Finally got back to the high riser project this weekend, after getting the Galaxie back together (replaced the flywheel with an ATI unit). Re-starting from scratch, I assembled the short block over the weekend. All the clearances looked good, and things went along pretty well with one exception. This is the first time I've assembled a short block with Dykes rings, and on the first piston I tried to go a little too fast, jammed the top ring between the tapered ring compressor and the piston, and put a bend in the top ring. After that I was more careful, and got seven of the pistons and rod assemblies installed with no further problems. I'll call in the order for a replacement top ring tomorrow, and hopefully will have that by the end of the week. In the meantime, there's a lot of other things I can be doing, such as assembling the heads, finish welding up the oil pan, install the cam and Danny Bee belt drive, finish machining the oil pump and alternator brackets, etc. etc. I'm hopeful that by next weekend the engine will be all together, save for some of the plumbing and accessories, so I'll be ready to dyno it at the end of this month. Here's some photos of the short block and a piston/rod assembly:
I'll post another update next weekend.
