Hey John,
Re-sleeving cylinders is doable - at least you found the problem & a solution. You might want to check around for another engine block to see what they run - might be better than repairing the one you have.
I was going to kepp my 289 but a rebuilt 351W was actually less with more HP.

I'm in Austin - Hmmmm.. Are you sure Abilene is in Central Texas? We aren't going to let you pick our next Big 12 team - (though somehow they thought West Virginia was close to the Big 12).

Your truck is looking good - Keep that old flattie running.

Ben in Austin

 

I definantly intend to do a complete build up on the engine . The best time to work your cattle is when youve got them in the pen. I figure while the engine is torn down we might as well put it back together properly . Hopefully my children wern't expecting too much of an inheritance. I've made a few phone calls about finding a good block in this area with no success . The final decision on keeping this one will depend on what the machine shop says .
Actually I live quite a bit east of Abilene , closer to Brownwood & Brady , both of which claim to be the heartland or heart of Texas .
After Texas Tech fired the best coach they ever had I've given up on college football .

 

Hey John,
Let me know if you I can help check prices for you down here in Austin.
Sometimes things can be cheaper here - all depends. Good luck with your truck. Coach Tubberville will do ok at Texas Tech - I hope Leach lands on his feet this coming year (I'm hearing Mississippi). Last time I looked all of his former assistants were in the Top 10 - OK State, OK, Houston, etc...

Ben in Austin

(Brady & Brownwood are definitely Central Texas - Best hunting in the state!).

 

keep looking for a block I just picked up a 53 block complete for 100 bucks ..they are out there talk to everyone ,you may be surprised ..

 

I appreciate the offers and may well take you up on them . I'll make a decision on the block depending on what the machine shop says . If I decide to go with another one I'll post a cry for help in finding one within driving distance .One of my concerns is I've seen lots of stories where people chase down 4 or 5 blocks before the find one better than what they started with . Would rather spend the $$ on one that has been cleaned tested .If mine can be satisfacterly repaired so much the better .

 

if you have a good shop ,then yah go for it ..we all do thing's that make others wonder if all the light's are ..well I do anyhow ..so gonna build it stock or warm it up a bit ??

 

I expect it will be pretty close to stock . If we warm it up at all it will be something pretty mild . It already has headers , not so much for performance , just love the way the old flatheads sound with them .