Does anyone know of a well documented build thread installing a small block chevy, with lots of pictures? Also, my SBC's oil dipstick hole is located on the drivers left of the engine (if it were mounted in like a truck or something), therefore it is against the firewall in the fiero. I can't even get the dipstick in and out... has anyone had this problem? How can I solve it? Thanks. -Mark
IP: Logged
12:05 AM
PFF
System Bot
buddycraigg Member
Posts: 13437 From: kansas city, mo Registered: Jul 2002
Originally posted by V8IndyProject: Does anyone know of a well documented build thread installing a small block chevy, with lots of pictures?
i seem to recall that V8 Archie has a VHS tape you can buy for about $15.
quote
Originally posted by V8IndyProject: Also, my SBC's oil dipstick hole is located on the drivers left of the engine (if it were mounted in like a truck or something), therefore it is against the firewall in the fiero. I can't even get the dipstick in and out... has anyone had this problem? How can I solve it? Thanks. -Mark
there were a few years that GM had the dipstick on the right side of the block. Who knows why. but since you already have your SBC in a fiero, you need to pickup a "target" oil pan. And then talk to a really old engine machinist, so he can find you an oil dipstick adapter block.
IP: Logged
02:01 AM
Genopsyde Member
Posts: 774 From: Willoughby, Ohio USA Registered: Dec 2007
Have you started or just putting together parts? Here is a document from Archie's site. Right click and save I have a SBC in my Fiero installed using an Archie kit. It was second hand but I did move it from one car to another. If you have any specific questions I can try to help.
IP: Logged
06:32 AM
fieroguru Member
Posts: 11872 From: Champaign, IL Registered: Aug 2003
The dipstick was moved to the passenger side when the SBC went to the 1 piece rear main seal in 86 (and the casting revision for the roller cam - even though most were not machined to accept the roller cams until 87 for cars and later for trucks).
There are a couple of options. Find a slightly longer dipstick/tube that has the grip end above the valve cover. Vans had really long dipstick tubes. You can buy an oil pan that has the dipstick tube going directly into the pan on the passenger side (or modify an existing pan for the passenger side dip stick).
IP: Logged
08:20 AM
LAMBO Member
Posts: 1677 From: Lucas, Iowa, USA Registered: May 2000
I have one of those 1 piece seal ('86 and newer) blocks sitting on an engine stand out in my shop. It came out of a one ton van. It has a pan on it that allows for the dipstick to go on either side. Maybe you could pick up one of these at the local pick and pull.
IP: Logged
09:51 AM
tesmith66 Member
Posts: 7355 From: Jerseyville, IL Registered: Sep 2001
Thanks for the information. My engine is an '87 (or so I was told anyway) it came from a chevy C60 flatbed truck. I bought archie's kit, so I have the video and everything, but its not the best quality, and I would just like to have pictures of everything. -Mark
IP: Logged
11:31 AM
tesmith66 Member
Posts: 7355 From: Jerseyville, IL Registered: Sep 2001