Joel/Sal

I had it that high as I was afraid of clearing the nose.  From the pic I see it looks a lot higher than it did standing next to it.  71Shark was snappin' the pix and we pushed the car back right after.  We pulled my pickup in to drop it into for the trip home after the pix.  Stripped the heads off and found no real damage other than loading on 1,3 & 2,4 valves and lots of carbon on the piston tops.  Ring grooves on all 8 cyls.

You can read the 3998993 and nowhere on them could we find Mexico and the heads are completely stripped and ready for the vat.

Since I will have to buy pistons anyway, do I understand that domed will work better for horsepower?  Would flattops be better for mileage?  I will also have to buy a set of valves as the ones in the 993 heads were shot so I'll look at the 2.02 and 1.60's.

Thanks for all the help and support.  I'll keep you guys updated.

Dennis

Dennis/DNV,

    If you go with Flat top pistons you will be down to 8.2-1 comp. and 190 HP(stock L-48 eng.) with 993 heads as they are 76 cc heads,lower HP,good gas mileage..You could go with domed at .100 dome an this would get you 9.75-1 and depending on the cam get you 300 plus HP..I would also go with the 2.02 int. and 1.60 exh. valves.Even with the stock tranny and rear end you will have great performance...

       Take care and keep on keepin' on

       Sal    nosal1

OK everyone, cross your fingers and toes or burn a candle or whatever is the voodoo that you do so weellllll...

I chose a machine shop today.  The first one originally had a quote of around $400 to punch and vat the block, cam bearings and a head job.  When I took the stuff over today, he kept getting higher and higher and higher($1200) all for the same stuff, so I loaded my toys up and went to the house, but on the way home, I stopped by Marks Machine Shop in Nicoma Park.  He owns a local dirt track and builds all types, but predominantly bowtie.  I liked what I saw, clean but not too clean and lots o' 70's vintage bowties setting around. 

The owner came out, was very straightforward and no-nonsense.  Looked everything over, advised the 993 heads, punch the block 30 over, flat top pistons, current cam is good to go as is and he can beat both Jegs and Summit on piston, ring & bearing kit prices.  Machine work, heads reassembled and cam installed for $500 +/- $100.  I'll assemble the guts (have tools).  He needs about 2 weeks to get me in which will still get me out in time for Eureka Springs!

Lets hope it works!  If it does, you will see him in our listing, if not, then EVERYONE will know about it

Feelin better, now, Dennis?
Sounds like the ball is rollin finally! Here's hoping it all werkz very well for ya!

Dennis/DNV,

          Sounds like your getting on with the getting on with the project.  Cost sounds in line with what he is going to do for you..Is he going to install cam/rods/crank etc. before you get the short block?Are going to have him install 1.60 exhaust valve as well??If so it is a real good deal.

          In any event congrats on finding a honest machinist,the other guy sounds like one of those places that thrive on the "5 o'clock surprise'',i.e. find other things wrong that weren't....

          Take care and good luck....

                     Sal     nosal1