AntiRiceRacing

Well im converting my 74/75 351w to roller with the retrofit kit, and i have to drill and tap 2 holes into the valley for the spider retainer. Heres the thing though, its a fresh short block, and i was wondering if there is a way i can go about this without getting metal shavings all over my bottom end..? Ive never disassembled or assembled a short block before and i would really hate to take apart a brand new motor. What do you guys think??

Bubba 95SN

Plug all drain holes with some of those blue shop towels. Use center punch to mark for drill . Get Dewalt colbalt drill bit. Use air drill if available(turns slower than electric so bit does not burn up).have assistant spray lube on bit as drilling so does cut better and keep temperature down. Tap, use lots of oil turn 1/2 turn reverse 1 turn to remove metal shavings. They get trapped in tap it will break and that is a hell no.Metal shavings...Get some old speakers and remove the magnents, place strategically around area to be drilled. That is all I got. Bubba

enix187

I can tell you How I would do it, it may not be the right way, first off, I would put the engine on an engine stand (not a requirement but just for insurance) roll it over so the oil pan is on top ( or not) then drill the hole with the bit covered in bearing grease to catch the shavings, the grease trick is one that people use to drill oil returns into oil pans for turbos, its not fool proof though.

ProTrickVic

i think you should just get link bar lifters and dont tap any holes

projectresto83

Why do you want to use the retrofit kit? There are plenty of good flat tappet cams out there that can have great RPM ranges.

uedlose

I am with pro on the lifters

AntiRiceRacing

That seems like the smartest way ive heard so far. Thanks for the help!

Got a good price on the kit...