Catman: The previous two posts have pretty well covered the info you asked about and the only reasom I'm chiming in is not to tell you what I have but only to clarify the linkage point. Using the stock lower pivot and rod I had no modification at all to the linkage that came with my intake from Stovebolt Engine Co. I did have to cut one of my shift levers and shorten it to clear the rear of the intake. Perhaps 1/4" is all it needed. I did the grinding business but agree that milling the surfaces to match would have been a better choice. Still looking for proper studs for holding the manifolds to the head.

Overboring could cause some heat issues but I doubt even .080 is enough to cause that. Pistons are availabe in nearly any size for the engine. I did mill the head about .010-.020 to clean it up and raise the compression a bit but mostly to make sure it hadn't warped. Money spent on the head pays a bigger dividend than about anything else you can do.

With your low member number I see you are not a new member so your familiar with the search feature that has a great deal of info on this popular upgrade.

1953 Chevy 5-window 3100
In the Stovebolt Gallery
More pix on Picturetrail

Dave
Engine & Driveline Moderator

If you can't make seventy by an easy road, don't go. ~~ Mark Twain