Last week, with the new block expected this weekend, I had sent the heads for machining. Got em back on Friday. One was already straight, the other needed attention. Now both are spot-on!
Went to get the block Saturday. Another 450km round trip, but WELL WORTH IT! First thing to do this morning was to remove the preservative layer. I will give it a second, and possibly third, go in the future. Some of the original metal debris from machining was evident, trapped in time beneath the cosmoline (or whatever the French had used). Mmmmmm, clean!!!
Did a test fitment of a number of external parts, with interesting results.
The intake manifold was a 100% perfect fit, as was the distributor backing plate (in later photo).
Oil pump idler and cam gear cover plate was too.
The heads are a perfect fit as well, BUT I will need to locate a longer stud bolt for the top centre of each head. I was aware of this need before I bought it, so it's not a shock, or a problem.
Cont'd...