My build thread (or is it rebuild?)

[kitimatdude]

I got the header flanges today they look perfect. I started mocking up the exhaust manifold. I cleaned up and painted the th400 adapter and the 203 range box They look great.

My compression number on the 454 in the 1 ton look great!  150-165 and one at 125. I think I'm going to use it. I want to use a new timing chain/gears and a high volume oil pump. I'm still debating cam/lifters.

good news my buildup appears intact.

[kitimatdude]

Today I pulled the 454 and th400 from the 1 ton and got the 454 th400 and 203 adapter set into my frame.  I have to do some more figuring on my exhaust manifold idea it wont work the way I though it would.

[kitimatdude]

I checked out the timing chain today its tight!  no problem there ,I'm starting to believe what i was told about this engine. gonna look up casting numbers now.

[kitimatdude]

casting numbers didn't tell me much 14015445...454.......78-90...2 or 4 bolt
Ya thats helpful...
I got busy with my header flanges today and even took pics!
but I forgot to bring the cam home 
Oh well...
its header flanges into 2" pipe 45s into 3" pipe tapered from 2" to 3" over the 4 exhaust ports.
I'm kinda proud of how it turned out.
I could not find headers that would do what I wanted so I made some.
I wanted my exhaust kept high, up in my upper frame. Out of harms way and out of the way of the drive train. mission accomplished!

[kitimatdude]

ok picture time...
the new (to me) 454

I replaced the timing chain cover and used the harmonic balancer from my old 454.
my spanky home made exhaust manifold:

The goal in making them is keeping the exhaust up high in the upper frame and then a straight shot back. theres plenty of room there and it makes the drivetrain easier to get at.

Making up the passenger side manifold.


I'll be welding out the passenger side today (Saturday)

[4RothER]

nice john!

[kitimatdude]

Thanks broth,
didn't do much today. moved crap around in the yard and got me a ds tre. from a 10 bolt I was eying up. looks good.

[redneck_justice]

lookin good john. gonna be alot better for ya when ur done. it's worth all the effort. 

[kitimatdude]

Thanks Phill! 
As you can see I'm still no where near needing that front clip yet. I got a sweet recarro seat installed today (used). My th400 short output shaft came in yesterday. I now I gotta get psyched up to tear down the tranny and put it back together. I'm still waiting for the doubler to show up. I got a few other side projects to do:
-Stereo install
-exhaust
-Tie rod end

I just started looking at hydroboost steering mods....
Rocker I know you have it.
From the pictures and descriptions I've seen it tapping out the box myself looks doable.  I'll just need a 2"X8" stroke cylinder.
Hell I might even have one laying around! If not I have a few links to affordable ones.

[rocker]

Ahhhh, I gotta look.

[kitimatdude]

minor jobs lately, fixed steering column lower bearing, installed boat speakers in the back, installed recarro drivers seat. Rocker was right, you order from north west fab you wait... Oh well, it gives me a chance to work on the details.

[kitimatdude]

I couldn't decide what to do today so I cleaned up my homemade exhaust manifold. Looks good now.




My idea is to keep the exhaust pipes high and straight. I should get decent flow and keep them out of all but the deepest water holes.

I think I'm getting way too !@#$ about the details....

[kitimatdude]

I removed my heating system (hell I never used it anyway) and removed a bunch of redundant associated wiring.. That made a ton of space under the dash. I might have a place for all that crap the tilt nose displaced...

[kitimatdude]

I got working on the engine mounts. Rocker pointed out that 454 make enough torque to smash my shiny headers on the frame and mess up a bunch of crap. so I looked up aftermarket engine mounts and found these:

"BombProof" Motor mounts on sale now! These are our "Torsion" rubber style mounts and far surpase the stock mounts. Order today!                     
               $129.50 /pair       


Part # GU32001 $170.00 Buy now
Fits’73 to ‘87(’91) GM’s with original small block
Description: Unbreakable, urethane bushed, two piece welded motor mount assemblies. This type of mount has been used for years by desert racers and other vehicle builders who are serious about strength and durability. The urethane bushings provide a near indestructible yet vibration absorbing cushion between the two motor mount halves. This kit has also been popular with the big block owners to keep the motor from settling onto the front crossmember.


# GM Truck Motor MountsRed  $61.99



Competition Poly Motor Mounts
Designed to be a bolt in for 1973-87('91) Full size Chevys. These are an upgrade in strength as well. Factory mounts use rubber and a 1/2" bolt while these are poly urethane and a 9/16" bolt. 1/4" thick steel throughout. Comes complete with everything you see in the photo and all the hardware is Grade 8.
Comp. Poly motor mounts - Part no. 00400 - $85.00

I almost bought the last set, Right price nice and strong. But even still it might move enough to ruin those pretty exhaust manifolds. It would be nice if they lifted the engine an extra inch or so...they look simple enough to make... so I'm making a set I got one pretty much done and all the parts for the next one are ready to fit up. It looks tons stronger the rubber/poly is very stiff. It will have a 5/8" bolt replacing the 7/16" bolt. and it looks way beefier. My old ones were beat up bad. I'll try to remember the camera tomorrow....

[kitimatdude]

ok pics as promised:




That the passenger side I did that on first (because there was way more room)
The bases are 1/4" the side plates are 1/2" the pipe is 2" shed 80 and the bushings are urethane for  car springs.

I'm trying out a new picture host because I filled up my flickr account.