Other than potentially losing some time/money on machine work & a few parts, seems like the worst case is simply sourcing another 2L short block donor, which ought not be very difficult nor expensive, especially in California.
indeed! I wasn't being smug saying that...even here in TN, it's hard to "worry" too much about this sort of thing because there are always spare/donor engines around. Obviously, it's even better if it works well the first time around!
Chris Granju
Knoxville, TN
'71 FIAT 124BS (pretty), '72 FIAT 124BC,'76 FIAT 128 Wagon(ratbeast), '85 Bertone X 1/9, '70 124BC (project), 79 X1/9 (hot rod in rehab), '73 124BS (2L, mean), '74 124 Special TC, '73 124CS, '73 124 Familiare