Just got a call from my engine builder. He's been working on my 1960-235 that will replace my tired 56 engine in my 54 truck.
Wanted to let me know that my rotating assembly was back from the balancers.....who found that the PO had used a conglomeration of connecting rods when he did his rebuild. There was so much variation in the rod weights, that the engine would have been "rougher than three nights in a Georgia jail."
Fortunately, he had a set of good 235 rods gathering dust on his "old treasures" shelf, made the necessary adjustments and got the whole thing balanced correctly....no charge for the rods and he also sent back my mismatched set.
My point is, that it just isn't safe to assume that your engine guts are okay....especially if you're working with an engine that you haven't heard run. A bore job, new pistons and rings aren't going to guarantee that your ole girl isn't going to shake her guts out. They don't give a "balance" job away, but I sure am glad my builder sang his song and convinced me to have it done. Those of you who are planning a rebuild, might be well advised to at least ask about it. Getting things "close" is okay in horseshoes and hand gernades, but not for a quality rebuild.
Hope this helps.
Dave
