Fired right up and ran first touch of the key.

Only issue was a noise that sounded like a stuck starter.

Turned off, jack up, crawlwd underenath, sure enough, the starter gear wasn't disengaging from the new flywheel.

Looked closer,a nd the starter was at a slight angle, always was at a slight angle, but the old flywheel was worn enuf that it wasn't an issue.

removed starter, put a couple shim washers in to account for the step in the starter motor mounting face I hadn't noctieced before that was hitting teh block (it is a late model Corvette starter), reinstalled and it works fine. now.

Still need to do about 10 more minutes of cam break in at 2000 RPM, but I did drive it around the block at 2000-2500 RPM a couple times, and it runs better.

Starts better also (instantaneously), probably what the cylinder head guy was referring to when he asked if the car ran OK with the heads the way he received them.

Gotta get used to the sound of mechanical tappets. I wasn't used to that noise from my car.

New SPEC clutch is lighter at the pedal than the old ZL1 pressure plate was, even though the clutch is rated for higher torque.

need to add a stronger return spring for the pedal, though so it returns to top. Tomorrows project.

When shoudl I re adjust the lifters?

After Cam breakin or some later time of running, hours of miles?

Thanks,
Doug

 

COOL!!!

I enjoyed your posts throughout your build, I learned a few things! Will be rebuilding the 396 in my Chevelle soon so the information was valuable.

Cheers
Steve

 

CONGRATS!

I did about the same thing a couple of years ago. Now I love it so much I can't stop messing around with it, adding power and dress-up accessories, etc. Next for me is PS and AC.

 

i readjusted my solid lifters after about 300 miles. Had a few that where getting mighty tight when i got to them.

 

The ticking of solid lifters and a little forged piston slap is music to my ears.

BL