Well RiverDance made the trip up the St. Johns without a problem. What a wonderful ride, had some rain temps were 68 degrees no wind water slick as glass. Had 1 very small detail, ran out of gas 100ft. from dock! I thought i had enough oh well stuff happens. I know 1 of first to to be added to my todo list (fuel gagues) I ran about 1200 rpms. didnt want to push it. Ill pick up the new heads tomorrow.and get started.I need to know how tight i need to torque them and is there a pattern or order to torque? Will have pix up maybe tonight? Happy to be a Commander owner! Regards DAVID
If memory serves correctly you have 427's in RiverDance. The pattern is middle top, middle bottom, move right of center 1 bolt, repeat top to bottom, then left of center top to bottom, then right end, then left end. Torque values are 1st pass 70 ft-lb second pass 80 ft-lb third pass 80-90 unless you have a 63 to 67 engine which ends at 100-110. BUT I would highly recommend that you buy Steve Christ's "Big Block Ford Engines" booklet before starting on the project. It's a good read and might just save you from making some big errors. Don't ask me how I know this.
Steve's book is the best investment a 427 owner can make if he intends to put a wrench on one, it is very informative, and it's available on ebay and elsewhere on line for about $12 to $15. You mechanic may also need to borrow this book.