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Goodbye 440....hello A block 318
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miquelonbrad
Posted 2014-12-16 9:24 AM (#464826 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Expert

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Looking good Gord!!

BTW, your Mustang has a bunk mate the same colour now, 'cept it's a Studebaker!
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skyhawk
Posted 2014-12-19 10:21 PM (#465271 - in reply to #464776)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Veteran

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Hi Gord,
I checked several sources that list the casting numbers of Mopar exhaust manifolds, but I couldn't find an entry for 2843392. Is it possible that your left side manifold number is 2843992, which is listed for 383/440 left side applications 1968-69? Your passenger side manifold number, 2806900, shows as being used on 68-69 383/440s. These numbers would be good for the year your 440 engine was installed in the GTX donor car. Dennis
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sconut1
Posted 2014-12-23 8:59 PM (#465672 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Elite Veteran

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Location: Edmonton, Alberta
I'll check that manifold again. The casting numbers are a little difficult to read, but I already suspect that your guess at the number is probably right. I'll post back as soon as I can.
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wayfarer
Posted 2014-12-30 3:15 PM (#466229 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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MaMopar typically started the next model year production after July so that cast date would be for 1969.
The '-1' number is the number of the mold for that casting.
Perhaps you can post a side-photo of the manifolds when the engine is out.

For others with a need, we also do cam regrinds.

.

Edited by wayfarer 2014-12-30 3:17 PM
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sconut1
Posted 2015-01-02 11:44 PM (#466529 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Elite Veteran

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Hi Skyhawk:

I took another look at that driver side manifold and indeed, it is 2843992-1.

Wayfarer:

Your post about the -1 makes sense to me. The engine (if memory serves me correctly, was produced in Sept? Oct? (I can't remember exactly) of '68 and was installed in a '69 GTX, so more and more, I think those manifolds (if not original to the engine), are at least period correct for it.

Everyone else... stay tuned.... this project was side tracked by the Christmas holiday, but I plan to get busy again this weekend. More updates/pics to come very soon. A big thanks to Jeff Nichols and Jessica S, who've also given me a ton of advice so far in addition to everyone else who's posted here!

Edited by sconut1 2015-01-02 11:50 PM
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sconut1
Posted 2015-01-15 12:42 AM (#467635 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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Placed a huge order with Rock Auto tonight. Basically every external engine part (including temp and oil senders)...cap, rotor, plugs, air filters, water pump, fuel pump, belts, hoses, Air Filters (BTW....Fury side saddle air filters are WIX 42030 or NAPA 2030) and more.

I wish I had my cam, I wish I had my cam, I wish I had my cam, I wish I had my cam, I wish I had my cam, I wish I had my cam......This is holding me up, This is holding me up, This is holding me up, This is holding me up......

Ok, enough already... lots more to come
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sconut1
Posted 2015-01-22 9:48 PM (#468355 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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My camshaft arrived today, along with my Rock Auto parts order and my order of engine paint from Bill Hirsch. I discovered that I needed upper bushings on both upper control arms as well and now is the obvious time to do this work. I ordered two sets of bushings from Rare Parts and these arrived this week too. I'm painting my inner fenders this weekend, as well as the rad saddle.

With luck, I should be in possession of my engine by the end of next week

Edited by sconut1 2015-01-22 11:19 PM
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d500neil
Posted 2015-01-23 3:57 AM (#468369 - in reply to #468355)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

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Gord, you should take this opportunity to replace EVERY suspension component/bushing on your car, including the "rag joint"
at least, confirm its good-condition, as that 'rag joint' can produce front end steering instability.

All FWDLK'ers can and should have steering systems that exhibit virtually no front end 'play' or wandering tendencies.

Of course, the tires' condition and the front end alignment are very important (you should be able to dial-in 1.5 degrees of Positive Caster, too,
to allow/create steering self-alignment, and Lucas brand "Steering Stop Leak" in the P/S reservoir will increase steering
response and 'feel')

Nobody should have to suffer from vague 'playful' steering response in his car.





Edited by d500neil 2015-01-23 3:59 AM
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soiouz
Posted 2015-01-26 8:34 AM (#468635 - in reply to #467635)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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sconut1 - 2015-01-15 12:42 AM

Placed a huge order with Rock Auto tonight. Basically every external engine part (including temp and oil senders)...cap, rotor, plugs, air filters, water pump, fuel pump, belts, hoses, Air Filters (BTW....Fury side saddle air filters are WIX 42030 or NAPA 2030) and more.

I wish I had my cam, I wish I had my cam, I wish I had my cam, I wish I had my cam, I wish I had my cam, I wish I had my cam......This is holding me up, This is holding me up, This is holding me up, This is holding me up......

Ok, enough already... lots more to come



What fuel pump did you order?

I had a lot of trouble with the (Airtex 711 I think) fuel pump Rockauto sold me last fall for the stock 313 in my car. Had to return it, they sent another which was WORSE! I finally asked for a full refund and got my very old pump overhauled instead. It works fine now.
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sconut1
Posted 2015-01-27 11:41 PM (#468788 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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Neil: Will be replacing a few more bushings in the front end. I was able to get (memory fails me on the proper name) of the bushings that go through the front crossmember. The rest of the stuff is not difficult to get to with the driveline in the car, and I'd prefer to have the car at my friend's shop and have him do the balance of the bushings. He's properly equipped to do the balance of the rubber bushings (lower control arms, et. al) where I'm not. As far as the steering components go, I've had this car safety checked every year that I've owned it and the front end stuff (shocks, ball joints, tie rod ends) are in quite good shape and are nice and tight, so happily that's an expense I won't need to incur. Nevertheless, thanks for making that post. It's excellent advice and if I did need to repair any of the steering components, I'd be replacing all of them, and at this time. My tires are almost brand new Goodyear Custom SuperCusions. They've seen less than 3000 miles since I installed them on the car in 2011.

Soiouz: I have a feeling it is the Airtex pump I ordered. In fact, I just went out and checked and indeed, it is the Airtex 711 that I purchased. What kind of issues did you have with it?

Edited by sconut1 2015-01-28 12:09 AM
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sconut1
Posted 2015-01-27 11:42 PM (#468789 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Elite Veteran

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Gentleman....meet my 40% insurance surcharge......



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sconut1
Posted 2015-01-27 11:54 PM (#468791 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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I had a buddy pop by my place last night. I've never pulled an engine before and he's done a few. Turns out that it was quite an easy pull. We had the engine out of the car in about 45 minutes, which left plenty of time for beer.

With a little luck, my poly 318 should be done this week or early next week. My transmission may have been completed today, so I need to call them tomorrow and see what the scoop is. My more or less correct radiator (out of a 1957 Plodge), is done and I'll pick it up tomorrow. So... at this point, it's remove the upper control arms, have them re-bushed, replace the bushings for the strut rods, refinish the frame, refinish the firewall. The firewall I'll cover in a different post, though most of you will catch an electrical mod the instant you see it. I have a portion of a firewall from a car I got from John Fowlie, which I'll be cutting up to repair this little mess. But again, that's for another post. I thought I'd include some photos of the engine mounts that the 440 installer used.

So that's where I'm at right now. Gonna have a buddy hack out the 440 mounts and weld in proper Poly V8 mounts. When that's done, I'll repair the firewall back to a proper wiring bulkhead and then refinish it, followed by repainting the front of the frame.







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sconut1
Posted 2015-01-27 11:58 PM (#468792 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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Apparently... the firewall pic was to big to post.

Oh yea.. .one more item..... I got my right hand exhaust manifold back from the cast iron welding place today. No, you don't want to know how much it cost. However, magnafluxed, repaired and heat riser valve removed and holes plug welded, such that it is...here it is....


I think I might try painting the exhaust manifolds with VHT's very high temperature primer and paint. Jury is out on that still. The welds are great, but that manifold doesn't look that good the way it is. I'm thinking about painting it black or maybe dark grey if I think the dark grey can look sorta like cast iron... Supposedly that VHT stuff (PowerBlock TV says so... for what ever that's worth) says that it's supposed to be good for 2000F, and they've painted headers with it before. Again....still thinking about it.

Edited by sconut1 2015-01-28 12:04 AM




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soiouz
Posted 2015-01-28 6:57 AM (#468805 - in reply to #468788)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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sconut1 - 2015-01-27 11:41 PM

Soiouz: I have a feeling it is the Airtex pump I ordered. In fact, I just went out and checked and indeed, it is the Airtex 711 that I purchased. What kind of issues did you have with it?



First one I received had so much play in the lever arm that it didn't work at all. The lever even had side to side play, as if it were missing the little bushing around the pin that holds the lever.

I mentionned this as the reason for the return to rockauto, and they promptly sent me another one.

When I got that one I thought it was a bad joke: the lever arm was so stiff, I couldn't make it move even slightly as if it were welded shut. Both were completely useless.




Edited by soiouz 2015-01-28 8:12 AM
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60 dart
Posted 2015-01-29 12:44 AM (#468874 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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this airtex 711 was in my stroker 318 for less than 10 minutes . the pressure was 3 lbs. and the wear plate on the tine is worn through , if it can be seen in the photo good enough ----------------------------------later


pssss . the stripes on the tine are the laminated pieces that make up the arm .

Edited by 60 dart 2015-01-29 12:47 AM




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soiouz
Posted 2015-01-29 10:41 AM (#468895 - in reply to #468874)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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60 dart - 2015-01-29 12:44 AM

this airtex 711 was in my stroker 318 for less than 10 minutes . the pressure was 3 lbs. and the wear plate on the tine is worn through , if it can be seen in the photo good enough ----------------------------------later


pssss . the stripes on the tine are the laminated pieces that make up the arm .



Geeez!

What did you end up using? Any other brand that you would recommend? I was thinking of a conversion to electr. pump if I cannot find a better one.
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mstrug
Posted 2015-01-29 1:04 PM (#468900 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Expert 5K+

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You could Jet-Hot the Manifolds:

http://www.jet-hot.com/coatings/jet-hot-extreme-2500/
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60 dart
Posted 2015-01-30 12:18 AM (#468944 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Expert 5K+

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Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
when i bought the first one , i got a twin to . right now i'm tracking down a set of cooler firing plugs for the stroker . maybe a week of so i'll see how the new pump goes . before i put the new 711 on , i also had to change
the eccentric , as it got hot enough to turn blue . i also added a chain oiler to that side , just as some of the early 318's had . truth is i'm scared to death to fire it up again and the whole thing fail . i thought of using an
electric but i didn't want to tap into the old electricals . so now it's just a wait and see how badly things are going to turn out . at this point , optomism eludes me-----------------------------------------later
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Mopar1
Posted 2015-01-30 1:20 PM (#468987 - in reply to #468944)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Expert

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Been a lot of problems the last few years with hemi F/Ps, HH has an adaptor/spacer that allows use of an LA. Would that work on a Poly?
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sconut1
Posted 2015-01-31 3:18 PM (#469106 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Elite Veteran

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Well, I think you guys talked me out of the Airtex pump. Gonna see if I can source one elsewhere. If not, I think I'll follow Soiouz's advice and see if I can get a rebuild kit for my old one. Though........ if an 318 LA fuel pump will work, this will create better options.....
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60 Imp
Posted 2015-01-31 7:00 PM (#469125 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: RE: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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Location: North Australia
Why not rebuild a pump?

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&c...

I used one of these kits for my 413 and it works great so far (nearly 3000 miles).

Steve.
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sconut1
Posted 2015-01-31 9:40 PM (#469136 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Elite Veteran

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The rebuilt pump will definitely be the plan if I can't find a good quality pump. If I can find a new pump from a reputable company..... AC, Carter.... someone.... I'll go that route. If not, I guess I'm rebuilding the old pump from the 318.

Edited by sconut1 2015-01-31 9:41 PM
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miquelonbrad
Posted 2015-02-02 10:31 AM (#469230 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Expert

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Should be the same rebuild kit as I bought for my '57 Chrysler...
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wayfarer
Posted 2015-02-02 1:13 PM (#469242 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Elite Veteran

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Seems to me that an A engine and an LA engine should physically mount the fuel pump in the same configuration, the differences being the exterior design of the pump.
Perhaps an email to Gary Pavlovich is in order. glpavlovich@cox.net

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sconut1
Posted 2015-02-09 10:58 PM (#469741 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Elite Veteran

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Well.....some more progress.

I got the engine back from the re-builders. I promptly took it out to a friends shop where we'll put the heads on, lifters in, and intake manifold. It will be way easier to make the transmission and the engine block back together while it's out there too.

I'm still waiting on my transmission and getting a little bit frustrated with the wait. These guys seem to know their old transmissions, but it's not the most organized shop it the world. Right now, I'm waiting on a part that they refer to as the front pressure plate. I found this an odd choice of words for an automatic transmissions, but apparently, after doing a little research, the front pressure plate is the first plate in the clutch pack. The shop keeps ordering, and they keep getting them for a 727, rather than an A488. I'm thinking I might have to order this for them. They're a little old school there, and don't have a computer.

I was able to get my motor mounts installed. Here's a photo:



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sconut1
Posted 2015-02-09 11:12 PM (#469742 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Elite Veteran

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As far as the mounts go, we were able to find "good" scars where the old mounts were removed underneath the 440 mounts. The old scars fit the donor mounts perfectly, so I was comfortable welding them in.

I also managed to the upper control arm bushings replaced. This....was a royal PITA. After fabricating a tool similar to that in the manual and some repeated taps from a hammer (of various sizes), I was not able to get the upper ball joint to separate from the knuckle. Now... I had options, but any of them would damage the ball joint which I wanted to keep. I ended up removing the bolts for the control arm, and pressing the old ones out and new ones in. I also had to build a "press like tool" like in the service manual to remove and install these things. Had the ball joint come out.... it would have been easy to take the whole control arm in somewhere and have the old bushings removed and the new ones pressed in. Doing this job with the control arm still attached to the car is a little more challenging. I'll leave it at that.

I also managed to get my valve covers primed, and my exhaust manifolds primed. I decided to use VHT's very high temperature primer for this. If I have issues with the manifolds down the road, it's not a huge deal to try something different. And hey... it worked on Powerblock TV.....

The one thing that does suck about this paint is that you cannot paint over it unless you wait seven days, so sayeth the instructions. So.... next Sunday, I can make my valve covers gold and do the back side of the exhaust manifolds. It will be a month long process to paint these exhaust manifolds, but it's not like there isn't other work to do in the meantime. I'm tempted to continue anyway, but I suppose I'd better not.

Here's a few photos of the valve covers and manifolds in VHT primer.



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sconut1
Posted 2015-02-09 11:24 PM (#469743 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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The next two items that I'll tackle will be my frame and my firewall. I'll clean the frame, prime and paint it. As you can see from the photo below, my firewall is just plain rude, and was one of several reasons I wasn't the first guy to lift my hood at a car show.

There was a lot of stuff that wasn't supposed to be mounted on my firewall. There was an Electronic Ignition Box, a ballast resistor, and "Modern" (60s-70s-80s) starter relay. There were also a few holes drilled in the firewall for miscellaneous wiring for aftermarket stuff that presumably lived under the hood. I'll need to plug weld these holes and grind the welds. There's also a bulkhead connector from something, that's not supposed to be there. I have a piece of firewall that I bought from John Fowlie. I'll cut out the section of the firewall I need with the proper size hole made to fit the rubber bulkhead plug that's supposed to be there. I'll cut a hole in the firewall for this, and then weld in the new piece. Once this is done, I can prime and paint the Firewall and this car will start looking like it should.

Here's a photo of it as it is now.... I truly cannot believe that one of this car's prior owners thought that black spray paint was a good idea.

Edited by sconut1 2015-02-09 11:30 PM




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sconut1
Posted 2015-02-09 11:34 PM (#469744 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Elite Veteran

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One parting update..... my engine rebuilder wasn't able to rebuild my distributor. It's not really their forte, and when they found my vacuum advance was shot, that was the end of it. So, I've sent the distributor off to the Philbin group in Portland, OR, as d500Neil suggested. They will rebuild the distributor, replace the vacuum advance, and curve the distributor according to the information Neil sent me.
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soiouz
Posted 2015-02-10 7:08 AM (#469763 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: RE: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Expert

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That some nice progress! Thanks for the update!
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miquelonbrad
Posted 2015-02-11 9:23 AM (#469856 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Expert

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Looking good Gord!!

Do you still need the power steering pump, out of this '57 Belvedere here?
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Mopar1
Posted 2015-02-12 9:59 AM (#469930 - in reply to #469856)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Expert

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An LA dizzy is a bolt in.....though it may need a recurve.
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sconut1
Posted 2015-03-10 11:29 PM (#472188 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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Been awhile since I updated this..... Frame is painted, Firewall is now painted body color, my distributor is back from Philbin, sporting a total rebuild and a curve according to D500Neil's well researched specs. Photos to come in the next day or two.
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sconut1
Posted 2015-03-10 11:34 PM (#472189 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Elite Veteran

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And a big thank you to Michelon Brad! Brad hooked me up with the correct power steering pump, a new gasket for my heater box, a new gasket for my heater motor assembly, a bulkhead wiring gasket, and a power steering hose set with the correct clamps and even a sticker for my power steering pump! He also hooked me up with another torqueflite transmission. The transmission story, at this time is not a happy one, and is one I'll detail a little later in this post. My transmission woes are the last piece in the puzzle before I put everything back together again.
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oldwood
Posted 2015-03-10 11:48 PM (#472192 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Expert

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Is there any info on these Headers made in Arkansas??? Since I live in Arkansas I might as well check into them. I'm following your build as I may be doing a 318 rebuild in the near future.
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oldwood
Posted 2015-03-11 9:39 AM (#472208 - in reply to #472192)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Expert

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The phone # that you provided for those headers has been disconnected
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mstrug
Posted 2015-03-11 10:12 AM (#472211 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Expert 5K+

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You could oven cure the paint.

Hey Travis,
They turned out great. Not much odor. 200 degrees isn't all that hot really. Not sure how durable it will be? Oh and I don't think I made it clear but I only was doing the calipers and some other small parts not the whole engine. Caliper paint baked @ 200 for 60 min .

If you plan on cooking more small parts I might suggest getting a toaster oven. Not to expensive new, dirt cheap at garage/lawn sales. For some what larger parts, a regular electric stove with working oven. Keep them in the garage.
May help keep the peace on the home front.


http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2520
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sconut1
Posted 2015-04-04 7:21 PM (#474368 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: RE: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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My Firewall, ready for priming



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sconut1
Posted 2015-04-04 7:28 PM (#474369 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


Elite Veteran

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I primed the firewall and took care of a few of the larger imperfections. A lot happened in the last month or so, and I'll try to do a better job of telling you about them later this evening. Long story short, is that I've got the engine installed, the transmission installed and I'm on the way to putting the car back together. Here's a photo of the car showing off it's freshly re-plated hood hinges, painted springs, and it's installed engine.

Edited by sconut1 2015-04-04 7:36 PM




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ttotired
Posted 2015-04-04 7:55 PM (#474371 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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Not to pick holes (pardon the pun), but it looks like you have assembled your heads like I did, and I am sure I have mine on backwards

I dont think it really makes any difference, but if you look at the back of your heads, I think you will see that the head on the r/h side (as your looking at it) will have 4 tapped bolt holes at the back which (I think) are supposed to go to the front of the left side for accessory mounting options

I didnt notice it until I had mine running

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60 dart
Posted 2015-04-05 12:00 AM (#474392 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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pre 62 poly heads on have one hole per head . that one hole is for the ground wire and a head can be swapped to either side ----------------------------------------later
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ttotired
Posted 2015-04-05 4:41 AM (#474399 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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Not sure about that one Chuck

I have 5 318s here, all of them have 1 head with 4 holes at one end including my plymouth, which looks like an untouched engine

I will say though, that 4 out of the 5 engines are/were red, its only the plymouths engine thats silver

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60 dart
Posted 2015-04-06 12:09 AM (#474470 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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i should have said pre 61 , 61 has an alternator . pre 61 had a manifold mounted gen. . so , no need for all the holes ------------------------------------------later
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sconut1
Posted 2015-04-07 2:39 AM (#474594 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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Hmm.... interesting. I'll have a look at that. I was fighting with my distributor drive gear tonight, but will take a look at the heads and report back... I still owe everyone a proper update too.

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sconut1
Posted 2015-04-08 12:44 AM (#474709 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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To report back on the heads, there were no bolt holes on the rear. The engine should be a '58, so according to 60 Dart, there should be no additional bolt holes than what I have. So, all seems to make sense.
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sconut1
Posted 2015-04-08 1:34 AM (#474710 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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So....the story......... here's what's happened since mid February.

My cam arrived, it was installed in the engine, and the engine delivered to me. I had my mechanic buddy install the heads. Someone got a little carried away at my engine rebuilders with a box cutter and cut into my new head gaskets. Oh well, S*it happens. There's a local specialty shop that specializes in antique cars here. I stopped by and Garry not only hooked me up with head gaskets, but they were NOS head gaskets, stamped with the DPDC logo. My buddy installed the heads for me (I had absolutely zero room in my garage for a second engine at this time). I'd also burned myself years ago as a know-it-all teenager adjusting valves. If you're imaginative, you can figure out the ugliness that ensued. I didn't want a repeat of that, so I thought I'd get Danny to install the heads for me. I'll learn on the next project. Long block done... darn near painless! I just have to pay the bill..... I keep telling him no one rides for free....so I'd best pony up!

The transmission.....well... debauchery ensued. This was the absolute horror story of this whole job.

I'd dropped the transmission off the third week of September 2014. I was told to call in 3 weeks. I called.... nothing had been done. I was told to call again in a few weeks.... was told to call again in a week. I kept getting the run around. By this time, I'd realized I'd be late on getting my camshaft back from rebuilding....my fault. I'd misunderstood some directions and Chris Neilson had left for a winter vacation before he received my payment for the camshaft. No harm, no foul. Once I got the cam, I waited for my engine to be completed and in the meantime, I'd left the transmission shop alone. I feel that tradespeople are often best left alone. I still believe that, but it worked against me this time.

Once I received the engine, I started calling the transmission shop. By this time it was the end of February. I got the usual two weeks. I decided to head down to the shop and it was my intention to bang heads and fists if necessary. I met a dapper old gentleman there. I spoke with him, informed him that I was the guy with the cast iron torqueflite that has been there close to 20 weeks, and wanted to know if I could pick it up on Friday, completed. I was informed that the fellow I'd been dealing with had been fired, that he'd been sabotaging jobs, that my tranny was one of the sabotaged jobs and that he'd been stealing customer deposits. I was asked if I'd paid any cash up front, and I said no. I was informed that I'd "be ok".

Apparently, the old guy who owned the shop hadn't been actively working there, and he'd been counting on his mechanics to complete the jobs. Now, he'd be doing them, but he was only able to work a few hours a day (I'm guessing he's mid 80s). He was going to complete my transmission for me. He's asked if I could source another. I knew that Miquelon Brad here had one, but I'd hesitated wondering if I should even bother with this place anymore. The first old guy said that they'd brought in the parts for the transmission and that they'd be able to complete it. I decided to work with them. I got a second TF from Brad and brought it to them. They used good parts from the TF I got from Brad, plus the new parts they had from my transmission and put things together.

I'd asked them to check the torque converter. They checked it and said it was OK. I picked up the transmission two weeks ago and brought it to my buddy's place where we were going to put the two together. I wasn't left with a warm and fuzzy feeling over this transmission, so I decided to get a second opinion on the TC. I was told not to put it in, that it was filthy inside and that I'd have to send it to Vancouver for re-building. I wasn't happy at this time. I decided to take the TC to a third shop. Turns out, it was the shop my buddy uses for transmission repair. (Dan will R&I, but not rebuild anything). They looked at it, checked the end play, said it was ok, but very dirty. I left it with them, they cleaned it up, dresses the end of the TC where it mates to the seal on the transmission and they said it should be good.

I brought the whole mess back to my buddy's shop. We suspended the engine with a forklift and placed the transmission on a scissor lift. We assembled the engine and transmission and I took it back to my place. A few days later, he popped by and we installed the engine and transmission in the car.

I finally thought that I was now in control. I'd removed everything myself, so I could take things from here with no issue.

Famous last words......

I decided to get the right hand exhaust manifold mounted on the engine first. This was the manifold that I'd had cast iron welded. It wouldn't fit over the new studs. I was more than a little POed at this point, with cast iron welding costs being roughly 10 times here in Alberta what one would pay in the USA for the same work based on a PM I received. The Alberta labor advantage... well..., er. if you're the recipient. I got brave, and using a de-burring tool, enlarged the bolt holes on the exhaust manifold. I put the manifold on and it went on hard. I had to tap it with a plastic hammer to get it go over the studs, but it finally went on. I used a new exhaust manifold gasket, so I should be ok there.

Next was the starter. I went to install it, only to find that the thread holes in the adapter plate that bolts to the back the engine were totally destroyed. This also did not make me happy. I went to a local fastener supply store here, and a) purchased new fasteners for every last bolt on the engine and b) a 3/8-16 heli-coil kit. I was nervous about using the heli-coils as I'd never used them before. Turns out, they're not that bad. Drill as straight as you can, tap as straight as you can and the heli-coil will thread right in! Starter installed. I followed up with the left hand intake manifold. This was mostly a painless re-installation.

The water pump went in next, followed by the new generator. Painless, but forgot to get a new bolt for the long bracket. I got the bolt and all is good. Im discovering every old fastener on that engine was in poor condition. Now....when you purchase a new Airtex water pump from Rock Auto, it will have two plugs in it. Both need to be removed. The little one is for the heater hose, and one (as I did) will need to go to the local speed shop and get a new outlet to install in here. The larger hole (9/16" allen key required), is for the cross over tube. I had to buy an allen key to remove this as I had nothing this size in my kit. There's an adapter to a "normal size" hose supplied with the kit, but you'll need to install it in the water pump before installing the crossover outlet. Again, redily available at a speed shop.

I went to a local muffler shop to get a few pieces. I absolutely refuse to drive or start this car without the exhaust hooked up. I'm just anal that way. Glasspaks on someone's hot rod don't impress me.... at all and I won't be "that guy". The muffler shop sold me studs, nuts, exhaust gaskets and a sort of flange (not the right word), that I can weld pipe to. I went to NAPA and picked up some flexible exhaust tubing and an adapter to run the flex tube into the existing exhaust pipe. This, is Africa Engineering at it's finest. If this setup works well, I'll run it this summer, and I'll get the exhaust done complete next spring. If it doesn't, I'll have to bite the bullet and do it this summer.

So... in a nutshell, that's what's been happening over the last two months. I've been at this just about every night and every weekend, so that's why I've been a little quiet. I'm thinking that, in reality, there's only about 10-15 more hours of real work (not work and beer....typical with me), to get this car complete. I should be able to post more pics and more updates as this month progresses.

So.... that's where I'm at so far. My completion goal date is May 1st.




Edited by sconut1 2015-04-08 1:35 AM
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ttotired
Posted 2015-04-08 4:56 PM (#474770 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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I ran into the same little problem with the water pump, I didnt have a 9/16 ellen key either

I got a 3/8 bolt (9/16 head) and put 2 nuts on it to lock them together and used that assembly as an adaptor to get it undone

I feel soory for you about the transmission drama, I wouldnt have left it that long though

Worse thing is, would you take it back for warranty if it doesnt work? I wouldnt

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sconut1
Posted 2015-04-17 10:20 PM (#475835 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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Hi Ttotired.....thanks for the note regarding the transmission. It's an odd situation. The shop I brought the trans to has been in business for almost 38 years. They were a respected shop. Unfortunately, the owner... who appears to be well into his 80s, I think let things get a little out of control. It's funny, as soon as the gentleman he had helping him manage the shop and he himself got busy.... the transmission got done! I'm still a little concerned about how it was put together, but I won't know until I get the car back on the road.

As far as warranty... well, I wouldn't bring it back there, and I can't bring it back there. He's closing his doors. However, I was told, that he knows lots of guys in the business, and in fact, the shop I was going to bring it to when I wanted to pull everything out of there, he knows the owner there well. So, supposedly, if there's issues, I'd bring it to one of those shops, have them call Pete and he'll take care of things.

Am I counting on this.... no. But, I do have home telephone numbers, so it is possible for me to contact folks once the shop closes.

You know, all I can do at this point is cross my fingers and hope everything works.

The car is starting to come together. I'll have some more photos to post by the end of the weekend. I decided not to paint my inner fenders and rad saddle myself. I took a step back, and though I'd have liked to have done this work myself, I just don't have the space in my little garage to do it. I suppose I could have pulled it off, but I felt it better to have a local hot rod shop do the painting for me. I supplied everything but gunwash and sandpaper, and they are charging me $400.00 for labor. I figured that was reasonable as it's allowed me to concentrate on all the little odds & ends I've had to deal with.
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sconut1
Posted 2015-04-27 12:48 AM (#476743 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318


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So... a few things have happened on with the Fury over the last week or so. I'll just let pictures speak for themselves. I got the rad saddle and left hand inner fender in, the temporary exhaust in on the left side, the breather and the transmission dipstick tube back in, and I re-built both carbs. I installed them on the car today, and for fun, mocked up the rad install and the side-saddle air cleaners



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miquelonbrad
Posted 2015-04-28 9:19 PM (#476890 - in reply to #457120)
Subject: RE: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



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WHAT?!!! A FLEX rad hose?! Blasphemy!!
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d500neil
Posted 2015-04-28 9:30 PM (#476892 - in reply to #476890)
Subject: Re: Goodbye 440....hello A block 318



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

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...Not, on a Hot Rod.

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