3/28/14
330 Engine Assembly I

I picked up an engine block from our machine shop after a lot of work was done getting it ready for a rebuild. Besides the usual machining associated with rebuilding a Ferrari V-12 engine, we found some other issues to correct. The biggest repair was in the crankshaft main bearing saddles. There was excessive end play on the crank that wasn’t addressed properly on the last rebuild, so there was damage on the block that needed to be fixed. This damage was causing the bearings to sit out of position causing other problems with oil pressure and bearing wear. Our machine shop added material to the wear areas, and machined the area back into specifications.

With the machine work done and the crank saddles properly align bored, the damage was repaired and the owner will have a healthy engine with good oil pressure.

While inspecting the block we found a couple of cracks that needed to be welded as well. This engine has seen its share of abuse and poor machine work, but we’re correcting these issues and making everything right again.

The rods were also sized, and checked so my job was to begin by installing the new pistons and wrist pins.

All the studs were removed from the block to perform the machine work, so I had to put them all back and address some issues I noted when we took this engine apart. I took this picture of the engine when I disassembled it to note the height of the intake manifold studs. A previous shop installed new studs that were machined too long, so spacers were used to clear the extra height for the acorn nuts that secure the manifolds. When these studs are too long, they will punch through the acorn nut top so a cheap and easy trick done by the previous shop was to use spacers, but it just looked horrible.

With the studs out of the block, it was obvious what was wrong. The replacement studs were not machined all the way down the stud, and they were still a couple millimeters too long as well.

These two factors made the studs stand too high for the acorn nuts to fit properly, so I cut the threads the rest of the way down the studs and ground down the extra length.

The height of the intake runners is also dependent on the height of the heads, so I placed one head in position to double check my clearances. With all the gaskets and washers in place, the fit is now perfect and looking proper for a well assembled Ferrari V-12!

After the intake manifold studs were done, I moved on to the oil pan studs. Ferrari installed varying length studs for their specific position on the block, so getting the right stud on the right hole requires some thought. One wrong placement, and there wont’ be enough length to attach a nut when everything goes back together!

Francois, my boss usually knows by heart where each stud goes, but I often double check my work by test fitting some of the pieces. He’s been building Ferrari engines for 50 years, so things are a lot more familiar to him than me!

The main bearings, thrust washers, and crank shaft will be next to go in. 

As the block was getting prepped, I made sure the timing chest was ready for installation. The water pump seal was installed, and I checked the seals and mating surfaces were clean.

The rings were gapped and installed on the pistons, and are ready to go in the block after the crank is set and checked.

I spoke to Richard Garre this week about our upcoming Car Show in May, and as always it’s going to be a lot of fun. We’ve had a long cold and snowy winter on the East Coast, and we’re all looking forward to getting the cars out for one of the first car shows of the season! David Wheeler, a fellow 330GT owner, has been calling out to all the 330GT owners to attend this show to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the introduction of the 330GT, and his list is getting longer. I hope to bring my 330 America down to join in the festivities. Kerry Chesbro, the keeper of the 330 GT Registry, is even coming all the way from Seattle! 330GTs will not be the only attraction was there will be plenty of Vintage Ferraris to look at as well as other interesting European Sports cars. The variety is always astounding.  Space is limited for show cars, so call or email Richard at Radcliffe Motorcars as soon as you can to reserve a space. Details are below!

Save the Date! The 7th Annual Radcliffe/Tomyang.net Spring Car Show Saturday May 3rd 2014 celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Introduction of the 330GT!
Spectators are free, but Registration of show cars are limited for a small fee. Details can be found on the Radcliffe Website.
You can also Richard Garre at:
Radcliffe Motorcars
12340 Owings Mills Boulevard
Reisterstown, Maryland 21136
Phone: 410-517-1681

Reminder: If you have a Ferrari related project, car, or idea you’d like to explore, I’d love to talk to you. I can also help if you’re thinking of buying or selling. This website represents what I love to do, and now it’s how I make a living, so if you’d like to do something together, let me know. It all begins with an e-mail!

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