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

[71' Custom]

I have been thinking about these headers lately. I figure I can do one of 3 things with them (assuming moving the motor back 3 inches still allows them to fit)
1) I can get a new set already jet coated black (very expensive)
2) I can have them jet coated black (less expensive, but have to worry about quality of coating as the place i have found that does jet coating, I have never used before)
3) I can wrap them in black header tape (probably the cheapest way to go and will reduce under hood temperature)
I have been leaning heavily to the 3rd option. But can't do anything until I have the engine on the frame.

[mcmlxix]

From what I understand, header wrap keeps the heat in the header, so it super heats the metal and there for it breaks down the structure causing failure (cracks) sooner than non wrapped headers...

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

From what I understand, header wrap keeps the heat in the header, so it super heats the metal and there for it breaks down the structure causing failure (cracks) sooner than non wrapped headers...

I've heard this too. And it voids your warranty of the headers, assuming you still have one. If you don't have a factory warranty anymore, don't worry about that. But if you're going to replace them at some point anyway, the wrap might save you some money for a while vs. coating these.

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

From what I understand, header wrap keeps the heat in the header, so it super heats the metal and there for it breaks down the structure causing failure (cracks) sooner than non wrapped headers...

Originally Posted by knomadd

I've heard this too. And it voids your warranty of the headers, assuming you still have one. If you don't have a factory warranty anymore, don't worry about that. But if you're going to replace them at some point anyway, the wrap might save you some money for a while vs. coating these.

This sounds like a great idea, I don't need to worry about a warranty on these headers as they are like 5 years old now. I will just wrap them for now and if I have a problem with them down the road, I will just replace them with the black jet coated headers. Only thing that worries me about that is swapping them after the truck is finished, it will mean pulling the motor to do it. I tried putting these headers on when with the first motor in place, and it didn't work out too well. You can still see the scars on the headers, lol

[71' Custom]

The next step for now is the starter and flywheel so I can check compression. Update should be by the end of the month!

[71' Custom]

Just now ordered my flywheel, starter, oil dipstick, a break in oil filter, and new longer studs for the valve covers (the ones that came with the valve cover bolts were too short)
Should be showing up early next week, I need to hurry up and get some pics up here on the new page, lol

[rondog4416]

Great looking truck ! cant wait to see it done !!

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by rondog4416

Great looking truck ! cant wait to see it done !!

You an me and you both brother, I am hoping to have the motor running by the end of May. That is the goal I am setting for myself anyhow. I can not wait to hear it run!

[71' Custom]

Getting there

[71' Custom]

Got in the goodies, I screwed up and ordered the wrong dipstick though. Kinda glad at the same time though, I ordered a blue lokar dipstick without being able to see what it looks like beforehand. The blue is a pale blue and wouldn't have looked right. But the starter worked with no shims or spacers, I call that a major win! Was able to hook my jump box up and check compression, it was a perfect 9.5:1 all the way around, win #2!

[Hankster]

That engine looks beautiful! I'm so jealous.

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by Hankster

That engine looks beautiful! I'm so jealous.

Thank you, I am very proud of this engine.
A little news, this past weekend I spen in the hospital having my appendix removed. I hope this won't slow down the build much. In lots of pain.

[Hankster]

Originally Posted by 71' Custom

Thank you, I am very proud of this engine.
A little news, this past weekend I spen in the hospital having my appendix removed. I hope this won't slow down the build much. In lots of pain.

Just take it easy. It isn't worth hurting yourself.

[rondog4416]

I had my appendix removed a few years back so I know how that feels !do what Hankster said just take it easy for awhile you be fine in a week or 3 !!

[71' Custom]

Ok, back on track!
Last night I got in my oil dipstick I have been waiting on

And got im some goodies today too!

Good week!
I will have more pics later tonight

[BigDaddyV]

Looking good!

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by BigDaddyV

Looking good!

Thanks, a friend pointed out the one thing i did forget though...... Thermostat
Not a real big deal for now though, lol

[71' Custom]

Hahaha, I can dream can't i? lol

[notchbackgta]

My favorite part is that it looks like you're doing this in the house. My house looks similar, I am single and probably will be forever

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by notchbackgta

My favorite part is that it looks like you're doing this in the house. My house looks similar, I am single and probably will be forever

Haha, yeah, that is my back room in my house. It was supposed to be a formal dining room, we were using it as a second living room for the girls to watch TV in. They never really took to it though. It is pretty much just storage for now. I just like working on my engine back there because it has heat and air, and it has the entrance to the garage in there as well. Although, here in the next week or so I will be bringing the engine back into the garage to set the engine on the frame so I can check my header clearance. My wife is really cool about me working on it in the house and spending all this money, I am a really lucky guy!

[notchbackgta]

Not as impressed now that you're telling me it is a back room, lol

[71' Custom]

Originally Posted by notchbackgta

Not as impressed now that you're telling me it is a back room, lol

Still pretty cool though, lol
Got one header wrapped. ....

[reaper71]

Looking really good.

[71' Custom]

Finally got my wheel center caps back, he brought them to me the other day coated black with blue lettering. I almost cried, lol

Got the engine on the frame today.....

I now hate CPP's engine perches, it littarly took me all day to do this. Nothing lined up.

Well worth all the work though!

[swamp rat]

That just looks way too nice!