i had planned to assemble my new heads with titanium retainers, which I already have, in place of the steel retainers that came on the heads. While at it, I was going to increase the open pressure slightly by adding a shim (recommended by AFR). To make a long story short, the heads are out at Womack’s because I could not get them apart. I should have them back by Thursday. They are also going to install my checker springs on #1 cylinder so I can check piston-to-valve clearance.
While that is going on, I will degree the cam. All 8 pistons are installed and side clearances are OK. I had to loosen and re-tighten the thrust bearing cap in order to get an acceptable thrust clearance (before pistons were installed), but that came out perfect also.
These Wiseco Pistons fit much tighter than the old Ross Pistons (by feel and by specification). The Wiseco Pistons also come with their own piston rings. The top ring is only .043″ thick, almost like a oil rail ring.
I am taking my time, reading the R-M Lower End Assembly book at every step. If I make it for Fathers Day, OK, if not, that’s OK too. I just want it to be RIGHT. When you only build an engine every 4-5 years, at my age, a person tends to forget things. Now where did I put that dial indicator and cam wheel?
I do have an incentive to be ready for Fathers Day. I challenged “Outlaw” to a best 2 out of 3 Match Race at the Fathers Day race! We will both be running new engines and who knows who will win.