Project: First Timer

Well, I may be taking a different route than expected. I keep getting told that the bottom end of my engine is fine, that whatever is going on is more than likely in the head somewhere. So, I have changed plans a little and decided to just go ahead and replace the head with a new one, weber carb conversion, and pacesetter header. Still gonna remove the engine and tranny and do some much needed clean up. Here are a few pics I snapped today, snapped a few pics of some goodies I got off the FedEx truck as well. Also snapped a few pics of the horrible exhaust situation I have with this truck. I had to stop the progress due to a major storm coming through. Also got a video of the storm and actually some video of the marble size hail storm we had.

Pics of the progress:




FedEx truck goodies:



Major exhaust leaks from rusty exhaust pipes:

Here is the video of the Storm we had today:

honestly if your going to have the motor out already just rebuild it.

mine use to smoke like that so i just went ahead and did new pistons,rings,bearings,valve guide seals,weber,header,cam,valve job,etc. now i'm good.

but i didn't yank my motor out i left it in there. but if your pullin it out i'd just rebuild the sucker.

I have thought about just rebuilding it, just because I am already gonna have it out. But it runs great, except for the start up smoke and the rough idle. So pretty much decided just to have the head rebuilt and go ahead with the weber/pacesetter set up.

Update:

Got the Engine/Tranny out of my truck and ready to go to the shop in the morning. The truck needed a clutch put in anyway, so I just went ahead and took both out at the same time. I inspected the block, pistons, and everything I could see. Everything seemed to look good as far as I could tell. While I am waiting on the head to get rebuilt, I am gonna go ahead and take apart as much as I can and get it all cleaned up!

Here are a few pics of a very hard day at work. My friend David helped me get it out and get the head off!

Now I have a few questions.

1) I have the Pacesetter header ordered, and it should arrive tomorrow. What is the best way to get the truck to the muffler shop without having to install the OLD exhaust?
2) I noticed the exhaust gasket that came off of the truck was a metal gasket, would that be OK to use with the header, or should I buy a new one? And, where to get the new metal gasket?
3) I am gonna need some new gaskets for the re-assemble. Would it be better/cheaper to get the whole head gasket kit, or individual gaskets?

Update:

Got some goodies from the FedEx driver today:

Whats the best way to get the finish off of these, and repaint them with some high temp paint?

Hate to say it bust most of the high temp paint you get from stores most of the time comes off in a short time.






-justin

What about powder coating?