Our friend Jefferson has started up a new YouTube channel to show off what he’s got going on over at his shop Red Dirt Rodz, and one of the first things he’s sharing is a full-build series for an LS engine he plans to add a bit of boost to. What makes this build series different is that Jefferson is doing several jobs that most people would have their machine shop do, even if they were going to do the final assembly of their own engine.
Things like installing cam bearings, and mounting press-fit pistons and rods. These are services any local machine shop will usually do, but if you have the tools and a bit of know-how you can save yourself a few bucks for sure.
So check it out and let us know what you think. Would this be something you would feel comfortable doing at home if you had the tools?
Video Description:
Jefferson of Red Dirt Rodz shows you how to press piston pins onto rods using an induction heater and jig table. You don’t need a jig table, you can use just about anything to set up a jig for this job. These pistons are for a 2001 LM7 5.3L Gen III we are building using a Summit Racing kit. The end goal for the engine is to boost it with a single turbo with 8-10 psi.
Or, if you don’t want to spend the money on an induction oven, you could just put the pins in the freezer the night before, which is how we used to do it when rebuilding Volkswagon engines.
Flywheel in the freezer – new ring gear in the oven
works like charm – and makes Mom ask interesting questions
when she comes home
Baking dirt bike chain in 30 wt and Vaseline was different conversation