Etched finish on Block

[Desert Patina]

Hello,

I remember that the block in the notorious SVO I bought had a kind of etched deck on the top of the block. Instead of being machined smooth, it had concentric ridges across it.

Was this how it came from the factory, or perchance was this done on purpose to try to grab a head gasket better? When I bought it, it had a copper gasket.

Also I want to pre-order the parts I want to rebuild with, but I'm not sure what the bore is like right now. And the Icon pistons seem to start at 20-over? Otherwise I wonder (openly) if I could just buy cylinder repair sleeves so I can set it to the bore I want.

I suppose the worse is we open it up and it takes 10-14 days to get the parts we want, but not sure if machine shops are typically up to that.

[brsvo]

If you are taking it apart then do it first. If your shop is then they should take it apart and measure everything first. Assuming they are a reputable outfit. Almost no one orders .010 over pistons and if your not racing your not likely to do this again and won't miss the material in the future. I special ordered .010 but that takes a lot more time. If you are out to repair sleeve size find another block.

[Raven855]

Michael the block deck was finished to match the head gasket being used by the factory. That finish is called RA. If you change head gaskets get the RA requirements from the manufacturer and get your machinest that info so he can machine to that level. Those machine marks you saw are pretty typical for a factory block. Studing the areas of the surface can help you in finding problems with the surface, the head, potential cooling issues, head bolts, ect...