Jonesy, my hat goes off to you. I admire that you're doing your own work. even if it is to save money. That's exactly how I got started wrenching.
I am sorry that you're going through this again. There are some advantages, though. Novice-Mechanic days are behind you, now. It's all uphill from here.
I take it that you will go with Edelbrock heads? If so, they are a direct bolt-on replacement. Pushrod lengths remain the same, rocker shafts remain the same... it's all good. The only 'custom' calculations I had was due to the roller cam I installed. Roller lifters are at least one inch taller, making the pushrods one inch shorter. You won't have that situation.
You said your machine shop 'squared' your block. They probably shaved your heads as well, to make them flat. Did you change pushrod lengths? Probably not. Hydraulic lifters are awful forgiving, even though your machining 'stack' pushed them down about .030". With new Edelbrock heads, you're going to get some of that back (unless you mill the new heads).
Follow my build pictures and suggestions. They will save you time and money. By all means, take hundreds of pictures as you are tearing down and building your engine. They are wonderful references. If you don't use them maybe someone else will. That's the attitude I took when I documented the Penelope build. (Remember, I don't own a Thunderbird except for the '58 convertible model that Eric Taylor sent me.)
I'm glad you are on this forum. Given the chance, Squarebirds.org offers tons of experience and knowledge that most garage mechanics are missing. Use this forum to 'talk problems out'. We can only suggest the direction you should go. Ultimately, you will do what you think is best. - Dave
I am sorry that you're going through this again. There are some advantages, though. Novice-Mechanic days are behind you, now. It's all uphill from here.
I take it that you will go with Edelbrock heads? If so, they are a direct bolt-on replacement. Pushrod lengths remain the same, rocker shafts remain the same... it's all good. The only 'custom' calculations I had was due to the roller cam I installed. Roller lifters are at least one inch taller, making the pushrods one inch shorter. You won't have that situation.
You said your machine shop 'squared' your block. They probably shaved your heads as well, to make them flat. Did you change pushrod lengths? Probably not. Hydraulic lifters are awful forgiving, even though your machining 'stack' pushed them down about .030". With new Edelbrock heads, you're going to get some of that back (unless you mill the new heads).
Follow my build pictures and suggestions. They will save you time and money. By all means, take hundreds of pictures as you are tearing down and building your engine. They are wonderful references. If you don't use them maybe someone else will. That's the attitude I took when I documented the Penelope build. (Remember, I don't own a Thunderbird except for the '58 convertible model that Eric Taylor sent me.)
I'm glad you are on this forum. Given the chance, Squarebirds.org offers tons of experience and knowledge that most garage mechanics are missing. Use this forum to 'talk problems out'. We can only suggest the direction you should go. Ultimately, you will do what you think is best. - Dave
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