Parts

A box of parts - intake manifold gasket set, oil pan bolts and a vacuum fitting for the intake manifold - came in today.

These are rather faithful reproductions of the original parts, including the intake manifold gaskets which feature a distinctive and mysterious tab that the original gaskets featured.

Lift

As we accumulate engine parts and contemplate engine build options, a set of lifting brackets for the engine arrived. These came on each engine, but most were quickly discarded by new owners.

There's also one that goes on the bell housing.

Lead pipe copy

This reproduction oil pan is indistinguishable from the original, save for the sludge and the 356 dents in the one that came on this car.

This new one is worth every cent of what it cost.

Way a-head

The heads are back from the machine shop and they look great. Mechanically they are ready for installation.

It is a little disappointing that they were painted, but that was probably the machinist trying to do something nice for me. This is just spray paint and can be removed fairly easily. Having someone as talented as he is do this work is worth any small thing like this and then some.

This warranty bullet will have to removed before paint, but I am sure they will be fine and not need any warranty work.

One small thing today

With parts still on their way, backordered and the heads still at the shop, the only thing to do today was to restore the distributor clamp. Pretty boring, but we're at a stage that will be slow to see progress.

The last of the tasks

The final three freeze plugs and the head dowels are out of the engine block. It was a struggle, but worth it to save some labor at the machine shop.

A few parts, including a clutch inspection cover and intake manifold bolts, came in as well.

Timing

The seal for the timing cover is in. It, along with the reproduction bolts and the timing tab, will go into storage until the engine is ready for assembly.