down the rabbit hole with Alice

[grumpyvette]

grumpy I've been reading info on this forum for a few years now.
this forum is by far the most informative , (and at times confusing) Ive found.
If you take the time to read the ENDLESS, links and sub links and endless SUB- SUB- LINKS , you can always find what your looking for,
but its very easy to find your off into an area reading about subjects you never intended to visit, or consider, originally.
But I must point out, that the process usually involves several hours ,"down the rabbit hole with Alice"
wandering around and learning things you never even considered or thought of, things are pointed out, in the links, that might be related to your original thought or question, but many times I wonder what I was thinking or can,t remember the original question after several hours reading time, but I've also found I have learned a great deal and almost always find I would have made some costly mistakes in parts selection or machine work, that I never considered important if I'd ignored reading the linked info!
I've started reading up on selecting a cam, and in no time I find myself reading about loose valve locks, selecting rockers or valve springs or wondering if the heads I selected are nearly what I should have purchased?
or in some cases I start thinking why am I building a 350 SMALL BLOCK when I obviously should be building a 540 cubic inch big block? , WOW! is like being addicted to drugs, you get a taste and before you realize it you spent 4 hours, on the site reading ,links and sub-links, and you realize you forgot the original question and start wondering why you don,t have a huge list of tools and engine parts you never knew you wanted before!

you might not believe this, but I go back and read thru the existing threads and find the same thing happens, and I frequently go back re-read threads and
( think, I forgot to tell them about this) so over time several of the older more experienced members usually add linked info I or they forgot the first time the thread was posted.
I know its hard for most people too dive head first down the rabbit hole,
and
read what may seem like endless links ...
but its productive, well spent time and instructive in the long term,
and doing that, will absolutely will save you a great deal of wasted time and cash in the process
NO ONE KNOWS EVERYTHING!, AND WE TEND TO FORGET THINGS WE DON,T DEAL WITH FREQUENTLY, SO TAKE NOTES AND ASK QUESTIONS
but in addition I find places where I forgot to point out related things, readers need to know, and it has me starting new threads or adding related existing linked info, or pictures to clarify, previous answers. and that frequently results in some one posting new questions so it in effect snow-balls, into adding info ,even more links and info.
you'll also see fairly frequent links to books or other sources of info...keep in mind that the more you know and the better your reference material is , the less likely it is you'll make expensive or just silly mistakes

heres some basics that won,t change theres a couple thousand related threads here to help you.
You may find this a bit different from other forums, as I can assure you I spend about 97% of my time on this site adding links info and valid additional text, as do several other experienced members,where its needed in older threads,
as I or they see the need,
I don,t think youll find many threads that are 6-8 months old or older that have not had additional sub links or pictures or text added, and corrections made if that was required, and as questions are asked, additional related info is added, rather frequently, over that time span.

RELATED INFO
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-on-the-cheap-well-to-start.11739/#post-55478

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ber-of-people-that-don-t-use-resources.12125/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/i-doubt-many-guys-notice-but.4900/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/hello-grumpyvette-here.278/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...gine-to-match-the-cam-specs.11764/#post-55651

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...w-someone-who-owns-an-older-muscle-car.13736/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...trans-choice-made-correctly.11697/#post-54833

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ting-started-in-the-car-hobby.339/#post-52497

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-parts-and-a-logical-plan.7722/#post-26314

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...y-in-building-a-good-engine.11682/#post-54682

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-calculators-and-basic-math.10705/#post-46737

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-on-the-cheap-well-to-start.11739/#post-55469

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-engine-combo.9930/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-building-a-peanut-port-big-block-combo.2900/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/block-prep.125/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...k-after-a-cam-lobe-rod-or-bearings-fail.2919/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...g-and-installing-connecting-rods-pistons.247/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...tion-of-crank-durring-short-blk-assembly.852/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/tips-on-building-a-383-sbc-stroker.428/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/stroker-tips-by-len-emanuelson.1249/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/parts-prep-cleaning.6255/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/precision-measuring-tools.1390/#post-52466

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/what-con-rods-would-you-buy.942/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ng-and-basic-piston-ring-info-youll-need.509/

 

[philly]

cascading information! once it picks up speed and you go over the edge, theres no going back

 

[Indycars]

I swear Allen has been reading my mind ...... I could have written those
comments. They sure sounded like they were coming right out of my mouth
as I read it!!!

 

[bob]

I just spent several hours , researching a question,
the sub-links , in the second sub link post I checked, held the exact answer I needed and verified what I needed to know,
but none the less, I soon got lost in a endless maze of interesting related info,
that I'd never even imagined was related too or might effect my component choices.
for some reason the experience reminded me of the stoy of TAR BABY
where once you start you just constantly get stuck ever deeper in the process all the more solidly
the first few rule's of GRUMPY'S engine assembly

(1) THINK THINGS THROUGH CAREFULLY ,
WRITE DOWN A LIST OF COMPONENTS ,
MAKE DARN SURE THE LIST IS COMPATIBLE WITH,
and AT LEAST SEMI-REASONABLY PRICED WITHIN YOUR BUDGET.
FOR WHAT YOU INTEND TO BUILD AND RESEARCH THE RELATED MACHINE WORK,
RESEARCH CAREFULLY THE COMPONENT INSTALLATION AND INTENDED USE ,
AND POWER BAND THE PARTS WILL REQUIRE
AND FIND AN EXPERIENCED MENTOR.

(2) if in doubt, about how to do anything, on an engine, do some detailed research,
find and compare at least 3-5 valid trust worthy sources info,
read the instructions over again, several time's very carefully
and if available watch several related videos.

(3) if any component will not easily function as designed or requires a good bit of physical force to install ,
or your not 100% sure your doing something CORRECTLY
STOP, FIND OUT EXACTLY HOW THE PARTS SUPPOSED TO FIT AND FUNCTION,& WHY! YOUR HAVING PROBLEMS
theres a reason, and you better verify your clearances are correct , and your following the instructions before you proceed.

(4) never assume the parts you purchased can be used without carefully , cleaning them prior too,
checking the physical condition, verifying clearances and using the correct sealant, lubricants etc.


(5) the quality of a component is generally at least loosely related to the cost to produce it,
and the amount of detailed research and quality machine work that went into its production.
if you got a significant reduced price, theres typically a reason.
it might simply be because a new improved part superseded the one you purchased,
but it might be a far lower quality imported clone with lower quality materials and machine work.
its the purchasers responsibility to research quality.

(6) if you did not do the work personally or at least take the effort to verify it was done correctly and personally verify clearances
ITS almost a sure thing that it was NOT done , correctly, and yes that mandates you fully understand what your looking at,
and how the components are supposed to function and have high quality precision measuring tools.

(7) ITS ALMOST ALWAYS FASTER AND LESS EXPENSIVE , AND PRODUCES BETTER RESULTS IF YOU,
BUY FEWER HIGH QUALITY PARTS & DO THINGS CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME

on this web sites you'll find you'll get used to reading links,
in that process you'll learn a great deal,
it makes zero sense to answer
,endless revisions of similar questions, its easier to answer in depth,
and keep all the related info in a few closely related links ,
with sub links, this makes far better use of your time ,
than searching though hundreds of threads each having only bits of related info

http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2010/07/brer_rabbit_meets_a_tar_baby.html

grumpy a few months back I saved a link so Id have the info I needed and even printed it out at that time it was almost a 1/4 page long worth of printed info and sub links on your site , I go back yesterday, and look and theres no indication that theres been any additional info added yet theres a whole lot more links, diagrams pictures and text?

you really should get these books and read them before going any further, it will help a good deal

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...5079777/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/102-1234339-0571324

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...gy_img_2/102-1234339-0571324?v=glance&s=books

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...gy_img_2/102-1234339-0571324?v=glance&s=books

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t..._books_1/102-1234339-0571324?v=glance&s=books

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t..._books_3/102-1234339-0571324?v=glance&s=books

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_2/102-1234339-0571324?v=glance&s=books

INVESTING THE TIME AND EFFORT IN PURCHASING AND READING A FEW BOOKS WILL BE VERY COST EFFECTIVE

http://www.dragzine.com/tech-stories/en ... ine-block/
"

SMALL BLOCK REFERENCE BOOKS YOULL WANT
start by buying these books and watching the video

http://www.themotorbookstore.com/resmchstvi.html

http://www.amazon.com/David-Vizards...8&qid=1456194032&sr=8-5&keywords=DAVID+VIZARD
HOW TO BUILD MAX PERFORMANCE CHEVY SMALL BLOCKS ON A BUDGET by DAVID VIZARD
.

JOHN LINGENFELTER on modifying small-block chevy engines
http://www.amazon.com/Lingenfelter-...=1456193940&sr=8-1&keywords=JOHN+LINGENFELTER

http://www.amazon.com/Smokey-Yunick...2&sr=8-1&keywords=smokey+yunick+power+secrets

http://www.amazon.com/Chevrolet-Rac...ords=The-Chevrolet-Racing-Engine-Bill-Jenkins
All I can say is I spend about 97% of my time on this site adding links info and valid additional text, where its needed in older threads as I see the need, I don,t think youll find many threads that are 6-8 months old or older that have not had additional sub links or pictures or text added

f course you'll want to match the heads you select,
to the intended rpm/power range and application and match the cam timing, compression ratio, and drive train gearing, etc.
so lets discus the current car/truck weight, transmission, tire size, rear gear ratio and what your intended goals and budget limitations are, as a start point.
the last thing you'll want to do is select parts that may cripple or restrict the engine performance by mis-matching components or selecting parts on price alone, we all work on limited budgets,
but its will pay big dividends in power produced too carefully select matched components
and generally the biggest mistake is mis-matching heads, intake and cam combos or scrimping on the quality of the components used,
a couple extra hours or even days spent in detailed of research may prove critical, in fact anything less than buying and reading through several books and reading a couple dozen links and all the sub-links is very likely to leave you missing valuable and critical info youll need later, and thats usually going to cost you wasted time and cash.
the big mistake's most people make is in not selecting the correct cam, to match the displacement and compression and drive train gearing or selecting a restrictive cylinder head or intake that does not match the intended power range

yes all the linked info below probably looks over whelming but ,
youll be amazed at the detailed info and,
the mistakes you can avoid by reading carefully and asking detailed questions, thus saving money and time
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/sellecting-cylinder-heads.796/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/semi-fool-proof-cam-sellection.82/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/first-hotrod-build.12902/#post-67005

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-a-383-sbc-combo-planing.12168/#post-58778

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/bare-minimum-tools.11026/#post-48785

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/matching-parts-and-a-logical-plan.7722/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-engine-combo.9930/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/another-383-build.12786/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/383-information-overload.11137/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/a-383-build.10991/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/impersonator.9600/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...e-springs-and-setting-up-the-valve-train.181/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/port-speeds-and-area.333/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/valve-seat-angles-and-air-flow.8460/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/tbucket-engine-project-dart-shp.3814/
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-engine-combo.9930/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...oven-facts-if-your-in-doubt.13051/#post-69824

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...gine-to-match-the-cam-specs.11764/#post-55571

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...y-in-building-a-good-engine.11682/#post-54682

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...and-verify-each-possibility.11219/#post-50642

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-calculators-and-basic-math.10705/#post-46737

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-and-re-think-thru-problems.10551/#post-44921

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/c4-c5-corvette-trouble-codes.2697/#post-37334

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/matching-parts-and-a-logical-plan.7722/

 

[Indycars]

Thanks for the story, got my book out and followed along!!!

 

[Grumpy]

Grumpy I just ran across that "down the rabbit hole thread",
I could not stop laughing... its so true... I've spent hours on the website,
I'll start out trying to find some specific answer and before I know it
" I'm, down that rabbit hole"

 

[hotrod coupe]

so much to learn, so little time.

 

[Grumpy]

I get e-mail all the time.. this one brought a grin!

grumpy , I've been referring too this web site for, answers , for several years,
before I happened too find this thread.....
.IT EXPLAINS A GREAT DEAL AND ITS SO TRUE!.
I'll start looking for some answer,
and find I'm reading about something totally different a hour later!
I swear I re-read a thread from a year ago and must have missed reading a few critical links