Smoothing out cast iron blocks and heads, what do you use to do it?

[Tim Baillie]

Got a cast block and some heads that I want to smooth out. So far seems like we are going backwards.

What tools, burrs etc do you use?

Pics?

Thanks

[70rs]

Just saw a good example of this on the "Power Block" on Spike TV a couple weeks ago. I think it was on the Muscle Car show. Maybe a clip on their web site?

[rwhite692]

Get a long format die grinder w/ 1/4" collet (like you would use for porting) and solid carbide burrs, Get the one that is called "flame" shape...After you get it where you want with the burrs then you can switch to the conical carbide abrasive rolls, starting at 60 grit and working finer from there.

[BBC69Camaro]

Get a long format die grinder w/ 1/4" collet (like you would use for porting) and solid carbide burrs, Get the one that is called "flame" shape...After you get it where you want with the burrs then you can switch to the conical carbide abrasive rolls, starting at 60 grit and working finer from there.

x2. I didn't try it on the external part of my block. But I did do the top of the block for increased oil return:

http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l346/Marroweter/Engine/Engine002.jpg
http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l346/Marroweter/Engine/Engine003.jpg

Its lot of dirty messy work, but fun to look at when done.