Put the lifters in and adjusted the valves (solid lifters). Looks like 3/8 push rods could be used on the Bulldog heads without any cutting. Rod how long are your push rods and what is your spring pressures?
My last set of push rods were 9.925 long with the open pressure being 630 pounds and no issues. Mike T. talked to me about making me a set that would be tapered and oil restricted (3/8 on bottom and 5/16 top) if I need a new set.
Oil pan got here today. SRE did a super job. The fit could not be any better. Mike T. for some reason drilled and tapped two other bolt holes in the oil pan rail. (I have not asked him why ) All 14 oil pan bolt holes line up.
Thanks Micheal, I appreciate the compliments! I think Mike used the original oil pan bolt pattern on that side, but added the other two holes so the side of the pan could now be straight instead of doglegged. I don't believe Mike knew what was exactly going to develop for the oil pans when the casting / bolt locations were designed many years ago. As it turns out they really aren't needed, but then again they don't affect anything by being there. Steve
Made a oil pan gasket myself and it was easier that than a stock one will be. Hope it never has to come off as it is gluded on tight. Primed it with my 1/2 inch electric drill and it went to 42.5 pounds. After letting it sit over night and no oil drips, I put the upper part of the intake on. It is time to drop it into the Skylark and get it hooked up.
Micheal the job looks great. Keep on showing the speedy progress as it helps to motivate some of us:TU: Looking forward to seeing the car this year.
Michael, We have those oil pan gaskets in stock. TA1700-455AL. Sorry should have mentioned it. The two extra oil pan bolt holes are used when you modify and use a stock oil pan. This way you only need to modify one side of the pan to get it to fit.
It is all together just need to cross my fingers and turn the key. If it was not for having skunkey fuel, I could have tried to start it tonight. It will be tomorrow before I can get some new fuel. Oil pressure. Check Look for fuel leaks. Check Water installed and checked for leaks. Check Elecric fans and elecric water pump. Check Did find one small water leak and fixed it (dam worm clamps). Have new T-clamps on the way. Oh I do need to install about four quarts of automatic trans flude.
Found out that you had the oil pan gaskets after I had the material to make them. It only took me an hour to make it. It was easier than a stock pan gasket would have been since the rails are stright. Feel sorry for who ever takes the pan off the next time, as I gluded both sides of the gasket since I am running a vacume pump.
Well after chasing some wiring issues then finally finding by by-pass plug for the Hi-fire box it came to life. As it turns out over the winter the ignation switch and the box went bad. I found it odd that went I was putting the distrubitor back together, it made a spark from the cap to the rotor with the key off. After it ran a few minuets I turned the key to shut the engine off and it kept running! Had to pull the coil wire off to shut the engine down. The engine reves fast and strong on first fire up (short and low reves). Mike T. after the back and forth of the cam idea, we made the right choice it idles so far at 16 inches of HG without any tuning. It was idleing with high oil pressure (42 pounds) that will I am sure will lower as the engine breaks in. Have not even thought of putting it in gear. Will report back afer some tuning
couple pictures. A short video can be seen on Facebook (v8buick and torque master- https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/672844276090076/ )since I can not get my U-tube account fiqured out.
Got to take the car for it's first test drive with the new TA block yesterday. First I was amazed that all the belts stayed on a short 6000 RPM blast. Feel very confortable now and think it will stay together.
Went a little to big on the tires, but it easier to drive on the street. It will keep up with traffic when driving. They are 295/65R-15 on 9.5 wide ultra lite Welds with 5.5 inch off-set. Next set will be a size smaller.
Due to some electrical issues, I have to replace the Hy-fire box and distributor module. All because the battery switch.