81 K10 Build

[VileZambonie]

I would take that #2 wire out of the loom so it's not being pulled to the header. The bracketry has never been very good for these but the aftermarket ones have worked out great for me. I ordered a set for the PS pump and Sanden compressor and they worked mint.

[Mike81K10]

Good eye VZ! Yep, I need to go over my plug wires and ensure they clear the headers. I still have the radiator upper hose claps to put on after the rest of the stuff is together. I installed the fuel pump today and will deal with the hoses tomorrow.

The A/C compressor is finally installed. I will need to get the belts on yet. Been a while since I had taken it apart and it took a while to get it back together, but after much effort it came together. Was so tight that all bolts has to remain loose until I got them all started. It is the same mounting brackets I had previously used on my previous crate engine.

It is getting close to completion and I hope to start it up this weekend. I still need to build my fuel line and connect my fuel pressure gauge and Tachometer. My exhaust also needs to be installed and I hope it fits without too much trouble.

[VileZambonie]

Nice. How's your wife doing?

[Mike81K10]

She is doing better, yet I have to provide much care and attention.Glad she is home with me and not in the hospital. It was difficult to deal with and emotional. Thanks VZ!

[Shifty]

Good to hear Mike! 

[Mike81K10]

Got a lot done with the little time I have had to work on my truck. It is very close to cranking up. I got the belts, fuel line with Pressure gauge and 10 Micron Aeromotive Fuel Filters 12347 installed. It would not fit on top of the Intake manifold so I installed it just after the fuel pump. The fuel line plumbing took a lot of work. I got the  radiator hoses and shroud installed and belts tightened up. Only things left is the tachometer, light for the fuel pressure gauge, air breather, exhaust system (I have most of what I need to finish it), and then go over all to ensure the plug wires and everything else is ready to crank up (including reconnecting one of the fuel line connectors to the rear carburetor inlet). I may spin the oil Pump again prior to starting up, it had been about 5 weeks since I did it last.

[JohnnyPopper]

Isn't this like the dream build?!?!

Sooo nice Mike- THANKS!

[Mike81K10]

Will be a dream when done!

Got everything ready to crank it up, almost. About to complete the exhaust and will add pics of it when completed. Planned to crank it up within a day or two and service fluids yesterday. Today I got a disappointment. I have not even cranked it up yet and am losing coolant. I noticed the expenivee antifreeze was on the ground this morning. Appears the back cover of the water pump is leaking and of course I am not very happy about pulling it and the other stuff off to get to it. Summit is sending me a new fel-pro seal for it and the two mounting gaskets. Quality has gone down the crapper, even then buying what should be better quality parts. It is a Milodon Mechanical Water Pump 16212.

I am going to try and use an air cleaner I have had for quite some time, prior to going back to the OEM air cleaner that does not currently fit. Got the plug wires rearranged to clear the headers and when over the rest of the small stuff. Only thing lacking is the tachometer and of course the water pump repair.

I have a 2010 Impala that someone hit the rear right (passenger) side and did minor damage to the bumper and a minor dent in the quarter panel in a parking lot when my wife and I went out to dinner. The insurance claim today is supposed to pay and they listed it as comprehensive damage and I have zero deductible. I want to get it fixed and put it up for sell, don't know how much yet. It only has 80,000 miles and is loaded with every option to include two tone leather, sun roof, heated seats and mirrors, and so on. Everything is in excellent condition and will have to figure out the value. Police don't do anything about PL hit and runs.

[Mike81K10]

Is there a way to attach a video without doing a link to someplace else? May want to do a video down the road!

[JohnnyPopper]

Great work Mike!

Where are those wire management rails from?

Really tight!

So it's a new WP? Will remind me to tighten the back plate prior to install.

[ehjorten]

Are you meaning the spark plug wire looms? Those are from Spectre. You can get them off Summit. they have two styles...vertical or horizontal.

Great work Mike!

Where are those wire management rails from?

Really tight!

So it's a new WP? Will remind me to tighten the back plate prior to install.

[Mike81K10]

ehjorten is correct! They come from Summit and I will attach a pic for your info!

[Mike81K10]

Does anyone know the torque value for the cover on the back of the water pump? Will need it when I replace the gasket/seal!

[ehjorten]

Those are I think 1/4-20 bolts. Stock bolts are probably grade 5, so about 6-8 lb-ft should be safe.

[bd]

The rear plate can distort and the paper gasket under the plate can split through the holes if the bolts are over tightened.  With luck, the new gasket will arrive with a torque recommendation.  Otherwise, without an actual factory specification, I would install the new gasket either dry or coated with Permatex High-Tack (avoid RTV silicone and other "slippery when wet" sealers), apply blue Loctite to clean dry threads, and limit bolt torque to between 60 and 72 in-lbs (5 - 6 ft-lbs).  Tighten the bolts in a star pattern, in 2 - 3 discrete steps.  The final torque isn't quite as important as uniform torque on the fasteners.  You could actually accomplish the task by feel.