Converting to studs
 

Hi,

I have a Dart Big M that I am installing main bearing cap studs in. The block came with bolts for the main bearings caps. Does the block need to be align honed after this or am I OK the way it is?

Thanks

It needs align honed. Sorry, good news is its not that expensive.

If it is a new block, it needs it anyway. At least the Big M I bought needed everything done to it..
If you dont, and have a problem, you will regret it.. I would do it.

ih,

It is pretty easy to check the bores so you might want to have that done first. Clean everything up real good and install the studs and torque them to the proper specs with the ARP moly lube. Take the block to your machine shop and have them check it with a good Sunnen bore gauge. I actually stand them up on end to check them, makes it pretty easy to see if they are still round and in size. Most of the time the studs will change the dimensions enough that you have to align hone it, but every once in a while it does not make a difference.

The Dart blocks are pretty hefty and dont seem to move as much as stock blocks do. Bolting a torque plate to the deck rarely changes them at all.

Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md