Ever wonder how the pros get their engines looking so good? It's not as difficult or expensive as you would think. These basic tips can help you start detailing with the best of them, and the procedures will also work well on other parts of your project vehicle. We asked the guys at Precision Street Rods & Machines to show you some of their detailing tricks. Remember that patience is a virtue--speed doesn't count when you are detailing an engine. They also kept the really expensive things like chrome-plating to a minimum, making the detailing very affordable.
This engine is going into a classic street rod, so we had plenty of room to work with. Since the crate engine comes partially complete, here are a few of the parts that we will be installing on this engine to improve the performance and appearance. We purchased an Edelbrock carburetor and Billet Specialties air cleaner to top off the engine. A Mallory 501 Unilite distributor conversion kit; Hooker headers; a complete factory serpentine belt system including the water pump, pulleys, brackets, compressor and alternator from a '97 Chevrolet truck. A Milodon oil pan, pump, and pickup complete the bottom end of the engine. In addition to the engine, we selected a B&M converter and transmission to finish the drivetrain.