I broke a cam in my DZ 302 and while I haven't yanked it out yet,many other problems exsist as can be expected with any engine mishap.The motor spins over freely and to listen to it,it sounds like there isn't anything wrong at all.There are small pin-holes near the top of the pan where it appears small bits of metal tried to sneak down around the windage tray.The distributor is jammed in the block (broken cam)and when i drained the oil,I got about a gallon of water out first...never a good sign.
The motor will come out next week.I am hearing 4-6 months by every engine builder I've spoken to...MINIMUM!
This car was just completely restored (paint,glass,chrome,interior,exterior,gas tank,every nut & bolt,etc.)and I have had exactly ZERO time to enjoy it unless you count sitting in it in my garage at night.
I wanted to post my two options to see what everyone thinks:
Option 1) Buy the nastiest crate motor available (Bill Mitchell 454ci. small block (600+ hp!)and bag the 302 for now and re-build at my leisure.This would get me back behind the wheel doing burnouts
in a month or so.
Option 2) Send the 302 out for checking and possible repairs.Downside is this could take forever (a year?
).
I just sold my '70 El Camino SS-454 so I have $$$ burning a hole in my pocket.It's not like I don't have other cars to drive and show but this one has quickly become my favorite.
What would you do?
