I'm going to have a '57 261 rebuilt and I'm trying to get 3 quotes for doing the machine work on the block. The engine was non-running when I got it from fellow forum member HevyHauler so I don't know what the previous running condition was like. It looks to be in decent shape but it's going to need a full rebuild.
One machinist recommends having the block line bored to ensure the crank won't need shimming when it comes back from the crank grinder. He says there is no easy way to check the line bore until final assembly so he wants to go ahead and line bore it during the initial machining process. When I disassembled the engine, there were no shims found on the main caps so it must have been OK at some point. I don't think I can reliably check existing clearances since the bearings and crank journels show some wear. Does anyone know what the likelyhood of requiring line boring really is on these old engines? I want to do this project right but I also want to be sure I'm not needlessly paying for the machinist's new shop equipment.
Thanks,
