1975 Jimmy 454 Magnum Project

[eventhorizon66]

You don't need them if you are running a carb.  They are used by the ECM on FI engines to retard ignition timing if knock is detected.  Also, there are aftermarket knock alert gauges you can use as a tool to help dial in your ignition timing.

[VileZambonie]

They were also used on carbureted engines with ESC. If you aren't running that they serve no purpose and can be plugged,

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks eventhorizon66 and VileZambonie, I'll remove them today and pick up the correct plugs at Napa.

Just picked up my new-to-me ignition, it's not the best system for my application but the price was right.  I obtained a MSD 7AL-2 and a MSD Distributor, PN 85551

All I need to get now is the right coil for the above components and some wires.  I'm waiting for the MSD discussion forum to approve my account so I can post some questions to their forum.

Not sure which spark plug wires to order that work best for a 454 with block hugger headers?  Anyone been there and done that?  I have the heat shield from the 1986 Suburban 454, haven't tried to see if they'll work with the headers yet.

Well out to the garage to get back to the project.

[eventhorizon66]

I would get a set of universal cut-to-fit wires.  It's easy to assemble ignition wires and the best way to ensure a good fit.

[Mike Phillips]

She's in!

My Sony didn't want to work for some reason so this is the best I could get using the camera in my iphone.

This is my 10-year old son Rand who's a true "Car Guy" in the making, I had him assist me in the install because it's not every day you get to put a big block Chevy engine into something and he's actually a pretty good little wrench monkey.  That's his sidekick Daphne "The Dark Overlord and Destroyer of Planets" in the picture with him, she's not as innocent as she looks.






The intake manifold kept coming out all washed out in the pictures but you get the idea.






Tomorrow we'll install the 700R4 Transmission and NP208 Transfercase and then start buttoning her up for a test fire.

[Mike Phillips]

These Ansen valve covers fit but you have to carefully wiggle them a little to snugy them into place and that was without the gasket installed.   

[eventhorizon66]

Looks right at home. Be sure to watch that valve cover clearance with the engine running.

[VileZambonie]

Lookin good

[ccz145a]

Suhweet!

[Mike Phillips]

***Update***

Removed, inspected, cleaned and reinstalled the transmission, transfercase and torque converter and it appears to be all correct and ready to go.

today I installed the starter, transmission cooling lines, transmission shift linkage, transfercase linkage, MSD coil, ignition box, distributor and valve covers.

Here's shot of the visible progress.




Need headers, fuel pump and finish bolting on components like alternator and power steering pump.

[82k5diesel]

Looks great! Almost there man!

[BigTowExcursion]

Mike, What are the chances you live in sunny Twentynine Palms?  I think I've seen your truck around.

[choptop]

I like Rands shirt. The truck is coming along nicely.

[Mike Phillips]

***Update***

Tomorrow is Fire Day, that is the day we test fire the engine.  Everything's done except lower and upper radiator hoses, install the battery and then test all the new wiring for the Holley electric fuel pump and the electric choke.

I don't have a oil dipstick that fits the receptacle on the 8-Quart Marine Oil pan.  I bought a Mr. Gasket dipstick because that's what I could find on the shelf but the tube doesn't fit correctly into the receptacle.  I need to find a way to cover the receptacle so oil can't get out and dirt can't get in until I can locate and purchase the correct dip stick.

Here's a few shots of the engine compartment where we left off at around 6:00pm today.






Had a few unexpected problems like the MSD Spark Plug wire kit ended up having the wrong spark plug boots for headers so we installed a set of Belden wires from NAPA until I can send this kit back to Jegs and hopefully get the right set as a replacement.

Local owner of the local speed shop sold me some NGK plugs that I assumed were the right plugs for my heads because I assumed as a vetran Drag Boat and Car racer he knew his business.  The counterman at NAPA said the threads were close but not correct for my heads and that's why they went in so tight.  In the future I'll stick to Tim Briggs in Oregon for parts recommendations as he's never been wrong in my almost 30 years of business with him.  (Not happy with the speed shop right now.)   

Crossing my fingers everything's right.  Should know about noonish if the engine and installation is ready to rock and roll or move on to plan B, which doesn't exist right now.

[Mike Phillips]

Having a hard time finding a oil dipstick tube that will work with this oil pan in my truck.

found this,

http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=eBasicPower&Product_Code=MER818631A6&Category_Code=DIPSTICK



The picture shows the tube only, not the actual dipstick and it's $70.00!

Any Super Google Searching Sleuths with a little free time on their hands able to help me hunt down a solution?

I need to get back into the garage, can't sit here and surf the web but I need a dipstick and tube that will work on this Mercruiser 8-quart Marine Oil Pan.

Ugh and Ugh again...