Chevy 540 Big Block - Power-Packed Mark V

As with any engine buildup, it is important to know the engine camshaft's exact timing. For our purposes, Shewbert set the camshaft at a 4-degree advance.

Shewbert loved the COMP Cams adjustable timing chain system. To get the 4-degree advance he wanted, he simply used an Allen wrench to set the timing and locked it down with the camshaft timing gear bolts.

The timing chain cover from Competition Specialties was a nice final touch. One way to tell the Mark V from the Mark VI engine is that the Mark V has 10 timing chain cover bolts-the Mark VI, only six.

The oil filter fitting for the Mark V (left) differs from the standard Mark IV mount. They can't be confused.

The Milodon oil pump and pick-up are high-volume units installed in this manner.

Our initial installation of the Milodon pan was a learning experience. The pan rails interfered with the 4.250-inch stroked rods at the main rail-every one of them. We located the right Milodon part to avoid this. Make certain you ask the right questions when ordering your parts, especially if your engine has over 4.000-inch stroke.

This Fel-Pro head gasket features a special O-ring that ensures proper sealing. They work great with the RHS Pro Action heads.

The RHS Pro Action aluminum cylinder heads were installed dry over the Fel-Pro gaskets, and ARP 12-point head bolts were used to apply the squeeze.

For this application, Shewbert used COMP Cams lash caps. White grease was used to fully lubricate the caps on the top and bottom.