Well, more crap...

Cam and lifter replacement didn't go as planned. First off, had to crack open the A/C system so we could remove the system to get it out of the way. $100 worth of refridgerant all over my engine bay, plus PAG oil with flourescent dye. Yuck.

Anyway, got the accessories off, pulled the timing cover, and whoah. Major slack in the timing chain. So much slack, you could pick the chain up off the gears and move it. I'm wondering if the thing has jumped time, and that's why it was such a dog. Neither here nor there, on to getting the lifters out...

...Or not. They're all mushroomed. Stuck in the bores. Engine would have to come out, take the oil pan off, remove the crank, and push them out the bottom. I'm not doing that. I ordered a new engine. 350 Chevrolet, four bolt mains. One year warranty, $900. Should be here later this week. I'm hoping I can pull the 305 out tonight and clean up the engine bay while it's still warm. Supposed to get cold and start raining tomorrow. Ick.

I also grabbed new front tubular steel upper control arms from Gbodyparts.com. Steel greasable bushings, lighter than stock, and will accept aftermarket ball joints with taller studs. If I have enough time tonight after pulling the engine, I'll start taking the front suspension apart. More to come...