The main problem is the oil passage through the head and block. It makes a couple of 90 degree turns that are very hard to clean, unless you take the heads off. Make sure you use new rockers as they wear rapidly and then dump the oil, starving the other rockers. Hollow pushrods and high lift rockers along with new valve springs will let it rev faster. Use high "zinc" oil like VR-1. Watch out for a spun harmonic balancer ring (like the SBC) that will throw off your timing. Replace your load-o-matic distributor (dizzy is Australian) with a 57 or later unit. If you rebuild it yourself be careful about setting up the timing chain, it is different that any other engine. Early cams and cam bearigns are different than the later ones, some will not mix and match. Some have a groove in the cam, some have a groove in the bearing. the unique sound it what gets you..... I have a 272 with 2x4's in my '46 p/u....
I think that some of the truck engines have forged cranks IF you can find one.... A .060" over, 292 with an old Isky Z-30 cam, Jahns high compression sand cast pistons, trips and Heddman(Sp?) headers and duals out the back with a pair of long Smitties on it is the prettiest sound you will hear up until you hear a hopped up 261 Gimmie 6-banger!! pdq67
The Jalopy Journal
