Last week on The Build, Smyth Automotive took on the task of milling the 1965 Malibu SS’s cylinder heads and refurbishing the valve seats. This week, it’s even more machine work on the big block as Smyth walks Claims Specialist Rick Drewry through the process of refurbishing and installing the piston connecting rods. Check it out above.

Because the cylinders of the Chevy big block engine were out of round, the pistons in the engine experienced some blow by. This, as well as regular wear and tear caused the connecting rods to also go slightly out of shape. So to remedy this, Smyth Automotive measures, cuts down and rehones the connecting rods in order for there to be a proper fit with the pistons.

Once the top of the connecting rod has been cut down, the rod bolts, which Smyth has replaced with ARP bolts, are torqued back down before the honing can start. Honing the larger end of the connecting rods ensures that the whole is completely round, putting it in proper condition to reconnect it to the piston.

Now that the pistons are put back together and the connecting rods are as good as new, it’s on to reassembling the cylinder heads. Be sure to check back next week as The Build and Smyth Automotive take on this task.