The Mopar big-block RB and B engines have powered millions of Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler cars from 1959 to 1978, including some of the most iconic muscle cars-the Charger, Superbird, Barracuda, GTX, Road Runner, Super Bee, and many others. Over the course of 50-plus years, these engines have required and will continue to require rebuilding, and this book is an indispensable guide for the process.
Veteran magazine writer Arvid Svendsen documents a professional-caliber rebuild in this latest Workbench® Series title. Full-color photographs accompanied by exceptionally detailed captions with clear, concise instructions guide you through each crucial stage of the rebuild process. You will be able to confidently complete the rebuild of an entire engine, which includes pulling the engine from the car and disassembling the long block. In addition, you are shown how to inspect all components, guide machine work, select optimal parts for a specific performance level, assemble the complete engine, and perform a final shake-down of the engine.
All crucial steps of assembly are shown and discussed in exquisite detail, so you can install main bearings, crankshaft, pistons, rods, lifters, push rods, and the entire valvetrain, heads, intake, carb, and all other parts with confidence. Once the engine is installed and the ignition key is turned, you will have the satisfaction of having soundly rebuilt an engine that provides years of strong faithful service. This book is a must-have for any Mopar enthusiast.
The Mopar big-block RB and B engines have powered millions of Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler cars from 1959 to 1978, including some of the most iconic muscle cars-the Charger, Superbird, Barracuda, GTX, Road Runner, Super Bee, and many others. Over the course of 50-plus years, these engines have required and will continue to require rebuilding, and this book is an indispensable guide for the process.
Veteran magazine writer Arvid Svendsen documents a professional-caliber rebuild in this latest Workbench® Series title. Full-color photographs accompanied by exceptionally detailed captions with clear, concise instructions guide you through each crucial stage of the rebuild process. You will be able to confidently complete the rebuild of an entire engine, which includes pulling the engine from the car and disassembling the long block. In addition, you are shown how to inspect all components, guide machine work, select optimal parts for a specific performance level, assemble the complete engine, and perform a final shake-down of the engine.
All crucial steps of assembly are shown and discussed in exquisite detail, so you can install main bearings, crankshaft, pistons, rods, lifters, push rods, and the entire valvetrain, heads, intake, carb, and all other parts with confidence. Once the engine is installed and the ignition key is turned, you will have the satisfaction of having soundly rebuilt an engine that provides years of strong faithful service. This book is a must-have for any Mopar enthusiast.
Acknowledgments
What is a Workbench® Book?
Introduction
Chapter 1: Preparing to Rebuild the B and RB Big-Block Engines
The Family Tree
OEM Blocks
B/RB Cylinder Heads
Crankshafts
Intake Manifolds
Exhaust Manifolds
Building a Street Engine
High-Performance Engine Rebuilding
Engine Build Philosophy
Chapter 2: Tools and Cleaning Equipment
Basic Hand Tools
Required Specialty Tools
Cleaning Equipment
Chapter 3: Engine Removal and Disassembly
Hood Removal
Tear Down
Cleaning Supplies
Original Status Documentation
Jackstands
Transmission Fluid
Air Conditioning
Radiator and Fan Shroud
Fuel Line, Belts and Electrical Wiring
Throttle and Shifter Linkage
Distributor
Organization During Disassembly
Chapter 4: Inspection
Check the Oil
Inspect the Cylinder Heads
Inspect the Crankshaft
Inspect the Cylinder Block
Chapter 5: Parts Selection
Rebuilding a Stock Engine
Rebuilding a Strong Street Engine
OEM Main Caps
Aftermarket Two-Bolt Main Caps
Four-Bolt Main Conversion
ARP Rod Bolts and Main Cap Bolts
Aftermarket Rods
Pistons
Cylinder Heads
Camshaft and Valvetrain
Rocker Arm Assembly
OEM Cast-Iron Intake Manifold
Mechanical Water Pumps
Thermostat
Headers
Fasteners
Chapter 6: Machine Work and Short Block Build-Up
Clean and Deburr the Heads
Select a Good Shop
Machine Shop Procedures
Chapter 7: Mocking Up Heads and Valvetrain
Cylinder Heads
Valve Jobs
Chapter 8: Cleaning Your Machined Parts
Work Area and Helpers
Basic Cleaning Supplies
Deep Cleaning
Chapter 9: Pre-assembly
Engine Notebook
Tools
Supplies
Preparing to Rebuild Cylinder Block
Main Bearings and Caps Installation
Main Bearing Crush Measurement
Connecting Rods Installation
Prepare to Install Crankshaft
Piston Ring Installation
Camshaft Installation
Camshaft Degreeing
Rod Side Clearance
Rotating and Reciprocating Assemblies
Chapter 10: Final Assembly
Tools and Equipment
Taking Notes
Assembly Lube or Motor Oil?
Painting the Inside of the Block
Camshaft Installation
Install Rear Main Seal
Install Cylinder Head Dowel
Install Crank and Main Bearings
Pistons and Piston Rings
Install Gear Set and Degree Cam
Dampener Installation
Oiling System
Valvetrain Geometry
Install Intake Manifold
Final Installation and Adjustments
Chapter 11: Dyno Testing
Setting Valve Lash
Break-In
Dyno Testing
Appendix: Torque Specifications for Fasteners
Intake Manifold Torque Sequences
Timing Chain and Gear Alignment
Main Bearing Cap Torque Sequence
Distributor Firing Order
Source Guide