[Badges ? Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!]

I have an 85 brat, and it said "VIN failure" also!

[94 Loyale bogs at 45 when cold and rich most of the time]

I've had good luck getting suby parts thru Partsgeek.com where others don't offer them. Might be worth checking. I can't remember where I got the fuel pump tho!

[94 Loyale bogs at 45 when cold and rich most of the time]

Could be a weak fuel pump!

[Stripped Threads on Exhaust Bracket/ (Engine Block?)]

I actually cut threads into the steal flange and put in a short bolt w/ larger dia. as a temporary fix since the flange was tight against the head already. It only worked because 1 hole was still good and firmly attached to the head. When my son was ready to overhaul the engine, I did the correct fix and put heli-coils in the heads in the damaged holes.

[Hot-tanking/heated parts washer]

I agree with them. Everything should be tore down before washing/hot-tanking them. Heads can be done with the valves and springs still in them, but only if you're putting them back on right away and running the engine because some moisture can still be trapped in the valve guides. I run a machine shop for 19yrs now. The caustic solution will also "blacken" the aluminum if left in too long. I usually charge $50 to "cook" a bare block, so $80 is probably right depending on your area. Besides pine needles, I'd be concerned about moisture getting into the steel areas of the engine and rusting up.