1970 472 tear down and rebuild. As cash comes in for it.

[STDog]

The pistons are aluminum, so 1) they aren't rusty, and 2) be careful with the cleaners.
I just had mine cleaned along with the block and heads.

The lack of ridge is the norm for these engines. The block is harder than most and doesn't wear as bad
Once it's all clean you can tell better, but I reused everything I could. (I got a new crank, already cleaned up crank for less than I could get my ground, and a used camshaft that was better than the one I had)

New valve springs and lifters are the only for sure parts. The rest will depend on condition.
Check the cam lobes for pitting as that seams to happen a lot on these.

[The Tassie Devil (Bruce Reynolds)]

Check the condition of the faces of the Lifters.  If they are concave, then they are worn out, and if you haven't placed them in a position where you can reinstall them on their original Lobes, then replace the lot.

The Camshaft condition will depend on the actual condition of trhe lobes, and how much wear there is.

You did the right thing by using a broken ring to clean the grooves.

The Pistons can be cleaned with a wire brush in a drill, but be careful not to round off and corners or edges.

Bruce.

[Speach]

So reusing all of the bearings is feasible?

[STDog]

So reusing all of the bearings is feasible?

Depends on the condition, but I wouldn't.

Bearings, rings, lifters, and other wear items were assumed.

[EZ]

Dude.  Bearings are cheap.  If ya pull it apart put some bearings in it.  Cam bearings would be OK as long as they looked good.  But I wouldn't think twice about the rods and mains.

[Speach]

Yea that was the plan but I was hearing about reusing everything. Some things are obvious replacements but I figured I would ask. The lifters seem super flat, I am going to be doing a lot of work on this 66, so I have plenty of time to do the motor right. After I finish the attic above my garage and regain some garage space I am considering pulling the body off and putting it on a rack. That way this winter I have plenty to do. As it sits no motor is in it, so when I put one back in it might as well be really nice.

[Carnut]

I would not reuse the lifters. Also I would be super cautious about where I bought replacements because there are some crap Chinese lifters around and some are being sold as brand name stuff.

I suppose you know if you hot tank the block you cannot reuse the cam bearings. You can cold tank it though. I would pull all the core plugs, and use brushes to clean out the oil galley lines.

[Speach]

Yea seriously since I am going this far it makes the most sense to get all new bearings. I do plan on hot tanking the block, I did not know that about not being able to reuse the cam bearings if you hot tanked the block. A consideration is to get a 500 crank and pistons. Of coarse thats more $$$. I need to do some pricing on those. 

[EZ]

If you need 500 Cadillac parts call Marty at MTS.  He knows everything about them and will help you
to not make any mistakes that will cost you money.  Just tell him what you're building and listen to
his advice.  He won't steer you wrong.

[Gary]

Speach
I usually look at it this way : How many times you wanna do this?
If you only want to do it ONCE, replace all parts that have wear surfaces. Yes, that costs more money, but when you button it up, you have done all you can to prevent having to do it twice.
Think of all the time and effort to remove the engine, tear it down, time lost not driving, gaskets, fluids, skinned knuckles, and aggravation.
So, as my company used to say, "Do it right the first time".
All here want you to succeed. Our reward? Cool Pics when you drive it.

Gary

[Speach]

Yea man for sure. Thanks!

[Speach]

I started to clean one of my pistons with a fine wire wheel in a drill by recommendation, but it seems like it is way to abrasive. Any recommendations on another route. I am thinking maybe some sandpaper. Any thoughts???