[hgerrick]

We are in the process of assembling the 396 for my brothers 68 4 sp vert. I am a tad concerned about the fitment of the rod caps. Did not replace the rod bolts, the caps seem a bit loose on the knurled portion of the bolts. Some worse than others. How "snug" does the fit need to be? And, can the rod bolts be replaced without re-sizing the rods? Can the rods be re-sized without removing the pistons? I'll talk to my machine shop, but wanted opinions here as well.
Thanks, Harlan.

[Kyvox]

They should be fairly snug on the caps. If they're loose, I would replace them. It's cheap insurance.

[stinkyfloyd]

Can anyone tell me if Chev had a 302 CID engine that would have been available in late 60's/early 70's Camaros? I do not remember this engine but a friend says it was a factory option. I do know they had a 307 Cid in that time frame. Thanks for your help. stinkyfloyd

[kz1000ltd]

Yes, it was available in the 67-69 Camaro Z/28's only!

[GreyShadows]

Actually stinky ... Camaro had the First 302 Ford just copied us lol hahaha (ok regulations in the Trans Am sedan racing series forced production of engines of less than 305 CID because that was the largest engine allowed in the series) Thus the 302 was born and the rest is history!! What a history it has been!!

[GreyShadows]

look hgerrick your post just went a whole new direction lol

[smits67]

Hgerrick,
I would not put it together with rods in that condition. You are asking for a ruined engine.
Chris

[BillK]

Harlen,
Take the rods to your machine shop and ask thier opinion. Most factory rods have bolts that are not real tight in the cap. They run like that for many, many miles and do not have a problem. If you are doing a stock rebuild, chances are they are fine. If you are building a race engine, they should be fixed. No way of telling for sure without having the rod in my hand.

[hgerrick]

Thanks, Bill

I guess I kinda knew the answers before I asked. But it sounds like the situation is common on stock rods. I feel they are snug enough to align them, but the last few motors I've worked on all had new bolts and the caps were much tighter. If I had it to do over they would have got new bolts and re-sized, the pistons have already been pressed off once for a balance job. And there're installed now in the block. After the comments from BillK, Wolfplace, and the machine shop, I think it will be fine. Street motor, probally less than 1500 miles a year. Time to worry about something else! Thanks.