How to Rebuild a Corvette 454 Engine - Part 8

It's time to clean up a few odds and ends before installing the new camshaft.

First, I still needed to install the front oil gallery plug on the passenger side of the motor. I wanted to provide better lubrication to the timing gears, chain and cam button so before installing it I drilled a small 1/32" diameter hole in the center of the plug. This will allow oil to spray onto the timing gear and keep things well lubricated behind the timing cover.

Here's the modified gallery plug installed in the block. I intentionally placed the drilled plug on the passenger side of the block. Since the engine rotates clockwise placing the vented plug on the the passenger side provides better lubrication than if it were on the drivers side.

Next I installed the new oil pump pickup. When I purchased my new oil pan I also ordered the recommended pickup. After removing the old pickup I installed the new one and bolted it into place using a bit of Loctite on the bolt. Typically the pickup would be tack welded to the oil pump housing to prevent it from becoming loose and falling off. However, since the new pickup is securely bolted to the pump housing I didn't think welding it in place was necessary.

Hmmm.... Something's not quite right. The oil pump won't clear the new main studs (the motor originally used bolts which have smaller diameter heads). Both the pump and main studs are pretty critical parts so I'll have to do something to get both of them to fit.

No worries, this sounds like a good job for the Dremel. After thoroughly taping off all the pump openings (I didn't want metal grindings getting into the pump) I did some careful grinding to provide the additional clearance necessary.

After a few minutes of grinding and a thorough cleaning I was able to reinstall the oil pump. I gave the oil pump bolt a coating of Loctite and then torqued it to 65 foot pounds.

Continued on Page 2