[berrygoat]

I doubt you will be able to use the passenger side AC bracket that bolts to the manifold with those VC spacers. The triangular one. Without it you will probably get a serious belt squeal. Hopefully I'm wrong.

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by berrygoat

I doubt you will be able to use the passenger side AC bracket that bolts to the manifold with those VC spacers. The triangular one. Without it you will probably get a serious belt squeal. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Thanks BG, you are a real ray of sunshine. Hah, hah...

Yeah, I'm a little concerned about that, but I hope a few extra washers and a modest modification to the compressor stud or rear bracket hole will provide necessary clearance. I only need 3/8".

[Alvin]

Something tells me that you and MDH "ain't skeered" and will figure it out

[berrygoat]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

Thanks BG, you are a real ray of sunshine. Hah, hah...

Yeah, I'm a little concerned about that, but I hope a few extra washers and a modest modification to the compressor stud or rear bracket hole will provide necessary clearance. I only need 3/8".

Sorry BWB, just trying to save you time and aggravation. One more "ray of sunshine". on the drivers side the Air Cleaner will be pushed up on the plastic elbow for the preheater tube. I have the thick RAIV gaskets on my 77 W72 with AC and they slightly throw off the alignment on the passenger side vent tube and that preheater elbow. PITA. Good luck, the car looks Fantastic !!!!

That triangular bracket alignment is extremely important. I had a serious belt squeel from the AC and it took me a year to figure it out. I cleaned and sanded the groove on the pulleys, changed belts a few times etc. It ended being I didn't follow the sequence in the service manual. I finally left the triangular bracket loose, tightened everything else up then wrenched down on the two bolts on the manifold. No more squeel.

[Alvin]

Posted these local MECUM auction '78 & '79 SE's for comparison & review of details, differences, the hell of it

Link: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=772547

[Bentwheelbob]

Well, a few things getting done, but not a lot. I got a few additional responsibilities at work that are tying me down some, and have been trying to get the yard in shape since spring has sprung....

The motor is now pretty much ready for paint, I just need to figure out what I am going to use. It will probably be the Dupli Color 1619, but I ordered some 1978 Pontiac Blue engine paint from the AutoColorLibrary that is supposed to be mixed from the original formula and I am waiting for that to be delivered.

Also, I sent several pieces off to be plated at Aero Propellor that have come back and look great. This includes the throttle bracket, idle stop bracket and hardware, and EGR holddown bracket. Here's a few pictures...

[RamAir]

That motor is a piece of artwork Bob, looks potent too.

[Judge273]

Purdy nice!