Thanks FI; I've already spent way too many hours on the dolomite forum, Sprint manuals, and doing my homework on this. There are some very good threads here as well, including bobbyslandy's and shawniedawn's write-ups. I have also found that people seem to love to talk about this, so there is a wealth of people volunteering their opinions/expertise (for better or worse).
The engine I have to work with is low mileage, but I anticipate a pretty extensive (or you can replace the t in that word with a p [:0]) rebuild and have a local machine shop to work with. The pistons I have are standard size, so I expect to have to bore and sleeve the block (but it would be a nice surprise if I didn't have to - staying optimistic!). Bearing are indeed hard to come by, but I am persistent, if nothing else. I have gotten mixed reviews on whether or not the cross-drill is necessary, but I will most likely have it done.
I had been planning to grind the openings to the oil pump on my current engine the next time I have it off, so I will surely be doing it on the rebuild.
Once things start to come together I will do a member blog thread to track progress. I hope to make it through the summer driving season without having to change my clutch. But when it finally goes, I plan to do the conversion.
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1980 Pageant Blue DHC with removable hardtop.
