Well, we're back in action.

Like Ralph said we had some piston to bore clearance issues that were resolved by starting over with a different block. With the exception of the crank install, the new block was returned to me over a week ago in the same condition as the previous one left. However, as with anything, the block needed a final cleaning to be sure everything is kosher.

The weather has been a little too cold to break out the hose in the driveway but yesterday appeared to be the best in over a week. Years ago I plumbed hot water to a hose spigot in my garage for this very purpose. Its funny to see the expression on peoples faces who drive by to see an idiot with a hose and an engine block in 30 degree weather. The steam from the hot water makes for quite a sight.

So winter be damned, the new block is nice and clean, and the rotating assembly parts also received another rinse off. Now everything is sparkling clean and I'll be starting assembly in the next couple of days with photos of the progress.

All the pieces are coming together. The 904 transmission is done. I plan on picking it up before the weekend from Mr. Randy J.

Assembly started with crank install of course. Bearings are 1/2 groove with the exception of #3 and #5. Clearances are right on! The machine shop was nice enough to paint the block black but will soon be a nice shade of 71/72 up Chrysler blue as seen on the engine stand. I might have to change my pre-paint block prep tecnique which is to fill up a Binks #7 spray gun with laquer thinner and hose the whole thing off. If that black paint starts to lift, it will sure be messy.

You will notice the very unique main cap "straps". I've never seen this before but other than removing a little of the cap to make a flush pad for these to sit, I don't see any reason to do any different.

The machine shop was nice enough to duplicate my Rear main cap mods that I did on the other block. The stud hole under the oil pump was spotfaced to allow for a nut thicker than the stock hex cap main bolt.

Rods and pistons all cleaned ready to go. Next step is to gap the rings, install them and drop the rods and pistons in. At that point I plan to check the cylinder volume, cc the chambers and determine what we want to do for head gaskets. Then its on to crank scraper fitment and bottom end completion. My plan was to spend some time in the garage today but my wife wants me to be a little more social especially on Valentines day. I think its in my best interest to cater to her wishes. She is afterall spending most of the day in the kitchen making a nice dinner for tonight.

Chris, dont forget the number one rule when building an engine or car..

HAPPY WIFE HAPPY LIFE!!!

Rings gapped.

.018" top, .022" 2nd

Pistons are in!! Bearing clearances checked out fine.

The pistons pop up above the deck. I have to run some calculations to find the static CR. Then we can order head gaskets.

Bottom end is ready for scraper fitment, but first, I want to throw the cam in and degree it so I can install the timing cover. The scrapers overlap the ends of the timing cover and its easier that way.

It looks like the plan is comming together quite well!!! Ralph, did you get the cam from your cam guy, if so, how long did you have to wait for him to grind it?

The Cam was completed either last year or the year before . (This project was idle for a couple of years) I was talking to Ted (Engine Builder) he said everything has been coming real quick. Custom parts that normally took months are being completed in just weeks.

oh, i see. me myself, I am waiting for some custome pistons to be made hopefully soon, cam will be next

Cam is in. It's a cutom solid lifter Engel grind spec'ed by Jeff Patterson. I talked to him tonight about degree specs.