I ordered the Victor Rienz SBF headgaskets that Alex recommends from NAPA. The two local NAPA stores have closed down, so it's a fair drive to pick these up. First day, they ordered only one, instead of a pair. Second day, the mate to first gasket arrives so I go to pick it up, only to find it damaged. Nearest gasket is several hundred miles away. Maybe it'll get here tomorrow.

I'd ordered the rings and the rod and main bearings from a local parts store. Went to pick them up and they bring out only one rod bearing. Gee, that was supposed to be a complete set. Take the rings and mains home to find out the rings aren't for the right application and the mains aren't the size ordered. Got the complete rod bearing set but find out installed clearance is 2 thou, so we need the 1 thou undersize. The rings are ordered but it turns out no one has them 20 over (so we can file fit). Told them to send the standard rings but warned them they'd be returned if the gaps are too large (they usually are). Will have to call around tomorrow and see what I can find.

I'd mail ordered a windage tray plus a gasket set which was supposed to be over-nighted. Doesn't show. I call and the vendor has my address correct in their computer but dropped a digit on the shipping notice. Address does not exist, so UPS sent the stuff back to the depot and sent out a postcard notifying the sender the address is wrong. On an overnight package, you think they could call. They claim it will be here Monday.

At least, Summit came through on the replacement Edelbrock water pump (the first one leaked), though it did show a day late.

Got some other parts to track down on Monday but it looks like they won't be holding me up��

I feel your pain.

This is the worst time to order stuff. UPS has a backlog a few days deep and nobody wants to work.

The Victor head gaskets are primo though, that's what I'm using on the 408 and they seal very well at 12-1 compression. They are better than Fel-Pros.

Just be patient while the mortals get everything sorted out and build your engine mid-January.

I wish I could afford the time but I'm building this engine at my dad's place in Ohio and I'm supposed to be back at work Monday in St. Louis. That's not going to happen but, if the parts don't show up soon, I'll have to use whatever I can get my hands on.