Engine rebuidl

[George J]

I've decided to get my original 289 Hi-Po engine out of my '66 GT-350 rebuilt that has been in the corner of my garage for some 15 years rebuilt. I've been asking all my car friends on how little or how far I should go on the rebuild, refresh to Stroker? So after the smoke cleared I'm going to stay with original as possible with some minor internal upgrades. Port & polish heads, roller rockers &  hydraulic  followers, forged pistons & balanced. I don't plan on tacking the car so I don't need a lot of HP. Any one have some other recommendations?  I'm thinking of Keith from Precision Machine do the work.
George J

[OldGuy]

If it were mine, I would forget the port and polish and hydraulic camshaft. You can EASILY de value your engine by porting it. NOTHING sounds better than a solid lifter hipo. I don't consider a hydraulic camshaft an upgrade-especially to a hipo. It ain't a hipo unless it sounds like a hipo.

[greekz]

If it were mine, I would forget the port and polish and hydraulic camshaft. You can EASILY de value your engine by porting it. NOTHING sounds better than a solid lifter hipo. I don't consider a hydraulic camshaft an upgrade-especially to a hipo. It ain't a hipo unless it sounds like a hipo.

Amen to that.  When I drive up to my weekly gathering of hot rodders, they always remark on the unique sound of my solid lifter engine.  Nothing sounds like a hipo!

[98SVT - was 06GT]

If it was rebuilt and sitting in a corner for 15 years it should be fine. I'd even consider not even dropping the pan if it's got less than 10,000 miles on it. GO AS STOCK AS POSSIBLE. You don't need to reinvent the wheel.
If you stick with a flat tappet cam (Solid or Hyd) plan on using oil with zinc or get zinc additive.

[JD]

If it were mine, I would forget the port and polish and hydraulic camshaft. You can EASILY de value your engine by porting it. NOTHING sounds better than a solid lifter hipo. I don't consider a hydraulic camshaft an upgrade-especially to a hipo. It ain't a hipo unless it sounds like a hipo.

Amen to that.  When I drive up to my weekly gathering of hot rodders, they always remark on the unique sound of my solid lifter engine.  Nothing sounds like a hipo!

+1

[Bob Gaines]

+2

[GT350Lad]

+3

[pbf777]

. You can EASILY de value your engine by porting it.

    I suppose if your referring to the possibility of "holing-thru" the casting, I can understand your perspective; otherwise if the porting work is executed properly, even if done conservatively so as to reduce the likelihood of failure, I really feel that this can be of a significant value enhancement for those whom really want to drive and enjoy their car in a spirited manor. 

I don't consider a hydraulic camshaft an upgrade-especially to a hipo. It ain't a hipo unless it sounds like a hipo. 

    Now here, I just can't disagree.  After all, having the "Hi-Po" and not having the "clickety-clack" sound from the valve-train just doesn't seem right, something would be missing. 

    Scott.