What should I do??

[LameHoof65]

Okay, looks like my last one is going to college, so money will be tight this summer. So I have most of the engine stuff I need...Just need a Rocker Arm, Cam, and Pushrods. Do you think I can get the head milled and valve seals put in, 3 angle valve job along with planing off the log for a 2v Holley for $500.oo?? Cause everything else I save this summer is going for her tuition!! I know that new lifters are a good idea, but mine only have about 500 miles on them, so I think they are okay. I am going to buy a rebuilt 1.5 adjustable rocker arm from Mike, I think with the CSC 264, 112* it will be plenty enough to take all that the 2300/500 holley has to give. I will eventually put on headers but it won't be until I have paid her tuition and met her monetary needs. I will probably resleeve the 250 balancer, if I can resleeve one that has already had that done? Besides putting it back together and buttoning it up the engine is pretty well done. I can't believe I am this close to having it running!!

 

[StraightSixer]

check with local machine shops for what they will charge. Then add the cost of the parts and you will have a rough budget. Since you have 500 dollars fror the project, see where you may or may not fall short or break even, that is what I would do.

 

[addo]

Check your lifters carefully. They're supposed to have a 40" radius doming to the end. If they're consistent and you can still see non-directional grinding marks, should be OK.

You didn't hear this, but... Cheap and nasty way to clean up a lifter base is to press it against a 150-180 grit pad of an operating random-orbit sander and wobble slightly in a circular motion. Just to the point that wear marks are equal in amount/intensity to the sanding marks. Crude? Be sure to remove all abrasive dust.

Valve springs appropriate for cam choice? How much allowance for extras in that budget? Should be at least 10%.

 

[LameHoof65]

I have pretty much everything for the head build. I went with the 351 exhaust springs listed in Dennis' ford falcon book, I believe they are 80lbs closed and 200lbs open. I went with the 4.0 v6 single piece retainers, and the teflon valve seals and stock valves for the D8 from FSPP. Really all I lack are the pushrods if the lifters are okay. If I ever do another head I will go with all FSPP, why I didn't this time is a good question, the price would have been about the same. I think I liked the hunt . I have the $500.00 for the machinist. My lovely wife says she will contibute a $200 for the cam, pushrods and to help pay for the rocker arm . She considers this thing a money pit and the great white elephant.

 

[80broncoman]

I know this a small amount to save, but instead of buying a tube of silicone
at the parts store ($3.99 for about 3oz) Go to lowes and get a calking gun tube of 100% silicone for window and door sealer. you will get 10.1oz of sealer for I think $4.99 :!:
No, you cant get ultra blue, ultra black, or high temp at this price, but for standard use this is a great deal. You do get a choice of black, clear, white and even weirder on a car almond. :!:

Just call this Jim's tightwad tip #1

If you watch the pennys the dollars will take care of themselves.

 

[LameHoof65]

No amount is to small for saving a buck here and there, unless of course I am compromising the quality. Which brings me to another question, I bought the Corteco gasket set from Mike and I was wondering are you suppose to put anything on the gaskets to enhance the seal. It says white seal technology, does that mean the head and oil pan gaskets don't need an adhesive? Buy the way, I got the complete set, but then saw where he (Mike-FSPP) has an additional head gasket for hi-po heads to increase compression. May have to order that one too. If anyone here knows the answer to that question I would appreciate a response.