Well shoot. I'm stuck now. Back to second guessing my goals and budget!

I'm going to run away from the 6-7 hundred valve job on the heads. Found another shop that may suit my needs better. Regardless, that first place was kind of a race shop. Probably pay premium for basic machine work there.

Managed to measure #7 chamber at 102cc. That's accurate methinks as the first several attempts were meaningless due to leaks. Until I found a way to remove the gasket material completely, no dice. Razor blades are, apparently, the only way but just removing enough to seal my plate against #7 I managed to scratch up the surface! Don't really want to fk up everything else eh. So, I'm done with that. The machine shop can go further if necessary. Still have to get the deck cleaned somehow though. Wire wheel on a drill anybody? Other suggestions?

Once this thing is alive, it'll probably eat the 700r, although I can probably control the rate of decay with my right foot, for a while. A new 4L80 ( B&M 118001:2400+CNVRTR:500+CNTRLR:600 ) is 3500 plus flex plate, plumbing and shaft work.

The budget is sitting at 100% unused at the moment. I've bought some tools and such but nothing seriously detrimental. Since it's getting time now to commit and spend, I'm waffling and looking around at what might need to be spent after I put this engine back together.

I must have OD, so the th400 is out. Something else I must have is the ability to light 'em up at will from any speed...let's say...below 25MPH. Another must have is good manners under light throttle and stop/go cruising. And finally, the reason for the OD, this thing must roll down the road 80MPH under 3000 RPM, probably more like under 2500.

The question banging around in my head:
Assuming in the near future I'm OK with upgrading the 700r, what then should my immediate goals be for this engine? Just top end? Build the bottom end as well? If so, then why not ditch the 402, go 454 with my 781 heads with new rotating assy ( choose everything outright )?

I'm also considering commissioning the engine build now from a shop but only if the price is right! That way I'd get proper clearance checks ( P/V ), new cam bearings and I'm sure other $hit I can't imagine!

Thoughts?

Thanks,

-unix