Just started my first engine build a couple days ago, gotta take the engine out because the passenger side engine mount sheared two bolts in the block... -___- But anyways, gonna take this chance to add some goodies! Once i get the bolts out and fixed, im taking the head off and getting it resurfaced and O-ringed and 0.20 over HG, ARP studs, Valair clutch, 4 GSK and 60 Lb valve springs. Im pretty excited, alot of this will be brand new territory for me, so any tips would be greatly appreciated!

The engine is already out, so im gonna start working on those bolts the next day i have a chance to work on it.

 

I would go with south bend double clutch

 

the SB dd clutches are very nice but they do grab for friction matter.. so they're noisey but they are great and they hold up very well

 

Make sure your deck is straight as well, while the head is off bottom tap the head bolt holes for your arp studs, pop the rear freeze plug out and replace it with the bolt on plug, and lastly find true TDC on piston number 1 and mark you damper this will make timing changes much quicker and eaiser.

If you have the extra time and money a good 3 or 5 angle valve job and back cutting of your valves would also be a great upgrade.

 

Like stated above by 94 12 valve, Pop that rear freeze plug out and throw in the bolt in plug because eventually with more cylinder head pressure that puppy is going to blow out and your in for a disaster if you don't catch it real quick. I am running 110lb valve springs with no problems just for a little more security with the 4k Springs. Do the K.D.P. fix ASAP before you get wrapped up in other things and forget about it.

 

One of the major reasone they pop the Rear Frost plug .. high EGT's and high rpms with too much perssure in the cylinder head .. also a good way to pop a HG too .. ( right under the T-stat.. I have one , Thats how I learned that one

 

the south bend clutch is great, the valair is supposed to be the same if its the 3250 street style dual disk, no sounds. holds good power. id say while its all out invest in any thing that might be future plans, like better pistons, more cubic inches to spool a larger turbo, a cam, and what the other guys have said, head work, getting everything checked, etc. you can always save money and put stock manifold and turbo and etc back on while you save for them but the engine will only be apart once so make sure to do it right the first time.