The engine and trans are installed, bolted down. Engine is still waiting on Mummert to send me a new 4V aluminum intake. Also need to install rocker assemblies.

Exhaust system. What a job. To get a DS Rams Horn to clear my steering box in the '46 (which is the narrower frame), I had its mounting flange machined on a 6 degree angle, to tilt the bottom outlet inboard. Welded up some fittings and cleared the box by 1/8 inch, the oil pressure sender by 1/2 in., the corner of the block by 1/8 and the Pittman arm by 1/8 in. in full lock left turn. Added adhesive backed fiberglass insulating tape to the oil sender, steering box, and oil pump pickup. Then had to manually grind some washers for the mounting bolts at 6 degree, and finally specially fit studs so the washers and nuts didnt interfere with manifold. Oh and also had to use a die grinder to angle the manifold bolt holes to approx. the new 6 deg. It is installed, done (I hope).

Next to be done is final mounting of the new universal aluminum radiator. It took as much setup as the exhaust, but with two or so part time days it will be final bolted in. The plan is to do the cam breakin and test drive without outer fenders or grill, in case of problem.

Alternator, basic wiring, new elec fuel pump, all hooked up.

If there is a much longer delay than 2 weeks on the new intake, I will probably put on an iron 2V and not wait.

 

Mike, Congratulations on your progress. It sounds like you are sweating all the details.

I don't know the details of how your DS exhaust pipe is routed, but I wonder if you could have flattened it into an oval or other shape to gain more clearance. It sure sounds like a squeeze.

IIrc, you have a 292 with ported 113 or -G heads and an Isky E4 cam, right? Zero decked, with high ratio rockers. I'll be waiting to hear how that runs.

My 292 build for a 54 F100 got side-tracked by a Studebaker project. I'm going to try to cobble a 223 to get the truck back on the road until I can finish the 292.

 

Paul, The ported 113s recently gained go to a different engine. This one has stock 113s, an Isky E-4 detuned with 1.43 rockers to be in keeping with the mpg objective. 9.2 CR, pistons .004 down, 2V Autolite with 1.14 vents. A Moroso circle track 4V to 2V adaptor between carb and manifold.

Those side tracking projects can sure impact a time line. A year ago I got involved in the all aluminum buick 215s for a while.

 

Buick 215's? I picked up a SD1 5 speed recently so that I could swap a Rover V8 into an MGB that I have. So many cars, so little time.

I got laid off this week, so I'm busy trying to sell some crankshafts to pay for more car parts and tools. I bought a pallet of cranks on eBay a while ago, put in a lowball bid and won. Whoops. Now I'm a crank dealer.

 

I am truly LOL! on the ebay won item. That is funny. Hope you do well on it.
Sorry to hear about the lay off though. Life is a bit of a challenge right now, but at least spring is here.

 

Mike, Don't worry about the layoff. I've been living below my means for a while now and I'll do fine. I don't have kids and my wife works as much as she wants to. As far as I'm concerned, the layoff means I'll be able to finish some projects while the weather is nice.

Meanwhile, I'll look for work and maybe try a career change. But I'm not hurting.