Rebuilding my hurt 324
August 22nd, 2011, 03:38 PM
#1
Rebuilding my hurt 324
Getting ready to pull the motor out of my 54 and rebuild it. Dropped the exhaust valve down into the number two cylinder on my way to the goodguys show in columbus. Hoping you guys might be able to shorten my search for a complete rebuild kit. Please let me know who you have ordered from and your experience with them. I will post pictures of the teardown and carnage. Thank You
August 22nd, 2011, 10:26 PM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,142
Check out Terrill Machine, usually advertizes in Hemmings. I found that they have quality parts and the price isnt that bad... well compared to other sellers. Kanter is a rip off. Start to dig around at different places and if you piece the parts from different sources, you may get away cheaper. And prepare to have a heart attack with some of the prices out there
August 23rd, 2011, 05:04 AM
#3
Collector of Stray 55's
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: RI
Posts: 1,015
Can you get away with just a valve train repair? I dropped a valve a few years back and aside from a small, harmless gouge on the top of the piston, a new valve and it was as good as new - I guess it depends on what damage has been done in the cylinder...
August 23rd, 2011, 05:14 AM
#4
once i started looking around for that kit it was a real sticker shock. i had a 350 Olds rebuilt for less then some places are wanting for just the rebuild kit and that isnt including the price of the machine work. love the way the 324 sounds and the looks plus the family loves the old girl. guess i will have to pay to play.
August 23rd, 2011, 05:58 AM
#5
the only thing that i have done with the motor so far is pull the valve covers and thats when i found the exhaust missing valve. when i found that i put the valve covers back on, closed the hood and walked away. i wish i could get away with just repairing the valve train but the poor old girl burns oil and the compression isnt very good. im prepairing myself for the worst case scenario. i think i would feel better putting my family in the car if i had the motor rebuilt.
August 23rd, 2011, 06:04 AM
#6
Collector of Stray 55's
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: RI
Posts: 1,015
Completely understand...don't shy away - not as easy owning these as a shoebox chevy for sure - or a cutlass - but well worth it - you know the feeling of that 324! One option is to look for a used drivetrain - I come across them fairly often - swap is an easy one and you could put a decent one in while you repair your original - or if you're not worried about matching numbers just get a good running one and swap it permanently...either way, don't succumb to the temptations to abandon the 324!
August 23rd, 2011, 06:29 AM
#7
Don't worry the 324 isn't going anywhere. Matching numbers aren't a big deal to me i just want to drive and enjoy the car. I had a 350 Olds rebuilt to put in the car but i decided to stay with the original. The only thing that scares me about putting in a used motor is being stranded on the side of the road with my six month old and when i do find them people want an arm and leg for them.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
