Spun number one...

Rod bearing on #1 cylinder is toast. It was rotating and that's what was causing the sound to come and go.[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_frown.gif[/img] So, here's my dilemma: Bottom end will have to be rebuilt, rods resized, crank turned, etc. I could cut some corners here, but really don't see the point. "Pay me now or pay me more later" kinda thing. Not sure how much metal got into the cam and lifters so that'll have to be replaced as well along with the cam bearings. On the other hand, I can go with a short block with new cam and lifters. Financially, I need to be conservative here. Not wanting anybody to make up my mind for me, but I respect the knowledge and experience of you guys. Give me some perspective here!![img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_tup.gif[/img]
[addsig]

Short block would save time if thats of concern.

Tough break, fx. I'd go with a clean start-short block. Since you don't have a machine shop you can trust there. Take all the nice parts off the old and put them on a new base. Sounds like less time and money....and worry.[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_tup.gif[/img]

Check some of the Crate engine companies for a good price on a short block. You already have a "working top end", all you need to do is pop another cartridge in the chamber.

Seems everybody and his brother has a performance "385" engine program lately. There are some good deals to be had from some of the high volume FMS dealers.

FX, can't find a good machine shop in Lexington? There a few south of you in my neck of the woods. There's 2 in Danville, then there's Skytower just south of Stanford on 27, and in Somerset there's Cornett. I have had work done at all of them and my only complaint is Skytower is kinda slow. Skytower builds lots of engines for the guys that race at Cumberland Dragway. If you want phone numbers I can hook you up.
Kywookie

Thanks, Wookie. You'll be interested to know that Skytower built this motor... I know both owners of the two shops in Danville. Danville Auto (now Danville Engine Rebuilders) put together the stroker that was in the Comet. Too slow, not enough attention to detail to suit me. 'Course, I'm a picky sucker...[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
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doug,
dont appologize for being picky about your engine work!! being picky about machine shops is what lead me to building my own motors, i actually had a place try to give me the wrong crank back when i was building the 410 merc in my old truck. the guy handed me the crank and i realized that the casting number was wrong, i went ballistic! he was trying to give me a 360 crank!!! needless to say im very very carefull about anything i take to a machine shop anymore.
later
Daniel J. Ludwig
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What about Cornett in Somerset? I haven't used them since the late 80's, I assume they are still in business. At that time they were booming. I always assemble my own stuff. I bought mikes and telescoping gauges to check clearances. There's no place in Louisville or Cincy that you feel competent to handle the job?
Kywookie

Time is more the issue at this point. I'm supposed to do a show in Barbourville for one of my customers and he really wants the car there. Hard to say sorry 'bout yer luck at this point. I'm about settled on getting a short block real quick and either sell my block to a buddy or keep it for something in the mid 500 CID range later...[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
[addsig]

A stupid question is about to be asked....what engine did the car come with and where is that?