My 1971 k5 engine bay build

[mdlucas1]

Hello
I am currently in the process of restoring the engine compartment on my k5. I use this primarily for 4 wheeling but also as a cruiser. It is mostly stock including an SM465 and NP205. I have added a 4 inch Alcan all spring lift, stock steelies which I had powdercoated. Tires are 34x9.5 Interco super swampers. ARB air locker in rear 12 bolt with 4.56 gears, front Dana 44 with 4.56 gears and auburn limited slip.
The engine is/was an all stock 4 bolt 350.
I stroked this to 383, added aluminum heads and intake as well as HEI. My plan is to maintain a totally stock appearing engine compartment. I have had most parts powdercoated: intake, valve covers, oil pan, air cleaner, fenderwells, core support/brackets. A ton of small stuff was clear zinc plated and black oxide finished.
I just wanted to post some pictures of my progress!
Any comments or suggestions are appreciated!

[mdlucas1]

I will also be generally cleaning all of the engine bay and painting some of the frame with POR 15 as best I can.
It has factory AC that I have decided to remove in favor of an AC delete plate to clean things up. AC is nice but this is really more intended to be a trail rig.
I will also be repairing and cleaning up the wiring in the engine bay as well.

[mdlucas1]

Some more pics and some new parts coming in

[mdlucas1]

And on to some reassembly

[mdlucas1]

A few more

[mdlucas1]

I had the exhaust manifolds and heat riser tins ceramic coated, and the riser tube powder coated.
I am getting close to being able to get the engine back in hopefully soon!

A little about the specs of the engine:
Brodix IK 180 heads, 2.02/1.60
Cam is a comp extreme 4x4 hydraulic flat tappet
rocker arms are stamped rollers
Edelbrock performer aluminum intake
stock Quadrajet carb

I am the second owner. The original owner was an old rancher living outside of Tucson, AZ which is where I live. I have a bunch of the original documentation which is neat. And the blazer was well used on the ranch but also well taken care of. Rockers and torsion boxes are completely free of rust!
I will try and get some pics of the interior soon. It is a base model with utility buckets, but he ordered it with AC.

[tjsblazer]

Some great progress there. I gotta ask about your Rh exhaust manifold. Is there a large crack in it ? Something in the picture in post #5 looks like that.
Looks like you have a great rig there. I think you are really going to notice the difference in a fresh engine and especially with the extra cubes.
What is the pistons you used?
What is your compression?
New carpet in the interior cleans it up nice too.

[mdlucas1]

Originally Posted by tjsblazer

Some great progress there. I gotta ask about your Rh exhaust manifold. Is there a large crack in it ? Something in the picture in post #5 looks like that.
Looks like you have a great rig there. I think you are really going to notice the difference in a fresh engine and especially with the extra cubes.
What is the pistons you used?
What is your compression?
New carpet in the interior cleans it up nice too.

Thanks Jeff!
Yes you are right there is a crack in that exhaust manifold... I don't really think it goes all the way through though. It was there before and I didn't notice any issues with it so I opted to leave it because it was the original manifold.
The pistons are hypereutectic flat tops, don't remember the brand. Compression should be around 9.5:1

And I have really enjoyed reading your build!

[mcmlxix]

Originally Posted by mdlucas1

Thanks Jeff!
Yes you are right there is a crack in that exhaust manifold... I don't really think it goes all the way through though. It was there before and I didn't notice any issues with it so I opted to leave it because it was the original manifold.

I'm not sure how long that cracked manifold will last. I would look for another one with the same stampings. I just feel like you'll be needing a replacement sooner rather than later and it would be easier to swap it out now....

[Advanced Design]

Looks really good! If I recall correctly, the 010 block is more desirable due to a higher nickel content. Maybe I am mistaken though it seems I've read that somewhere.

Curious about the other chassis lurking in a couple of pictures. Another project?

[mdlucas1]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Looks really good! If I recall correctly, the 010 block is more desirable due to a higher nickel content. Maybe I am mistaken though it seems I've read that somewhere.

Curious about the other chassis lurking in a couple of pictures. Another project?

Thanks Doug!
That chassis in the background is one of my various other projects. It's a 1951 Chevy deluxe 2 door. Frame is all done just need to get to the body one of these days...

[bambbrose]

I agree, I would not use that manifold.

Otherwise this is absolutely beautiful work. Almost too clean to put it back in a 4wheeling rig.

Love the look you have going.

[mdlucas1]

Thanks guys...
I agree also it should be replaced. I guess I was just anxious to get it all put back together. I'll start looking
Otherwise I got the bellhousing/clutch and stuff installed yesterday. Just about ready to get it dropped in and fired up... Hopefully
I'll try and get some more photos posted

[mdlucas1]

A couple more pics.
I got the bellhousing on... I had it powder coated orange, although I realized after the fact it wasn't orange from the factory. I still think it looks good though

You can also see my AC delete and my crude attempt at replicating some firewall grease pencil writing. ACE hardware was out of black pencils of course.. so blue it is for now

And my other K5. 1972 cst with a lot more options than the white one

[mdlucas1]

Originally Posted by bambbrose

I agree, I would not use that manifold.

Otherwise this is absolutely beautiful work. Almost too clean to put it back in a 4wheeling rig.

Love the look you have going.

Thank you for the compliment!
It is a little silly to be wheeling with things all nice and clean under the hood, but at least I know everything is gone through and if anything needs repair down the line I will know exactly who to blame!

[nobolt]

nice pair!
did the '72 come from the same rancher? loaded with a 4 speed, i love it.
that was when you ordered a vehicle optioned YOUR way.

i miss back when.......

[A1971Blazer]

Very nice job......attention to detail is beyond reproach!
Also, if you have access to a good welding shop, that manifold can be tig welded with Ni99 filler rod.....

[mdlucas1]

Originally Posted by A1971Blazer

Very nice job......attention to detail is beyond reproach!
Also, if you have access to a good welding shop, that manifold can be tig welded with Ni99 filler rod.....

Thank you for the nice compliment!
I was thinking about the welding/brazing thing... I actually have a tig welder. What I'm not sure about though is how to get the metal back clean enough to weld because of the ceramic coating on there. Maybe I'll try a test on the backside, somewhere not noticeable

[mdlucas1]

Originally Posted by nobolt

nice pair!
did the '72 come from the same rancher? loaded with a 4 speed, i love it.
that was when you ordered a vehicle optioned YOUR way.

i miss back when.......

Thanks Dave
The olive one was not from the same rancher, but that would have been cool. Ill try and post some more pictures of it. I really lucked out on the condition of both my blazers!

[hemi43]

High nickel rod does work on cast iron, but seeing as those manifolds are 45 years old you may not have too much luck because they will be full of carbon. If you're going to attempt it, make sure you preheat it in an oven first. IMHO, you'll be farther ahead by finding one in good shape and get it recoated.

[mdlucas1]

Finally got the engine back in! Had a couple of hiccups along the way as per usual, but nothing too bad.
Getting the bell crank back in was a but of a chore, also the aftermarket fan shroud and radiator didn't fit exactly right, but in the end it is all good.

And it started right up!

I got to doing some timing, turned it off... went to start it again and it was acting like either the battery was dead or the timing was way too advanced.
After some head scratching, it turns out the new(reman) started was toast!!
Pathetic... so I went and got a new Powermaster mini high torque unit and it worked perfect.
Drives a whole lot better down the road now! Tons of Torque, NO leaks so far!!

[mdlucas1]

A couple more

One interior shot... I put on a new glove box door sticker

[jaros44sr]

Sweet, well done.... tower clamps and all, good ref. Picks for the stock crowd

[mdlucas1]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Sweet, well done.... tower clamps and all, good ref. Picks for the stock crowd

Thank You!

[gringoloco]

Very nice and stealthy. Good work