I was going to finish up the top end of my first 302 engine build when i ran into a little problem...

The Spider that holds down the dogbones is about a half inch off the block, is it supposed to be like that? Do I need to just force it down to the block and screw it in? I would have to bend all the little arms a bit to make it work. Would that work fine? Or should i just put a few washers under the hold down? It seems like it would work fine to me... but i figured i'd ask rather than screw up and destroy the spider hold down and have to find a new one... Thanks guys

 

just draw it down to the block. that is what gives the tension to keep everything held down. its supposed to be that way, no worries

 

Cool... i'll do that after work and then get the heads on!!! That's what i thought... but it took all 225 pounds of my weight to force that thing down there and I wanted to make sure! Funny how it always looks so much easier in the magazines and on tv LOL

 

2nd that advice make sure you tighten it down real good, thats what holds the dogbones in place! don't forget the oil lifter gallery plugs either!

 

ok... i think i have those installed... can you please expain where exactly those are and explain to me what they do? This is my first engine build and i'm doing the whole thing with the help of you guys and several books... so there are quite a few things where i'm not 100% sure... like oil lifter galley plugs... i'm pretty sure i did, just want to make sure i didn't miss something

 

they are on the front of the block near where the cam sticks out the front. they are small, like 1/4" or something

also, there is a plug on the top of the lifter valley towards the back that needs te be there, its about the size of a nickel

 

CHECK CHECK AND CHECK! Yep I have all those installed! Putting the heads on tonight!

 

yay!

remember to use just a little bit of oil on the threads and under the heads of the bolts to ensure a proper torque reading.

 

make sure to use a thread sealer on any bolts that pass through a water jacket.