Topic: im getting in to my K8.. what should i do?

[the technological J]

so im gonna be changing my head gasket and polishing the crap outta everything..... from pistons to ports to covers... so what would u do thats fairly cheap that you wish you would have done when u were into your engine.... im hoping to do this once and only once...... so any help could be appreicated this isnt mhy first time into an engine just this one... but i know that theres always something that i wish that i would have done different..so im trying not to learn the hard way
EDIT: heres my build thread also
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=60257.0

[KB02]

If you are taking off the head, do yourself a favor and go a step further and pull the jugs as well and replace the base gasket. All too often when taking off the head, the base gasket will unseal and then will never seal correctly again when you torque everything back down causing a slow weep of oil at the base of the jugs. Also, while you have the jugs off, you can check them out and make sure that everything is in speck with no wear or anything, hone the cylinders just to glaze bust them, and then you're good to go.

[Gonzowerke]

If you are taking off the head, do yourself a favor and go a step further and pull the jugs as well and replace the base gasket. All too often when taking off the head, the base gasket will unseal and then will never seal correctly again when you torque everything back down causing a slow weep of oil at the base of the jugs. Also, while you have the jugs off, you can check them out and make sure that everything is in speck with no wear or anything, hone the cylinders just to glaze bust them, and then you're good to go.

I had this happen to me when I redid my leaky head gasket. It's only a little extra effort, and it is worth it. Also, make sure you get the complete gasket kit with all the little o-rings and rubber discs. Replace them ALL. When you yank the head, don't forget to clean and flush the oil jets that feed the top end. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU LOVE YOUR CAM!!!

And lastly, ignore the "Kate Haters" that lurk on this board. Why people waste hate on the later model years that could be better spent on Harley's I'll never understand.
Make that thing into what YOU want and the hell with external opinion. It's YOUR bike, not their's!

Gonzo out.

[the technological J]

I didnt realize they had a word for it "Kate Hate"  I m trying to get my hand on a 74 also i dont know why but the oler the better to me

i have a gasket set ordered and am planning on having it bead blasted..... i might just soda blast it if its all the same....has anyone painted thier block black and then taken off paint on the very end of the fins like you see on some night versions of engines....
 im thinking about some pods.... any body have some and really regret it? is it only asthetic or if i port the heads will it help the performance? i was just thinking of going up 2 sizes on the jets

[Alan F.]

Use genuine honda valve seals.

[the technological J]

i got my gasket set from cyclex