Take your time, make sure everything is
clean, and ask someone before doing anything that you have doubts or questions about.
Be vewy careful installing the cam...you can nick the bearings easily, and can knock the rear cam plug out if you slap the cam in too hard.
Use PLENTY of assembly lube. The white lithium based assembly lube is good, and you can mix in a little engine oil with it if ya want. Moly lube is good too, but it will stop up the oil filter quicker than the lithium lube. You'll wanna change the oil filter after break in, anyway.
Installing the piston rings takes patience...don't try to force them, or rush thru installing them on the pistons...you'll regret it. Be sure to stagger the gaps on all of the rings. THere is also a "Top" and "Bottom" to the piston rings. THey usually have a small dimple close to the end gaps to identify the Top, but I have seen some that actually say "Top".
Be sure to pay attention to the "front", or arrow on the pistons, and make sure they all point to the front. Same with the rods...be sure you are installing them in the correct side of the engine, as well as the correct cylinder. There IS a front/rear to rods.
LOTS of assembly lube on the cam and lifters. Most cams come with special lube...USE IT! Even if it is a roller, use plenty of lube.
Be sure your heads go on the correct side of the engine, if they don't have accessory bolt holes in both ends...you'd be surprised at how many people miss this...especially if the heads have been changed.
Check to make sure ALL of the oil galley plugs are in the block, in the back, where the cam plug is, as well as in the front, where the timing chain runs. Most machine shops remove these plugs when they clean the block, but they sometimes forget to put them back in.
How's that?
Just take your time...don't get in a hurry to do anything. Remember, "Every 1/2 hour job is 1 broken bolt away from being a 3 day ordeal."
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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"