Really dont know how to title this. I purchased my block when TA had their anniversary 20% off sale. After that its been one thing after another complicated by Covid. Just when ya think you're making headway something puts on the brakes. Its maddening. I did hear it run briefly and made a few pulls. Numbers were not close to expectations so it was sent back to the builder about 6 weeks ago to get checked out. I had plans to be in his part of the country to drop off the Wildcat with Adam @ Antique Automotive so we set up a dyno session to sort it out while I was up there. During a tear down and inspection on Tuesday it was discovered she had a couple of bent valves. No access to replacements in house so put on hold again until we get the parts. These heads were fresh. I probably did the dirty deed personally not knowing any better. On assembly I tried to reuse the old pushrods that were on the iron motor which turned out to be a full 1/2" longer than was needed. Probably pushed a valve down onto the top of the pistons while tightening the rocker bar bolts. When I realized the engine was locked up tight was when I figured out the pushrods were to long but never dawned on me that it did any damage. While its apart again why not make a few upgrades. Better springs some flow bench testing which will probably lead into some polishing and bowl work. Stopped at my favorite store on the way home,Summit Racing, dropped more cash and picked up a set of springs and seats. Retainers and keepers are out of stock for several months. It will get sorted out, not the end of the world but disappointing all the same.
Steve maybe I will come down to you and we can test our new engine combos together early spring. My 560 is done with machining. So the assembly begins and I'm sure many Gremlins will pop up. Glad you got home to get back to work...
