[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.