Thread: Internal engine modifications complete ......

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.... all of the internal engine modifications on the 327 for the Thames have been completed ....new cam, lifters, springs, rocker arms, pushrods, etc. ........... all the chrome pieces (valve covers, timing cover, oil pan) have been removed ........ this beast is not going to leak any more ............. engine will be painted the same color as the body ........... trans will be painted silver ............ then we'll start bolting on all the polished pieces and other goodies

Looks good Coyote!!! All that chrome wouldn't make it run any better, that's for sure!!!! I've completely given up on the chrome stuff and gone to aluminum for the look pretty goodies.... The tin they make the parts out of now is just pure junk!!!! At least with the cast or billet aluminum, you have a bit of a sealing surface to work with!!!!

Did a full cleanup and checkout of all internal pieces ..... found some interesting things while inside the block ........... first off, the engine has had so little wear since its rebuild 15 years ago that you can still easily see the hone marks from the cylinder cleanup ......... the bores are unbelievably clean (and this beast has never burned any oil, although it has leaked volumes because of the chrome pan, timing cover, and valve covers) ............ the micrometer tells us that the displacement of the block is now 331 cubic inches ............ second, we found a forged crank in this little beast ........... I thought the forged units were reserved for the 350, 360, and 375 horse units (this was supposedly a 300 horse 327 out of a '66 Nova SS) ........... it's definitely an original Chevrolet crank, but it could have been installed later ................. all the internals were amazingly clean ............. we left the timing gear set in place rather than installing the new timing chain that came with the kit .......... I rather like the whine of the gears myself

After painting we will be adding the new polished aluminum maniforld, the MSD distributor and coil, the polished water pump (short), and will mount the polished alternator low on the passenger's side ........... then we will start the installation of the injector setup .......... finally, the new Hedman headers, the starter, and the ancillary pieces will be bolted in place

This has been a fun time, as I could take part in his rebuild

Going to be a great car when it's all done!!! Congrats on all your patience and perseverance in putting up with all the grief you've had to put up with!!!! Lots of others would have parked it and there would have been another half done project for sale!!!!