Awesome! I'd love to do the same thing, but I'm gonna have to build a shop first. Keep us posted, looks great!

 

I understand the shop thing. All I've got is a driveway for now, so I'm limiting my restoring zeal to just the engine and transmission. Once the transplant operation is complete and she's running again, that'll be it until I get my shop built. Then I'll have room to explode it down to the frame and do it right.

At least that's the plan. Now we've got to see if it survives first contact with the enemy.

JJ

 

20 november 1978 your block was cast. Good year, these block are not the one for prone cracking. before march 77 are. Nice clean built.
Have same piston (.030 from tim) and head with stainless steel valve with comp cam and roller rocker from chevy/ford 1.7 with deck block and shave head (aussie). Custom hardner push-rods lenght with kit to accept roller rocker. The piston past the block ! I call tim and he said to don't worry, i'm in the tolerance but i'm pretty close to get my piston machine to zero deck again! performer 400 porting to match gasket with 600 cfm manual choke. Stock ignition.
I don't plan to run this engine over 5000-5500. Just for fun for my first built in a 81 mustang but will preffer in 7? truck 2wd. Suppose to run 330-350 hp and 450-480 tq. going on dyno this summer. eeeaaa.

 

More pics

 

looking good!

 

couple more pics...new OE valves and springs are in.

 

Almost there...!!!

 

Man, that's a good looking engine, keep us up to date!

 

Getting closer!!!

 

MMMM!!! Shiny!! X2 on the looking good thing. They look good when they come together like that.

 

This is not a bash on TMI in any way...but why is it taking so long to put this motor together? I would think once they had all the parts that this thing should go together in a matter of a day or two for a engine shop?

BUT, I have never done one so I really don't know.

Motor is looking GREAT by the way. I would think you would have sprung for some heavier duty valve covers though...

Can't wait to see the completed motor!!!!

 

I don't know if this is taking a while or not...it's my first time witnessing a build. I know TMI's been swamped this winter with small-engine/snow-blower-type jobs up there in Minnesota, and I've no clue how many other engine builds they've got going on simultaneously. It doesn't matter a lick to me either way (other than I want it yesterday, I mean look at it...who wouldn't?). I don't mind waiting. The Army issued me a large amount of patience when it comes to things outside of my AO.

As far as the sheet metal goes...I'm not worried about the valve covers. I was already black on funds with the other licky-chewies that seemed to have a higher priority. I reckoned the valve covers' job was to keep the oil in and the crud out, and these plain-jane chrome numbers do that just fine. And they're shiny! Same with the oil pan. Besides, I needed those extra pennies to fund my Sanderson headers, Griffon radiator, Red Head steering gear, and the host of other items that kept NPD in business.

Justin

 

I was wondering the same thing. That's why I thought the op changed his mind on using TMI earlier in the thread and that's why it was taking a while. I also have never had an engine built and have no idea about how long it should it take. I do know I would love to have him build me one though.

That thing is looking great, cant wait to hear it running. You will post some videos, right?

 

And if you ever have to go to Fort Sill, you should drive it and stop by my house so I can see it, lol

 

WILCO on the videos...as soon as I can figure out how to post 'em. I've got one of the simtest, and will have more videos once I've got her in the cradle and firing. Just ain't got the message board know-how on how to post 'em.

I know we were waiting a while on all the parts to get in, too. Like I said earlier, I ain't worried about the waiting. Will make it all the sweeter when I get my paws on her! Plus, it's given me the opportunity to be hard and ride my Harley to work all winter!