First time engine rebuild tips/advice wanted

[MRM82]

Myself, my father in law and my dad are pulling the 318 out this weekend to rebuild. Instead of asking what combo etc should I build this motor too I was wondering if anyone had any good advice or tips for your first motor pull/rebuild. I was able to find the older how to rebuild your small block Mopar book, and we are all mechanically inclined with the majority of the tools I believe we will need. Anything you more experienced guys wish you woulda done looking back at your earlier times? Hoping it turns into a fun bonding experience for the 3 of us. Thanks in advance!

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

What a great way to do some bonding! Here are just a few things off the top of my head used for rebuilding my 340...

Besides the normal rebuild kits, don't forget the freeze plugs like this: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mil-34040 and don't forget Permatex for them.

Also, if you don't have number punches, pick up a small set at Harbor Freight to mark rod caps and rods. While you can just use a center punch 'x' amount of times per cylinder, the number stamps keep it simple and clean

A shallow cardboard box or two cut out and numbered to hold lifters, pushrods, valves, springs, etc... to keep everything organized by cylinder.

If you don't have a ridge reamer, rent or buy one for removing pistons when you get to that point.

Use cheap sandwich bags for bolts, with some write-on labels so you can label where they came from and stick them to the outside of the bag.

[headejm]

Take lots of photos.
Have a large table set up to lay all of the removed parts on.
Find a trustworthy machine shop.
Buy good replacement parts.
Use a good engine stand.
Use an accurate torque wrench.
Plastigage the main bearings and rod bearings.
Follow closely the installation instructions from the camshaft and piston/ring suppliers.
Use a good breakin lube on the cam lobes, rod, main, cam bearings.
Install new freeze plugs.
Use a good set of gaskets (I like FelPro).
Get a good 318 rebuild manual.
Make a list of all of the various torque values.
Take your time and enjoy the time with your family!

[Cudajason]

Myself, my father in law and my dad are pulling the 318 out this weekend to rebuild. Instead of asking what combo etc should I build this motor too I was wondering if anyone had any good advice or tips for your first motor pull/rebuild. I was able to find the older how to rebuild your small block Mopar book, and we are all mechanically inclined with the majority of the tools I believe we will need. Anything you more experienced guys wish you woulda done looking back at your earlier times? Hoping it turns into a fun bonding experience for the 3 of us. Thanks in advance!

I think I used that same book when I did my first motor as well.

I believe there is also how to hot rod small block mopars which might be worth looking into.

There is some great advice above. 

Good luck and enjoy the project.

[MRM82]

Great thanks! Some good ideas we hadn't thought about yet. Do you guys recommend storing the hood once pulled in any particular way?

[tparker]

I have two Mopar small block rebuild books that provide lots of good info. I have found several videos on youtube that go through the process. Pete's garage on youtube has lots of cool videos that show the whole process and has great tips. I would watch them.

The other tip I would have is to be organized and clean. One video made a comment about another builder who recommended wearing fancy clothes so your very clean and careful. I would be worried about dust. My area has a ton of dust in the air. It is a sandy dust that would cause havoc.  Have fun.

https://www.youtube.com/c/PetesGarage/playlists

https://www.themotorbookstore.com/how-to-hot-rod-small-block-mopar-engines-book.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=how-to-hot-rod-small-block-mopar-engines-book&gclid=CjwKCAjwnPOEBhA0EiwA609Rea7vhkAxAZIwaXG36Ha7WivfrAQby2OHFZwfMNawmhH2nsAcL9zAHRoC5yMQAvD_Bw

https://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Small-Block-Mopar-William-Burt/dp/1613250584/ref=asc_df_1613250584/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312126345020&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1658031700136427746&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032493&hvtargid=pla-627193438552&psc=1
   

[rikkitik]

 Strongly agree with "tparker"and others, particularly in regards to dust and dirt control. Once you have the engine apart and clean, put a garbage bag on the heads and block when not being worked on. Always assume you live in a dusty, dirty environment, (well🤔, because you actually do). No engine was ever hurt because it was too clean. 😊
And, small recommendation, Driven brand assembly lube is outstanding.

[dodj]

Did a 440 for my car. Thinking back on it,  a stroker small block may have been a better choice. 
So... think about a stroker kit.

[headejm]

Great thanks! Some good ideas we hadn't thought about yet. Do you guys recommend storing the hood once pulled in any particular way?

Cut a slot in a 3" swim noodle and place it along the edge of the hood that is closest to the windshield. Lean the hood/noodle against a wall and somehow secure it to the wall so it will not tip or fall. Bungee cord or other method. Worked for me.

[JS29]

Use rubber hose on the rod bolts, so when you install the pistons you don't have to worry about scratching the crank. 

[Rich G.]

I like to lay the hood on its side. It's nice and flat and less chance of damage. A good thick blanket also.

[MRM82]

Again thanks! All good tips I hadn't thought about. Liking the pool noodle and honestly I've never heard of Pete's garage.