[AGTO8U]

Could have started the engine last night, but got bogged down with shoddy wiring. It was functional, but not acceptable. Spent most of last night and today fixing it. Boring I know, but should payoff long term. Got everything else done except for the radiator/shroud/fan/alternator.

[AGTO8U]

Got the 428 engine started today. Was carefull anticipating where to put the distributor position for initial startup. Filled the engine with water through the upper radiator hose (drilled a 3/16" hole in the thermostat) then filled the radiator. Engine started up with minimal cranking soon as it got gas. Yes, those purple hornies are definately loud.......Love it! Oil pressure was excellent 60+, and no leaks. Rear main has a BOP seal which was installed more than 5 years ago when I had the shortblock done! After the initial 30min/2000rpm breakin, took it out on the highway forgetting I still had my pajama bottoms on, no hood, and no license (heat of the moment I quess). Temp never got above 170. It has an aluminum water pump with cast impeller and divider plate spacing less than .060" from the impeller. Also drilled some holes in the block to improve cooling. Took it out awhile later for about an hour doing brisk accelleration runs from about 40 to 90 to help breakin the rings. This thing has a lot of power and sounds very racey! Throttle response is excellent. You never know sometimes the slightest little thing can become a downer. Its been 6 years since my last engine, and I'm am very pleased I didn't screw it up.

[BILTIT]

Congrats! Now we need some videos!

[AGTO8U]

I've no experience posting videos on the net but would like to. Whats the easiest way to do this? My wife has a camcorder with small disc that could drop into our computer I think, and my daughter has a digital camera which can do short videos.

[AGTO8U]

Here's a picture of the engine paint over the exhaust ports after yesterdays running. The blue seems to have evaporated exposing the VHT 1300-2000 degree Aluminum (#SP-117) painted underneath.

[AGTO8U]

Changed the oil tonight 1st time after the initial break in. Looked clean on the dipstick, but in the drain pan, it was quite gray from the assemblylube on the cam and rockers. Oil filter came out between the headers and the frame. No signs of metal or glitter in the oil. I'm pleased to see the rear main was bone dry, a BOP seal installed more than 5 years ago! The transmission did not fare as well. There was fluid dripping from the shiftlinkage and speedometer cable, and got on the exhaust and rearend. It seems it was coming from the speedo cable. The speedo fitting was tight, but the end was buggerd up and there was no O-ring or seal. I wrapped it with teflon pipe tape and tightened it down real good.........we'll see if that helps.

[BILTIT]

youtube.com is the best for videos.

My paint on the heads did the same, silver showing through.

[AGTO8U]

This engine is a lot of fun. It really winds up rpm fast, had it to 6000 so far and it will do more than that. 1st gear is a joke as no traction, sounds cool as the engine winds up real quick and the interior fills with the smell of burning rubber and smoke! I'll try to figure out how to do a YouTube video.

[AGTO8U]

Oops.....put the hood on and after a series of "excersizes" notice 2 things. 1. engine temp went up 10 to 15 degrees, 185 now instead of 170. I was expecting the engine to run the same or a little cooler with the hood on. 2. Clearance to the air cleaner very tight as there are new scratches on the underside of the hood. Took some tin foil, rolled it, placed it on the air cleaner and slammed the hood ....the foil was flat as a pancake. I'd like to keep the stock hood and can get a little more clearance by raising the hinges, but do you think the air cleaner so close to the hood will impeade air flow?

[Mr. Ro]

Strictly from an engineering viewpoint, I think you'll be creating quite a restriction at the top of the air filter, which will increase the amount of hot air you'll be vacuuming in off the motor thru the sides of the filter. Hotter intake air = less HP. Extended use will probably start gouging deeper into the hood or filter due to normal vibration. Not meant as criticism, just a 'dispassionate observation'. Have enjoyed watching your project progress!

[AGTO8U]

I raised the hinges for clearance to take care of the immediate problem. Adjusted them so that the hood is flush with the fenders and header near the front grille, but raises up at the cowl near the windshield. Considered adding a hood scoop, but seems a shame to cut up straight sheet metal. Maybe long term, I can find a less than perfect donor hood or go fiberglass.

[AGTO8U]

Time out for reflection of driving the Ventura on old route 66 near Weatherford, OK. The diner in the beginning of the video is "Lucille's".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzPsQnmS1XI

[AGTO8U]

Work in progress..............found a modified hood on ebay so I can use a larger air filter.

[ponjohn]

You bought the hood as it in the picture?

John

[69f bird]

FYI, those triangular air cleaners are not well regarded. Try to find a deep drop air cleaner base, use a good 3" x 14" element and a flat style lid. You'll have plenty of clearance under your stock hood and and will likely have more air flow.

[AGTO8U]

Yes as is in the picture. It will need some cleaning up, but should have more clearance for a larger air cleaner.

[AGTO8U]

Intalled the shaker style hood. Has clearance for a larger air cleaner, fits flush at the cowl, and still looks "Pontiac".

[71 Ventura II]

Originally Posted by AGTO8U

Intalled the shaker style hood. Has clearance for a larger air cleaner, fits flush at the cowl, and still looks "Pontiac".

Looks great! Now that maintains the Pontiac tradition which is way cool! JD

[AGTO8U]

Since the shaker hood is fixed, added a funnel bolted to the alternator for drainage. It rained the other night and the engine was dry. I have some white "RAM AIR" decals that might be a nice touch on the scoop, characteristic of Pontiac. What do you think?

[AGTO8U]

Put "RAM AIR" decals on the scoop.