Oh Lordy, I now own a Fordy (a Lincoln actually)..

[Canuck]

Steve
Interesting Oil analysis. My 03 GMC Yukon XL 2500 had high Lead content because Chevron 94. I dropped to 91 Octane and Lead ratio dropped significantly. I use Mobil 1 and change at 4500 mile increments.

[mockingbird812]

EWWW, dems purdy!!!!

[njsteve]

Got these back from Rogers Speed Shop today. They were able to clean up the flange area nicely. They should seal well now. The Clevite 77 main and rod bearings arrived as well as all the new cast iron rocker arms (@ $16 each - that hurt! This engine uses a unique style of rocker arms instead of the $5 stamped steel rockers). The ARP hardened oil pump drive arrived via Amazon this afternoon. I think I actually have all the parts to assemble this now.

The funny thing is that I pulled the engine to get the transmission rebuilt and the tranny is still sitting on the dolly in the garage. I was going to wait until the engine was assembled so I had less time for the rebuilt trans to sit and use up warranty time in case there is an issue with it later.

[njsteve]

Chased all the threads in the block this morning. Then I installed the rear main seal, bearings and crank today. Oil clearance is .002, checked with the old Plastigage green. Nice, leisurely day in the garage.

[njsteve]

I checked all the ring gaps in the cylinders today. All top rings were .024 gap. All second rings were .028. Got everything ready for piston/rod installation this weekend.

[scuncio]

Great progress.

[njsteve]

Got all the pistons and rods in today. Plastigage check on each rod bearing clearance was .015. Rotational torque when all eight were installed was 300 inch pounds (25 ft lbs).