Another 12v in the garage...

[v10to12v]

So I picked up an intercooled 12v out of a first gen for dirt cheap. Cylinders have lots of life left in them, cyl5 has rust but I'm fairly certain it's from sitting, probably try a quick hone to verify I don't have to take the block to the machine shop.

It's doesn't have the VE pump or the lines (valve covers or push rods too) but otherwise complete. I'm thinking about ppumping it but I really like the VE simplicity and cost.

I'll take the head, cam, and crankshaft to the machine shop. Do I need to take the rods for balancing? And do I need to get new pistons if the current ones look really good? Obviously new rings will be installed...

I'd like to push 350hp but reliability is number 1. Going into a 2nd gen with a NV4500.

[jasonc]

For 350hp balancing is a waist of money, also sending the crank and cam in isn't necessary either if the bearings still look good. I'd get the head machined flat and add o-rings and re ring the engine and reseal and call it a day, that's assuming all the bearings still look good.

[BRE]

For 350hp, I wouldn't even oring it.


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[Snedge]

Balancing is never a waste of money.

[jlbayes]

Originally Posted by Snedge

Balancing is never a waste of money.

This.

[9724VF350]

Get the block surfaced while you're at it.

[jasonc]

If not a waste, unnecessary.

[badbowtie]

Balanced engines run very nice. At 350 hp it is not necessary, neither are o rings. I would have the head and block machined flat.

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[jasonc]

O-rings are cheap and good insurance, i dont know what yall are paying but our local machine shop is $300 to surface and install o-rings. Out of all the 12 valve trucks I've had over the years, used to buy and sell them on the side when they were cheap, the only thing I've ever had happen is a couple of head gaskets. And most were way over 200k miles and over 400hp.

[zfaylor]

Originally Posted by 9724VF350

Get the block surfaced while you're at it.

THIS.

So many people blow through head gaskets and blame it on their boost, egts, etc.... Most of the time the block isn't true.

[Snedge]

Originally Posted by jasonc

If not a waste, unnecessary.

I mean, if we are going to split hairs...
It's also unnecessary to add horsepower to a Diesel pickup. They run forever when left alone.

A balanced rotating assembly makes a huge difference at any power level and it's cheap.

[DieselWrencher]

Originally Posted by Snedge

I mean, if we are going to split hairs...
It's also unnecessary to add horsepower to a Diesel pickup. They run forever when left alone.

A balanced rotating assembly makes a huge difference at any power level and it's cheap.

Anyone that says balancing a 12v is a waste of money must have not ever had one that was balanced other than out of the crate at Cummins. They are a heck of a lot smoother once they are balanced.

Is it a necessity, no. But if you're building one to keep and run for ever, the added cost will help ensure it lasts that for ever IMO.

[v10to12v]

Thanks for the input.

Pistons look great- Any reason why I should replace them?

[jasonc]

Will just a ball hone clean out the rusted cylinder? Yes the pistons will be fine. How do the rod and main bearings look?

[sootie]

Give the cylinder a good couple days soak in diesel fuel. I bet most of the scale rust will be gone and you can see the extent of the damage.

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by v10to12v

Thanks for the input.

Pistons look great- Any reason why I should replace them?

Does it have 145* or 155* pistons?

[j.fondler]

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

Does it have 145* or 155* pistons?

it does have an intercooled t-stat housing so i'm assuming 145*

[White_pearl12]

So many people blow through head gaskets and blame it on their boost, egts, etc.... Most of the time the block isn't true.[/QUOTE]

^^Yes this is true have seen it too often