To be fair, though, there's more to the kit than the aluminum plate/jig. It comes with a set of very high quality bits and other accessories like a deburring tool among others. Top notch, and you get what you pay for.

But, there are companies out there that sell just a plate and leave it to you to source the other pieces. That's probably the way I'd go, but that's not a knock on the quality of the ProMaxx kit, just preference on how I'd spend my money.

 

If someone had access to the draftsman's drawings of Ford's heads you could quickly design a plate with 2 different engines on the same plate. All you'd really need is the dimension of hole centers. Take your design to a Community College machinist class and you'll have a precision guide plate for a reasonable price.

 

The only special part is the hardened insert.
They are making a KILLING

 

I took a quick look at Heli-Coil's website and see that they do offer a titanium insert. I don't know if that meets the requirements (read torture) in a cylinder head environment.

 

Helicoils work fine in this application, where necessary. Luckily, it wasn't necessary in my case.

 

Found a little time to dig into the motor today. I decided this past week to just go ahead and do the HGs, so I have the head set on stand by.

Removing the timing cover, I found an issue with the timing chains. Ruh roh.

The chain was trying to eat through the case...


Probably doing a timing set now, too.

 

I removed the timing components and heads today. New timing set should arrive Tuesday or Wednesday.

Hoping to be able to start reinstalling the engine in the vehicle next weekend.

 

Just curious, how do those cylinder bores look, still have a crosshatch pattern?

 

Cylinders look fine. Nothing of concern. Crosshatch visible.

 

Nice, I had a feeling they would be, it's not even broken in yet

 

It's in way too many pieces for it to not be broken in yet. lol

 

Speaking of pieces, tell us about the Chevy in the background, truck or Blazer? I have an affection for those too, got an '83 3/4 ton 4x4.

 

Good eye!

I love squarebodies. I grew on the family farm and being born in '82, squarebodies were what we had. First vehicle I ever drove was a 78 K20 and I learned how to work a clutch in a '78 c30.

I got my license in '98 and bought the blue truck you see above (and below). It's a 1987 V10 (they changed from c/k to r/v in '87). It has a fuel injected 350 and 700r4 automatic. The previous owner painted the truck its current color (Mopar - Intense Blue Pearl). It has some rust - cab corners, and some other small spots, but overall its pretty solid. Unfortunately, it keeps getting pushed back. Money, time, etc get in the way of enjoying this truck. But, I built my garage (40x60) a few years ago, so it will always live inside from here on out.

Ignore the sweet little S2000 and Jeep.


When I installed my lift, it was the first vehicle I put on it. I installed a set of stainless brake lines on it as the first lift project.




I'm a car guy.

 

Those Chevys were the last of the real trucks. My C20 is a beast, but pretty much rusted to death from the winters here, with the generous use of salt.

 

Yeah, unfortunately these trucks are rust prone.