[GOSFAST]

Hi "d", whichever shop you choose I can give you a tip or two about a few questions you should ask before making a final decision. I would have no problem if any of my own customer's inquired about them here.

1-Are they willing to remove the crank plugs for cleaning and tapping and drilling for pipe plugs?

2-Are they able to install valve seats if required?

3-Are they able to balance the rotating ass'y?

4-Are they able to measure all clearances precisely using bore gauges? This includes cam brg's, rod brg's, and main brg clearances? (Ability to grind the crank goes without saying)

5-Do they use a deck-mounted boring bar or bore from the mains (preferred)? Do they use a block-plate for finish honing?

6-Are they able to do any and all rod work, from resizing to installing new pin bushings?

7-Are they familiar with machining for the 95% filtration system? (Even if you don't choose to have it done)

Not that you will need all these procedures, but it's nice to know how familiar they are with the "Flatties".

On a side note I would want to use bronze-lined guides/stainless valves without fail AND also some "moly" piston rings for quick seating.

(Add) Make certain the castings (blocks) get pressure-tested, and the lifter bores get drilled if using adjustable valve train, BOTH these are mandatory here.

Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. I would also ask if they could pin the heads to the block like the SBC's, makes for much longer head gasket life! This isn't mandatory, just a little extra "insurance".