Editor's Note: A great article and much appreciated. Content is always welcome! Be sure to click on "Click Here to Read more..." for the full PDF.

By Ken Mattice

In recent times there has been renewed and building interest in stock and lightly personalized Tigers. I began thinking about a 260 rebuild that plays into this scenario. Namely, a 260 rebuild that is completely stock on the outside with some thoughtful professional blueprinting on the inside. Put another way, I wondered if it was possible to raise the 260 from 164 horsepower to 200 horsepower (25% increase). All the while, ensuring the motor retained good docile drive-ability and zero cooling issues. Thus, Project 260 was born.

Block Preparation

No Tiger engine build will be successful unless you can get the inside cooling passages totally clean. And that’s harder than ever, with the passing of 60 years of alternate use and storage.  Apparently, hot tanks disappeared 20 years ago, so a different approach was required. The bare block was taken to City Motor Supply, in Dallas, Texas. The freeze plugs were removed, and the block was then furnace baked at 550⁰ F for three (3) hours. After cooling, the block was externally media blasted. Specially shaped blasting tips were used to get into all the internal water passages through the freeze plug holes. The block was then pressure washed with a hot detergent solution and dried with compressed air. Finally, the block was immersed in a liquid anti-corrosion solution, and then strapped back on its pallet and left to air dry.

Click Here to Read More...