I took my 312 all the way down to measure and inspect prior to starting the build. After some remedial reading on engine repair I found the cylinders to be standard 3.80 bore. Crank is 20 under rod journals and 30 under mains. The bearings all look good. Plasticgauge has them all within normal spec. Decided to re-ring just because and when starting to de-glaze the cylinders I discovered the lips at the bottom of the bores holding sleeves in all 8 cylinders. The engine has less that 20k as far as I can determine and the inside of the motor is clean. The water jackets are clean and clear of any rust. I checked the main webs and can't see any cracks. It has been a smooth good runner for the 6 or so years I have had the car.

The sleeves have me worried. The cost of using my crank, etc. in an acceptable and machined 292 block is pretty costly. I will be using Mummerts 270 Cam/Lifters, Sanderson Headers, Mummert aluminum heads(not ported), MSD/Petronix ignition, and a Edelbrock 573 with 3 94's (rethinking that now due to restricted amount of Carb CFM). If I use a Mummert intake and 4bbl carb (650CFM or so) I think the HP should be about 300 or so. Am I pushing my luck with a sleeved block? This is going to be a street non-race ride just for enjoyment; on-ramp blasts and harassing the guy down the street who just butchered his 57 Vette with a late model stock 350 scrub motor. I am coming up on some medical therapy that will slow the project down for the next 6 months. Any input would be great. Thanks.


57 Black Tbird 312/auto