I doubt it Mick, big dollars and having to ship it over to the US from Australia would take me about six months with quarantine etc. 

Once I get the time to hone the cylinder with the rust marks I reckon it will only be two cylinders to be sleeved.  I'd like to keep the original block as all the numbers match.  Sleeving over here is actually cheaper Joel.  Getting crate engines is big bucks as they all have to be imported.  Our local GM eights are far and few between and not the right casting.  I saw a 1000HP race engine on ebay locally that would drop in and had my tongue hanging out but I reckon that's a bit of overkill and it cost $13K plus.

For me to get a crate short engine will cost around $1500 Australian and to have two cylinders sleeved and fit new crank bearings (I always do that when I have an engine stripped down) and rings will only cost about $500 or $600.  Heads are fine so it's only the bottom end I need to have done.

Wow, Chips!!! I think I'd have to save that engine, for that kind of cash!! That's unreal!!

Say...I've got a '65 427 Cobra/Lemans engine that needs a sleeve in one hole....hmmmm Might be worth the $$ to ship it down under!! Was quoted over $3000 here to do it right!

First new performance part for the engine rebuild.  Just purchased a Mallory twin Point distributor for $120 Australian.  These distributors will allow you to rev much higher and also have an adjustable tach drive which you can LUBRICATE rather than expect the engine oil to run uphill like the standard distributors.  I went for points again as I want to keep the original look and workings of the car.  They also have full ball bearings rather than bronze bushings so it should last forever.  This one is in perfect condition.  I'm a happy little Vegemite.

Finally bit the bullet and bought a short block from a race company in Sydney NSW.  $AU2100 to my door and all is going back together now.  Hope to be back on the road by Xmas.

We hope so too!!!!

What a pain!  Some of the traders here in Oz have no idea about Vettes.  Asked all over the place for a pilot bearing (goes in the rear of the crankshaft for the gearbox input shaft) and no one has any idea of what size to get.  I ended up telling them all to piss off and ordered all the bits I need from Corvette Central.  At least I know I'll get the right bits.  Just takes a bit longer to get here.

I feel for ya, Chips. If it makes ya feel any better, the people here can't figure it out, either! You almost have to tell the what color the cars is just to get an oil filter! Parts people...bah! It's rare to find one that actually knows anything...I miss the old days, when you could tell the guy at the parts counter what you needed, and he could just walk back there and get it, without having to look in a book, or ask you a million questions.

(sorry Ken...not talkin 'bout you! )

Yeah I know what you mean Joel.  They were the days you could pull up to a gas pump and sit in your car while your gas was pumped, oil checked and your windscreen cleaned and you didn't have to fork out a fortune in tips.

Heart Surgery completed!  After many hours of work in 100+ degree heat she fired up straight away and now purrs just like a Vette should.  WHAT A RUSH!

KEWL!!! Make sure that baby will stop safely before seeing how fast she goes!! Congrats, Chip!!