I've been meaning to post this for a long time now. I finally got started again on my F-150 after letting it sit for almost 6 months. Got the new engine in the shop and spent most of yesterday painting the valve cover, oil pan, and lifter cover.

Also painted my EFI exhaust and Clifford "C" manifold. Installed the longer reach EFI spark plugs as well, just to keep any kind of dirt/trash from falling down into the cylinders while it sits.

Got a pic or two of the engine, manifolds, and carb. Once my finals are over this week I'll have a ton more pics as I want to have it in and running next week sometime. But for now...pics!

 

very nice, good luck!

 

Looking good!!!! Good to see another person saving these trucks!!! Also I couldn't help but notice the mid 80's Mustang. If you ever want to know a good site for those pm me.

 

NICE! That should look right at home between the frame rails! Got to love a big'ol I-6

 

Thanks for the compliments guys, I really appreciate them! I didn't get anything done today since I was out house hunting with the fiancee, but I'm going to get back on it ASAP.

That aside, the only problem I can see with this engine is it uses the crappy phenolic cam gear. I know I could change it, and eliminate another point of failure but I'd be throwing the warranty out the window. Also since it isn't broken yet there really ain't much sense in me replacin' it yet.

Along with putting in a slightly higher performance engine than stock, I'm also going to be doing some body work & repair on my truck. I've got to replace a cab corner and replace the core support mounts as well. Then there is patchin' up the core support itself so that it'll have support again all the way around instead of just on the sides and one lower mount.

Anybody got a good source for the core support mounts? I'd rather buy something high quality than a Chinese made repop if I can. Same for the engine mounts, I'm going to need those new as well.

I'll post some more of the "laundry list" I need to do, but for now its time to take care of my finals so I'll have more time to focus on the project!

 

Are you talking about the radiator core supports?

 

Yep that'd be the thing I'm looking for. I know I need those for sure, but I can't seem to find em on any parts website I've been on. I'm almost tempted to check rock auto now since the local guys don't seem to show em.

 

I tried to find 'em in the Ford parts catalog but haven't had luck yet, I think they're gonna be
listed in the Body Parts section.

I'm assuming you're talking about two kinda large, rubber, donut-like things that sit between
the radiator support and the frame?

 

ctubutis: Ya those are the parts I'm looking for. Shoulda been a bit more clear myself, but I couldn't exactly think of a way to describe them. My old ones are so rotten I'm probably going to have to hack the rubber out of the mount just to get them out to replace em. Who would have known it'd be so hard to get these things out.

 

I really like my energy suspension mounts, but i dont think you can buy just the core support mounts. The ones i got were in a complete kit with the cab mounts as well for like $70.

Here is the link to them:

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...+F150+2WD+1983

 

LMC lists them in their catalog (FD.25 page 22) upper "cushions" $29.95 each, lower "cushions" $12.95 each. They also have the individual metal pieces, if needed.
On page 21, they list a complete poly kit (rad support and cab mounts) for $89.95.

They're a bit proud of their stuff, but at least they are available. I dunno if NPD, BOTP, or anyone else lists them, but certainly worth having a look at their catalogs.

 

Thanks for the tips on the body mounts guys. I'll be ordering them shortly so I can get it fixed up. I picked up a few more parts yesterday, flywheel, oil pump pickup, motor mounts, thermostat, and water pump.

I've still got some misc bolts & things to gather up, a spool or two of wire, and some electrical connectors. I'm putting a 140 amp 3G alternator back in with the new motor along with a Taurus electric fan.

I'll have more pics of the goodies soon, because a thread without pics is worthless!

 

Got all the "tins" back on it, opted for an EFI valve cover just to get the oil fill neck up a little higher than the rest of the valve cover. Also got the engine back in the bay, but have forgotten at least three times since to pick up the friggin camera and take pictures.

Also mocked up my EFI exhaust manifolds along with the Clifford intake, and it looks like everything is good to go there aside from needing a few washers.

Haven't gotten the front accessories on it yet, but I do have the starter and distributor on, along with the plugs and wires.

As before its coming along, and I've probably still got a good day or two of work left before its break-in time. Still gotta get the automagic shift linkages, figger out the AOD shift cable, trans lines, and plumb up the carb.

Oh and before I forget, anyone swapping from a T-18/T-19 to an AOD the driveshaft is a direct swap. Mine went right in!

 

Absolutely gorgeous! Love the black and grey. EFI manifolds and intake look great.

 

This is how the truck looked last night. The engine is in, everything is more or less bolted up. Note the 3G alternator in there, though I haven't wired it in yet.

Today I got the core support in, added the electric fan, radiator, finished up the cooling system, and started fabricating my exhaust system. I have to admit the exhaust took a bit longer than what I wanted it to, but it is all over with now but the welding of the pipes.

Got the transmission lines installed, and plumbed that all up as well. I'm hoping tomorrow I get a chance to start it up for the first time, and break it in. There really isn't too much more left until I get to that point.