Ordered the gages yesterday: Auto Meter / Oil pressure and Water Temperature.
Summit says it will be here by Friday - which is perfect for the relight next morning. I ordered another thermostat, but I'm planning on taking the current one out and leaving it out for the last 15 minutes of cam break in.
I'm also going to just fill the remainder of the radiator with water from the hose - just in case the motor pukes again. Also going to add an exit hose to the overflow bottle, in case things get crazy. Leaving the stock cap off to make sure the coolant is flowing and to see if the block needs anymore juice while running.
If this thing still has a blow-back problem then I've got to start looking at intake manifold or head gasket issues. Don't think so - but I don't do this enough to be sure. Followed the identical methods used on the Chevelle's Mr. Goodwrench crate motor - so theoretically it should be good to go.
Stopped by H.B. Transmissions yesterday on the way home from work and my guy's looking a little lean on work - so dropping my rig off next week should be a real hit at his shop. I asked what his capabilities (actually, what he feels like doing) were on this overhaul, and his short answer was, "Make me a list", which is exactly what I wanted to hear.
Mac.
