Recommendations?

[gordyzx9r]

I bought a set of Champion Ported Cast Iron Cylinder heads, ARP studs, gaskets, push rods, a and a PTE turbo saver.  I'm gonna be taking it up to Bill Ragland's and I'm gonna help him with the installation. 
 
 We're going to pull the motor, so I figured might as well change the rear main seal and he said to go ahead and change out the timing chain since I still have the original one.  I have everything for the timing chain, but any recommendation s for the rear main?
 
 And I need to find a catalytic converter that will fit on my ATR exhaust in lieu of the "race" pipe I have on there now.
 
 We're also going to attempt to replace all the body bushings while we're at it.
 
 He's on the fence about replacing the cam.  He thinks it should be fine since I don't beat on the car but you never know until you open it up.  I'm considering purchasing one just in case.  Recommendation s?
 
 We're also going to put together a pre-luber for it as well I think.
 
 Anything else to consider while the motor is out?  Keep in mind, limited time.  Maybe two weeks tops.

[SuperSix]

Replace the freeze plugs, maybe reseal the allen plugs in the back of the motor. I don't think there's a lot of differences with rear main kits - stick with Fel Pro or Victor Reinz.

How about doing the front cover oil modifications while it's out?
Steve's got info on that. (Of course)
http://ihadav8.com/forum/VortexBuicks/frontcover.htm
http://ihadav8.com/forum/VortexBuicks/Oilpump.htm

Maybe replace crank sensor since you're in there?

[gordyzx9r]

Replace the freeze plugs, maybe reseal the allen plugs in the back of the motor. I don't think there's a lot of differences with rear main kits - stick with Fel Pro or Victor Reinz.

How about doing the front cover oil modifications while it's out?
Steve's got info on that. (Of course)
http://ihadav8.com/forum/VortexBuicks/frontcover.htm
http://ihadav8.com/forum/VortexBuicks/Oilpump.htm

Maybe replace crank sensor since you're in there?

Cranks sensor was replaced not too long ago.  I have a complete cover that was worked by Earl Brown.

[Steve Wood]

I would examine the lifters and cam and if there is no obvious wear..put it back in.  Lifters on correct lobes, of course

[Scoobum]

If the valvetrain is quiet...then I'd leave the cam alone.

[gordyzx9r]

Replace the freeze plugs, maybe reseal the allen plugs in the back of the motor. I don't think there's a lot of differences with rear main kits - stick with Fel Pro or Victor Reinz.

What about the neoprene ones that Kirban's and gbodyparts sell?  Along with the neoprene timing cover seal?

Trying to get prices on a catalytic converter for this thing.

I have a complete ATR exhaust with ATR SS 1

[SuperSix]

Replace the freeze plugs, maybe reseal the allen plugs in the back of the motor. I don't think there's a lot of differences with rear main kits - stick with Fel Pro or Victor Reinz.

What about the neoprene ones that Kirban's and gbodyparts sell?  Along with the neoprene timing cover seal?

The cheap Felpro BS40613 is neoprene. Pretty sure all that aren't listed as a rope seal are neoprene.
http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0010_turp_buick_regal_t_type/photo_08.html
$7.33 at Rock Auto:
http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,catalog,6,partnum,BS40613,d,fel-pro_BS40613.html
$8.99 at Autozone:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/_/N-5yc1s?checkfit=true&itemIdentifier=67879

Trying to get prices on a catalytic converter for this thing.

I have a complete ATR exhaust with ATR SS 1

[daveismissing]

I stuck the Kirban 3 inch in my car. They(K) warped the 4 bolt flange when they welded it on and I had to grind it back flat.
Spun cats are supposed to be better but they wouldn't pass your visual I suspect.
If I was to do it again I would get a 3 inch magnaflow cat (cheap n stock looking) get a 4 bolt flange
and have a local weld to fit.

[Scoobum]

Replace the freeze plugs, maybe reseal the allen plugs in the back of the motor. I don't think there's a lot of differences with rear main kits - stick with Fel Pro or Victor Reinz.

What about the neoprene ones that Kirban's and gbodyparts sell?  Along with the neoprene timing cover seal?

Trying to get prices on a catalytic converter for this thing.

I have a complete ATR exhaust with ATR SS 1

[gordyzx9r]

Before you order a cat...install the DP and the exhaust...and then take a measurement between the exhaust flange and the DP. I bought the RJC DP...and after installation.. .the distance was only 10"...so I ended up using their test pipe...because my cat is 13".

The ATR exhaust has been on my car for about 8 years now...lol.

[$1987 GN$]

Replace the freeze plugs, maybe reseal the allen plugs in the back of the motor. I don't think there's a lot of differences with rear main kits - stick with Fel Pro or Victor Reinz.

How about doing the front cover oil modifications while it's out?
Steve's got info on that. (Of course)
http://ihadav8.com/forum/VortexBuicks/frontcover.htm
http://ihadav8.com/forum/VortexBuicks/Oilpump.htm

Maybe replace crank sensor since you're in there?

If you are doing the core plugs and the galley plugs use generous amount of loctite 271 on them. Just make sure you do not get it in the galley.

AJ___

[gordyzx9r]

A catalytic converter isn't something that has to be TR specific does it?  It's not like I have to have one that's specially designed or what not?  As long as it's 2.5" and the the length is right?  Plus has the flange to bolt up?

[daveismissing]

Correct. Some may flow a bit better than others (spun) but generally true.
I chose the 3" so I could leave it on and I figure a regular 3" flows as good or better than a "super" 2.5".
Generic ones may come with an air tube which we leave capped.

Teve can jump in to correct us 'tards...   

[SuperSix]

Gordy - I thought you were just going to run a cat to get through the smog check?

[gordyzx9r]

Gordy - I thought you were just going to run a cat to get through the smog check?

I don't know...I'm thinking I'd just put one on so I don't have to worry about the random LEO doing a visual.  But...for four years the thing was in SoCal and my Dad would take it out once or twice a month and he never once had an LEO look under it; they just gave him the thumbs up whenever they saw it.

The company in CA called today and said that while the interview(s) aren't over yet, that I'm the "top contender".   Still have to wait and see when and if they send an offer...

...and to add to my already over clocked brain and active imagination, remember that white T I was thinking of buying?  He decided to sell it (again) and is asking less than what he was originally asking for it...my wife is going to shoot me in the head.