Alright, let's do some reflecting here boys...
I decided to order a brand new set of steel dowel rods with t handle to hold the lifters up during this cam swap. I conventionally use a 5/16" wooden dowel rod, the set I have has never failed in over 15 cam swaps.
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
But oh no, these absolute pieces of **** are milled top small OD to correctly retain the lifters.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pow-pow101046
$80 for the tool and 2 hours of my life fighting to fish out two dropped lifters!
After two hours of fighting, I managed to get the lifters reset. Luckily, without having to pull the motor and oil pan.
You must be registered for see images attach
Got the shortblock and cooling system sealed up and radiator back in.
Move onto the new springs and valve stem seals. I did find the seals I pulled from the heads to be rock hard and oil pooling under the seal. So new seals were definitely required.
You must be registered for see images attach
Passenger side is done and back together, decided to call it a day after that. My back was killing me from two hours of fishing for lifters while using my cellphone camera and a flashlight.
I'll finish the driver side this week, set valvetrain, top off coolant and change oil.
Did order some brand new Delco injectors for the TBSS/NNBS intake.
You must be registered for see images attach