i just got my blocks on the engine stand and started to deburr them. when i noticed no oil return into cam chain area from the lifter valley. on all the 454's i ve built i screened the oval holes in the lifter valley to prevent oil from draining onto the crank and rods. and enlarge the drains into cam chain area for draining oil back into the oil pan. whats the hot set up for the dart blocks? thx for any insight. ratman

I was always under the impression that screening the oval holes over the cam just kept the broken valve train parts from going down into the pan and causing further damage.

what you can break valve train parts? but really now it did both. it robs a lot of power having the oil fall onto rotating assm. everyone runs windage screens to keep oil in the pan from splashing up on rotating assm. so why let it fall onto rotating assm from abaove? i just want to get the oil backinto the oil pan asap without it dripping on ratating assm. am considering boring holes on l & r side of front of the block on either side of cam chain area wondering what the other engine builders are doing in this area? thx