My "Late Life Crisis"!

['69Novajoe]

Originally Posted by Arrowsmith

I dig the stock look! It’s only a 300 hp 350 with headers…. Nailed it!

Yes, that's exactly the "look" I was going for!!

['69Novajoe]

One thing I was holding off on was having the headers coated like I previously said. I also wanted to have bungs installed in case I wanted to hook up some 02 sensors down the road. I decided on basic black, which I think came out “killer”. And the welding done by a good friend was perfect!!

['69Novajoe]

Another area I had to address was installing the flywheel, new pilot bushing, clutch assembly, bellhousing and transmission. Who knew that finding a “good” pilot bushing was going to take some doing??!! In my research I found out that sometimes; after installing them, the ID closes up a little bit. Well that’s exactly what happened to me!! My engineer neighbor actually 3D printed a dowel to use as a “go gauge” to check it before we tried to test fit the trans. I ended up having to buy the correct size reamer to remove a few thousands of an inch!! He then made me a drilling guide to ream out the bushing and everything finally went together like it should!! Notice I used allen headed studs to “hang” the trans on to help with installing it. I also used some for the valve covers and headers!!

['69Novajoe]

Here I was starting to mock up the fuel lines from the new mechanical fuel pump. If you remember from the dyno session, it was determined that my old pump wasn’t able to keep up, so I went with this Edelbrock unit #1721.



Also notice the plate for installing the motor is bolted on?? Yep, it was about time to install it!!



I also forgot to mention that we weren’t able to save the original Edelbrock Performer RPM intake from my old engine and went with a new Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap #7501.

['69Novajoe]

And after what seemed like months (because it was!!), it was time to install this little beast!!

['69Novajoe]

Looks snug as a bug in a rug!! Header clearance was amazing especially considering their size, 1 7/8”!!

['69Novajoe]

Continuing on with the alternator, which needed a completely different upper bracket due to the new Air Gap intake. And notice I was trying to keep the stock type fuel filter.

['69Novajoe]

I was also trying to keep the vacuum sources separate, one for the PCV valve and the other for the power brake booster. These fittings worked perfectly!!

['69Novajoe]

More fuel lines going in.

['69Novajoe]

Time to get the new Cold Case aluminum radiator painted up and installed. Along with heater hoses, clutch fan and shroud. I was trying to keep everything aluminum as much as possible. So, we have an aluminum intake, aluminum heads, aluminum water pump, aluminum heater core and even aluminum heater hose fittings!! It’s beginning to take shape but more “issues” are on the way!!!