Well, so as not to give the impression that I've been dic kin off, it's time for an update.
I'll be glad when all of the engine modifications are done so I can send that thing off for machine work. The block is gonna get bored .180 and all 6 cylinders sleeved. Now I don't know about you, but the thought of boring a thin wall casting 180 thousands to install the 3/32 sleeves had me a little un nerved. Despite the fact that I have been advised it will be OK, and that the end result will actually be stronger, I decided to "short fill" the thing w/ hard block. Now on a six banger like this one, that is a job easier said than done, as there are only holes on one side of the cylinder to pour the cement into and you have to work that goop around w/ a mixture of a coat hanger and tipping this way and that. All while trying to keep the crap inside the engine, instead of going out the remaining holes that have to be left open (i.e. the water pump)
Now I left the two high end freeze plugs out to guage how full I was getting the thing. The bottom of the open holes are the same height that the W/P hole is, and at this level, half of the cylinder is now surrounded in cement.
I also finalized the plan for the side cover. After tapping all of those damn holes, it became apparent real quick that the 1/4" bolt would pull the threads right out of the side of the cast iron. So I through bolted the thing from the inside. The top course are 1/4 x 1" button head capscrews, and the bottom course are actually made up of 1/4-20 all thread that i welded a nut to after running the threaded rod through the side. Once cool, I poured epoxy on top of the nut ( that actually sits in a little well cast in the side of the block that was just full of oil sludge) So to kill two birds, I effectively locked the nut, (which was jam threaded against the inside of the block anyway) and filled a pocket notorious for catching crud.
The frank-n-cover plate is 3/8" thick.
And sits on the block like this. There are 15 additional bolts on the top plate that ties the bottom plate to the deck of the block. I hope that this works.
I also painted "Medusa's head" w/ the very high heat VHT paint formulated for exhaust. It has to be baked on three seperate intervals for 30 minutes each at 250, then 400, then 600 degrees w/ a 30 minute cool down in between.
The wife caught me w/ the thing in the brand new oven stinkin the place up to high hell.
I think the freakin thing turned out cool as hell.
Maybe by Tuesday, I'll be done w/ the engine so I can get it to the machine shop. I got 6 more studs that have to be epoxied into the side of the block, and it'll be good to go.
:shockin:
