@Keith Mopar update for you and others.
The engine is done and in. Runs like a raped ape compared to the tired 273 Commando!
But...as all builds go I more than doubled my budget.:BangHead: I stripped the engine and took it to a machine shop for a hone, new rings and bearings, polished crank and hot tank the block, and had him install crank and pistons.
I got a black Friday deal on Edelbrock 2.02 heads and Doug's headers (not a lot, but every little bit helps). Sent the OE cam to Oregon Cam Grinding for a regrind, .216/.224, .517 on a 110. Air Gap intake and bought a Edelbrock 750 off a member here. Went with a Carter electric fuel pump. Got a 9.5" converter from PTC.
I kept the v-belt setup and painted it factory 66 engine red.
So far I've put 750 miles on it. I'm loving it, but I kinda miss the old 273. But not really cause this thing pulls and pulls. I'm running 3:55 gears but I have an open diff so I'm saving coin for a Sur-Grip. And...I'm going to need wider than 215 tires!!
It was my first build. If I had it to do over, I would have done the rings and bearings myself also.
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