Recent content by PSmith1

Carmine - the 265 pistons were indeed expensive and one-off, hence the cost. More than half the cost was special machine work. We ordered them special with extra material in the head so we could put deep flycut for 0.660" cam, which was big at the time. Also the ring grooves were cut special...

Off a bit with my figures, huh? I figured everyone did own assembly, and as much other stuff as possible 'cause we like this stuff. I forgot we're all 40+yrs older, made some money and say screw it to lifting short blocks by hand with a buddy. That 3K figure I had from the 70s racing days...

So with all comments in we might have a cost scenario like this, assuming you have a rebuildable and complete core to start with: On the low-end, perhaps as low as $2-3K. This would be bore, new pistons/rings (cast), cam&lifters, Minor resurfacing of heads, guides, use old valves if they...

Funny stories about the things we missed. We broke tons of parts too. Back in late 70s I bought a pair of 690 heads, dual pt dist, chrome valve covers, and solid 425 cam for 40 bucks. Easy come, easy go.....

I heard a story of a guy setting up a 348 for boring, got the set-up wrong, and promptly reamed into water jacket on 1st cyl. There could be a lot of hidden extra cost in machining a W-block. Extra set-up time not free. These blocks are 50-60 yr old, where they been sitting? So lifter bores...

Might have an answer for you, or a source. I still have listed in For Sale a 409/425HP engine at $9K. It is pretty much complete (I think oil pump is missing), it is not numbers-matching, it is disassembled but 90% or so of parts are new NOS Genuine GM. You could probably recoup some money by...

Enjoyed reading this build, it shows great determination on seeing a project thru. And what's left of cars in the Northeast! Sometimes you have to play the hand you're dealt. I know of a Chev roof replaced 35 yr ago, no stressing of sheet metal, never a spider crack in glass. I visited a few GM...

Any update here? Temperature mapping or plug readings?

Hi Rich: I have a complete (almost) 409-425HP look in the For Sale Ads. It includes NOS exhaust system. Listed at $9000 and have been offered close to that; I just have not the time to finish the deal. 90% of the parts are NEW and in original boxes. I would say a Z-11 in such shape would be a...

Yes the Ingham got around. Now a museum in Key West. We (wife and kids) were recently on Cape Cod, had tour of Lifeboat 36500 (Pendleton rescue/Finest Hours movie). Very nice restoration, spoke w/daughter of Bernie Webber (helmsman). Incredible rescue, more so as the lifeboat crew was 20-23 yr...

Cecil: My dad served aboard WPG-35 Ingham, 1941-45. Saw a line similar to yours from that time in N. Atlantic: Convoy Survivor (upon being rescued): "Coast Guard! What are you doing here?" Ingham sailor response: "You want to jump back in the water and wait for the Navy?" Best, Paul

Skydog - Thanks for info. Most of my Chev experience w/sm blocks and we never paid attn to the rear numbers, only the 7 digit casting # and sometimes the die-stamped # on front deck surface. I worked for a company that sand-cast some large machine parts and the wood core-plugs had some kind of...

Doc: Need report on spark plugs - are they all bone-white, turning brown, or sooty. The rising temp and hesitation sound like a lean condition, spark plugs should show some indication. If lean, were all carbs cleaned? Are you running proper fuel pump, or fuel pump is tired (easy check w/fuel...

Attached pic of the rear of the 425HP short block. To right of crank are 4 lines of numbers/letters that I mentioned above. I'm unfamiliar with these markings, wondered if they are significant or just foundry lot/ID/time codes.

Was it Railway or Roadway Express? GM staged parts inventories at large warehouse/dist centers, Boston, MA warehouse was in Westwood, MA. Another was in Portsmouth, NH area. Westwood also had GM Training Ctr for Service Techs and such. For the fire-sale parts liquidation, I doubt GM paid the...