Kinda slow progress but got further on the shortblock. Finally got my parts washer cleaned out and some fresh fluid in it so I could clean up the rods and pistons. That all went well but I tell you what, never building an engine in a non climate controlled garage again. Every time I turn on my heater, it "thaws" out the engine so then it's completely covered in condensation and makes a mess and also any bare surface is getting rusty...
That said, I have some problem now once I put in the #8 piston and rod, it was way to hard getting the rod onto the journal, to the point I finally got it slid on, then snugged the cap on and the engine wouldn't even turn over... so going to investigate what the hell is up with that.
In the meantime, the machine shop called me and told me my heads needed completely gone through, including guides and probably some valves.... I knew that bill would be way more than I wanted to spend so I did the right thing and ordered new heads, and not just any heads, the new Fleece cupless heads which are super nice, and no injector cups to worry about. Surprisingly the same price as ordering new GM heads so that was a no brainer.
Checking crank thrust clearance.
You must be registered for see images attach
Installing new piston on #7 rod.
You must be registered for see images attach
Pistons and rods cleaned up, piston ring gaps checked.
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
Started with the new #7 piston then double checked piston protrusion to see what head gaskets I need.
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
Then got the rest in.
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
And here's my fancy new heads.
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach