[Curt C.]

If you are reasonably smart, willing to learn and can work with hand tools you should be able to drain the coolant, remove the intake manifold, replace the lifter (s), set the rocker arm pre-load and then reinstall the intake manifold. Included in the manifold removal process will be removal of the carburetor and distributorand reinstallation . I assume we are dealing with a 408W (351W stroker variant)? There are good books like "Building Ford Short Track Power" and "Ford Windsor Small Block Performance" that detail working on these engines. You have access to a large number of skilled folk on this website too. However, if this is your first time, be prepared to spend time learning about the procedures and have patience. You will want to make sure its done right the first time. If this prospect scares you and you have money, have a skilled mechanic do it for you. It should not take more than 3-4 hours for a good mechanic to do this. This assumes that only the lifters will have to be replaced. It sounds like Eric knows who built the engine and exactly what parts are used. That is good. If you go with the Ford pieces that are used in 5.0 Mustangs (part M-6500-R302) I agree -get the whole set for $120.