That's corrosion, you can try the MEK on a rag but unless you get the block decked it's tough to remove. Unless it's proud of the liner top I'd leave it because that's your fire ring seal and the ring will deform to offset high/low spots as long as they're not deep. The Felpro head gaskets will seal and isolate the coolant ports.

Depending if the cam actually has 18Xk miles it's always a good thing to replace it. Go aftermarket and not Rover. You'll need new lifters because of the lifter face and it's also a good time to replace the pushrods too.

If you do not remove the chain the crank is timed to the cam. If you remove the cam it's gear is indexed and you'll need to time it to the crank.

 

For the cam mine has orange paint on the back of it, the one at Lucky8 has yellow. Same part number as Atlantic British what does the paint mean?

Lucky8's one that has orange paint is not the same part number.

 

Well the truck is all back together and no extra bolts/parts. Still need to get the y-pipe installed. But had to fire it up anyway, wow is she loud. Have a few more thing to do but I think I will be good.

This has been a fun project and I think for the first rebuild of an engine that I have ever done it went great. I'm in love with my new garage.

 

Glad you enjoyed the project. Wasn't so bad was it. I'll bet you would do it again with another. BritishV8 has several guys who know how to build engines, you should take a look.

 

Yes I would do it again. Not bad at all. I was very OCD with the parts *** I took them off and put them in order. For the next I think it probably won't go that way. I thinking of pulling one from the junk yard and re building it as a spare.

 

Find a 4.6 crank and rods. Learn about porting and polishing because any motor likes more air in and out and these heads can take larger valves. Pistons, rods, cam, balancing all produce a better engine than factory. Response is what your after and being OCD is the right quality for achieving better performance. It's not always about displacement and horsepower, it's response, and it doesn't require a huge budget. Mostly your time and attention to detail.

 

I have been thinking about going 4.6 with the next build. I just may have to go there. I would have a lot to read and learn about this but I'm sure it would be fun and worth it.