Last update for a while probably.
I have since gotten the wheels to fit without spacers, so no worries there.
Motor is currently still apart. Disassembled one of the heads and installed the checker springs, put it on the block to clay the piston and ran into a problem. The pushrods I bought (8.5") are far too long, little less than a half inch too long. Had to use 2 styles of spring compressor at once to remove the springs, some tough SOBs. But I ordered some stock pushrods from autozone just to use strictly to check clearances and when they came in, they were 9.5" long. Promptly returned. Have since ordered the 8.18" rods which will be perfect for testing, not so hot for running.
The new, and hopefully final route, is to check the PTV clearance with the current set up and then order link bar lifters and a hydraulic roller camshaft. But i can use this opportunity to see if a camshaft with similar duration and a little more lift will even clear before i spend the money. Then convert.
After some more detailed measuring, pump gas is unfortunately out of the question. Which is fine by me at this point.
Suspension wise im still not happy with the stance and i believe the Moroso springs to be a big part of the issue. Unfortunately due to the nature of the springs (neither are the same length or spring rate) cutting a coil is just not an option. I have a set of 4cyl springs and V8 springs that i will try out and see what works. There are mixed reviews as to having a softer rear spring due to excessive squat and poor weight transfer. But i think with the rear shock/spring combo and a pretty proven set-up up front i think ill be able to make it work. And if im not satisfied ill just go back to the Moroso's.
Waiting to hear back on this job early next week, and have been busy doing a million other things so these snags have really slowed my motivation. Im still very happy to have the car to where it is and constantly have different ideas and new parts i want going through my head, which is a lot of the fun.
Probably just going to sit on it til tax check time and then make a big dent. Christmas shopping and bills come first for me.
Happy Holidays fellas