71' (gonna be) a one of a kind custom

[71' Custom]

[71' Custom]

Got the crank in place

Bought a new tool just for this

Got the pistons attached to the rods

Have to take these to work tomorrow, the rod bolts are 12 point and I unfortunately don't have any 12 points. Going to need a strong impact to get those bolts out too.

[71' Custom]

Got in my rear main seal adapter today. See, my crankshaft is made for a 2 piece rear main seal and the block is made for a 1 piece rear main seal. This makes the two work together.

What I forgot, you can't have the crank in when installing this thing.

So got that all sorted out and managed to get two pistons installed.

[swamp rat]

To me this is the fun part, building the engine.

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

To me this is the fun part, building the engine.

Oh, for sure! I told my wife about having to pull the crank back out and she said,"If it was such a hassle, why does it look like you are having fun?" Guilty as charged

[71' Custom]

All in and on TDC

[71' Custom]

Finally, some progress! Not much but, I got to order my camshaft. It is the Edelbrock Rollin' Thunder.
Here are the specs:
Cam Style:Hydraulic roller tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range:1,500-6,500
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift:234
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift:238
Duration at 050 inch Lift:234 int./238 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration:296
Advertised Exhaust Duration:300
Advertised Duration:296 int./300 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:0.539 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:0.548 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:0.539 int./0.548 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees):112
I should have some pics tomorrow evening!

[Hankster]

I'm ready to hear the engine run!

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by Hankster

I'm ready to hear the engine run!

Oh believe me, so am I!
So here is a few pics from that very quick installation.....

[Hankster]

That thing is so clean! Gosh I love it!

[bbcmudtruck]

I just read through the entire build, love it! I especially like to see colored frames, as black is almost always used. I really dig the c/10 logos on the calipers, very nice touch! Your putting together a very nice ride, can't wait to see some more progress!

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by bbcmudtruck

I just read through the entire build, love it! I especially like to see colored frames, as black is almost always used. I really dig the c/10 logos on the calipers, very nice touch! Your putting together a very nice ride, can't wait to see some more progress!

Thanks, I got to do a little bit of work on it today...



Got the chain on, it is set at 2 degrees of advanced timing

[71' Custom]

Oil pump is on it's way. I know what you are thinking, what took so long to get a simple oil pump? The answer to that will be coming soon!
Also, I heard from my powder coater the other day and all my stuff will be ready next week! I am so excited to see how it all turned out! 5 months of waiting are finally paying off, lol

[71' Custom]

So my powder coater decided to tease me with some pictures



He says everything should be ready by tomorrow!

[71' Custom]

So, here is the explanation on why it took so long to get a simple oil pump.
Because it was freagin' expensive!





Now why would I spend so much money on an oil pump?
Well here is what this pump boasts:
If you are serious about building the ultimate wet sump system, then these Melling one-piece billet aluminum oil pumps with their integral screen pickup are the only way to go. These pumps not only eliminate the potential disaster of the oil pump pickup falling off, but they also offer smoother oil flow with less internal drag, resulting in an actual increase of 5 to 6 hp. These Melling Select billet aluminum oil pumps will fit in your existing Moroso, Milodon, and Stef's wet sump pans! With these Melling oil pumps, there is no need to buy a new pan or to modify your old one. Melling Select billet aluminum oil pumps are the absolute latest in cutting-edge technology.

Additional features include:

* Billet aluminum housing and cover with anodized hardcoat
* High-volume pump gears
* Multiple pressure settings
* Chromoly driveshaft extended into the pump cover for support
* Integral pickup screen assembly with stainless steel wire mesh
* Robust CNC-manufactured design
* Stud kit, chromoly intermediate shaft, optional pressure relief springs, and instructions

The prospect of a 5-6hp gain from an oil pump sounds good to me!

[knomadd]

Your powder coater did a nice job. I like the blue fins with the black finish.

I've never seen a billet oil pump before. 5-6 hp sounds good, almost too good for an oil pump. Looks nice though.

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by knomadd

Your powder coater did a nice job. I like the blue fins with the black finish.

I've never seen a billet oil pump before. 5-6 hp sounds good, almost too good for an oil pump. Looks nice though.

Yeah, i am skeptical of it myself, but I promised myself I would pull out all the stops on this build too. And there will be no real way to prove any gains on this build. But what the hell, lol

[71' Custom]

Here are a few more pictures that he took......









I have everything back now, but it is all boxed and shrink wrapped right now. When I get home this evening I will get to check it out a little better.
The oil pan goes on tonight!

[71' Custom]

Got everything home last night and started putting things together. I was going to put the oil pan on but I didn't have any silicone at the house, so I will be doing that tonight.

[BigMike]

Gotta love those Fel-Pro one piece oil pan gaskets. Never had a leak in any of the ones I put in, great stuff. I like what you did with the blue on the black, looks sweet.

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by BigMike

Gotta love those Fel-Pro one piece oil pan gaskets. Never had a leak in any of the ones I put in, great stuff. I like what you did with the blue on the black, looks sweet.

Thanks Mike, I agree, those gaskets are the best! Last time I used it though I had a slight seepage right there at the corners by the timing cover and the rear main seal so I am taking no chances this time. I am going to put a dab of silicone in those corners this time.

[BigMike]

Ya, they actually recommend putting a dab on all the corners. I put the dab on both the engine side as well as the pan side...never leaked

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by BigMike

Ya, they actually recommend putting a dab on all the corners. I put the dab on both the engine side as well as the pan side...never leaked

Yeah, I ended up putting a thin bead all the way around and made sure those corners were covered as well. I think it sealed up really well. I will have some pictures up in a little while.

[swamp rat]

I think the powder coating is gonna help put this build over the top, nice touch!

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

I think the powder coating is gonna help put this build over the top, nice touch!

Thanks, I am really happy with the way it turned out. Anybody that needs my coaters info just PM me