Placed my order with VTE

[Dino S.]

I ordered:

Diamon Pistons (5cc, .020 over)
Eagle H-Beam rods
Main and Rod Bearings
Oil Pump Gears
ARP Main studs
ARP Head Studs

Woohoo!! I'm excited. Put me back about 2100. Here's the part of the thread where I inquire...

Where can I get slightly thicker than stock head gaskets that will hold 12-15psi reliably?
Where can I get a 99-01 water pump?
What gaskets will I need to replace besides front and rear seals?
Do I have to dissassemble the heads (IE take out the cams) do get them cleaned, or will a machine shop not care if the cams are installed?
What other work should I do to the heads besides a basic cleaning? Replace seals/seats? Anything like that? Whats a reasonable amount to spend?

I'm so worried that i'll be in the middle of building the engine and just get stumped on something, so please, veteran engine builders speak up with some tricks of the trade!

Thanks
Dino

 

[Doug]

should have got the manelys

The machine shop should take care of the heads, but just call them up and see what they would want you to do.
Stock gaskets should hold 12psi...

Port them heads... For replacing three valve guides, porting the heads, and doing a three angle valve job - I paid right around 530$...

 

[EZ SPEED]

I went with a VT shortblock in my 2003 Lightning :rockon: