[caj]

I have done research on the clutch. I received a pm from a member here saying that if a centerforce clutch is installed, you need to remove the over center spring under the dash. If you don't, the clutch will give you problems. I have contacted the owner (Ron) before Danny that did all the work on the car. He doesn't remember if a centerforce was installed, but it's a good place to start looking. Remove the over center spring under the dash may solve the problem.
The ticking is not a heat riser problem. Talking to Ron, his mechanic seemed to think it is a top end problem just like the guys that looked at it here. So I will see about getting the rocker arm shaft (one assembly on a 440 and un-adjustable) and lifters replaced.....maybe push rods too but won't know that until it's opened up.
Before purchasing the car, Danny sent me pics of the Carter carb that he said was on the car and that Ron had sent out to Scott Smith of Harms Auto (Spokane WA) to rebuild and set up. I have met Scott and he is a great guy and no one ever questions his work on carbs....he's great. I compared the pic of the carb that Danny sent me with the carb that is on the car now. NOT THE SAME CARBS!!! I questioned Danny about that and at first he denied swapping them out mentioning that I should look closer because they are the same carb. When I told him that they are not one of the same carbs because you can tell by the screw positions of the main body screws.....he quickly changed his story and said that the Carter carb that came on the car was the wrong carb and was a carb for an automatic transmission car and he swapped it out for a 4 speed manual car. Well, I have know way of knowing what is fact and fiction with Danny, but I do know that the carb needs work. I will have to get it sent out to Scott to rebuild.
I bought the car from Danny in Bolton Canada. In hind sight, I sure wish I would have asked if someone lived near there to check out the car for me. But, I didn't know anyone in the board that well and I have never done that before. I guess I also didn't want to bother anyone. I know....it's a very lame excuse when spending that kind of money but it is what it is.
The numbers are all matching. I have books and tons of documentation including the original LA broadcast sheet. I have not rechecked the VIN numbers but I plan to when we get the car on a lift. I have checked the pad numbers on the top of the engine and the date is correct and it is stamped P 440 HP and some other stuff.. I believe the engine and tranny VIN numbers are low on the passenger side. The Dana rear end is supposed to be date codes. Like I said, tons of pics with the numbers and dates with matching broach markings. I don't think that I will have any problems with anything being swapped out, but believe me, with what Danny did to me, I will check everything the first chance I get. I'll see if I can provide some pics. What are you exactly looking for?