Post #10 – The Engine – SARVIS Prepared

Though several months have come and gone since my Power Tour no-show was entered into the books, I resume my documentation of PROJECT BEDLAM.  It is with due respect I direct the spotlight toward my pal, Danny Sarvis… He is the brains and hands behind the power plant slated for installation in my ride.  In previous posts I chronicled the acquisition of my 455 short block and the bumps in the road which lead to a .040 bore, larger pistons, and a more aggressive cam. The entire process has been ably guided by Danny.  So… Who is this dude?

I made Danny’s acquaintance via Classic Oldsmobile, an online community for Oldsmobile Geeks. More than a few south central Texas guys suggested I contact Danny… he was highly recommended in the Olds community as the go-to guy.  I had previously researched a few of the nationally acclaimed engine builders / machine shops… My research left me feeling uneasy. The next step… I contacted Danny. Danny is a Texas boy…  He has been doing this (building and racing – nearly all Oldsmobiles) for a long time.  Over the years he has made his mark… Of note: In April, 2012 he ran a 9.76 @ 136.89 in his ’70 442. Naturally aspirated. No power adders…  A no bullshit engine with no bullshit results. Danny didn’t tell me this… He is humble and lets his actions and results speak for him. We are a few weeks apart age-wise and both of us are teachers. Kinda cool that a couple of baby boomers get to work on a project together and share more than a few common bonds.

Once the project began, I made several trips down to Danny’s place, each time delivering engine components as the work rolled along. Danny does all of this out of his small but tidy garage. Old school. On May 14, I picked up the completed engine… Here are some images documenting completion of the work…

Upon my arrival, we attached the water pump and muscled on the harmonic balancer. Once photos were shot and some modifications were made to the engine cradle Danny fabricated, the 468 CI Oldsmobile power plant was hoisted into my truck. Safe transport and arrival at my garage are documented in the image below…

So… The engine was completed. Optimism and excitement filled the air. Roughly three weeks remained until the beginning of the 2014 Power Tour. Not to worry… Simple as this: Pull the old engine. Swap this one in. Plumb and wire. Or so I thought…

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