Some progress on the engine

[hutch1973]

Spent the last couple weekends working on the 352 for my truck and finally seeing progress. Last weekend I put the cam in and got the heads mounted, finished up some degreasing so I could get it painted. Started painting early this a.m. with the POR-15 engine enamel kit and it turned out great. Would definately recomend it to anyone needing to paint thier motor.

Started on the upper assembly and will finish the lower tomorrow. Just wanted to bolt on some items to see how it was going to turn out, and so far, so good. Since the headers I ordered initially were wrong, I returned them, and going to wait until I figure out what I'm doing for sure with the truck before I order new ones. Just bought some ceramic header paint for the existing manifolds, which were in really good shape anyway. It should make the exhaust hook up that much easier as they appear to be pretty close to matching up with the 351w exhaust.

I'll pull the other engine out of the truck next Saturday, and if all goes well, have the other one in by the end of the weekend. The plan is to have it up and on the road again by the following weekend.

[Sharkdance]

Lookin good!!
Id like to try that POR15 engine paint.
I like the black W/Pump too. Nice touch.
Manifolds look good but that FE is screamin for some headers.

[hutch1973]

The first set I ordered wouldn't even fit the engine on the stand. If I end up keeping the truck I have a set of inner fenders/rad. support to put in, and I'll put the headers in then. I have a hedge project around the back yard I need to get in in a couple weeks, and I need the truck together for that.

[dcbullet]

That looks really nice!

[Sharkdance]

Im not knockin manifolds. And I wouldnt let a set of wrong headers hold me up from letn that baby breathe either.
Headers can be added any time. And if your gonna do aprons soon, thats a perfect time to upgrade.
Im not crazy about the fitment issues you run into with headers. And the fact that changing a starter is like taking an ass whoopin when you got em.
But you know and FE breathes realy good thru em. Thats all I meant.

[68half/step4x4]

Hey, looks like it's all comming together! Sounds like you're doing it the right way. Keep us posted.

[trukcrazy]

If I wait long enough, I will have everything I need to do my truck here. Y'all have covered most every area of the truck and added some good information. That engine looks great hutch, good job.

[hutch1973]

My original plan was headers. I went through this on another thread a bit back, but I thought I was getting a rebuilt 390 when I bought this motor/parts truck. It turned out to be a 352, and I'm hoping that the combo of cam/headers would give me decent performance. When the first set of headers came they wouldn't even bolt up to the engine, the header was tight up to the lower end of the block to the point that the flange wouldn't sit flat on the head. Would have been worse if I had an oilpan on it.

When I decided to go with the manifolds, for now, it was because I thought I'd have the motor in this weekend, and I wouldn't have time to wait for the headers. I just didn't get nearly as much done last weekend as planned. I'll definately put them in when I have the front off the truck, because it would be the easiest time.

The other thing is I'm going to put a late 70's power steering in my truck, and I'd like to just get the motor in and see what I have for space to make sure it'll all go. I'm going to take full advantage of having the front clip off to put the p.s. in at the same time.

Will be plenty of cussing that couple of weekends

[390Nut]

FPA tri-y's. Expensive, very expensive (about $600 IIRC) but they fit like they are supposed to, work just fine with power steering, starter changing isn't as bad as MOST other brands of headers, and they are nickle chromed from the maker(ceramic is avalaible also). 3/8" thick flange that WONT warp (unless you're REALLY overheating your engine, and warped header flanges will be the least of your concerns) and seal well, and they are one of the better performing headers for these engines due to the tri-y design. They also have a ball/socket collector, which further enhances the sealing of the exhaust.

Like I said, expensive, but when you really want good looking, long lasting performance, it's money well spent.

Almost forgot. These are built BY HAND, not jigged up by a machine on a production line.

link

[hutch1973]

Thanks for the tip. Definately keep them in mind when I'm looking for some.

[hutch1973]

Got the bottom side put together today as well as started on the brackets for the engine. Only issue I've had so far is the water pump is missing a bolt hole for the upper alternator bracket. Going to attempt to pull the pin out that is currently there and thread the hole, since I already por'd the pump I can't take it back. If I can't get it out I'll have to order a new pump and change it, but for initial purposes I'll piggy back off one of the lower braket bolts and just have an inch of room for adjustment. Will be good enough for temporary/new belt. Going to have to get some better tiedowns for the plug wires because, although custom fit, have plenty extra. The flywheel/clutch should be here by mid week so things are looking good for next weekend.

[CJ,s 67 F100]

It all looks good hutch1973, I like that paint job. Those FPA tri Y,s are good. I have several friends who have them. The only problem is I had my New Hooker competition ceramics before they told me about them. The only draw back with the Hookers is they do not have a flange of any kind on them. My pipes are welded straight to them. What ever brand you get just be sure they are Ceramic coated. My engine can idle in the drive way 20 minutes and I can hold my hand between the header and starter about 4" clearance with a high torque OEM type. Looks like you will be on the road soon and thanks for all the updates. We like to see it coming together. Good luck Charles

[hardtailjohn]

Beautiful job, Hutch!!
JH

[hutch1973]

Thanks, it really came together well. Of course, won't mean squat if I can't get it fired up....but it'll be pretty if nothing else.

Something that also came out of this is the guy at the parts house where I finally found the flywheel/clutch kit for my truck, also has a 68 F100 4x4 full size for sale, and seems like it won't be all that expensive. I have his number and am going to take a look at it once I get mine back together.