Question is answered: 273 Engine Block Decking

70aarcuda said
most blocks are not square....but I would not just cut it .015 on deck...I would want the block squared.

Usually you are shooting for a zero deck on your piston deck clearance whereas went the piston is at TDC is it even with the deck of the block....In doing that you need to add 1/2 the stroke of the crank..plus the length of the connecting rod and plus the Compression height of the piston....this number is given to the machine shop and that what the deck is cut too...the blocks are uneven left and right and front to back....what is you want is it squared.
With a LA block you are usually shooting for a 9.599 deck height...but you can have him square the deck but only take a minimal amount off.
you might want to ask what kind of machinery he uses to square the deck...

Thanks 70aar, Too be honest, I do not know what kind of equipment that they use, but their machine shop is roughly 30,000 square feet covered with equipment. They turn cranks that are over eight feet long that are for ship engines. They did check for square as I was informed. I don't know beans about engines....just learning. Yes, I thought 0.015 was a bunch, but what do I know....Not too much. With the talent in that shop, I would guess that they have the resources to check on tolerances and clearance, but who knows as I have assumed before in my life....and at times it comes back to bite me. That is why I am asking, and I appreciate your input. I suppose I should get in touch with Packard to see if the Pistons are built to OEM height. That would, probably, be a good place to start. I will say, though, that the shop has the pistons, crank, rods, heads, and all bearings along with the block in their shop. Maybe it was just for my personal FYI that the owner stated that they were going to deck the block at the 0.015. Thanks for your help. Much appreciated. Old Dart 66