357 (350 - .40 Over) Build Questions Etc

[Chevygold]

That's what I meant, my distributor was mounted this way and I always struggled with the screw nearest the firewall but after fitting it as I said the 2 back screws are both easily accessible. Just saying.
Graham

[Mike81K10]

Started the installation of my ignition/plug wire today and had to quit because the weather got bad for me to work in my work shed. I got my exhaust system, it is supposed to me for my make and model truck. The exhaust system is 304 stainless 3" pipes and a duel chamber round muffler, also 304 stainless inside and out.

[VileZambonie]

The weather got bad in the shed? You got a hole in the roof? 

[Shifty]

She-shed?


 

[Mike81K10]

No hole in the roof, lighting, humidity, and rain blowing in the door I leave open when working for light and air flow.

[Mike81K10]

I completed running and making the Ignition/Plug Wires. Will check the carburetor fit and go over the rest of the engine next and then install it.

[Chevygold]

Should sound sweet, I made a new exhaust in 2 1/2" stainless for my C10 as the one that was on my truck ran a bit too close to the fuel lines and the rear brake flexi for my liking, I also put a crossover pipe in just in front of the gearbox crossmember, stuck with the mild steel headers that it came with though. Can't remember what the mufflers are.

Graham

[Mike81K10]

Well, I did it! I installed the engine in my truck today. I still have much to do. Someone asked me if the tall valve covers with clear the brake booster and that question made me a little nervous. However, they do clear the brake booster.

I started to install the engine yesterday late afternoon and did not get finished putting it in till today. My age is felt! Never had a problem before this engine. It did not want align without a struggle. I still have much work to do to finish it up and run it. I installed the oil filter and the spark plugs (after I took the attached picks) to protect it from insects and Etc.

[Shifty]

Excellent!   

[Mike81K10]

Getting the rest together! Cleaning parts and painting as I put them on. Cleaned and sanded down the bell housing dust cover. Cleaning up and paint other parts as well. The BH dust cover is OEM to my truck and got a pic of the part number just in case. I checked on line and many places offer the part for around $20.

[Mike81K10]

Discovered after refinishing my bell housing dust cover that it did not fit the new engine. Seems there is a difference that was probably due to my old engine was a 2 piece RMS and new engine is a 1 piece RMS. Had to grind down the area that goes around the oil pan/crankshaft end a bit. I reshaped it a little at a time until I got it right. Painted the starter my engine color and installed it, but did not connect the wires yet.

I want to have it running by this weekend. Does anyone have a good method for determining if the starter needs to be shimmed for the flywheel?

[Mike81K10]

Been going a bit slow, my wife's been ill. The manufacturer of my short block put a threaded plug in the oil sensor hole on the top back of engine block with red permanent Loctite. I almost stripped it trying to get it out. Did not want to use a torch because it might damage the intake manifold and perhaps other stuff. Got lucky! Decided to try using my soldering gun since it gets much hotter than my soldering iron. Held it on the plug for about 4 minutes and the plug came out without much trouble.

Went ahead and installed the distributor and ignition wiring, the oil sensor on top of the engine and above the oil filter. Will work on the headers next I think.

Was thinking about using my Rochester Carburetor and don't know if that is wise or should I buy a Holly 750 cfm carburetor. I don't even really know what cfm the Rochester carburetors are. I have two that is practically new (barely used).

[Shifty]

I hope your wife feels better Mike...

[Mike81K10]

Thanks Shifty, we have been married for 41 years and my wife may not have much time left. Don't think she will get better, but the lord can work wonders. We were married for about 3 years when I bought my 81 K10 used from a Colorado dealership, it was a trade in.

I try to spend some time on my truck when I can to give me some time to get my mind off things. I installed the valve cover breather and rattle PVC Cap, headers, spark plugs, and connected the ignition/plug wires. I also filled up the engine with break in oil and the dip stick. I covered the ends of the headers to protect from critters to complete the days work.

I have attached a few pictures.

[Shifty]

Dang Mike, that makes me sad.....