[y5e06]

hmmm, maybe it was a bad idea to build racer out of a higher mileage, abused f-body. I'm moving towards the point where its time to put it all back together . So what do I do? I diassemble the opti to verify its in good, usable condition
here's what I see
http://www.vilipend.com/~frrax/clutch-and-opti
it was actually even worse than you see there. I cleaned it up some. Well, I was kinda frustrated when I got to that point so I ended up bending the optical disc. Looks like I'll need a new one regardless. Thats an extra $400. Opti and WP, who wouldn't replace the opt w/o a new water pump?

This thing coated w/ oil and grime, go back in the album and look at the engine, including the opti.

Man, there are so many other things in this build up that are nickel and diming me to death. Lets just say I have a bad propensity to replace anything I touch that looks in the least bit questionable.

should have just bought a low mileage ride and thrown a suspension and cage on it! it would have been cheaper in the long run.

[KeithO]

The following statements are based on my experiences and cannot be backed-up with any scientific data or statistics:

I want a GM crate motor built to GM specs (balancing and tolerances) because I *know* that a well-maintained factory motor can run strong well past 100,000 with good maintenance and nothing more.

In contrast, I have seen quite a few people take quite a few approaches to rebuilding motors - do it themselves, do part of it themselves, do it with their buddies, farm out part of the work and farm out all of the work. These motors seem to have a much higher failure rate than motors built by the factory. I don't know why, but I have a few theories... Primarily related to the ability to repeatably build and assemble to tolerance and the host of equipment availble to check tolerance and balance of various pieces...

In addition, I would rather spend $5000 ($4,800 actually) and know that is what I am going to spend then to start a project and just get in deeper. With a crate motor, I know what I am up against and I have a higher degree of confidence in the final product.