Did a compression test on my stroked Olds 215, not good. #4 cylinder at 50 lbs.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Most people are scared the engine will flop over but all torque is contained within the engine itself and the only time it even has any tendency to move at all is when blipping the throttle and in initial cranking and that isn't much. You could fit an outrigger to the front leg of your stand to make it more stable if you feel you need to.

A simple carb and distributor setup is probably the easiest thing. Controlling the noise is maybe the most important followed by making sure there is an adequate supply of cooling water for extended runs (and drainage) and an adequate fuel supply. I wouldn't be scared of it, you just need to prepare properly and that's really not much different from the engine being in the car. You can shut down any instant you see an issue of course.

Jim

[Gswest236]

Thanks, I'm still considering some different simple run stands, some integrate the existing engine stand I have. I think I have time to throw something workable together as the block is waiting for it's turn in line at the machine shop.

[Gswest236]

The situation is we don't know when the short block will be ready. It's in line at the shop, so we wait. In the mean time I'm leaning into the idea of a basic run stand. I have time to spare at this point; so we'll try to get something workable going.

[Gswest236]

Jim N,  Here's the rad setup. Griffin custom rad with fans by whoever. Actually the big fan is Perma-cool and the small ones are Spall. They're from 16 years ago but the miles are only 10,000 probably. The fans have to be changed to one fan with a shroud.

[mgb260]

Scott, Ford Taurus fan and shroud in post #10 and #11 in this thread:

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/81150-Electric-Fan-cfm

[mgb260]

90-95 9 blade Tauras fan:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7148448&cc=1138687&pt=2181&jsn=653

[BlownMGB-V8]

Other options are the Volvo fan, which uses a suitably large and convenient fan relay mounted nearby, and the Chrysler minivan. Both move large amounts of air, aren't objectionably noisy, and fit. Also easy to source at the junkyard.

Jim

[MGBV8]

From Jim N.

90-95 9 blade Taurus fan:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7148448&cc=1138687&pt=2181&jsn=653

In case anyone is thinking about using this fan in an MGB engine compartment.  

Dimensions:  22"W x 18.5"H x 6.25"D.

[mgb260]

Carl, You are right. That fan is 18" diameter. This one is 15" and 8 blade.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3924048&cc=1138676&pt=2181&jsn=875

[MGBV8]

Main reason I bolted a fan to my water pump is there is not really enough room for an electric fan.  Seem to only really need it during the very warm to hot driving season here.  I still have the OEM fans up front as auxiliary.

[Gswest236]

Thanks guys, My rad is 18 3/8" wide, 171/4" high. The current fan sits at 3 3/4" off the radiator. So, it appears the Taurus fan is too wide. I think i have to wait to get the engine back in before I'll know how thick the fan can be before hitting the water pump. There wasn't much room with the current fan setup. At 6.25" thick the Taurus fan may be too thick as well. Which fan is Jon using Jim?

[mgb260]

He has one that came with his radiator. When I go over Thursday I'll get the diameter for you. You could also center your large fan in a custom shroud.

[mgb260]

Scott, this is the radiator and fan Jon has:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/395451718157?_skw=mgbgtv8+70mm+radiator+with+fan&itmmeta=01K6ZSCG8DV755Q7XT4QZE0RRR&hash=item5c12c25a0d:g:iJ8AAOSwYAJmYSdY&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dCtz7Z2an6imgCI0yH1n1%2FefZaKDhJDBpQicQRLlNpL%2BKTz0gc7D8vDwW%2FJMe963FOiBMrSY0LVuWQxgMPkaMCgcy8AVZqTF1pZRwlGUbpZTeCF83nnZ%2FCzrAFn5AWMm226iHtpP02aPApBolA6BjLJO7DchDzFV65j2W8boFiN252%2FxlKdAhqREpN4hJ4K4uLZA9xbsbn4PInTDm8iEYPcu6F05MXiPeP2ErW8%2F0Jq2TFddUJrADz20Wo7OZ%2FguJwTWY6CYUvRM6y2tTsea%2FU%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7iEsvm3Zg

Ad says 14" fan.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Depth is possibly the most critical dimension. Haven't looked for awhile but I seem to remember the Volvo and town-n-country fans being more on the thinner side.

Jim

[mgb260]

Scott, your existing big fan is good. Almost 3000cfm.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/326359311160?_trksid=p2332490.c101196.m2219&itmprp=cksum%3A3263593111604b275a3acb6d46fba0d37843eb03b5b3%7Cenc%3AAQAKAAABQOPVUWkNSWIi4xPIRR%252Bea0ruWIxHgnPK8PdPxN8t7lOJwSbCgBVGnPB%252BkX92OCSHLrWzcuJijyMXsixjmw%252F0tOoPG1Av05NgSa3J%252F4730CL2ZJhZ%252Ff4OEh7j1dOOikPSN7B2hJqcSwmfAr2SPcbFxqwUb9aUDvixNyUsFJiGEqMN5JooMFlAGSFCvb8XuzilfhFAXi%252BxlpHFgFEFQq8n8dPYrhWSmPCgzK%252BPJMnsuFC2J7QwVenX%252FVn9cVhwVuj3WbiaZGgFxyFJ6vatml3HtSr%252FGXo9smjtgTJxDGjoJxkKuEpiVjw4YqHzChC9XEbuUdJ36OouheY2utxrPHW%252BUhFoqptc4dtKEsPW8FjQ3MyhiPcZrw0dYjFT5TBlA4gtd8Rvi%252FWb6%252F4OgaM2w9d4HKeTDRo2V9HPFwHPq%252FpDZif8%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&epid=656188974&itmmeta=01K6ZXCXVAX6H3ABGEQ57GRYHN

Notice how Jon's shroud is just 2 pieces of aluminum.

[mgb260]

Scott, this fan looks thinner than your fan:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/354663612256?_skw=14%22+electric+radiator+fan&itmmeta=01K72FTYW8P82N0J7K3R27J7SJ&hash=item5293993f60:g:nVEAAOSwn9JkGWOd&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dkMUoQ6BhrYBnAagsidWu0E2Pinjrz6LUQ0nlb7XUrkN52WZuHMsB7gqYB9e9WjtJ%2BDAMI48P22TBjDYp7%2FaTUkwrdSwE%2BbY20%2FxoOT2aHLY2WQBp7EQKxlBCofn%2BJcwn1LDMmRMHvvDtbIs5rFDf%2BgZMjXGVTOVVpmcgveNHxmQD7b64n4a%2FlGRDwdB0G3CYBKg27SW6WLjwdARlq9TbHmQWxIPQTirSBL3IQjT3AMv%2FAfRmldPXtmUwFdQbQ3Zfwn%2B%2FV5f4Uuy9ULJxc3i0W%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-jv68-4Zg

[MGBV8]

I asked the eBay seller for the dimensions on that fan, Jim.  He sent this pic.  I think that one may just squeeze between the radiator & my water pump pulley.

[mgb260]

Carl, Cool!

[Gswest236]

Ok, thanks guys. I'll compare my current fan to the ones we're seeing with a shroud that fits my space. I appreciate the help!
Not much I can do until the short block gets finished.

[Gswest236]

My block has been at the machine shop for months now. What would one consider a reasonable turnaround time for getting a short block honed, head bolt inserts, new freezer plugs etc?  I cant get a ETA when I call. They tell me it's on the bench but there's other work ahead of me. How long would you guys wait before just taking it somewhere else?

[mgb260]

Scott, Hang in there a while longer. All machine shops are backed up. Hard to find trained help nowadays.

[Gswest236]

I checked my scheduler, it's been 5 months. Is that the norm here? They got my heads done 2 months ago. I'm assuming they have regular shops that are their bread and butter and one new guy isn't a priority. I'm bored and want to get this motor back in.
Thanks,
How's Jons engine?

[Gswest236]

I'm thinking roller rockers now. It seems like thats worth the added costs. 

[mgb260]

Scott, Roller rockers aren't worth the cost for the Buick and they would have to be custom for the Olds. Jim Blackwood modified SBC aftermarket rollers for the Buick/Rover shaft on a Rover head. Olds are kind of oddball, different shaft diameter and length rockers than the Buick. Jon had a crack around a helicoil on one of the timing cover bolt holes and we are on hold until that is tig welded. 5 months is an awful long time. Have you tried to talk to John the owner?

[Gswest236]

OK, so roller rockers are not an easy upgrade. I haven't really inspected my rockers to see if they are OK yet. With all this time you'd assume I'd have everything else squared away. I've talked to his office person (wife I think). She's nice but each time I try to get a finish date, she says she'll get back with me and doesn't. She stopped returning my texts which is her preferred contact method. So, I call and basically get the run around. Something isn't right; it's like he doesn't want to work on it.  My last text was to tell her I'm coming to get it back on Monday the first.  I got no response. My issue is the longer I wait, the less I'll remember on how to reinstall everything. Frustration to say the least.
thanks!