Thanks again Chip. That's the plan.

On my road runner w/ the 440 in it I used a normal Melling pump w/ a Milodon cover. The rear facing pickup inlet will not work w/ stock style mount brackets on the K frame.
I used the inlet off the "top" of the cover, faces to the ground at about a 45° angle if looking from the front of the car. The line had to wrap around the K frame to get to the pan.

I'll try to get some pics of this and post them.

It dawned on me last night that I never checked rod-to-cam clearance... don't recall anyone mentioning this is a problem with the 2.200 rods...but, there's an awful lot people don't mention, and since this was my first 572 and all I went ahead and did it.

Checked the 'net and good grief, there is all kinds of advice out there on how to do it, probably the most interesting was from a guy who puts tie wraps around the cam lobes an measures the dents in the plastic...

Ended up using clay, nice and simple. No issue found.
There is well over 1/4" there, that's all I needed to know.

While I had the clay out, I also quickly looked at piston to head clearance in one hole. No issue found, it will be something over .060 in the tightest spot when done...if I remember right that's what the old direct connection book said to run LOL.

With most clearances now checked and known, might as well drop the rotator off for balancing next time I get a chance. Maybe I can get the oil pickup sorted out by the time that's done.

I really understand now why the 4.5/4.5/2.200 rod is (or was) a popular crate engine before block availability went down the toilet. Crank and rods both showed up at my door in a day and a half. Pistons, next day.
No clearance grinding needed in the block whatsoever. (I knocked some off the oil pickup adapter, but in the end just decided not to use it) It's like the path of least resistance to relatively big CI.

As dragged out as this thread probably seems, it's mostly just me being cautious, not taking anything for granted, and trying to get oiling correct on the first attempt if at all possible.

The more pics, the better. And, they don't have to be pretty!

Rich I fully appreciate you taking the time to document your adventure as I am definitely taking notes, and getting this right on the first attempt is definitely the goal. Keep the info coming

I agree. it is cool when someone does this. I could have probably written a book while machining & assembling my Hemi & all of the ups & downs while doing so. A lot of custom made parts even outside of the short block. In the end I was happy enough with the results.

Rich I couldn’t really see in your picture but do these look like the crane lifters you couldn’t use?

Thanks, Mike

This is great info, I’ve enjoyed reading all of it. I’ve always built 440 based engines. I recently purchased two hemi’s. One is a 528 and one is a 572. Lots to learn, this is good info for me, thank you all!

Hi Mike,

They sort of do. The tie bar is "captive" and can't be disassembled, similar to that. The lifters have a oil/lightening band (can't see it). I can get the Crane part number and/or specs later if it'll help?

It might be an illusion, but your block appears to have thicker lifter bore bosses...Not 100% sure what you have there but Yours appears made more like the past generation Megablock which was noticeably thicker in that area. They chopped that down a little shorter on the World stuff. Back then, the common fix was either a taller lifter (Comp 892 comes to mind) or sometimes guys would just cut the lifter bores down shorter.

Rich

You're both very welcome, and I sure appreciate you saying something.

I have received a whole lot of help over the years, and I figure the least I can do is put some of the info back out there where someone can grab it and do their own thing with it. Gearhead version of pay it forward...

Good eye Rich. Yes it's a Mega block. These have been ran over 7,000 rpm without any problems. I just didn't know for sure if they're crane or not. These are black on top then bare then a black stripe and back to bare. Sorry no plans to open engine anytime soon to get a picture. Part number might help.

At 7000, they couldn't possibly be hitting but it sure looks close.

On mine, there's like a 3/16 to 1/4" gap between the wheel and the cam, when it's on the base circle. Lifter just hangs in the breeze. Definite no-workie.

I was going to use those lifters for a future project but most likely will just sell them now. Could use the cash. Expensive hobby, etc

Yours looks like a work of art to me! I'm trying to avoid writing a book and hope to keep it all off the shelf, as much as possible.

Rich if I'm honest they probably been over 8,000 by mistake. No tach or rev limiter at the time. These things rev fast and as they say never quit until they do. Lol

I'm pretty sure these are the lifters. The newer ones look a lot different and I believe these are discontinued. Mine look like the ones in the second picture.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/crn-66515-16/reviews

Yep, those are the ones. Guess I'll put them up for sale.

Tore it back down and packed it up for balancing, while I await oil system parts arrival it's time to get rid of what didn't work out. These 528 pistons were purchased right after I got the block but when it came down to it, I decided to do the 572 instead, so these are up for grabs super cheap.

Been close to 20 years....these must be Chrysler ends That Lou Vignogna used on my new build.9/01,,,,where did the time go?????

Here's a top view looking straight down on top the oil pickup line from the front of the car. 45° fitting on the front of the Milodon pump turned slightly towards the passenger's side. 90° hose end on the pickup line allows it to tuck up b/t the pan and the crossmember.

From the front of the car...

These are the Comp 845 AMC lifter with pressurized oil to the lifter body.