[2manyT/A'S]

Originally Posted by Judge273

I got to ask. Is this more likely an event for a later year block? I could see youth and invincible thinking leading to denoted blocks.

I also ask that because of the 5 cars I own and drive hard. All have their born-with blocks. Don't want 5 husks on shelves as what-if scenarios either.

Granted I'm not drag racing and 500 stroking for extra hp ect. But, I mostly just go on long cruises in my formula. They all have been rebuilt by good engine guys too.

I always prefer the feel all stock iron stuff with new internal guts to keep the factory intended the ride?.

My thoughts in this particular scenario:

First things first....the 78 W72 IS an "early style" block........which Pontiac brought back for this application.....they are all cast with XX designation....

BWBob is wanting MORE HP than the factory built into that motor........it IS buildable to the same HP levels that the earlier ones are....BUI......a heavy right foot CAN and WILL grenade ANY engine.....and I feel that BWB might be capable of this act.....

[roundportponchos]

Brian, do think, the 78 W72, stick cars, nice ones will go up in value?
You know mine, it's a nice low mile car,

[Bentwheelbob]

Well, the engine isn't out yet, but it's close. I think MPD and I were both suffering from too much Thanksgiving turkey, but we got a lot done. Underhood everything is pretty much stripped down and ready. All that's left is to remove the brake booster, disconnect the clutch, unbolt the trans and crossmember, take the head pipes off, and pull the motor mount bolts. By noon tomorrow everything should be out and the engine on the stand.

A couple of things:

1) It turns out the radiator is a replacement. Therefore, I am looking for a FD 3 core radiator. Anybody have one let me know please.
2) Engine paint color looks weird. Almost like 72-73 Pontiac engine color. At some point the intake and valley pan were removed and repainted a dark blue, but the rest of the engine is light greenish 72-73 blue. When they repainted the intake they left the throttle bracket on and under it you can see the original color very well. you can also see it on the front of the heads where the brackets were installed. I've done some research, and a lot of it tends to point toward these engines not being what is generally considered to be corporate blue. I've still got a set of samples left from the 72-73 paint experiment that I'll break out tomorrow.

Here's a few pictures, including one of MPD saluting the thugs in Ferguson....We both loved the joke in the Lobby about how when they looted the Payless Shoe Store they left the work boots untouched.

[Grand73Am]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

All that's left is to remove the brake booster,

You don't have to remove the brake booster unless you just want to. I didn't when pulling my engine out.

[Alvin]

x2s here Re: on your WC build! Looking forward to the updates!

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

I'm sure you guys are right on the trunk mat, but I could swear I read a thread on here or somewhere else that indicated that by June '78 Van Nuys had begun installing the charcoal/black nylon mats. It must have been incorrect...I'll check my mat for "forensic eveidence", but nothing else in the trunk has been touched, soiled or scratched. Even the jack and spare tire are unused and unspoiled. Seems hard to believe that the mat would need replacement, but I guess facts are facts....

Well the deal with Len Williams is done. Stroked XX WC 455 short block. Dave at SD is now working on the heads and is adjusting the cut to achieve approximately 9.3 CR. The cam has been adjusted to the Stump Puller grind. Dave's stuff should ship this week and Len is targeting to have the short block to me by Christmas. If everything falls into place I'll have plenty to work on during vacation between Christmas and News Years. I'm pretty stoked.

Any commentary from me re: trunk mat etc. are for entertainment purposes only. "Your results may vary!"
Besides - I wouldn't want to get a 1 finger salute from your "pitcrew!"

[Bentwheelbob]

Here's a few more pictures of the trunk area. There are no labels or stamps on the black nylon mat that I can find. Interestingly, there's a cotton type "jute" or padding under the front portion of the mat.

On another note, MPD took the bellhousing and valve covers to the diesel shop today and put them through several cycles in the Hotsy and did some serious scrubbing. The valve covers look like new. The bellhousing looks great also, and I'll have to figure out the best finish to put on it if anything.

Here's the pictures.

[Judge273]

Very nice!

[pippintook]

Good info on using the pvs80 ported vacumm switch.

I have a 1978 W72 4spd. On passenger cylinder head, I had this 3 port vacuum switch.

[dreamn69]

Bob,
what are your plans for the striped vacuum hoses?

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by dreamn69

Bob,
what are your plans for the striped vacuum hoses?

I'm not sure exactly what you are asking?

[dreamn69]

A lot of the vacuum hoses were color coded, I didn't notice them on your car. I figured with your level of detail you would be replacing them with correct color striped hoses. Just wondered if you had sourced them yet or what your plan is? Many sites I see reference the color stripes as being incorrect sizes and widths.

[78 TA KID]

Originally Posted by dreamn69

A lot of the vacuum hoses were color coded, I didn't notice them on your car. I figured with your level of detail you would be replacing them with correct color striped hoses. Just wondered if you had sourced them yet or what your plan is? Many sites I see reference the color stripes as being incorrect sizes and widths.

Dreamn69 do you know where to get these correct stripe vacuum hoses.

[dreamn69]

No, that was the reason for my question. I wasn't sure if anyone could share some insight on what they are doing. Here are some good detail pics I took at the Nats a few years back. Alvin, This one does have the insulated fuel line.

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by 2manyT/A'S

.....and I feel that BWB might be capable of this act.....

You just might be right. MPD and I talked about this some today, and the more I think about it the more I like it. If I go with a donor block then I can beat on this thing with impunity and without guilt. I think I like that idea. In fact I know I do....

[The Boss]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

You just might be right. MPD and I talked about this some today, and the more I think about it the more I like it. If I go with a donor block then I can beat on this thing with impunity and without guilt. I think I like that idea. In fact I know I do....

That's the spirit!

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

You just might be right. MPD and I talked about this some today, and the more I think about it the more I like it. If I go with a donor block then I can beat on this thing with impunity and without guilt. I think I like that idea. In fact I know I do....

Post # 8 on this thread http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=765459 may be of interest to your "alternate Pontiac engine universe" option suggestions.

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by burd

Nice car Bob, what does your trunk mat look like? Black or Aqua grey?

It has black nylon carpet which I think was standard on Van Nuys cars. I'm sure this is original as the trunk is completely unmolested. Wish the other end looked this good under the lid.

Originally Posted by Alvin

Post # 8 on this thread http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=765459 may be of interest to your "alternate Pontiac engine universe" option suggestions.

Thanks Alvin. I watched this thread with interest yesterday and have already spoken to Len Williams today. As it turns out he has an XX block in stock and I am a hair trigger away from giving him a committment on a stroked 400 short block.

[2manyT/A'S]

[QUOTE=Bentwheelbob;5313818]It has black nylon carpet which I think was standard on Van Nuys cars. I'm sure this is original as the trunk is completely unmolested. Wish the other end looked this good under the lid.


FWIW......I've yet to meet ANY 78 F-cars that came from the factory with black trunk mats....especially VN builds........and i've looked at ALOT of them.

The first time something dirty or ugly got loose in the trunk.....the original grey one got tossed....likely for a black one from the junkyard....JMO

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

Thanks Alvin. I watched this thread with interest yesterday and have already spoken to Len Williams today. As it turns out he has an XX block in stock and I am a hair trigger away from giving him a committment on a stroked 400 short block.

That's awesome Bob. Feel free to add there @ that thread too when you make your decision(s).

Originally Posted by 2manyT/A'S

FWIW......I've yet to meet ANY 78 F-cars that came from the factory with black trunk mats....especially VN builds........and i've looked at ALOT of them.

The first time something dirty or ugly got loose in the trunk.....the original grey one got tossed....likely for a black one from the junkyard....JMO

I agree with 2many. Our original '78 W72 VN has the original blue&green(ish) vinyl trunk mat...our Norwood '79 W72 came w the black nylon.

No big deal IMO as who knows what/when/where/how any of these cars were "adjusted" over the years and IIRC I was told GM discontinued the '78 style back in the '80s...leaving the only option the black ones for decades prior to the current "correct" repop offerings.

[Bentwheelbob]

I'm sure you guys are right on the trunk mat, but I could swear I read a thread on here or somewhere else that indicated that by June '78 Van Nuys had begun installing the charcoal/black nylon mats. It must have been incorrect...I'll check my mat for "forensic eveidence", but nothing else in the trunk has been touched, soiled or scratched. Even the jack and spare tire are unused and unspoiled. Seems hard to believe that the mat would need replacement, but I guess facts are facts....

Well the deal with Len Williams is done. Stroked XX WC 455 short block. Dave at SD is now working on the heads and is adjusting the cut to achieve approximately 9.3 CR. The cam has been adjusted to the Stump Puller grind. Dave's stuff should ship this week and Len is targeting to have the short block to me by Christmas. If everything falls into place I'll have plenty to work on during vacation between Christmas and News Years. I'm pretty stoked.