block prep question
 

My 428 has a lot of casting flash and sharp ridges both inside and outside. Before I fire up the die grinder, does anyone have any advise on what to do/what not to do? Even better would be some pictures if you have them.
Thanks!

Go here...

http://www.sa-motorsports.com/diyguide.shtm

2 good guides for block and head prep with just a little advertising thrown in.

FE's have a lot of casting flash and I grind it all out. Simply stated,I grind the flash off to where it looks as if the block was molded instead of cast. Far more important are the oiling mods to make a healthy long lived FE.Nobody will ever see it,unless it's torn down, but then the purpose is to de-rail the neccesity of a teardown.

There can be a lot more that can be done .Like after everything has been ground down .Check the bearings make sure that the whole in the bearing saddel is opened at least to the size of the hole in the bearing. Some times the hole in the saddel is only partialy revealed.The bearing is installed and a pick or the like scratches the outline of the bearing hole .then remove the bearing and drill into the saddel slightly then connect the old hole to the new making a full sized hole for oil to get into the bearing.The ports in and out block and of the filter hanger can be opened up to match the gasket.All the pound in welch plugs in the oil galleries should be threaded for pipe plugs .Check the cam thrust plate .The two bolts that secure it some times cut off the oil flow to the distributor. All threaded holes need to be tapped all the way to the bottoms.It's a small thing but all newly machined surfases leave sharp edges that will cut the crap out of you .Watch them and run a file accross them to remove the edge so you don't get cut.I can remember carring a freshly milled head around the front of my car and hitting my arm on something and that head cut all four fingers on one hand .The detail of all the many points to get will make you tired but will give you great self satisfaction.If you want more give me a shout.

There is a step by step proceedure
at fordmuscle.com, search their archives. Just before assembly I take the block outside, crank up the 3500psi pressure washer and hit every hole, then dry it with the air compressor and last, spray a good coat of WD40 in every hole followed with the air compressor again to spread the WD40 in all oil holes

Jschiller;
Thanks for the link. My AFR heads are well ported from the factory, but I need to port-match the intake manifold and de-burr my block and SA has a very detailed guide for doing just that. That's why I hang around the BB forums!
Bill Stradtner