[besserspat]

In over 30 years of engine tear downs and builds
I have dismantled the crustiest Pontiac V8 in my career last night.

I bought a set of 400 engines and parts from an estate sale, #488 and #557 engines that were sitting in a home garage.

Well, despite looking fine from.the outside, the 557 must have been salvaged from the Titanic.

After struggling with the removal the rounded 4 center bolts of the iron intake. The valley pan felt abnormally light and rusted and once removed the engines valley had a "president elect" orange color. With a camshaft and lifters frozen in cheetos.

Once the heads were off I found 2 inches of dirt in most cylinders and even a mouse nest in #8 ! The exhaust valve was stuck open.

I was about to serve that mess to the metal melting gods but I challenged myself to finish the job and tearing down proper, despite everything being rust welded in place.

I succeded only using a BFH and metal stock.

Surprisingly the cranks bearings looked very good. No pitting anywhere, block would clean up nice at 060.

Had to hammer the pistons, lifters and cam out pf the block... Was a good work out...and relieving.

As you can see I take no prisonners

Peter