TECH | 25 BIG-BLOCK BUILDING TIPS
WINDAGE-TRAY WISDOM
RB engines use a windage tray between the crankshaft and
oil pan. But there are numerous factory versions, as well as
plenty of aftermarket versions, making it all the more impor-
tant to carefully check the clearance of the one you’re using
against the reach of the connecting rods. It was an issue with
the assembly shown here. A few washers for shims may do
the trick, but an entirely different windage tray may be the
only solution, particularly for stroker combos.OIL-PUMP OPINION
The oil pump is a component that doesn’t require an expen-
sive, ultra-high-performance option. An off-the-shelf Melling
standard-duty or even a simple high-volume upgrade works
just fine for engines making 500 to 600 hp (or more). Funnel
the budget savings into pizza and beer.LOCK IT DOWN
Almost every RB engine featured a timing gear attached to
the camshaft with a single bolt, except for the 440 six-barrel.
To ensure they remain married, a bit of thread locker is a
must. Better still, ask the camshaft manufacturer if your new
bumpstick is available with the Six Pack–style, three-bolt
mounting arrangement and order your timing set to match.ROCKER-SHAFT RECOMMENDATIONS
If the camshaft for your engine generates up to 0.525-inch lift,
stick with stock-type “tin tip” rocker shafts (an Isky shaft with
hardened tips is shown), and don’t forget to check the tips
for excessive wear on used parts. For higher-lift camshafts,
go with roller-tip shafts.THE SLING THING
A commonly overlooked item during the engine’s assembly
is the oil slinger that slips on the crank hub in front of the
timing set. Along with throwing oil on to the timing chain,
it’s designed to keep excessive oil buildup on the timing
cover seal, which helps prevent leaks.GO WITH MORE FLOW
Unless you’re rebuilding to stock specs, there are few practi-
cal reasons to use factory cylinder heads. Aftermarket iron or
aluminum heads are light years ahead when it comes to air-
flow and performance potential. They’re comparatively inex-
pensive, too, especially when you compare them against
reconditioning 50-year-old originals, including machining for
and the insertion of hardened valve seats for unleaded gas.
Go with new heads. You’ll be money and horsepower ahead.38 moparmuscle.com.
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