I typically never post anything besides car updates here, but today I think I’ll go through the big “life and recent changes” post. I’ll try this in sectional mini-posts first.
1) This Sunday we had Rob’s bachelor party. It turned out a lot better than I expected, and Rob said he had a blast. Thanks to [...]

Last night, Rob and I went out to the shop for an hour and a half on a whim. In that time we put on the last couple of parts I was waiting for (Drain cock assembly, oil pressure switch, oil pan banjo bolt), as well as the transmission.
Using the engine hoist to hold the [...]

Yesterday I purchased camshaft seals, oil pressure switch, spark plugs, and two cheap oil filters. The seals and switch were overnight delivery (via Advance Auto). The cheap oil filters are for the break in process.
Last nights installation included:

Spark plugs
Transmission side oil galley plug
Flywheel
Clutch + pressure plate
Painting the oil pan and touching up the block

Tonight’s install [...]

Last night the intake manifold was bolted on. Thanks to Allen, it looks amazing! He put it through the washer for almost a week said, cleaning out carbon and gunk. He also glass beaded the outside surfaces, effectively making it look brand new. I also got the additional water routing pieces bolted down, including the [...]

Last Friday night (5/9/08) we assembled the rotating assembly in the block. Oil tolerances were within spec to slightly loose. The smallport head is done, and it was bolted down last night. The next items up for bid are:

Install wear sleeve on rear main lobe
Install rear main housing + seal
Clean oil pan baffle, sump pickup, [...]

The large port head from my existing bluetop block had some issues. After talking over and considering the problems on that head with Allen (machinist friend), I’ve decided to buy his small port head and intake. It was my eventual goal to buy a small port head (Phase 2 of the overall project), however it’s [...]