This is Where it Happened

[WorkinLonghorn]

This is a hill in L.A. developed in the 1910's-1921. A few blocks away they used to film silent movies and shorts such as The Keystone Cops etc at the Mack Sennett "Keystone Studios" starting in 1912.
It is listed as 35% grade on the sign but I think it is steeper at the top where you can see the rubber on the pavement from people losing traction.
It is at this location, near the top, where the original 350 blew up. I was hauling a massive load with my 4' sides up and two guys up in the cab with me. I guess I was showing off a bit and had it floored in 1st (or was it second). (close ratio NP 435). I had recently replaced the timing chain set but I should have done more work evidently. After the explosion, now at the bottom of the hill, I could see oil pouring out the side of the block where there was an ugly hole.
This was an "interference engine" that took mid or premium gas so I guess it had been upgraded at some point.
I'm happier with the replacement 350 that I got with a mild "RV" cam. Actually I wish I had chosen a more radical RV grind. There is nothing better than torque for one of these heavy trucks (5,300 Lbs. empty at the scales) especially for a working truck.
This was a few years ago but I just felt like running my fingers a bit.