Catastrophic Failure of the Camshaft Bearings
Well, it died on me completely on New Years Eve day, 12/31/2012, and I had it towed to a garage here in town that same day. Turned out to be the ignition switch, which was replaced. Subsequent to that, they (the garage guys) found that the starter had come apart from the heat from the headers, presumably. Replaced the starter, and had the new one wrapped in an asbestos covering to deflect the heat from the headers. Engine would now fire up, but ran roughly and had the miss. Acting on their suggestion, I bought a new carb (a Holley) and they installed it. The miss was still present and the garage guys couldn't figure out what was causing it, and after having there for seven (7) months I finally called them in early August and told them I was coming to get the Dart. They were fine with that, as I believe they eventually realized it just wasn't something within their abilities to work upon, despite the alleged experience level of their staff. We parted company amicably, and I drove the Dart home to park it and find an alternative place to which to take it for work.
Found a new guy who came highly recommended, and dropped it off to be evaluated. In two days he called and said it was his opinion that the camshaft was the issue, and should he go ahead and pull it? I told to go ahead and do so, and that's when he discovered the bearings were toast.
The oil pressure was up in the 50 range (on the gauge installed when the rebuilt engine was re-installed) when driving the Dart prior to dropping it off at the latest place, so I had good pressure. I hardly drove it between having it at the different locations, because I knew it wasn't right and was concerned about causing more damage to it. Oil level was full, and at idle it was rough but would run down the street at speed as though nothing was wrong.
Long story, I know, but I'm just trying to give y'all a better picture of what I've been going through with this. It's a bit of a PITA, to say the least.