I'm getting ready to have my 455 olds block sent out for machining. I'm going to have them bore .030 over and torque plate hone. But, i've talked to several shops and they all say they will have to find a torque plate and charge me for them renting it to actually hone the cylinders properly. Is there anybody in Houston that can do this that already has one that you guys know of?

 

Im thinking Dennis Faerman told me he had them but im not positive. 713/686/7909. Hes a great guy, if he dosent have them maybe he will know who might.

Steve

 

Haha, I just got off the phone with Dennis. He is a really nice guy that actually does have them! I'm pretty stoked! Now to break the $ news to the better half... Thanks, Steve!

 

Dennis Faerman is very qualified and a great person as posted. If you live closer to Pasadena or just want to get another quote try Houston Engine & Balancing 713 472 7116. Ask for Tommy or Jeff and tell them what services you're looking for and ask if they have Olds plates. I know they have Chevy plates, do all of their machining in house including crank grinding, and offer dyno services. Been using them since the early '80's and I have to drive over 200 miles one way to get there! Best of luck with your project.

 

Not sure why torque plates are hard to come by, Detroit/Lansing guys have them available.

 

Probably has to do with the volume of Olds work vs other brands in this area. At roughly $500 for cast or $650 for aluminum it will take more than a few jobs to pay for 'em.

 

For Olds folks in the mid-Atlantic area, I've got a pair of cast iron plates that I could be talked into loaning out.

 

J&S Machine is on real olds power and they have a good torque plate at low price, $150 plus 25 if you want grade 8 bolts with it.
http://www.jsmachineoldsmobile.com/PRODUCTS.html

 

I thought of buying from J&S machine, but I will go with Dennis. I can imagine that there are definitely more work for the other, more common, manufacturers than olds, that is for sure. But for this build, i'm going olds.

 

So, I dropped off the block, pistons, rods, bearings, crank and rings last night. they are talking about quite a bit more work than i expected. Then again, i'm not a professional engine builder either. Talked the better half in to getting the better half of it done and working on the rest as able. Now i can focus on the stock heads, getting an intake, valve covers, roller rockers, pushrods, lifters and a cam... some day this motor will be together. Then i work on the 4l60e trans... and that will be some more money... but i'm closer now than i was a year ago! Must press on!!!

 

I personally wouldn't use those. Way too thin IMO.

 

Here is the place to get torque plates......these things are so good looking they should be hung up on your mantle after use.

http://www.ccaracing.com/product1.htm

Plus, they are only $365 compared to the BHJ junk out there.