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5.9 Rebuild on the cheap: Now Just Empty Every Pocket build.
2nd Gen Ram Tech1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
5.9 Rebuild on the cheap: Now Just Empty Every Pocket build.
It took me about an hour to get it done but I did it. And I was able to use gift cards I got for Christmas so it only cost me $4.19 of my own money. So this is the start. Next month I'll order the new rings. I have decided that I am going to try the Total Seal gapless rings.
Oooh, I am gonna be following that one closely. I am most interested in your impression of them, and how they perform.
I had to give them the weight of the other pistons when I ordered this one. 500 grams is the weight of the pistons. I am going to be taking the block to get hot tanked and will also be doing all the oiling mods that Hughes Engines recommends to the block.
Oiling system:
Small Blocks
Many times the mounting surface for the oil pump on the main cap is not level. Grind or mill it flat and do not use a gasket.
The oil passage from the pump does not line up with the passage in the main cap. Grind out this “stepover” area in the cap to
prevent a restriction here. The 360” is worse than the 340”. Restrict the oil flow through cam bearings #1 - #3 - #5 only by drilling a
new 1/8” oil hole in the cam bearing and then install bearing with this new, smaller hole aligned with the feed passage from the
mains. Run a straight ¼” reamer(our P/N 8350) completely through the main bearing oil feed passages #1 -#3 - #5 coming down
from the right hand lifter oil galley. Run a 9/32” reamer (P/N 8352) completely through the #2 - #4 main bearing feed passages. The
intersection of the large threaded oil passage, from the center of the oil filter to the main passage running to the rear of the block is
very rough in many cases. Smooth out all the rough spots and sharp edges in the intersection. Do not attempt to drill the passages
deeper. Water is close by.
If you are using our main stud girdle, it needs to clear all rotating parts by .030”.
A standard volume oil pump will supply enough oil to a 700 HP engine with the above modifications, a windage tray and 5
quarts of oil in the pan. We suggest our oil pan P/N 20710 for 340’s and P/N 20730 for 360’s; both use screen, P/N #6907. For more
ground clearance you can use pan #31590 on the 340 and 31595 on the 360. Position screen 5/16” to 3/8” from the bottom of the
pan. Oil pressure of 9# per 1000 RPM is adequate. Maximum pressure over 65 P.S.I. is not recommended.
Then just need the ring grinding tool to gap all the rings. Of course I still have to get a wide band Air/Fuel Ratio gauge. If I can't find one that does data logging also I guess I'll have to get a data logger too. I already have the SCT tuner.
Merc,
Thank you very much and I truly appreciate the help you have given me during my putting my old engine together and now this one. Your help is always welcome even when we don't agree.
Just a side not, Engine Builder magazine built a 318 into a 392 stroker and they made 477 HP@5800 rpm & 481 Ft/Pds Torque@4400 rpm with 421@2800 & 410@6000. Not a bad torque curve and damn nice numbers period.
Engine Builder Magazine Look for the article called Sticker Shock for the write up on the final build.
