows you to ease it in the block.

The double-roller timing set fits easily around the crank gear and bolts to the cam with three grade 8 fasteners. Patrick also used a cam locking plate, which has a tang at each bolt head that is folded over to prevent the bolt from coming loose. Pat really liked this idea.

Before the Milodon pan could be installed, the new one-piece rear seal needed to be bolted down. Patrick found the easiest way to do this was to take the engine off of the stand and hang it from the hoist.

Once back on the stand, the good-looking kickout pan was installed.

In next month's final installment, Patrick will finish off his first engine with a set of World Products cylinder heads as well as a host of other bolt-ons like a Milodon aluminum water pump and a new harmonic balancer. Stay tuned.