Hmmm- - - -what are the most common complaints we hear about stovebolt engines? Limited oil flow to the rocker arms on both 216 and 235 engine, and low indicated oil pressure and lower end noises from the 216's, right? In an ideal world, everybody would just rebuild those engines back to original tolerances, buy a set of expensive aftermarket pistons, and drive happily ever after. Or, how about bolting in an oil pump capable of moving approximately 20% more oil at any given RPM, with no other modifications required, and using a set of off-the shelf pump gears to boot? A brand new small block V8 oil pump to scavenge some gears from can be had for a little over $20.00 with free shipping, and the rest of the bits and pieces for the conversion can be made by any machinist with more than three brain cells to rub together. I'll probably supply the blueprints for those parts for free to anyone interested. (Or maybe I could offer to modify someone's pump or sell them a kit for an outrageously high fee?) The fact that it looks like it can be done for approximately 10% of the cost of a complete overhaul might be a consideration also. If there happens to be a few shims left in the rods or mains, go ahead and adjust some clearances while you've got the oil pan off.
That's my plan- - - - if anybody doesn't approve of it, in the spirit of Christmas, please take note of the sprig of mistletoe attached to my coat tails!
Jerry
