Here we are after the cam sprocket, crank gear, timing chain, timing cover, and water pump were installed. Having all the right bolts in little tiny baggies is way cool – no more guessing which ones go where.

After chasing the threads with a tap (thanks for the tip, Jim), I got the heads on and torqued down. Man, this thing’s gettin’ heavy on the stand. Also got the harmonic balancer zapped on along with the timing indicator (which Tony ‘blasted and Jim painted for me – ya really do get by with a little help from your friends).

After chasing the threads for the rocker studs, and getting the push-rod guides installed, it was getting close to clean-up time, so I dropped in the push rods, test-fitted a couple of the rocker arms and set the valve covers on (to check for rocker clearance).

One more shot before cleaning up for the day and tossing a sheet over it for the next couple days. Man, this is turning out to be a good-lookin’ engine. Couldn’t really make out the chrome oil pan in the other pictures – but there’s no missing it here.