Little M Block Build Up
The decision
to purchase a new Little M block wasn't by choice, It was the result of the stock 400 4 bolt block finally giving it up last season.
The last pass was in late August and it was the quickest to date, albeit on 6-1/2cylinders 9.51 @ 142. The failure occurred in the deck area
where the head studs threads could no longer maintain the required clamping forces 
due to
cracks and inadequate percentage of thread engagement. The head stud torque
was less than 30 foot pounds upon disassembly on more than 5 studs. Needless to say, cylinder sealing had been severely compromised for most of the2003 season. Further teardown analysis would reveal cylinder flexing
and the transfer of piston material on the number 6 cylinder. This was NOT caused
by the small 100 shot of nitrous as it had shown early signs the previous season. More to come..........
The Little M Block has returned from the machine shop and it's time to start the assembly process.
Bores and Deck Heights are checked.
New Brass Freeze plugs...........
Camshaft Bearings Installation...............
Masked and prepped for paint.................
Anew coat of Chevy orange is applied and we say good-bye to the stock block
that has served us well for 4 seasons.
The Little
M Block is fitted with King bearings, tolerances are checked and the Callies crankshaft is installed in its new home.
In 2004 the CCRT Camaro will be sporting a new Dart Little M Block