Sisters students rebuild auto engine

Making it shine... Clockwise, Steve Huillet (instructor), Kyle Anderson, Justin Crofoot, Garrett Campbell, James Richmond, Colin Hedren, Loren Cole, David Marwede (crouching.)

Roller rockers and solid lifters filled the minds of Sisters High School students as they toiled away the last few months in the Bus Barn, getting greasy and earning money for their school district.

The power mechanics class of Sisters High School has recently completed their latest automotive project. Last spring a small block, four bolt 350 cubic inch engine was donated to the class along with an assortment of accessories.

"The total value is around $12,000," said instructor Steve Huillet.

The engine will be sold through silent auction, raising money for the Sisters School District.

Work began on the engine, rated over 600 horsepower, after spring break. Balanced and blue printed with a 671 Weiland Blower and dual predator carburetors, the 5.7 liter engine has a compression ratio of 8-1/2 and is equipped with a gear driven, roller camshaft, steel cranks and rods, solid lifters and roller rockers.

It is Huillet's goal to give his students, who are mostly juniors and seniors, first-hand experience working on an engine. Some students had little or no experience with engines, others had worked on their own cars. Building an engine from the ground up, however, gave them a whole new perspective on how an engine operates.

"It's cheaper to replace a part than to pay someone to fix it these days, so a lot of this knowledge is lost," said Huillet.

Huillet himself has worked as a mechanic since 1972. Four years ago he became supervisor of the of the Sisters School District Transportation Department. Three years ago he began teaching the Power Mechanics course.

Two years ago, his class rebuilt a 1969 Chevelle which was raffled off, the proceeds going to the School District.

Huillet filled the final days of class with another hands-on learning opportunity.

The students have moved from engines to transmissions and transfer cases -- namely that of a Ford Ranger (Huilett's own).