Protect your first generation small block Chevy engine

I have built lots of small block Chevy engines over the years.  Surprisingly I found that the plans I had for lots of these engines were delayed.  Anyone else know that feeling?  Well anyway the engines just were not secure enough in a plastic bag and they looked crappy stored that way.

This picture shows one head
and intake manifold removed.
Remaining head is a Vortec.

The HardShell engine protector (Part #950) not only provides for a tight seal to keep dirt out, it provides for any kind of impact protection needed in the shop environment. And it looks cool!  The HardShell will protect any standard First Generation small block Chevy long block or short block.

I also designed the HardShell to be able to be a protector if just removing the intake manifold during a cam swap or engine repair, put it on to keep the dirt and debris out until the manifold is ready to go on again.  Or, as the pictures show the versatility, they can protect an engine with either one or both heads removed. Try one, they are reusable and will last a lifetime.

Valley cover alone on
conventional heads – secure
dust and debris protection.

The HardShell will fit all Gen I small blocks, including the Vortec head engines as well as the conventional standard head.  I think the list starts at 265 Cu. In. on through 283,302,305,307,327,350,400.  Did I get all the standard sizes of small blocks Chevy made over the years? And of course the aftermarket versions of 383 and even larger share the platform.  In all, over 90,000,000 of these engines have been made.  Even though cars are not being made with these engines by Chevrolet anymore, the engines alone are still being made by Chevrolet.  For in depth information and more than you could possibly want to know about these engines this is a good reference:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_small-block_engine

Time for spring cleaning around the shop

Hi! Greg here. Time for spring cleaning around the shop and on the top of my list was to sort out my extra wrench drawer.

Traditionally I love our Low-Profile Wrench Rails for easy wrench storage in my shallow top drawers. The Low-Pro rails are easy to lay down and stay secure with the high grip material. All the wrenches are uniform and face the same direction so I can easily identify wrench sizes.

The standard set of rails will organize 30 wrenches using four rails. Two forward and two reverse. This works great for most standard applications as you can see.  

I have a few extra sets of wrenches however that I wanted to keep together but I still wanted to use the same great organizer. I simply cut down sections of the Low-Pro Rails to fit my 6 extra wrench sets. The material is soft enough to use a sharp blade for cutting. Just count and cut! Now I have my specialty sets laid out in a way that works just for me.