As you guys have figured out from my ad to sell the 350 engine in the vert (going to Steven/Cooz!), I'm replacing the engine in the vert while installing the 2004R I picked up last Fall, so I thought I'd post a few of the details on the 350 that Chris P. and I are building (o.k. mostly Chris ), and throw it out there for HP/Torque guesses. Here's the basics:
-Chevy crate 350 with about 3K miles on it
-Vortec heads that have been modified to handle a larger than stock cam
-Airgap intake
-600 CFM Edelbrock carb
-Larger than stock cam, but less than .500/.500 lift
-Stock internals
-HEI disty with high power coil/module
We're going to run it on his engine run stand in a couple of weeks to break it in, then I'm taking it to Competition Engines for some tweaking and a few dyno pulls to know what it will do. Plan is to have the vert back on the road late April.
I'm not looking for a high horsepower race engine, just a nice street engine with good manners but enough torque on the low end to have some fun and work well on the highway with the 2004R. Should be a fun combo!
Throw your HP/Torque guesses on here and I'll buy a six pack of adult beverage of choice for the winner as the prize.
-- Edited by SShink on Friday 21st of March 2014 01:59:30 PM
67ss said
Mar 21, 2014
I'll throw in a few more specs to help. Will be 9.1 compression. Camshaft is 219/227 at .050 and lift of 474/495.
dashboard said
Mar 21, 2014
330 HP 301 T
But, but I'm the first one to throw out any numbers so I reserve the right to change them latter. I think with the 200r4 your going to have the best of everything. The economy and drivability of that combo makes a guy think of pulling out the BB and replacing it with a peppy SB.
3 April, After seeing those shiny valve covers and that intake plus those noisy, heat radiating, spark plug wire burning, hand branding, drag on the ground, can't get to the oil filter much less the starter headers, I need to up date my projections.
335 HP 340 T
Your going to want a shifter with the extra peddle. By the way, what RPM are we going to take this thing to?
-- Edited by dashboard on Thursday 3rd of April 2014 10:07:54 AM
Dan Williams said
Mar 21, 2014
390hp/370tq I'll start a new thread on mine
Lost in the 60s said
Mar 21, 2014
Cam and compression specs are very similar to a "70 LT1 350, so I guess 372 hp 385 torque
Not sure why you want an air gap manifold. Most of the info on the web describe them as not very street friendly. My understanding is they don't warm the carb enough to mix properly and are more oriented to high rpm performance.
Tony Hoffer said
Mar 21, 2014
Hydraulic flat tappet? or Hydraulic roller cam
67ss said
Mar 21, 2014
Tony Hoffer wrote:
Hydraulic flat tappet? or Hydraulic roller cam
Hydraulic Flat tappet
67ss said
Mar 21, 2014
Lost in the 60s wrote:
Cam and compression specs are very similar to a "70 LT1 350, so I guess 372 hp 385 torque
Not sure why you want an air gap manifold. Most of the info on the web describe them as not very street friendly. My understanding is they don't warm the carb enough to mix properly and are more oriented to high rpm performance.
I know a few guys with air gap manifolds that have not had any problems with drivability. Most air gap manifolds are rated for 1500-6500 rpm.
Tony Hoffer said
Mar 21, 2014
355 HP 390 TQ
SShink said
Mar 21, 2014
Keep the guesses coming. I think some are pretty close, and others not so much.
I had an air gap on the 402 c.i. in the last blue '72, and no issues. I think the cold running issues are when the ambient temp is truly in the 30's, and if I drive the car in those temps, I let it warm up good before leaving.
Enganeer said
Mar 21, 2014
I'll go 365 hp, 410 Tq
Chris S said
Mar 21, 2014
340HP 375TQ
Can't wait to hear the results!
Scott Parkhurst said
Mar 22, 2014
335 hp, 360 tq
bowtie said
Mar 23, 2014
354hp/351tq
As the winner of the PHR Howitzer build guessing game (swag courtesy of Johnny Hunkins) I feel pretty confident it will run what stan wants.
stldrgn said
Mar 24, 2014
362HP 385TQ I bet a 750 holley would make a noticeable difference on the dyno like 15+
-- Edited by stldrgn on Monday 24th of March 2014 08:10:29 PM
bowtie said
Mar 25, 2014
I think a 750 might be a little too much. I think he needs some 1.6 rockers and a 650 carb... would put it very close to 390hp then.
Tony Hoffer said
Mar 25, 2014
Judging by the lift and the duration Id say he is using 1.6's already
67ss said
Mar 25, 2014
Comp cams 1.52 roller tip. Agreed the 750 might make more overall horsepower, but for a car being driven on the steet 95% of the time I would rather have the mileage and drivability of the 600 CFM carb.
SShink said
Mar 25, 2014
Here's some interesting reading on what this build is based on similar to the Danger Mouse builds from PHR, but theirs was done with a 355, so mine will probably be slightly less in hp/torque, but close.:
Test 14-GMPP Vortec heads: Max 435 tq, 409 hp Avg 413 tq, 330 hp Installed GMPP Vortec iron heads (Scoggin-Dickey Performance Center PN SD8060A: 64cc chambers, 170cc intake runner volume, 1.94/1.50 valves), COMP 1.5:1 Magnum roller tip rockers, and Edelbrock Performer RPM "Air Gap" manifold and made lots of extra power.
So, if we get close to that 350+ HP/400 Ft. Lbs. I will be very happy. Engine parts are going to be bolted together this weekend, break-in next weekend, with a dyno run shortly after that, and then into the vert!
67ss said
Mar 25, 2014
These are the numbers from the engine Loren built for his sons camaro. Same basic 350 with 8.5-9.1 compression vortec heads and one cam size down from lunati then what we are using.
It is 1980 vintage 350 block bored .030, built with:
Speed Pro Hypereutectic Pistons w/.180 Dish (to keep compression down for 87 oct, should be 8.75-9:00:1)
switched to my Edelbrock 1406 (unknown condition carb, came with motor)
Peak hp 303
Peak torque 379?
-- Edited by 67ss on Tuesday 25th of March 2014 12:57:46 PM
SteveS said
Mar 25, 2014
375 hp 360 torque
I like the Lunati Voodoo series, I had a 60103 in my last 350, street friendly and good power
gearlube said
Mar 25, 2014
331HP/321TRQ Either way it will be fun!!! And congrats to Steven! The nice thing about buying an engine from a trust worthy person is you know you won't be on the side of the road with a blown engine...
-- Edited by gearlube on Tuesday 25th of March 2014 02:06:25 PM
Tony Hoffer said
Mar 25, 2014
Stan. Have you thought of EZ-EFI or some variant? Ive heard great things about it.
Chris R said
Mar 25, 2014
345HP/375tq.
SShink said
Mar 25, 2014
Tony Hoffer wrote:
Stan. Have you thought of EZ-EFI or some variant? Ive heard great things about it.
Not this year Tony, but it's on my radar for next year. If I do it, here's what has caught my eye with the new fuel sump tank included that elminates running lines to the rear and adding a sump to the existing tank, and incorporates a high pressure fuel pump into an easy installation for about $2500:
As the winner of the PHR Howitzer build guessing game (swag courtesy of Johnny Hunkins) I feel pretty confident it will run what stan wants.
Oops, I just noticed the TQ number was typo'd. I'm changing to 354/381.
SShink said
Mar 28, 2014
And so it begins... everything's ready to go to pull the engine/trans tomorrow, then up to Chris P.'s over the next couple of weekends to build the new 350. Ready to yank it Steven!
It sure is nice working with clean and fresh fasteners. Everything comes apart lickety split, and no rust falling in my face!
I decided to go with Patriot ceramic coated headers, which is good news and bad news.... The good news is they are longer than the old ones, so I will be able to tweak the exhaust a little and it should work fine. Better to be too long than too short. I was on the raggedy edge of being too short when I installed it last year, so this should take care of that:
And now the bad news... I noticed right away through the plastic that the tube on the front passenger side had a void in the ceramic coating, and the stell was showing through. I called Summit, and they shipped a new set out today, and the brown truck will pick up the old set at our front door, so very easy!
I went with the Patriot's because they had a 1 year warranty on the coating versus the Dynoflow's I was considering, so hopefully this was a fluke.
On with the wrenching!
SShink said
Mar 30, 2014
Had a good day at Chris P.'s (Thanks Chris! ) assembling the 350! Things are together waiting for the break in, then dyno, and finally some Chev orange paint.
Scott P., you might recognize those 1.52 roller rockers. They are going to a good home in the club.
67ss said
Mar 31, 2014
Can't wait to here it run this coming weekend.
Lost in the 60s said
Mar 31, 2014
67ss wrote:
Can't wait to here it run this coming weekend.
If Stan is going back up maybe he can swing over here and bring that axle up to you...
I got it welded last weekend.
Scott Parkhurst said
Apr 1, 2014
Looks great!!
SShink said
Apr 2, 2014
Scott Parkhurst wrote:
Looks great!!
Hey Scott, did you see some of your 'old' parts made it into the build? The 1.52 rockers used to yours. I'm sure because they belonged to you it will add at least 15 HP!
But, but I'm the first one to throw out any numbers so I reserve the right to change them latter. I think with the 200r4 your going to have the best of everything. The economy and drivability of that combo makes a guy think of pulling out the BB and replacing it with a peppy SB.
3 April, After seeing those shiny valve covers and that intake plus those noisy, heat radiating, spark plug wire burning, hand branding, drag on the ground, can't get to the oil filter much less the starter, bolts won't hold torque headers, I need to up date my projections.
335 HP 340 T
gearbangergearbangerYour going to want a shifter with the extra peddle. By the way, what RPM are we going to take this thing to?
SShink said
Apr 3, 2014
dashboard wrote:
By the way, what RPM are we going to take this thing to?
Kevin, I knew you would like those D#@N headers showing up on there. They are my donation to the Chris P. engine running stand enhancements. So they will stay with the stand after we are done. Wait until you see the shiny ceramic chrome ones I'm installing in the vert that burn up things even faster!
The cam specs are from 1400-5700 RPM, but I probably won't take it past 5500. Dyno time has been scheduled at Competition Engines with your old buddy Randy, so I'll update after the pulls.
bowtie said
Apr 3, 2014
Whens the Dyno due date?
SShink said
Apr 3, 2014
bowtie wrote:
Whens the Dyno due date?
Patience young grasshopper. Soon...
gearlube said
Apr 3, 2014
I get the first Race!! To give you a fair chance I will use the wife's Turbo Chev Sonic!!
LOL..JK... Love you man. Stan has one of the nicest condition convertibles around.
-- Edited by gearlube on Thursday 3rd of April 2014 03:00:31 PM
dashboard said
Apr 3, 2014
”Wait until you see the shiny ceramic chrome ones.”
That’s wonderful Stan, the shiny chrome ones will prove excellent at retaining even more heat.
Stan...I'm glad those rockers are contributing to power somewhere after sitting on my shelf for years. Glad to see them being put to good use...and I accounted for their mystical powers in my guesstimate...
Lost in the 60s said
Apr 4, 2014
dashboard wrote:
”Wait until you see the shiny ceramic chrome ones.”
That’s wonderful Stan, the shiny chrome ones will prove excellent at retaining even more heat.
I can't believe you cut up a perfectly good set of Hooker headers...
Cermachrome is just a shiny rendition of ceramic coating. Not chrome plating. They won't retain more heat. It actually reduces the amount of heat given off by the tubes under the hood.
I had the header and intake for my 292 cermachromed a few months ago but I haven't seen them yet. They are in engine prison...
SShink said
Apr 5, 2014
Well, things couldn't have gone any better with the break-in this morning!
Chris had most of the connections already made on the engine stand, so we finished it off, primed the carb, and Chris hit the key. It started so fast on the first crank neither one of us was ready! Other than an air bubble starting to cause some heat which worked itself through, it ran like a top. We did have to hose down the radiator occasionally to keep the temp under control since the engine was inside the garage, but I'm sure it will be fine in the car with a larger radiator and clutch fan.
It ran great, has a nice idle but you can tell it's not stock, and it was pulling 15 inches of vacuum, so plenty for power brakes and future AC.
Here's a video of how good it starts:
Here's a video that has different RPM's:
And some more:
Things went so well, I stuck around and we broke in the cam on the 327 with L98 heads and 10:1 compression that Chris is building for another guy. That will be one fun 327 going into a 65 Nova!
Kudos to Chris P. and I had a blast planning and watching him do his thing on these engines.
Tomorrow orange paint goes on the block to make it a true Chevy. I'll post dyno data on my 350 when it's done. Stay tuned!
67ss said
Apr 6, 2014
I'm glad I did use your carb to break in the 327. I had his on and off the motor about 5 times before I got all the bugs out of it. But ran and idles good. He came and picked up today. One motor left to go, I'll have to start a thread on that one.
SShink said
Apr 6, 2014
Chris, good to hear the 'little' Edelbrock from my engine was helpful. It does seem to work good.
Well, such a beautiful day, no reason not make this 350 truly a Chevy with some good old Duplicolor Chevy Orange.
Before:
After:
Hope to clean up the trans and paint some more parts this week while the weather is nice outside.
frank said
Apr 6, 2014
stan going to need a engine stand in about one month. thanks
SShink said
Apr 7, 2014
frank wrote:
stan going to need a engine stand in about one month. thanks
No problem Frank. I'll run it up to you next weekend if that works.
The stand in the pics is actually John D.'s. Your stand was packed into the shed until yesterday when I put out all the outdoor furniture. I can get to it now, so no problem running it up to you.
frank said
Apr 8, 2014
thanks stan
67ss said
Apr 10, 2014
Happy dyno day hope it makes some big numbers. I forgot to put in my guess I say 355 hp and 402 torque.
-- Edited by 67ss on Friday 11th of April 2014 08:51:49 AM
bowtie said
Apr 11, 2014
what's the prize I get for guessing correctly?
SShink said
Apr 11, 2014
Folks, we have a winner! Congrats to John E. with the guess of 365 HP/410 Torque, as it came in at 370 HP (O.K.... it's 369.5 HPbut I'm calling it 370!) and 411 ft. lbs. of torque! Proof is attached. Congrats John! Let me know what your favorite beverage is, and I'll bring it to the meeting.
I'll post more details later, as I need to get back in the shop to marry the engine and trans together!
Needless to say, I'm a happy camper with how this turned out. Thanks to Chris P. for the combo recommendations and build!
As you guys have figured out from my ad to sell the 350 engine in the vert (going to Steven/Cooz!), I'm replacing the engine in the vert while installing the 2004R I picked up last Fall, so I thought I'd post a few of the details on the 350 that Chris P. and I are building (o.k. mostly Chris
), and throw it out there for HP/Torque guesses. Here's the basics:
-Chevy crate 350 with about 3K miles on it
-Vortec heads that have been modified to handle a larger than stock cam
-Airgap intake
-600 CFM Edelbrock carb
-Larger than stock cam, but less than .500/.500 lift
-Stock internals
-HEI disty with high power coil/module
We're going to run it on his engine run stand in a couple of weeks to break it in, then I'm taking it to Competition Engines for some tweaking and a few dyno pulls to know what it will do. Plan is to have the vert back on the road late April.
I'm not looking for a high horsepower race engine, just a nice street engine with good manners but enough torque on the low end to have some fun and work well on the highway with the 2004R. Should be a fun combo!
Throw your HP/Torque guesses on here and I'll buy a six pack of adult beverage of choice for the winner as the prize.
-- Edited by SShink on Friday 21st of March 2014 01:59:30 PM
I'll throw in a few more specs to help. Will be 9.1 compression. Camshaft is 219/227 at .050 and lift of 474/495.
330 HP 301 T
But, but I'm the first one to throw out any numbers so I reserve the right to change them latter. I think with the 200r4 your going to have the best of everything. The economy and drivability of that combo makes a guy think of pulling out the BB and replacing it with a peppy SB.
3 April, After seeing those shiny valve covers and that intake plus those noisy, heat radiating, spark plug wire burning, hand branding, drag on the ground, can't get to the oil filter much less the starter headers, I need to up date my projections.
335 HP 340 T
-- Edited by dashboard on Thursday 3rd of April 2014 10:07:54 AM
390hp/370tq I'll start a new thread on mine
Cam and compression specs are very similar to a "70 LT1 350, so I guess 372 hp 385 torque
Not sure why you want an air gap manifold. Most of the info on the web describe them as not very street friendly. My understanding is they don't warm the carb enough to mix properly and are more oriented to high rpm performance.
Hydraulic Flat tappet
I know a few guys with air gap manifolds that have not had any problems with drivability. Most air gap manifolds are rated for 1500-6500 rpm.
Keep the guesses coming. I think some are pretty close, and others not so much.
I had an air gap on the 402 c.i. in the last blue '72, and no issues. I think the cold running issues are when the ambient temp is truly in the 30's, and if I drive the car in those temps, I let it warm up good before leaving.
Can't wait to hear the results!
As the winner of the PHR Howitzer build guessing game (swag courtesy of Johnny Hunkins) I feel pretty confident it will run what stan wants.
362HP 385TQ I bet a 750 holley would make a noticeable difference on the dyno like 15+
-- Edited by stldrgn on Monday 24th of March 2014 08:10:29 PM
Comp cams 1.52 roller tip. Agreed the 750 might make more overall horsepower, but for a car being driven on the steet 95% of the time I would rather have the mileage and drivability of the 600 CFM carb.
Here's some interesting reading on what this build is based on similar to the Danger Mouse builds from PHR, but theirs was done with a 355, so mine will probably be slightly less in hp/torque, but close.:
Test 14-GMPP Vortec heads:
Read more (Read up to Test 14): http://www.popularhotrodding.com/enginemasters/articles/smallblockshootout/0412em_small_block_chevy_engine/#ixzz2vF0sPNR3Max 435 tq, 409 hp
Avg 413 tq, 330 hp
Installed GMPP Vortec iron heads (Scoggin-Dickey Performance Center PN SD8060A: 64cc chambers, 170cc intake runner volume, 1.94/1.50 valves), COMP 1.5:1 Magnum roller tip rockers, and Edelbrock Performer RPM "Air Gap" manifold and made lots of extra power.
These are the numbers from the engine Loren built for his sons camaro. Same basic 350 with 8.5-9.1 compression vortec heads and one cam size down from lunati then what we are using.
It is 1980 vintage 350 block bored .030, built with:
Speed Pro Hypereutectic Pistons w/.180 Dish (to keep compression down for 87 oct, should be 8.75-9:00:1)
Vortec Heads (thank you Bryan)
Edelbrock Performer Intake
Lunati Cam & Lifter kit - 60101K 213/219, .454/.468
Comp roller tip rockers, & guide plates
Balanced assembly
Edelbrock 600 cfm carb.
With the shop Holley 750
Peak hp 319hp
Peak torque 391
switched to my Edelbrock 1406 (unknown condition carb, came with motor)
Peak hp 303
Peak torque 379?
-- Edited by 67ss on Tuesday 25th of March 2014 12:57:46 PM
I like the Lunati Voodoo series, I had a 60103 in my last 350, street friendly and good power
331HP/321TRQ Either way it will be fun!!! And congrats to Steven! The nice thing about buying an engine from a trust worthy person is you know you won't be on the side of the road with a blown engine...
-- Edited by gearlube on Tuesday 25th of March 2014 02:06:25 PM
345HP/375tq.
Not this year Tony, but it's on my radar for next year. If I do it, here's what has caught my eye with the new fuel sump tank included that elminates running lines to the rear and adding a sump to the existing tank, and incorporates a high pressure fuel pump into an easy installation for about $2500:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-3606/overview/
Oops, I just noticed the TQ number was typo'd. I'm changing to 354/381.
And so it begins... everything's ready to go to pull the engine/trans tomorrow, then up to Chris P.'s over the next couple of weekends to build the new 350. Ready to yank it Steven!
It sure is nice working with clean and fresh fasteners. Everything comes apart lickety split, and no rust falling in my face!
I decided to go with Patriot ceramic coated headers, which is good news and bad news.... The good news is they are longer than the old ones, so I will be able to tweak the exhaust a little and it should work fine. Better to be too long than too short. I was on the raggedy edge of being too short when I installed it last year, so this should take care of that:
And now the bad news... I noticed right away through the plastic that the tube on the front passenger side had a void in the ceramic coating, and the stell was showing through. I called Summit, and they shipped a new set out today, and the brown truck will pick up the old set at our front door, so very easy!
I went with the Patriot's because they had a 1 year warranty on the coating versus the Dynoflow's I was considering, so hopefully this was a fluke.
On with the wrenching!
Had a good day at Chris P.'s (Thanks Chris!
) assembling the 350! Things are together waiting for the break in, then dyno, and finally some Chev orange paint.
Scott P., you might recognize those 1.52 roller rockers. They are going to a good home in the club.
Can't wait to here it run this coming weekend.
If Stan is going back up maybe he can swing over here and bring that axle up to you...
I got it welded last weekend.
Hey Scott, did you see some of your 'old' parts made it into the build? The 1.52 rockers used to yours. I'm sure because they belonged to you it will add at least 15 HP!
Getting closer.
330 HP 301 T
But, but I'm the first one to throw out any numbers so I reserve the right to change them latter. I think with the 200r4 your going to have the best of everything. The economy and drivability of that combo makes a guy think of pulling out the BB and replacing it with a peppy SB.
3 April, After seeing those shiny valve covers and that intake plus those noisy, heat radiating, spark plug wire burning, hand branding, drag on the ground, can't get to the oil filter much less the starter, bolts won't hold torque headers, I need to up date my projections.
335 HP 340 T
gearbangergearbangerYour going to want a shifter with the extra peddle. By the way, what RPM are we going to take this thing to?
Kevin, I knew you would like those D#@N headers showing up on there.
They are my donation to the Chris P. engine running stand enhancements. So they will stay with the stand after we are done. Wait until you see the shiny ceramic chrome ones I'm installing in the vert that burn up things even faster! 
The cam specs are from 1400-5700 RPM, but I probably won't take it past 5500. Dyno time has been scheduled at Competition Engines with your old buddy Randy, so I'll update after the pulls.
Patience young grasshopper. Soon...
I get the first Race!! To give you a fair chance I will use the wife's Turbo Chev Sonic!!
LOL..JK... Love you man. Stan has one of the nicest condition convertibles around.
-- Edited by gearlube on Thursday 3rd of April 2014 03:00:31 PM
”Wait until you see the shiny ceramic chrome ones.”
That’s wonderful Stan, the shiny chrome ones will prove excellent at retaining even more heat.
I can't believe you cut up a perfectly good set of Hooker headers...
Cermachrome is just a shiny rendition of ceramic coating. Not chrome plating. They won't retain more heat. It actually reduces the amount of heat given off by the tubes under the hood.
I had the header and intake for my 292 cermachromed a few months ago but I haven't seen them yet. They are in engine prison...
Well, things couldn't have gone any better with the break-in this morning!
Chris had most of the connections already made on the engine stand, so we finished it off, primed the carb, and Chris hit the key. It started so fast on the first crank neither one of us was ready! Other than an air bubble starting to cause some heat which worked itself through, it ran like a top. We did have to hose down the radiator occasionally to keep the temp under control since the engine was inside the garage, but I'm sure it will be fine in the car with a larger radiator and clutch fan.
It ran great, has a nice idle but you can tell it's not stock, and it was pulling 15 inches of vacuum, so plenty for power brakes and future AC.
Here's a video of how good it starts:
Here's a video that has different RPM's:
And some more:
Things went so well, I stuck around and we broke in the cam on the 327 with L98 heads and 10:1 compression that Chris is building for another guy. That will be one fun 327 going into a 65 Nova!
Kudos to Chris P. and I had a blast planning and watching him do his thing on these engines.
Tomorrow orange paint goes on the block to make it a true Chevy. I'll post dyno data on my 350 when it's done. Stay tuned!
I'm glad I did use your carb to break in the 327. I had his on and off the motor about 5 times before I got all the bugs out of it. But ran and idles good. He came and picked up today. One motor left to go, I'll have to start a thread on that one.
Chris, good to hear the 'little' Edelbrock from my engine was helpful. It does seem to work good.
Well, such a beautiful day, no reason not make this 350 truly a Chevy with some good old Duplicolor Chevy Orange.
Before:
After:
Hope to clean up the trans and paint some more parts this week while the weather is nice outside.
No problem Frank. I'll run it up to you next weekend if that works.
The stand in the pics is actually John D.'s. Your stand was packed into the shed until yesterday when I put out all the outdoor furniture. I can get to it now, so no problem running it up to you.
Happy dyno day hope it makes some big numbers. I forgot to put in my guess I say 355 hp and 402 torque.
-- Edited by 67ss on Friday 11th of April 2014 08:51:49 AM
Folks, we have a winner! Congrats to John E. with the guess of 365 HP/410 Torque, as it came in at 370 HP (O.K.... it's 369.5 HP but I'm calling it 370!) and 411 ft. lbs. of torque! Proof is attached. Congrats John!
Let me know what your favorite beverage is, and I'll bring it to the meeting.
I'll post more details later, as I need to get back in the shop to marry the engine and trans together!
Needless to say, I'm a happy camper with how this turned out. Thanks to Chris P. for the combo recommendations and build!