to bore or not to bore

[Anonymous]

I recently scored a 78 200 from a Fairmont for free. Got it home and pulled the head to see how she looked inside, seeing what size pistons to order. History of the engine is slim at best. Was shocked to find standard pistons and cylinder walls that looked like just barely broken in well. Crosshatching from cylinder honeing still slightly visable, probally factory original. Engine is suspected of having around 70K on it from the S.W. owned by elderly. Doner car is recieving Drag car conversion looks to be in terrific shape.Took 30-40 seconds with a wire brush to polish a crown to new like condition. Zero side slop hav'nt checked the clearances in cylinder to piston yet but suspect well within tolerence. Planned upgrades are mild cam and head porting polishing and milling for around 9.2/1 CR. using adjustable rocker arm and 2bbl carb(looking at 38mm Weber).Dual outlet headers with H-pipe into lakespipes. Daily driver wagon. If i don't spend money on boring and pistons etc i have enough for a nice intake set-up and some nice chrome goodies + tranny upgrade(SROD or T-5). If the bearings look as god as the jugs seriously considering useing the short block as is. Am i being cheap or smart? Probally never pass 5000rpm.Seldom past4000.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy danwagon:

Every now and then you get lucky! It looks like this is your day. You'd better buy a lottery ticket too. If the bottom end looks good save you money. I'd put new cam gear and lifters with the new cam. Probably a double row roller. I'd also probably put in a new oil pump. Be sure to check the seals and soft plugs.

Adios, David

 

[mikeyo]

Hmmmm....now why don't I ever have luck like that. free engine in good shape. way to go. My guess would be the old axiom "If it aint broke, don't fix it"
Hope she gets it good!