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My crate engine arrived early! When I ordered it in April Blueprint Engines estimated 60-90 days putting it at late June to late July. They called last week to let me know it was ready. A bit earlier than expected but I’m not complaining!! It is a 383 with the Holley Sniper FI unit. It dunk’s at 462hp and 482tq. Motivation to get this chassis done. Packaged well and delivered FedEx with a lift gate. First look
We had an absolutely perfect day in western NY yesterday 66 degrees all day no humidity so I was able to knock out the first step of the project that feels like something other than disassembly. I painted the frame with the KBS coating system. I will tell you it is more than 3 steps but there are 3 processes. First you have to use their cleaner a concentrate that you mix with hot water and then scrub every inch of the frame. You cannot let it dry on the frame either. You then have to rinse the frame off I used a spray bottle with hot water and did the application and rinsing in sections then thoroughly dry the frame. Step 2 apply the rust blast which basically neutralizes the rust and leaves a phosphorus coating again apply to every area not letting it dry for 10-20 minutes in my situation (longer for heavier rust) rinse with water and dry. Lastly apply the KBS coating. I chose to brush it on which is very tedious, especially because you will apply not one but two thin coats. Finally I applied Eastwood gloss black chassis paint from an aerosol can. So nine steps and pretty much the entire day to accomplish but I am pretty happy with the results it looks so much better than the blue that was on it when I bought it. I had already applied the Eastwood internal frame paint so next steps are installing the suspension!!
Well it has been a while since I have posted an update and with my work schedule I don't have a lot completed but I knew this going in. I have owned the car over 20 years waiting for the time and money so a 5 year plan is what it is. Many thanks to Railroadman and the countless posts I have read from current and previous forum members helping along this fun journey. The chassis, suspension, majority of the engine and transmission, fuel and brake lines are now assembled. I am planning my next step of swapping the frames. The body is just sitting on it and was removed prior to me purchasing it. The car truly was bought in boxes. Here a few pictures to keep you up to date. I have a Dewitt HP rad, full Lectric Limited wiring kit front to rear to install, Dakota Digital RTX gauges that will work with the Holley Sniper, some aftermarket Procar bucket seats are just a few of the upcoming projects. Front suspension with disc brakes and tubular UCA Borgeson installed VanSteel offset arms 3:36 rear end rebuilt by Bair's QA1 shocks adjustable strut rods BPE 383 getting uncrated The 383 with Holley Sniper mated to the wide ratio Muncie with Mcleod clutch Engine in place with the Sanderson headers designed for use with BPE raised ports Powermaster alternator with March pulley kit
Looks great. Hopefully you will beat the 5 year mark. In a few weeks I will start year 6 so I know what you mean about work and saving up. Keep plugging away and you will get there.
Wow - I thought that my SWC was the only car Bubba had welded the front bumper brackets on. Good to know that the brackets can be ground off without too much hassle. I'm still about 2 years out from being able to start the project but those welded on brackets had me scratching my head.
Looking back the one thing I wish I had done with the body off was to install a TKX 5 speed trans.
I ended up doing it after everything was back together and modifying the crossmember
to be removable.
It would have been so much easier with the body off.
Thanks elwood13, time and money never enough of either. Days that I don't wrench I try to research things like wiring, EFI, relays, whatever so I feel like I am making progress from a knowledge standpoint and hopefully shorten the learning curve when applied. Keep plugging away and one day we will both be driving our cars.
Funny you mention relays. I was trying to figure out the difference between the standard Bosch relay and the micro relays. I like what Glenn did with his relays and looking to do something like that for all my stuff. Hopefully you will beat me at that point and I will have another example to learn from.
Dougs63, there are lots of Bubba's out there to contend with don't underestimate their ability to git'er dun!!
You are already doing the right thing by joining a group like this and learning as much as possible, those 2 years will be here before you know it!
gleninsandiego,
I read a lot of posts about the removable crossmember when I first posted pics of my frame. I had lots of members chime in and they said now is the time to cut it up while there is no body on it. I have never been a numbers matching, OEM guy. I respect it, but don't see anything wrong with making your ride the way you want it. I will say I really found myself struggling to cut the frame, not for fear of being able to modify it, just that it will never be factory again. I put it off several times until I finally sat myself down and said your are not restoring this car. I have the original 327 RF code 360 born with block and heads and the BW T-10 CR transmission (early car) but everything else is long gone and this girl will never be original. The chassis I bought had a 3:36 center with the bolt on cap BB axles and members here suggested ditching the BW CR for a Muncie wide ratio, some also said 5 speed. I figure I can always add the 5 speed later if the 4 speed becomes annoying. Wish I had your weather, stuck here in NY.
05-20-2023, 03:01 PM
Christmas in May!
