[Lynn]

Donnie:

I think the lack of opinions is simply a result of others not wanting to "tell you what to do" even though you asked. When I first read your post, I got ready to give you my opinion, which is to just leave the original engine in and drive it hard from time to time. However, then I got to thinking: what if this guy does exactly that and spins a bearing? drops a valve? and worst of all, what if he puts a rod through the side of the block? While the decision is ultimately yours, I honestly don't want to carry the guilt of feeling like I contributed to such a disaster.

However, since you asked; if the engine is put together at least to factory spec, or better, I can't see the harm in an occasional thrashing. After all, the general was willing to stand behind these engines for 5 years or 50,000 miles!!!!! Did they replace a few under warranty? No doubt, but if you are as old as I am, you will remember guys just beating the hell out of these cars, and usually with no serious problems. The biggest exception was probably the rocker studs pulling on the 302's, but then truth be known, they were probably living at 7500 plus RPM. I know of one corvette bronze 68 Z that saw 8,000 on a regular basis.

Heck, I worked at a Buick dealership in the 70's, and one of the techs had a chevy pickup that was almost out of warranty. He decided to "blow" the engine so GM would replace it under warranty. Drained most of the oil out, started it up and put a brick on the accellerator. Let it run WFO on the back lot for about 10 minutes. Other than the hydraulic lifters clattering like hell, no real problems. The guy was so dejected wondering what damage he did to that "great" engine. I remember him saying something like "gee, if I'd known it was that good, I would have just left it alone!" Don't even know what he ended up doing to destroy it, but know that he felt compelled to after he had abused it so badly.

So, the real question is; What kind of confidence do you have in the guy who last built that engine? If it was built correctly, you should have no problems with an occasional thrash. Only thing I would highly recommend is a rev limiter.

Now, if you do blow the damn thing up, just promise me you will take full responsibility. Of course, I am kidding, as I know you will.

Just my opinion.

Lynn