Unpleasant surprise in 50 year old pan!

My son-in-law is trying his hand at a bit of port work for me.

 

Nice! This video is a good help for novices:

 

I have quite a few exhaust bolt holes in my heads very worn. Some have been repaired over the years and others are almost stripped from over tightening to get exhaust leaks remedied. How do you guys deal with this problem? Helicoil? Tap holes bigger? Let machine shop deal with it?

 

Helicoil seems like it would solve the issue.

 

I think I would heli could them although I’m also sure you could enlarge the holes to tap new threads. Either solution would be fine. Also keep in mind that with the THICK Remflex gaskets you may need longer bolts, especially if the threads are worn.

 

Got short block back Friday!

 

Heads are waiting to be done at shop. Ordered a pushrod length checker.... I'm going to try to pressure wash engine bay this week.

 

Looking good

 

This is the best time to fix any bad wiring and do painting in the engine bay so much easier, especially the electric.

 

Yes. I just took the bolt out of the firewall in the center of the engine harness but plug doesn't want to budge. Does it pull straight out?

Fire wall paint isn't in terrible shape. Yellow markings are still visible. Maybe touch up with rustoleum and some type of clear coat?

I removed booster and sent out for a replate... Recommendations for a reasonably priced master cylinder that won't leak all over it?

 

There are US made ones for the 350's. Can't remember the brand but can check if you'd like - Just bought a couple pairs. Haven't compared them to orig.

Yes, engine harness should pull straight out.

 

I talked to Steve Caruso about master cylinders. Sounds like most all leak sometimes but he has a decent price plus shipping. I could just get a lifetime warranty one from parts store. I just hate to have new coating get ruined on fresh booster.

 

Got heads back today.

First rocker arm assembly seems to have quite a bit of wear. TA has them. Is there a cheaper alternative to this problem? Seems like I'm spending more money than I expected.

 

No I think either buy the TAs or close your eyes and re instal the old ones LOL! If you want sticker shock look up the TA roller rockers.

http://www.taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA_1310

 

Stamped steel side is a lot better. Maybe I'll try to buy just one assembly.

 

Even if you bought one new shaft and reused the already worn aluminum rockers, they'll just end up eating the new steel shaft up.

 

Do not put those old shafts back on cheaper to buy new

 

As long as the spending money is outta control, buy TA's roller rockers

 

Yes I need to replace at least one assembly. Maybe get ta hd set if available. They are closed till 2022.

Plugged heat crossover passages w 20mm freeze plugs today.

 

Just reuse the old worn parts -- save money NOW, worry about the future later..

That way we can look forward to a new thread titled "REALLY Unpleasant surprise in recently cleaned 50 year old pan"