 The main journals are line-bored,...  The main journals are line-bored, ensuring proper crank alignment. This procedure should be mandatory in a race engine as it greatly increases bearing life. |  When we got our block back...  When we got our block back from Chenoweth, trial fitting the crank showed us the areas that would need to be clearanced for the crank's weights. Clearancing is performed by hand with a die-grinder and carbide bit. |  The areas of the block that...  The areas of the block that need to be ground away are just above the main bearings in the main webbing. Minimal metal is removed to give at least .045-inch of crank to block clearance. |
 After grinding our block for...  After grinding our block for crankshaft clearance, we only needed to wash it with soap and water, then dry it with compressed air before we could begin checking oil clearances and assembling the engine. |  Since we'll be running a Milodon...  Since we'll be running a Milodon oil system with an external pickup, we blocked off the threaded hole where the pickup would go with a pipe plug, then pressed a small expansion plug into the oil pickup galley in the block under the oil pump. |  This ensures the oil pump...  This ensures the oil pump won't cavitate by sucking air from these areas. |
 Checking oil clearances by...  Checking oil clearances by measuring is an important procedure in any engine build. Thanks to accurate machining, ours were all within the prescribed tolerances. |  Prior to having our rotating...  Prior to having our rotating assembly balanced, we used a hand file to chamfer all the edges of our piston domes. Sharp edges in the combustion chamber can create hot spots that lead to power-robbing detonation. |  We're using a Milodon oil...  We're using a Milodon oil system for this engine because it pretty much sets the standard for oiling the big-block Chrysler. We love their new kit which combines their redesigned low-profile pan with a single-line external pickup and oil pump. |