update - some successful progress
 

I made myself a case splitting tool using a craftsman gear puller I already had and some pieces of scrap metal.

http://asbury.smugmug.com/photos/660000824_AY89A-L.jpg

I put some torque on it and left it to sit for a minute or two when I heard a loud CRACK! It was the sound of the seal busting open (finally). The sealant is really bonding these case halves together. At least I have the top side parted:

http://asbury.smugmug.com/photos/660001148_r94GA-L.jpg

The bottom side is still sticking fast. Got out the hammer and started beating again, but I did not have much time to work at it this evening. Have a look at the sealant in this picture. I'm guessing that this is not factory?

http://asbury.smugmug.com/photos/660001547_CVUGY-L.jpg

It looks like Permatex Aviation sealer but I have never seen it stick like that before!

uh oh.. the grey stuff does look like epoxy...

If it's soft it's silicone.

all the "aviation #2 non hardening" gasket sealer I've used is reddish brown and it does pretty much harden after time and heat cycles.

Most defintely not silicone. The stuff is hard as a rock. It could be this aviation sealer you speak of...the color does appear to be reddish brown, especially where you can see it inside the case (such as under the breather cover).

So did you have any idea that your case had ever been apart, before?

Nope.

Based on info I have, my car has been through 5 owners before me. I spoke with the second owner who had the car the longest (from about '81 - '00, nearly 20 years.) I specifically asked if any major work was done, and was told no. He is a wealthy guy (CEO of Chaparral boats) but I can't imagine he would forget writing the check for a full rebuild. I also spoke to the guy who bought it from him (3rd owner from '00-'03) who too said nothing major was done. I have invoices from this period of the car's life forward. Unless these people are lying (and why would they when they are several owners removed from my purchase) or are forgetful, it suggests that the engine was rebuilt within the 1st couple years. Strange.

I use a small turn buckle on the studs on front of the engine, and another on the studs in back of the engine. About $3 at home depot. Good luck!

success at last
 

The case is apart!

I made a second splitting tool to get the bottom side cracked open. Just like the topside, I put some tension on this and waited for a minute before the SNAP! of the sealant breaking loose.

http://asbury.smugmug.com/photos/661703244_zohJR-L.jpg

Here's the obligatory pic of the crank and oil pump. I found some of the hardened sealant on the intermediate shaft gear...whatever that stuff is, its tenacious.

http://asbury.smugmug.com/photos/661..._gerrt-L-1.jpg

Now back to your regularly scheduled rebuild...

Great job! Keep up the good work.