Chiphead, you're exhibiting all the classic symptoms of "firststartaphobia". I know because I was recently afflicted with the same malady. Before starting my newly built engine I began imagining all kinds of potential problems - did I torque every bolt correctly? did I put all the bearings on the right way? is the timing chain 180 degrees out? are all the gaskets properly installed? and on, and on, and on.

Relax, everything's OK. The pre-oiling didn't hurt the pre-lube. With everything pre-oiled, you'll start oiling within 2 seconds of start-up and the cam lobes and lifters will be fine. And don't worry about the cloud of smoke you'll get at startup - that's normal. There's a lot of oil in places where it shouldn't be (top of pistons, etc.) but it'll burn off after a few minutes and she'll purr like a kitten - guaranteed!

Hook up a tach, start her up and hold the idle at about 1500 for about 20 minutes. Don't worry about setting timing, dwell, etc. - just keep her at the fast idle and enjoy the sound. If you have a buddy with you, he/she can keep an eye out for any leaks (water/oil). After about 20 minutes you can decrease the idle and set the timing, dwell, adjust the carburetor, etc. Then take her for a spin - nothing drastic - just a few miles at various speeds. Then change the oil - it'll likely look like it's been run 3000 miles. If not, then congratulate yourself on a very thorough job of cleaning the engine. Put in whatever oil your going to normally run and take her for another run - this time just for the fun of it!

Come back, have a beer, and brag about how good a mechanic you are.


72 Sierra Grande - Maych

Forget about "do it right the first time". Do it wrong the first time to learn how, then do it right the second time.