Loudecho

All,

I need Taillights for a 87 Mark VII.

I've been trying to come up with ideas as to how to address the 472cid V8 on my 69 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Limousine. I managed to drive it for a year (off an on). From there, the engine has been temperamental and the Transmission let go.

I knocked out all of the basics -> Plugs, Wires, Oil Filled Coil, Water Pump, Smog Pump, Belts, Fuel and (what it seems like) a thousand miles of rubber hose. On warm days the engine would sputter and backfire while accelerating. I took it down to a local shop and it was determined that one or two (I can't remember) banks had low compression.

To be honest, I want to have it as reliable as possible. My brother and I have used it for Parades and short jogs around town. I'd like to remove the engine, place it on a stand and build it. I just do not know where to start. Bore and honing prices (from what I've read) can be in and around the price of a new block. I'd like to keep the original block since they only made a little less than 1200 Fleetwood 75's.

The idea of placing it on a stand would also make it easier to address the Donut Gasket and Swiss Cheese Header problems on both sides. Two different shops wanted to charge an arm and a leg to fix and said that the studs would probably shear and there's no way they could guarantee the work.

After taking a peak under the oil breather and oil filler cap it became apparent that there is a ton (and I mean a ton) of gunk/deposits/crud on top of the valves.

What to do? Shed some wisdom. My brother and I love the old girl; it's just shame to see her out of commission.