docmirror

Heads come off. Engine comes out, although I've heard stories of the heads coming off an 85 by some trickery with loose engine mounts, and removing some trash from the fender wells. Or, maybe the studded shafts come out? I can't recall. All the same, the heads come off and get refurbished.

As for the LS engine swap, there was a time when I thought the same. However, unless one is willing to throw money at a problem until it hurts($30k is a good target), getting the original lump done right is the best course of action. The market for a very GOOD LS swap car is small. The market for a crappy LS swap car is exactly zero. Do it right, do it once, do it pricey, and get 550-600HP with all the bling, and all your gauges working, AC/heat working, gears working, etc. Not a trivial task - by any measure.

docmirror

No, the bend is at the lower end of the valve stem, just before it tulips out to the face. It is very slight in most cases, and often won't even impress the piston(as you have learned). The 60PSI is an indication of a piston/valve kiss. A very gentle nudge by the piston as the valve is in motion is all it takes. Valves are quite brittle, and a tiny imperfection in the face will not let it sit flush on the seat.

Shawn Stanford

It's going to be a challenge. Tracking. I never thought it was going to be easy; nothing with these cars ever, ever is.

So, at this point what's not making sense is why you spend your time on Rennlist. This is a web forum for non-professional enthusiasts to get together, share stories (successes and failures), and to get and share advice. From what I've seen you think DIYers are fooling themselves, and you seem almost gleeful about my prospects for further failure here. Don't get me wrong: I've been shot at, so having someone thrown mean words and feelings at me doesn't put a damper on my day. But it leaves me honestly wondering what you get out of participating on this site, and with everyone here.

This is, of course, a completely rhetorical question. I don't expect that you're going to take time to do some introspection and report back on what your ruminations have revealed. And I'm sure you, like most of us, are too mature and/or set in your ways to make changes in how you approach these situations. So: Just drive on, Killer. Seriously. It's all good.

Oh, well. There's my winter project for this year (and probably well into next year).

Thanks again, everyone. I'll plan on pulling the motor. Unfortunately I took a job two hours from my house (and garage) and I'm keeping a small apartment during the week, so no evening work. And, of course, weekends are scarce with family and the Army. But I'll continue this thread as I go along.

Further updates as events warrant!