Click on the "edit" button at the bottom of your initial post, and go to the bottom of that window for info on deleting this thread. It's pretty easy.:TU:
Try rebuilding your original 350 as your first engine build. Everything going good, all buttoned up, shiny new paint, nice clean bolts etc...........then you find the oil slinger amongst your tools. Get it buttoned up again & fire it for the first time. I was pretty darn pleased with myself until it started to get warm. Oil gushing out everywhere around the oil pump & timing cover area. Take it apart again & find the problem. The cracker jack box of directions I didn't need to read clearly stated to make sure all paint residue is removed from the mating surfaces. Everybody has one of those days.
Man that would suck, your a brave man.....I don't do car engines, only sled and dirt bikes, something small i can lift in and out without a hoist. The main thing is you can look back and laugh about it, once your done crying.
Fun experience. I had a local engine shop do the machining & assembly of the short block. I bolted on all the external parts. Work was done at my friend's garage over the Winter, lots of gearheads around to help/advise & smile when I screwed up. Very nice moment when it first fired...I was doubting it would ever really start. About a week later antifreeze dripping on the floor. My NOS waterpump failed at the seal, likely dry from age. To add to the excitement I shorted the Ignitor module tearing it apart over the oil leak. Oil & anti freeze everywhere. Expensive but well learned lesson. Robbed another from a Vette resto my friends are working on. Do it again in a heart beat. I have a brand new rebuilt '71 455 waiting on a stand. Just bought a TH400 from a member here. I have a rear axle, two pristine fenders, front swaybar, a set of shocks, rear control arms & a front bench seat. Looks like I may consider building a complete car over the next few years. Frames are like hen's teeth locally so I'll keep an eye out for a rolling chassis, maybe a complete parts car.
