Auto Racing: engine building, chevy motor, block chevy

Question
Dan, I just assembled a big block Chevy motor using all new parts. I started it up and it sounds awsome but I noticed oil coming from the passenger side exhaust pipe. I dropped the header and number eight tube has oil in it. What did I do wrong. I have built several hi-po small block Chevies with never any problems. Can you help me ?

Answer
Hi Roy:

What I know about V-8s you could write on one sheet of paper. However, it sounds like you have a bad (or missing ? ) valve stem seal. One good way to check for this is to check that the car doesn't smoke when it's running, only when it starts up, and at idle.

I also know that there are some wierd ways to control oil to the valve gear, but I'm not conversant with them. Try writing to my friend  Randy Cooper at:
 "fastcash@cehighperformance.com".  He's a Chevy builder of some note out west, and should have more answers for you.

Good luck and I'm sorry I couldn't offer more insight into the trouble.

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida.