Thanks for the remarks. I was planning on putting in some other cam anyway so that doesnt concern me. Get a little bit more power and the original cam looks a little bit worn anyway. We actually didnt take the lifters out of the block, but they could probably use a once-over as well...
Once I pull the motor, im going to document this fairly detailed. Im going to try and do as much of the work myself as I can. Depending on how things go, I may or may not have the engine assembled by someone else, but that may be a better way of doing it. I guess it all depends on what kind of hook-up I can get with a machine shop fairly close to me. It maybe worth my while to just have them assemble the short block and make sure everything is fine.
Bill, what do you think needs to be done with the V drive and reverse gear? Would that be something that I could pull apart myself and inspect for wear, or is there something else that needs to be looked at. from what I remember reading the transmission has a self adjusting brake band so no adjustment is needed. The trans seems to be fine, however reverse seems to be a tiny bit sluggish in engagement..
Also.... Does anyone know if its easier to pull the motor with the reverse gear and V drive attached or to remove the motor by itself?