We just fired up the engine on the run stand for the first time.

 

Did you use your old Vette brackets with aftermarket pulleys and water pump? I read somewere that a Vette specific water pump is longer.

 

I wound up going with a long water pump. The timing chain cover was a double style that made it thicker so a regular water pump didn't fit. The I went with was high performance and polished.

 

I tried to load the video on the run stand but it doesnt seem like I can load videos.

I uploaded it to my Youtube channel here:

 

I installed the new McLeod clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing, throw-out bearing and the repainted bellhousing last night. I had planned on sliding the transmission in last night but I got it all the way up to the pilot bearing and it would not go anymore. I am going to start fresh again today by pulling the clutch and realigning it to ensure that it is perfect then trying to mount the trans again today. This is the part I hate cause I have never been able to just slide the transmission in to any engine like everyone shows in videos. I know I will get it eventually but it always takes me some trial and error.

 

Have someone else push the clutch pedal in.
That usually takes care of it!

 

I'm doing the same thing soon. Bought the complete McCloud setup for my 383 install. How did you put the pilot bushing in? Is it possible its not straight. Did you use the alignment tool to set it up before tightnening anything down?

 

Success! I took the clutch back off, realigned everything once again then reinserted

. This time with a little shaking she slid straight in.

 

Jarhead, thats the same setup that Im dropping in this weekend.

 

So today I decided it was time to drop the motor and trans back in the car. I didnt have any help but I figured if I took my time I could get it little by little and it took me a little over an hour and she was fully in.

 

 

So today I had planned on just putting the engine in but considering it only took about an hour I started to button things up. I have the trans bolts back in and the driveshaft and u-joints in. The ground is run to the engine. I mounted and installed the clutch Z- bar. I also filled the tranny with fluid. Finally I ran the fuel lines and connected the speedo cable.

Tomorrow Im going to start working on top.

 

Good on ya. I'm reluctant to to do this alone. I'm 77 with a titanium back and I'm afraid I'll get caught on one of the bending manuvers, but you make it easy looking.
Very Good, want to hear it run and drive.

 

I finally got her all back together and back on the ground. I cant start her yet cause I am still waiting on the headers to be coated but hopefully they will be done this week.

The only issue I have is that I need to adjust the clutch. I got it and tried pushing in the clutch but it had no feel. Im going to mess with it this week and see if I set something up wrong.

 

I swapped out the valve covers that I had on the engine last night. The breathers were too tall and were hitting the hood. My two options were new valve covers or a new hood, I went with new valve covers. I can use the other valve covers on another vehicle that I have that does not need a hood so they will work fine and look good. Anyway, I ordered some black crinkle finish cover from Summit that say 383 STROKER on them. They look good but one arrived with what I would call a quality control issue. The crinkle finish looks like it may have had dirt under it when it was sprayed in a few spots because the paint is bubbling. Summit is sending me new ones to replace it with and then i will send these back but they are letting me use them for the time being.

I also got word that my headers are done and i can pick them up today. So after work I am going to go get them and then tonight I will button up the exhaust on the car and I believe at that point she is ready to start. Everything on my checklist is complete and hopefully I did to mess anything up. Once it is all dialed in I have to take it back to my painter who is going to cut and buff the paint for a deep red shine.

I will post a video of the first start, hopefully by tomorrow.

 

Last night I put the finishing touches on the install. I put the new ceramic coated headers on and it was alot harder than I expected. The drivers side is very tight with the power steering and power brakes. I had to remove the Z Bar and dipstick tube and then install them from the bottom.

Unfortunately I did scrape them a little with all the wiggling and moving then around but thankfully I have a MaxJax lift so it made moving the car up and down alot easier. I cant imagine doing this on jack stands.

I didnt finish until late last night and I was tired so I restrained myself from rushing to start it.

Today I will connect the battery, grab a fire extinguisher, double check my checklist, confirm all fluids and then attempt its first start and hopefully a drive.




This is a picture with the new valve covers and my new 14” air cleaner should be in tomorrow so the 9” is just temporary

 

You forgot to put the header in on this side.

Is that the stock throttle cable?
I'm almost finished gathering parts, wish I had a lift.

 

So that not the final install picture. The headers are in and the throttle cable is stock. Im pretty sure Ill have to modify it but I want to see how it does when I start it first

 

Just kiddin ya
I was thinking I'll prob start mine the first time with the Qjet I have in the car now. It works good and all the vac/fuel lines and cables are stock so I elim that first problem