[Alvin]

While you were making more headway on the Y88 Bob; I was "loafing" on the F150 w oil change @ dealer then 4-wheel brake job in my driveway yesterday & washed two daily drivers, ; then taking advantage of our spring weather here today literally drained our koi pond, removed mega leaves & sludge, worked on flushing filters and pumps, freshwater fill, just in time to cleanup to attend Ama Luna w my lovely wife...so no TA Time for me this weekend other than installing electronic "trickle charger" on the new battery Friday evening...

You know; if I just cut out sleep, I might be able to do about 1/2 of what you're doing here on this awesome TA thread

[Bentwheelbob]

.....and the Corollary "You never remember what you forgot until you need it". Well this weekend was a lot about the things I forgot. We were hoping to get the engine advanced pretty well this weekend, but it didn't happen. First it turns out the pickup on the oil pump got crushed in shipping. Then there was no cam key for the camshaft. No dowel pins for the timing cover. No front crank seal. No mechanical lifters to check valve clearance. It was like a James Bond movie and I was Dr. No. All well, parts are coming and the finish line is in sight.

A few other things got done on the engine, The cam is in place and the end play on it and the crank checks out. MPD got his rigging set up to get the cam degreed (SD recommended 110 degrees). The parts are all sorted and ready, and once the missing pieces arrive this thing should move along quickly.

A few other things got done as well. The exhaust crossover and runners on the intake got painted with POR 15 manifold paint so that once the engine paint burns off it will have protection and look good. The last load of stuff also got prepped and ready for powder coating including the air cleaner. I'm not sure what to do with it, but I was able to peel off what I think is the original AC Delco sticker from the air cleaner intact. I'm holding onto it trying to figure out what to do. It's a little confusing as the sticker had clearly shifted from it's orgonal position, but I can't imagine someone would have replaced this sticker 15 years ago when it was parked in long term storage??? Lastly, I got a bunch of stuff cleaned up and packaged to send out to Aero Propeller for plating. I'm sending the idle stop hardware, the EGR hold down bracket, and the exhaust shroud. I hope they come out well.

Craig - thanks.

Alvin - Wow, sounds like you had a busy day. You'll be so happy with the trickle charger. Nothing like not having to kook a battery charger every time you want to drive your car.

Here's a few pictures.

[Alvin]

For me - It is always tempting to remove the foundry extra casting slag like shown on those intakes.

What say you?

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

... including the air cleaner. I'm not sure what to do with it, but I was able to peel off what I think is the original AC Delco sticker from the air cleaner intact. I'm holding onto it trying to figure out what to do. It's a little confusing as the sticker had clearly shifted from it's orgonal position, but I can't imagine someone would have replaced this sticker 15 years ago when it was parked in long term storage???

They all shift/shrink/fall off. Yours is an original. An OK reproduction is offered. Jim Osborn Reproductions has had it out for years (DT0644). Advertised as a '79, but '78-9 used this decal. Or, you can see if ECS Automotive will make you one.
http://www.firebirdcentral.com/1979_...p/sti-2029.htm

[dreamn69]

My 79 has a PH sticker, not PJ. Maybe because it's a Formula, not TA, but I think this has been discussed before. Box 53 on build sheet confirms PH. Bob, your level of detail is amazing. I can't wait to see it all together.

[68ragtop]

I wasn't aware that POR15 was a high temp coating. I guess its not too surprising as it can withstand sandblasting to some degree. I have always used high temp silver paint under the blue for the same reason. The rust underneath the inevitable paint peel looks poor otherwise for sure.

Did you find your blue yet? I believe I have some 78 blue valve covers boxed up somewhere, I need to check..... Unfortunately my Y88 survivor cars engine has been touched up with an incorrect blue. Can't blame anyone but myself for that. When I bought the car, I detailed the engine compartment. Wish I wouldn't have now, but at the time it seemed like a no brainer to do. I also threw away the original spark plug wires & took zero pictures...... Never thought I would care years later.

[Held for Ransom]

The 8997016 PH is indeed a '78-9 Formula air cleaner assy.

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by Alvin

For me - It is always tempting to remove the foundry extra casting slag like shown on those intakes.

What say you?

Alvin - probably a good idea. I did that on my 455 HO intake, but hadn't really though about it here. It's a beautiful day here so I might just grag it outside this evening with the die grinder and clean it up some.

Originally Posted by 68ragtop

I wasn't aware that POR15 was a high temp coating. I guess its not too surprising as it can withstand sandblasting to some degree. I have always used high temp silver paint under the blue for the same reason. The rust underneath the inevitable paint peel looks poor otherwise for sure.

Did you find your blue yet? I believe I have some 78 blue valve covers boxed up somewhere, I need to check..... Unfortunately my Y88 survivor cars engine has been touched up with an incorrect blue. Can't blame anyone but myself for that. When I bought the car, I detailed the engine compartment. Wish I wouldn't have now, but at the time it seemed like a no brainer to do. I also threw away the original spark plug wires & took zero pictures...... Never thought I would care years later.

68RT - the POR 15 is a high temp manifold paint they make. It's quite a bit different than their rust preventative coatings. It is very thin, and when dry has a flat to egg shell appearrance. The manifold photo shows it shortly after application while it is still wet.

On the engine paint I have pretty much defaulted to OER paint since I couldn't find anything to use as a baseline for getting something mixed. If you have an original valve cover I could borrow that would be great. I would gladly pay shipping. Alternatively, you could take it and try to get it paint matched locally. I have used the OER paint to paint several of the bolts on this car that were originally painted blue.

I would post a few pictures, but I think photobucket is on the fritz. I was planning on spraying the timing cover this evening. I'll add a picture of it later.

[Alvin]

You 'da man Bob, You 'da Man!

[Bentwheelbob]

So Alvin suggested the intake should be cleaned up and he was right. I spent a little time doing so tonight and it looks a lot better. I could probably spend another hour on it with a smaller cutter getting it closer to perfect, but I think its better being cleaned up yet still a little funky. Here is a before and after.

[Alvin]

Looks extra nice Bob!

[Bentwheelbob]

Doing a little 1978 engine paint color review/test. Appreciate help and assistance from anyone with good orginal 1977/1978 engine paint.

Link to test thread -

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=771393

[Bentwheelbob]

Well, a few new things to report. First, I bought a thermostat housing from Ames for the new motor. Needless to say I will be returning it unused. It has the texture of 40 grit sandpaper both inside and out. Pretty surprising just how bad it looks. I'm sure they will gladly refund my money, but it's surprising a product of such low quality is carried. I have found a pristine used waterneck on Ebay that I will be using.

Next, Joey the Welder and MPD added extra bracing to the Tomahawk windage tray and it is now ready to be installed. There have been a few problems apparently with these windage trays cracking on the crank scraper side, and many recommend making this modification, while others claim it is unnecessary. I opted on the side of caution, and then Joey and Dave doubled down and put a little extra stiffness on the other side as well. I will bead blast the welds and go ahead and removes the cad plating before installation.

Here's a few pictures.

[The Boss]

Did you paint the windage tray or blast it after your welding?

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

I will bead blast the welds and go ahead and removes the cad plating before installation.

Originally Posted by The Boss

Did you paint the windage tray or blast it after your welding?

I think this.

[The Boss]

Thanks Mike - missed that somehow.

[Bentwheelbob]

It's about time to get plugs wires. Looks like the wires were gray, but can't find good picture showing the boots. Were they red or black in 1978?

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

It's about time to get plugs wires. Looks like the wires were gray, but can't find good picture showing the boots. Were they red or black in 1978?

How about these? http://www.78ta.com/HTAF/index.php?topic=3067.0

[dreamn69]

Black boots in 78.

[Bentwheelbob]

Thanks - black and gray.

Another question...

Was the throttle cable bracket installed on the intake and painted with the engine, or was it plated and installed after engine paint?