splitting the case
 

Can I admit I still haven't bought Wayne's book? It probably says something about "don't forget to remove the nut inside the timing chain area" before splitting my 3.6 case. Now I have a couple of minor grooves in the mating area where my "coaxing" with a smooth flat screwdriver was a little, um, ambitious - considering there was still a bolt attaching the halves.

On the bright side, there ain't no way I'll forget that one again - and now I know the difference in feel between sealant and an overlooked bolt.

Hey I guess this is actually a plug for his book - read it, or find out the hard way. The scary thing is that this is kind of a life pattern for me. :cool:

The Machine Shop!
 

I think it's all about the machinist/machine shop! I didn't read through all five pages here, so maybe it's been mentioned already. However, the biggest mistake I was making was not factoring enough of my budget for the machinist. It was all about what parts I could buy new and bolt on. Then once I really got into it, my mind became mush worrying about all the tolerances and measurements. It took a bit to find the right shop (for me) but now that I have one...my project has taken on an entirely positive life! I feel so much better. It's costing me a bundle, but it's money well spent! I just wish NC were as big a Porsche hot-bed as CA so I wouldn't have to deal with shipping! HAHAHA! In short, find a machinist that knows what he/she is doing, is not intimidating, and will always be a phone call, email, and/or visit away.

I got the dilavar studs out they popped right out just double nutted them then cranked em right out with no problem.