We absolutely love the Hagerty Redline Rebuild series of videos and while this engine is not the most interesting choice in the line, we love the process and work that is shown here. After doing all kinds of neat engines, the Hagerty guys descended upon a 396ci big block that needed help. Burning oil and generally down on power, they knew something was not right with this porcupine V8 and they intended to fix it.
While this video is done at high speed in time lapse, other videos in the series indicated that at one point this thing had been run with little to no oil in it and that’s where some bearing wear, valve damage, and other problems started. With a beautiful Hugger Orange Camaro to power, this big block was not holding up its end of the bargain.
We love the camera work, the fun tricks done with bolts and components to make them appear as if they are “uninstalling” themselves, and the overall vibe of the video. The fact that these take us through every step of the process, even at the machine shop is one of our favorite elements as well. This is not just tear it down and put it back together, no this is a comprehensive fix that won’t be worried about again for many, many years.
We’re looking forward to the Buick Nailhead rebuild that is coming (after they fix the horrendously jacked up block) and whatever else these guys have up their sleeve. A fun series if you are a gearhead!
Very nice. I tend to watch these things late at night with the sound off, which seems to magnify the good-ness of good videos and the bad-ness of bad ones. You know this great short video took a lot longer for them to make than a long crappy one, fun to watch and nice work.