Update.
I pulled the head off the old 235 and #1 cylinder walls are marked. I assume that means they are galled. I didn't see any evidence of valve issues.
I've got the new engine mounted and was putting the intake and carbs on last weekend. I RTV'd the heck out of the intake and headers. I also changed the gaskets between the header and exhaust pipes so they are more like a donut instead of a flat gasket.
I think I discovered the problem that started all of this. I decided to grind the ears off the adaptors. The 1bbl side of the Langdon pieces are square and have extra metal toward the front or rear of the engine. When I separated the adaptor from the carb, I noticed that the gaskets had been leaking at the bolts. The gaskets were covered with soot and the soot ran right to the edge in a few places. So; those of you that thought I had a vacuum leak were right. I have made new gaskets and RTV'd the heck out of them. I doubt they'll leak again. Of course, I may never get anything off this engine either.
I should have her running after this weekend unless I run into other issues. Oh; I also lost the glass packs. I'm now running Flowmaster 40's. Thanks for all the advice.
