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Typical of the people we spoke with, machining and assembly of the “short block” was handled by a competent machine shop and the rest of the engine was assembled at home. One of the biggest problems we see for first time engine “finishers” is installing the head gaskets backwards, causing immediate overheating. Ensure the gasket is positioned with the word “FRONT” towards the front of the engine. On an engine already built you should see a tab from the head gasket sticking out between the block and heads at the front of the engine. If not, you know the first thing you’ll be doing to your new purchase is pulling the heads.