Getting Further Into Engine Building

Today was such a fun day! Not only was it Mothers Day and I spent a good portion of it with Hot Rider, but I also spent a good amount of time in my garage incrementally getting further into learning how to really build an engine. As mentioned in a different thread I did a top end and cam change for a friend with all the work except the major machining done by me. After that job I was left unsatisfied in the way that it just wasn't precise enough for me. So, I made a decision to learn how to do the things that it takes to build an engine how I think that one should be built.

The first step that I chose was how to polish an intake manifold. This may sound easy but I will say that even though it may sound simple, it isn't. It takes a lot of time and patience and the right tools which I can thank BaggerPaul and my wife for helping me out in that category. And yes, BaggerPaul is ever so gracious to bestow his knowledge to me. As of now I am about 66% done with the second stage of polishing the intake. I still have a lot to learn with this process but I am enjoying every minute of it.

keep up the good work it gets easier as your learn to use your abrasives! and what works for the porter

Absolutely. However I do think that I want to do it your your way then see if I am comfortable with it. So far all is ok, just need to get the feel for the tool and pressure needed.

Ah wise one ! Takes long time to snatch pebble from master of petrol power ! One must have sniffed many of day and night 110 octane fuel and many years of compressor rumble .also not yet qualified till a set of rods hanging out the side of block and tears of **** up have introduced failure have come.then one can learn to snatch pebble from master ! Lol

I will never be as good as BaggerPaul but I do think that it is something to strive for. At least there will be someone around these parts that gives a crap about doing it the right way..

Never say never we might find you late at night sniffing 110 fuel with rods hanging from the block in tears ! Lol

Honestly I truly believe that we as wrenches become sure in our trade .when we dump a shot load of money in a motor come up with a killer combination it runs like a champ for like 10 passes and grenades lol.and we look at it as a learning experience and perfect it till it stays together longer .its what separates the good shops from the bad .been at it for years now and I still learn every day I'm just glad I had greybeards to grow up with .

That is a possibility.