Thread: Tools?

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Well I had to "work" today, I took a Summer job so I could buy a crate moter even though I am retired. I just miss one day and you guys really open up the Ford/Chevy feud! I want to clear up one thing, it was at least a 5 foot pipe on the handle of the Craftsman 3/8" ratchet when it broke, so a 4 foot handle should be OK! Back in 1970 I bought a Dune buggy with an old '60 36 HP VW engine and I started to make it comfortable with a T-top and Big/Little whitewall tires on a gold metalflake body. Pretty soon I realized it needed a better motor BECAUSE the flywheel and the pressure plate just fell off! On the VW flat-4s there is only ONE NUT holding the flywheel and I swore to myself that on the next engine that nut would not come off. That is why I used the pipe. I do not remember whether the recommended torque was 210 ft. lb. or 210 m-kg, but it didn't matter because I did not have a torque wrench that went that high anyway, hence the pipe. Then I took the 3/8" ratchet to Sears, I think it was about 1978 and they did give me a kit to repair the ratchet, so they have been doing that for a long time. The parts were "dry" and easy to install, so I though it was a fair deal. The Ford guys broke my heart when they let the Duntov hemi heads go to Chrysler and then came out with the long water pump and short stroke on the 289. On the other hand what is the word on the street about the new Lightning Ford Pickup, it looks pretty quick to me. I am still looking forward to the best of both worlds with a light Ford roadster and a SBC engine. As far as using a ratchet for a hammer, I would never do that as long as I had a 12" Craftsman adjustable. How can we get this thread back on a rational track? Here's a question, how long will a SBC 383 live with the short rods from the 350, scuffin' along the side of the cylinders? Will it last for street use?

Best Wishes,
Semi-Retired Scientist/teen rodder