Thought I would bring you up to date on the rebirth of my baby. After taking a closer look at the engine, and even though the car has been garaged for 20 years, the water pump showed signs of rust and corrosion from leaking. There is also evidence of corrosion from a leak on the intake manifold gasket by the number 5 cylinder. So, I’m thinking to myself, before I try and crank the engine over, maybe I should try and correct some of the obvious issues before proceding further. So I have spent the last few days removing the front of the engine, pulleys, brackets, waterpump and the timing chain cover. Why? Because knowing my luck and the fact that the car has been sitting for so long, the minute she does start the timing chain/gears would probably break and I would have to take it apart again. So, that’s where we are today. The next step will be to remove the intake manifold and see what mysteries are hidding there! As always, any additional input/advice will always be appricated!
Trixie, just a suggestion here… As far as you are getting into this, you ought to consider pulling the engine, and getting it rebuilt. A stock rebuild is not that expensive. Basically you are talking about new bearings, getting the cylinder bores cleaned up, maybe .030 over, new pistons and rings, a valve job with new guides and seals. You could probably add an extra $150 to get it all balanced. I would go with a close to stock cam and a new set of lifters and push rods. IF you stay close to stock, it can be done for around $1500. You are already looking at the timing chain and gears, the water pump and a full set of gaskets to do what you have already committed to. You might also take a look at the oil pump and oil pump drive.
Put it all back together with a Pertronix to replace the points, and a rebuilt carb and you will have an engine that runs like new. The temptation to “warm it up” a little can really drive the cost up, and in my opinion not get you much for your money. Many times the real boost in performance isn’t from the hot rod parts, it is from the basics of a good rebuild: good compression, correct valve timing, clean cylinders and good valve sealing.