Hi everyone, love this forum and the active members and have been lurking for some time gaining knowledge.
I have a 1 owner (father bought in 73) GTS with 33k miles on her. It is being repainted and as the engine is pulled I figured now may be a good time for a refresh. Current work planned is:
-removal of oil pan, install new kevko pick up tube, new ARP connecting rods and a new 9qt baffled oil pan.
-remove intake and install new performer RPM heads, gaskets and ARP bolts. Installing high lift crane cam .539/.534. Installing crane hardened push rods and roller rocker arms. Installing cloyes timing gear set, edelbrock performer 4V and Holly carb.
-Remove crankshaft and install ATI heavyweight bonded crankshaft damper
-Remove distributed and install MSD pro billet electronic dist.
Where I need help is around if the following work taking the engine apart is worth the additional money in return for additional durability and power possibly gained:
-remove old dished pistons, bore/hone .20, install Ross flat top round skirt pistons with thin Mahle rings. Install new clevite main bearings and king rod bearings. Replace crankshaft seals and rebalance.
Thanks!
Eric
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