Step 5: Block Prep.

The most important step in engine building is the block prep. New or used, Fully degrease the block and wash in warm soapy water and blow dry with compressed air. I'm starting with a new block. I'm cleaning the cylinder walls with scotchbrite on a drill. This will retain the factory cross hatching. I then use a bottle brush on a drill and scour with hot soapy water and use hot pressurized water. I then blow dry with compressed air and wipe the cylinder wall down with a clean cloth and WD-40. At this time prep the valves and lap them in. This ensures good compression. All the small steps is what ensures an excellent performing engine.