82 SWB / 454 build

[67_SS396]

Thanks. Well, it was cool enough today that I got more work done. I put the starter in and welded up the radiator mounts. After topping off all the fluids, it was time to fire it up. It didn't go quite so well, but at least I didn't get my hopes up too high. I bought the engine off CL and was told it was a running engine. When I pulled all the tin off, everything looked good inside, but what concerned me was the very sloppy timing chain on what was supposed to be a fresh engine. I figure they used the old chain while cutting corners. I put a new chain set on and went about my way. I had it running for about 10-15 minutes. It had a slight clatter after startup which got worse and as soon as I brought the RPM's up, all hell broke loose. I stopped counting at four bent pushrods on the left bank and two on the right. I'll start tearing it apart tomorrow and should have it down to a short block by the weekend.

I'll find a better flowing set of heads, solid FT cam, roller rockers, pushrods, etc...while it's apart. Check out how small the starter is. It works amazingly quick too!


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