bad vibration

[philo_beddoe]

Vile, there are like pages and pages of distributors on summit's website, which one should I get for that crate 350? And also, cluth (fan), balancer/pulley and water pump, and anything else i should get? Starting to build wish list, preparing for the big order.

Thanks,,

[VileZambonie]

Standard tune up items as well, plugs wires, cap and rotor. The ignition system is one of the most overlooked upgrades you can do.  A nice HEI vacuum advance is all you need but you can upgrade depending on what you want to spend. I recommend custom length wires so they can be routed neatly. Chevy blue engine paint unless you want to keep it black.

See if it comes with valve cover gaskets and intake gaskets. A tube of the right stuff RTV. Fluids, oil, filter, coolant, thermostat and gasket, carburetor base gasket. You need a power steering pump spacer too. I think there's a nut there as a spacer now but summit sells the spacers for like a buck or two.

Central CT coatings can give you a price on coating your manifolds if you want to give them a call. Ask for Gene, and you can tell him I referred you and maybe he'll give you a better deal.

http://www.centralctcoatings.com/

[philo_beddoe]

Ok, sounds good so far. Why the valve cover gaskets, it comes with valve covers already on. And, why the thermostat gasket and carb base gasket? Those are already on my current intake. Just asking...

Also, how are we going to paint chevy blue over the already black? (Not that i dont like chevy blue, i LOVE the original blue)

[philo_beddoe]

Is this the spacer? Only one they listed.
Shows only for pontiac.

[VileZambonie]

because you do not reuse old gaskets and old thermostat on a brand new engine. You told me you like your valve covers so if you want them swapped over they go onto the new engine. Usually if they come with VC's they are chap tins with a little sticker that says the displacement. As far as paint, it's your preference.

try part # KRS-SPC90-0-500

[philo_beddoe]

Understood, thanks.

[philo_beddoe]

because you do not reuse old gaskets and old thermostat on a brand new engine. You told me you like your valve covers so if you want them swapped over they go onto the new engine. Usually if they come with VC's they are chap tins with a little sticker that says the displacement. As far as paint, it's your preference.

try part # KRS-SPC90-0-500

Got it!!! Spacer has been added to the wish list.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/krs-spc90-0-500

[Greybeard]

Don't forget the cost of hooking the exhaust system back up if they don't align good and the new gaskets that should be put there as well. Also new belts to run all the accessories, is the old alternator being reused? A/C? Bolts? Vacuum lines? Radiator/heater hoses. That's the fun of engine swaps/rebuilds/replacements, they can nickle and dime you to death. What about cleaning the engine bay to compliment the new engine? New paint for that? Is the radiator up to dealing with the increased displacement? Fuel pump being reused?

Gaskets are not something you should reuse especially on a different mounting surface. Especially compressible gaskets. Rubber types can maybe work if they are new enough.

Vile will likely do this anyway but it should be SOP (or a good idea anyway) to get oil pressure built up prior to installing the engine for a couple of reasons. To check the rear main seal for leakage is the primary one however. Nothing is a bigger headache than having to remove a fresh engine because the rear of it leaks. The cam plugs could leak too. Neither one is likely, but either could happen.   

[philo_beddoe]

Already new exhaust, alt is good, no a/c. Rad and fuel pump work good. Belts are still new.

Yeah, guess i'll do a quick clean up of engine bay. Clean and paint, not show truck. And stop raising my anxiety level!! Lol

[philo_beddoe]

Hadnt started in 7 days, -15 last night. Had to jump the old girl today. Crankshaft getting worse though.

[Captain Swampy]

Do the best you can to figure out what you need including the engine. Once you add it all up, take 1/3 of that total and add it to the original total. If you get it done for less than that, you did well.

You're going to need plugs, wires, cap,rotor, ?new distributor, oil, oil air and fuel filters, antifreeze, gaskets, brake cleaner, shop rags or towels, paint, ?water pump, etc....

If your engine is $2000 and your other stuff is $400, 2400/3= $800.....so plan on $3200 total cost. You will need nuts, bolts, cables, brackets, hoses, wires, sensors, exhaust work that are unplanned and add up quickly. If you do an honest estimate you should come in under the the total cost with the 1/3 added to it.

[philo_beddoe]

Cant comment right now, need to go puke first!

Vile, say it aint so! You know i have severe anxiety attacks!

I think the truck might have to come off the road, or drive until the engine splits in two.. This is not an "lol".  Now the anger is fighting the anxiety, then depression. And of course the cycle starts over again. I hate this problem!

[bd]

You know philo, it is what it is.  Go focus on something else for awhile.  Take a walk.  Let the list that Vile provided be your guide.  After all, he evaluated it; he's doing the work; no one else has a better grasp of what's needed.  Quit second guessing.  Then start collecting parts a little at a time.  Focus on the list.  If it's not on the list, it isn't needed.  At this point, input from anyone else is simply distraction - not wrong, but distraction nonetheless.  Vile is a professional.  Trust his experience.

[philo_beddoe]

Thanks for the encouragement! It helps. Vile is the only one i DO trust. If not for him, truck would be off the road.

Take care, thanks again.  The list is building.

[VileZambonie]

The best thing anyone ever said to me after I was stressing until it was ruining my life was "Worrying is a waste of time" This came from my secretary! I'm like ya know she's right. Since then I get way less stressed about things. In life you can go day by day saying, what if, what if what if. What if when I am doing your engine swap we have an earthquake and it swallows the new engine? What if ? I know you are on a budget and will do my best to help you stay on budget. I consider that I am helping out a fellow enthusiast who intends to keep this truck and someone who will ultimately bust his own knuckles on it into retirement. If I thought you were just a tight wad looking for a hand out I'd tell you to go pound sand.

An engine swap in a 73-80 is something I can do with my eyes closed. The time consuming part is the attention to detail, cleaning, painting, ensuring longevity and the final tune in. The best part is closing the hood and taking a joy ride. Begin with the end in mind.

If it make you feel any better I just spent $550 on window parts for the orange truck because the original glass looks like poop and I don't want to reuse it. When I croak my daughters can sell my trucks and tools/equipment and hopefully make a lot of $. It's an investment in my passions, who cares what it costs if you love it?

So anyway, send me your list in an email and I'll look it over and check my sources for prices etc. PS I can't stand puke so don't puke near the truck k?