I am now😄 A machine shop here quoted me $3000 to rebuild my motor so, contemplating my options.

I just picked up a Tahiti from the woods up here in Alaska and need some input on getting the intake/shoe out. I've tried just about everything to remove all the adhesive. I don't want to resort to my sawzall! Ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Yeah, I'm running Bassett headers and like you mentioned, the T was one of the things I checked. Reversion was my initial concern. I'm gonna try and get her fired up tomorrow. Thanks so much for your info. Hopefully I can post a picture of success!

I never pulled or altered the distributor so I just assumed timing would not be affected. Just pulled valve covers and triple checked head/rocker torque.
Hydraulic lifters but I didn't submerge them in oil and load them when I reinstalled them. Maybe that is the issue?

   I'm a first time boat owner, so picking up my Hondo was a dream come true! Not too many people involved with jet boats up here in Alaska so information from you guys is huge. Anyways, I was able to finally splash the boat yesterday and took it real easy ( under 3000rpms) for around 20 min. No issues, so I pushed it at 4000 for another 5 miles. Exhaust note got deep and noticed a little milk dripping in the front of the passenger head. Shut her down and trailered it home. I don't want to get discouraged, but am I fighting a losing battle with this 455 Olds. It was a fresh rebuild when I got the boat; bored .30 and came with a Dooley pan. Not sold on the dual hi rise setup it has either. Any tips would be awesome!