I started making some progress this week...by taking the heads over to ACE and rebuilding them with Mr. Chris. We disassembled them completely, installed new Manley valves and teflon seals, and installed everything nice and neat.
Then, after we got home, we both decided that the 2.055 intake valves were too big, and we should re-install the 2.02 valves...glad I cleaned them up and kept them! So, it looks like I'll be swapping those suckers this week, but by now I'm a pro, and it should only take about 30 minutes or so.
We also took the new motor out of the crate and put it on a stand, and after I fix the valves, I will install the cam and check the piston to valve clearance.
Finally, I was showing Mr. Chris the new 5 speed, and he says,"You got a hydraulic clutch?"...to which I reply, "No". But I look in the box and there is one installed to the front of the trans...$H#!@.....I got a call to make tomorrow.
Zach gave me my inspiration today. He said, "Dad, you don't have to do it all in one day. Just do a little bit every day, and it will get done." So I took this pearl of wisdom, and the new 5-speed and headed out to the garage. I srtripped the old block down, removing the heads, balancer, timing cover and oil pan. I threw the old iron heads back on so that I could sell the long block. The pistons have "STD" on the top, so that leads me to believe that the block has not been bored out...and it is a good "010", high-nickel block with 2 bolt mains.
I am keeping my Performer RPM aluminum heads and vintage Torker intake....I know everyone says to go with a new intake, but I love that old gem.
New parts on the way, and I'm gettin' busy!
We also took the new motor out of the crate and put it on a stand, and after I fix the valves, I will install the cam and check the piston to valve clearance.
