Lunati cam and Pro Comp head discussion

[dsgb610]

Apologies, I also have center bolt valve covers and a Vortec intake. Currently I have factory GM vortec valve covers bu t i do have the proform ones new in the box. I had read that the centerbolt was the correct primary valve cover for these heads.

[nlauffer]

This is the valve cover I was thinking about.  Also, the timing chain cover, and air cleaner to match.

[454Man]

Nice!

What's under the hood??? If you have to ask maybe we shouldn't race...

[nlauffer]

I just placed my order for Comp's K12-238-2


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[nlauffer]

I walked across the street to the Napa to get head gaskets and oil pan set, but they did not have the ones I thought I wanted.

I was thinking about the 1003 or 1010 FelPro head gasket.  What does everyone else think.
I also want the one piece oil pan gasket.  Which one is it?

[nlauffer]

Fel Pro - OS34510T  This is the one.  anyone have issues with the dual dipstick hole on these gaskets?

[nlauffer]

Haven't posted in a while so I better update some.

I received my Comp Cam K kit. I switched out the springs, retainers, and locks on my heads. It already had new seals. I got my oil pump on. I picked up a new oil pan and timing cover and oil pan gasket set. I just need to get the pump pickup attached. I hope to install cam and timing set in a couple days. I am still looking for a dual plane intake close by but I'll probably end up ordering one.

[nlauffer]

Cam is in and timing set is on.  Although not bolted down as I couldn't find my cam gear bolts.  I got some new ones just a bit ago.

I have "cast iron" engine paint, "aluminum" engine paint, and "black" engine paint.  I can't decide I keep changing my mind on the color.  The only thing I am certain of is the black valve covers and air cleaner from Procomp.  Let me know your ideas.  I'm leaning towards black.

[nlauffer]

I've got an opportunity to buy a stock GM aluminum intake manifold. Does anyone know if these are worth it?

[rich weyand]

Is it a dual plane manifold?  There will be a divider fore and after through the center of the carb/TBI mounting location if it is.  The dual-plane GM ones are OK.

Been thinking about engine color.  With the black valve covers, I would go with something contrasting, like Chevy orange, body color, or aluminum.

[nlauffer]

I was thinking About aluminum color and started to paint it but it just didn't look right. Maybe cause I didn't do the whole thing. I like the contrasting colors most. The black was kind of giving up on deciding. I like the orange but I want something a little different.

[rich weyand]

You could do a hammertone finish.  My bro does it on machine tools and it is awesome looking.  Tough as nails, too.

I'll ask him what brand he uses. 

One important note: the finish has a little bit of a grain or direction to it from brush strokes, so you have to brush it all in one direction.  He gets around that by stippling it with an acid brush.

[nlauffer]

I thought I saw a small block build on PowerBlock's Horsepower, where they used aluminum paint on the bulk of the engine.  I like the way it looked, but I can't find the episode and can't remember for sure what it ended up looking like.

[rich weyand]

I don't see it either.  Normally for manifolds and water pumps and stuff they use "Dupli-Color Paint, Engine Enamel with Ceramic Resin, Gloss, Aluminum, 12 oz., Aerosol."

Here's a picture of an aluminum painted block from a forum.  It's in a Vette:


Here's what a Hammerite finish looks like.  Hammerite is the brand my bro uses.  You must either spray it on or stipple it on with a cut-short brush, or it will show brush marks.  This is "graphite" color:

[nlauffer]

Quick update and a couple questions.

I have the heads torqued down and oil pan and timing cover on.

I was looking over my block and was wondering why there are so many threaded holes in the block. Does anyone have a diagram or something of what all the holes were used for?  I know which ones are for motor mounts and fuel pump and front accessories, also the ones scored oil pressure. But, there is another one near the oil filter location and a couple on each side of block about mid way.

What do I need to look for in regards to whether or not my distributor could use rebuilding?