Chevelle Big Block Tear Down - How bad is it? 

Pretty excited to see how far we get with this build! Thanks for learning me up some more and letting me hang out! 🙃

Jessica: Helps Derrick pull the front end of a car off. My wife: Asks if I really need all my tools.

Ok ..a wife that raises a family, a homemaker and works on cars!!! a guy could say he is really blessed, I love it.

Just got an O’Rielly ad Starring Derek!! Could be the best ad I’ve ever seen! Congrats!

Loving the new shop!

Been there before, turns out burnout pads are hard on motors... Who could have ever foreseen this!?

the amount of knowledge by derek is just amazing. knows so much about engines, and cars in general. his kids are lucky that they have someone so willing to teach them useful information. derek is just as lucky to have kids with interest in learning something like this

I'd take your time and re build the engine for high rpm's and try and find a temporary motor for Florida. We love videos on the Independence, so the more the better!

Hey Derek!!! Long time watchers, first time commenters. Kev and Jemma here. Your Aussie counterparts. BIGBLOCKS4LIFE! I have a 70 Corvette which I found in a barn crashed 45 years ago and currently rebuilding, everything. I feel your pain. "I'll be dipped" PS My mate Jemma is a doppelganger for your wife. She is the best assistant. She gets in where my fat fingers and arse can't. Big Love from South Australia!! We have started a drinking game. Every time you say "I don't know...", we have a sip of our Bourbon/Beer. It can get quite dangerous. Keep doing your thing - WE LOVE IT!!!!

This is a great video, seeing the damage up close helps a guy like me, who's never built or even looked at an engine, discover and diagnose the problems and issues. Onward and outward, though, bringing Jessica in is always a great idea!!!!! Can't wait for part two!!

Dang, she can handle anything you throw at her. Cooking cleaning ,mechanic work. Childbearing and whatever else you need her for. She’s definitely a keeper.

"Well it's a double edged, bittersweet, silver lined, serving knife"...Wise words indeed! I'm confident you'll have the car back together in time though. You always manage to pull off what us ordinary folks would deem impossible!

Crazy how you can tear down an entire vehicle with $150 worth of harbor freight tools with zero complaints.

Man I just came across your channel about a week ago, and let me tell you feller I think I've watched every video already!! The way Derek explains things and involves his family really hits close to home. I remember growing up my pops would have me and my brother holding drop lights, handing wrenches and of course wobble pops!!!. Really cool man!!! As the years gone by I've tried to be same influence on my little humans just to keep some of that old school know how going. Really cool channel.

Love your channel I'm a master tech ASE I just viewed your video as a 60 year old lifetime mechanic yourdamage is from valve float from over reving get triple spring valve springs to control the valve float and your valve covers will handle 1.65 rockers easy on rollersystem they are twice as tall as stock I bet you know this already I watch cause you know what your doing just having fun with it good luck friend

Derek: "I've barely got 2 weeks to diagnose and repair Independence while traveling out of town, hardly any tools, and living out of my suitcase. On the other hand, Jessica's here to help me...PERFECT!"👍😁

As you know, the "captain's side" motor mount has a strong upward torque reaction when the throttle is stabbed. This tension force is much more destructive this mount than the compression force on the "drinker's side" mount. Keep the drinkers side as is and install a distance-limit chain on the captain's side.

If it was my rig and I had the options I'd slap a different engine in there for the meet up. And then take the time to rebuild your engine the way it deserves to be done. As a guy that also leads a crazy chaotic life (for different reasons) I understand more obligations than time and resources allow. Keep up the good work!

We just finished dropping a big block 454 in a “72” Chevelle today. This was my first big block build in some time. One thing we did was replace the body mounts. This gave us more room to install the headers. Everything new in the engine.

"I don't have any tools" -- pulls out the HF master tool set, engine hoist and Milwaukee electric ratchet. -- This is absolutely my favorite channel.

It's amazing how far this car has come, Derek has done wonders for it, I used to live 10 minutes from where this car was kept in the merrillville Indiana area, and drove by it a couple of times wishing someone would do something with it, and it turned out awesome

Relationship goals right there. Find a good woman who wrenches with ya. Really fun video today folks! Looks like an awesome project ahead of you!

You can do it Derek!!! Cheers bro!

He's always so laid back and self deprecating; I forget he really knows his stuff.

Dude , you have a great wife! she and the boys are a great help to you!

Around 18:20 Derek reached down to lift the intake off the engine. I though he was going to try to lift the whole block with one arm like a suitcase. I admire Derek but if he had pulled off a one armed suitcase lift of a chevy big block he would be my hero.

A mate of mine keeps some hockey pucks in his toolbox incase a engine mount lets go when he is at a race meet. They do the job when you need one in a pinch. Good luck from Australia.

WE LOVE WATCHING THE HUSBAND / WIFE SHOWS ,,, MORE HUSBANDS & WIFES NEED TO DO THIS ,,,, THIS IS A TRUE FAMILY SHOW....

I loved Dereks reaction when he opened the tool kit . Classic problem/response,lol.

That's a shame. I've watched that old pile of crap from the day you got it running in the motel parking lot. Then just barely made it home. I know you have put your Heart and soul into the old gal. That's an Expensive engine. I can't wait to hear it roar back to life the way only vice grips garage can do! Best of luck with the engine.

I love how you relate to the everyday "garage mechanic" like myself by using the cheaper Harbor Freight tools. Times are crazy right now and money is tight for families all over the country. Thanks for keeping it real Derrick & Jessica!

Judging from this video your bride is not only a lovely lady, she is auto-smart too! It seems that you have hit the marital jackpot. Congratulations to you both and carry-on! 🏎 👍

Really great to see Jessica helping out again, she is awesome. You both did a great job with such limited resources and with everything going on too - moving is bad enough but across several States really is a big feat. You are both amazing people. And I ain’t kidding ya!

Replace the bent valve, check all the other valves, check the installed heights, check all the piston deck heights, check all the pushrods, check all the spring pressures, lap all the valves, port the intake to the gaskets, port the exhaust ports, check the rockers, if you have room use 1.8 ratios, more area under the curve, if the lifters are hydraulic go to solid, even if the cam is hydraulic, just go with a tight lash .005-.010 . Good luck.

Even though not a finished product. Completely described the project at hand. Thanks for bringing us along.

Habor Freight needs to sponsor some builds, since we all use some of their tools anyway. lol

knock the sharp edges off the piston in #6 (to prevent a hot spot and detonation), fix the heads, throw it back together. The errant guideplate parts are too big to get thru the oil pump pickup, so forget about it. I've worked on engines from 3hp to 4,000 - just hurry up and get 'er done.

Right on, glad to see your lovely lady Jessica grab some wrenches and help you get the front end off the Chevelle. She rocks, and you & her are great parents and role models for your sons by being there and teaching them about all things mechanical. Look forward to the next episode! Thanks man!

Must hurt to see that after all the time and effort that went in to the build but now is the chance for bigger and better things. We have faith in you Derek.

I've been driving my 1999 Tahoe I picked up after watching pretty much all of Derek's videos. No being mechanically inclined I felt really good pulling it out of the wreck yard and getting it running with the knowledge I acquired watching RU-vid. It blows me away how much Derek knows about ALL of this. My 5.7L 350 could use a lot of work, hopefully one day within the next 37 years I'll know enough to take it apart and rebuild it so I could put another 246k miles on it.

i recommend deleteing on inner fenders was good for 15 degrees water temp on my 470ci 800hp trans am burnout car

How amazing to have a partner that even wants to be there, let alone help out.

I think that for what you are doing I'd knock the high spot off the impacted piston and drop a different set of heads on it, button it up and see if you can't blow it up next time... Also, I'd go with shaft mounted rockers before girdles, jmo. Good luck 👍

I got an orielly’s ad and it was like watching one of your videos in it’s own way lol. Glad to see over the years it only get better and better!

You're not gonna believe this, but a guy just got an ad for O'Reilly Auto Parts. But I'll be dipped if it didn't feature Derek himself. Sat here with my mouth gaped open like the Grand Canyon during an earthquake because I was in so much shock from seeing it. And, I did the right thing and watched it all the way through. Seriously tho, congrats on getting your own ad for O'Reilly Auto Parts, Derek!! I just recently started watching you, and I can already say that I'm extremely happy that you achieved something that incredible. I just thought that was the best thing ever, and I wasn't expecting it AT ALL. Anywho, I love the content and I love the channel as a whole. Keep up the phenomenal work, brother. And as always... Keep the greasy side down🤘🏼🇺🇸🤘🏼🇺🇸

Watching your Lovely helper. Reminds me of the time My Pop came home from work and found me and my GF at the time under my 58 Merc, replacing the trans. He takes me aside and says "She's a Keeper."

"I got Jessica here today..." A cheer rises from the crowd.

Amazing to see how little damage actually happened. I find tear downs probably more interesting that the engine build. I'm sure what ever you plan to do in the next 8 days it will still be a great show. Cant wait to see what happens next

A little trick I've learned is to run a solid motor mount on the captain's side and rubber on the drinkers side

love the way you take it in stride.your show continues to be my favorite on the interweb.

Wish I had me a woman that would dive in and help like that... Jessica rocks

It's always nice to see Jess working with Derek, he always seems more focused and productive when she assists

Nick from NicksGarage use solid motor mounts on most of the cars he fix. not sure if on both sides but as i can remember he only puts a solid mount on the side where the motor lifts up because of the torque.

thanks Derek for your shows, been on a binge watching the independence Chevelle series. Again, thanks for what you do! your inspiring and i very much appreciate you! your show helps alleviate my depression disorder!

Caught it before it exploded. Love watching each project. Keep going strong.

Soo great to watch you and Jessica working together. I always say that the work is only what brings the people together and that is what matters most.

Definitely should put solid motor mounts back in.

"do the cross member bold and drop the drive shaft. Takes about 5 minutes." It would take me three days haha

Love when u include your family in videos. U. R. LUCKY

Totally thrashed a 4k “budget build” motor that now need a rebuild…I would be devastated! You’re a fortunate guy there Derek! Keep up the good work! Murica!!

The new shop is looking awesome. Can't wait to see more projects in there!

Derek, what's your secret to being able to be so productive while FILMING yourself, i honestly wish i have 1/10th of your productivity. It's really awsome to see so much love, not only by the community. But, by you. Jessica and the kiddos aswell. Thanks for the awsome content.

Sorry to hear that Derek . I just love the new shop and am so happy for you that you have a nice place close to home to work at.

I like how he pulled the front clip off first. I had the same idea but I never saw anyone do it. That motor must be making around 800 horse/700 torque with the procharger on it. Never seen a damaged pushrod guide like that, very odd.

I don’t understand the hate of harbor freight tools in these comments. Their ratchets suck, so do screwdrivers. I have yet to break a chrome socket from them, and I’m using them on extremely rusted bolts on Midwest vehicles. This channel is probably my favorite. Badass cars and shows what is possible with minimal tools. You can build a car like that with Pittsburg tools if needed.

Loved seeing Jessica work with you! Sending love from MamaCard in Gainesville Florida

The tool sets explosions. I replaced my foam gizmos with faced foam insulation board in a thickness determined by your set's dimensions. 4X8 sheets you say? In a year or so you'll need to replace those original replacement covers as time and travel will squish them. But it keeps everything in place and you'll never hear the clatter of tools on the road.

Two of my VGG favorites in this video - Independence Chevelle and Jess helping wrench!

Man Derek u just can’t catch a break. Was praying for ya that whole tear down that it was something stupid but hey u know what they say..... if it’s already broke, ya might aswell go forged. So get over to that engine shop and put that size 13 down again n tell em “CHOP CHOP”. Content gets better every video and when something doesn’t go right it gets us in the feels too. Your a wizard when it comes to these old rigs. We know you won’t disappoint. FYI it could be a dam $5 lawn mower engine in that sucker n would still be a blast to watch. Good luck brother. God bless

Love that Jessica is working with you.You two are great together.I love your family and your sons are so adorable, and great workers! A true patriot family and I'm also a true patriot and veteran and I appreciate y'alls work!😊✌🏽👍🏽👍🏽🙋🏽‍♀️😊You got mad skills Derek...is there anything you can't fix?😄😃

Really interesting tear down. I recorded your run in Indy. So much RPM haha. Good thing I bought a limiter chip for my big block. I should probably check the valve train tolerances after this year.

Cool to see Jessica getting in on the action!

First part reminds me of how I would travel to my daughter's town when she was in college, stop by the local HF, buy the cheap tool set, spend the weekend wrenching on the car, etc. - say what you want about HF - those things are good for stuff like that.

I remember you fixing that up and doing massive drive home glad she still got the original paint etc your by far my favorite utuber from across the pond here in uk

Great flashback. That was my first dirt bike as a youngster.

Love that engine..A guy is looking forward to seeing it rebuilt and running again!

Find a good crate engine and get Independence moving again. Take your time and rebuild the other engine. You’ll have a spare for Independence or for another build.

The very first episode I ever watched on your channel was when you gave Independence her name and drove her home. I immediately subscribed. It hurts my heart to see her like this.

I found Derek in the "will it run and drive" junker to runner videos, but a guy really knows his shit around high power race motors! Awesome!

If my dad still had his machine shop i would have you overnight the heads and get them rebuilt, milled, and shipped back the same day. I enjoyed rebuilding heads and could do a set with new hardened seats, new bronze valve guides, and resurfaced in a couple hours. And it was all done on old machines that require a ton of setup and skill compared to all of the current computer controlled machines.

The new shop is looking awesome! Look forward to seeing all the new content from there.

I love this build & everything it represents.

Perfect timing to have a day off! Love it!

So glad to hear! Only needs new valves, guides, seats, probably a cam, a rocker arm or two, at least one piston, a hone, plus a set of rings and bearings! Good thing it wasn't major ... Your glass-half-full approach is contagious Derek!

It was fun watching the initial build of the engine. It will be just as much fun watching the rebuild and upgrade for it's next home.

Hey, I don't know how willing you'd be to switch up some of the electrodigicals but have you ever considered looking into the electric power steering motors out of something like a Prius or Cobalt? You can actually get them relatively cheap, and there's pin out guides online for how to wire them. It'd completely eliminate that PS pump that caused all your issues in the first place, and could be placed behind the firewall in the cab, giving you even more bay room. Cheers, best of luck. I can't wait to see her ripping again!

Derek called the “fuel make it happener” a “lightning whirler”. Must be so busy that he can’t think straight. But we know what you meant.

Love this show, it's a family business for sure, Jessica is an excellent partner. You'll get the engine straight. ✌

You make everything look so easy. Thank you.

Hey! 1 inch wide, 3/8 thick stainless strap from the front of the engine to the frame.. No more broken mounts. This works!!

I always enjoy watching you and Jess working together and supporting each other...its real 💖

Derek you and Jessica are an awesome team. Love y'all!

I think alluminum heads and forged internals are definitely a great idea at this point in the build there bud! 🤘🤙

You are a blessed man, keep her forever. Wife wrenching with ya. Suprising no drain plug installed on the pink juice pan.

I like your humor! Thanks for your videos. Cheers from TX.

Blueprint is gonna hook you up with a built motor! As Always, May God Bless you and yours!

Love what you’re doing Derek! Get that Blue Print engine. Cleetus sure did good with his, even though he blew it up. They were great about fixin and repairing it!

Derick: Remember when I used to buy beaters and use the car trailer as a lift to work on them? Jess: I don't want to think about that.... are we done yet?

Thank Man! I really like your videos, Your young helper and the sparkolaters and the lightning and the thunder...reference! It's a rock star thing! Cheers!

That piston will be fine I don’t see the need for a new one Derek just clean up the Knick so there’s no sharp edges and go again