Made some more progress today, and found a few things still yet to do/figure out.
I have the valve train all buttoned up. I measured for correct pushrod length and lifter preload using the EO/IC method. In my case 7.400" rods were what I needed, which is what TMS sent to me with the shortblock package. My setup, just to recap: LS7 lifters, AI 243 heads milled to 63cc chamber volume, stock rockers with Comp trunion upgrade.
I was following a manual which did not mention anything about loctite on the rocker bolts, but after getting it all bolted up and throwing the valve covers on, I found out that's a good idea. So tomorrow I'll pull the covers off and pull each bolt, loctite them, replace and retorque them and be good to go.
Here's how it sits. Intake is just sitting there to cover the intake ports. I'll leave that off when swinging the motor in and install it after.
I have my coolant crossover parts coming tomorrow and I'll be picking up another crank bolt to install the balancer. Got my catch can setup and mocked up, just need a bolt for it to attach it to the head. I still need to figure out what the big threaded hole in the pass side of the oil pan is for though. I haven't looked into it yet, but nothing is coming to mind as to what it may be for. Anyone have any ideas?
That's pretty much it motor wise! Gotta grab some rear diff fluid and the appropriate allen socket for my tranny drain and fill plugs. Planning on tearing into it once Carlisle is over, and want to have everything done before the end of next month....ideally :rofl: