Babbitt shortage

[GT6Steve@aol.com]

Judging from the subterranaean sounds I believe I've got a severe babbitt shortage on one of my rod bearings. Since this will be my first forayn into a V-8 are there any tricks I should know before I pull it out? I guess I'll leave the trans in and insure the torque converter stays with the trans. (why? oil seal?)
I can lift the stripped block straight up with an electric hoist and I've got engine stands.
my questions are if there are any surprises awaiting, what SHOULD I do during the rebuild, what not to do, what enhancements are recommended in light of Smog checks, and whether my abused beauty is even worth the effort (Yes)..
Any thoughts are welcomed...
Steve in Las Vegas

[Stingray6974]

Hi Steve,
A few thoughts come to mind. Remove the distributor to get to the top two bellhousing bolts. Remove the fan, water pump, and crank pulleys to keep from having to remove the fan shroud. Take some pictures for reference during re-assembly. Make notes on wiring, vacuum lines, and hoses as you remove them.
Upgrade the pistons to flat top hypereutectics. Replace the rod bolts and the cam gear bolts. Upgrade the timing chain and gears. Consider a cam upgrade. Possibly a better set of heads. Have the rotating assembly balanced. It's worth every penny.

Mike

[GT6Steve@aol.com]

Thanx Mike,
You've provided some good tricks. I was hearing today that my heads were probably the reason for the 81's low HP figures. Any thoughts on changing the heads? 194 and 202 were tossed around, presumably referring to valve diameters. I've built tons of British Jag and Triumph engines but this is my first V-8. It astonishes me that there is so little information on such a popular motor. I guess it is such common knowledge that no one deems it worthy of writing down. I could go to a Jag site and ask which muffler bearing has the greatest snorkicity and get 20 answers the first day. I'm somewhat baffled about the Corvette sites.
Again, THANX for your inputs, experience is such a dear teacher...Steve