I had the day off today, so I took advantage of the time and pulled the engine out. My buddy came to help. We were able to take the engine & trans all in one shot pretty easily, which is the way I prefer to do it. I used one of those load levelers and it worked ok, but it was a bear to turn the handle when the load was on it.

I plan to replace the clutch and was hoping to be able to resurface the flywheel, but I found a crack, so I think a new one is in my future. Bummer.

You might check with a machine shop but I know they turn and use flywheels that have heat cracks in them all the time.
Yours doesn't look to bad to me but then again I have never owned a 4 spd car before. I have seen pulling tractors with turbo motors run ones that have a LOT more cracks in them then yours.
The flywheels are pretty thick.
Just my 2 cents. David

I took a chance and brought the flywheel to have resurfaced to see what happened. It came out perfect, and he didn't have to take that much off. Thanks for your help!

Today I also installed the harmonic balancer, fuel pump and primed the oil pump. I got about 50lbs at the gauge (it was still going up but my drill was smoking, so I stopped), so I'm happy. Next, I need to install the intake, flywheel & clutch.

So far, so good

Today I installed the intake. There's a lot of red, but I think once I get all the accessories installed, it should tone it down a bit.

Nice looking Car and the new motor looks sweet. Im looking forward to seeing more on the reinstall. Cant wait to tear into mine just parked it for now while I put the finishing touches on the Cuda.

Thanks! Keep us posted on your project when you begin.

That looks great. What brand is that cool intake ? Ron

My car was converted at some point from a 318/auto to a 440/4speed. When they did it, they decided to bolt the z-bar mount to the inner fender well instead of welding in the proper bracket. As a result, the clutch didn't work properly and eventually the mount broke. I figured there's no better time to do it than now while the engine is out.

I had the wire speed too fast on the welder at first so it was too cold. I had it set better for the second half. Not my prettiest welding job but it will hold up.

I also received the new Centerforce clutch. This should work much better than the stock-type unit. I'm just waiting for the trans to be rebuilt and the throwout bearing to arrive.

Great Job! Nice work! You'll love that Centerforce. It is the best choice!!!

Thanks. I had a Centerforce in a 'Vette I had years ago and it worked well.

Well, I finally got the engine compartment cleaned up and the new steering box installed. Ready to receive the new engine.



Yesterday I was also able to get the clutch, transmission, headers & starter installed, so she's ready to drop in tomorrow. My buddy is coming over to help. hopefully, it will go smoothly.





The starter fits very well and there seems to be plenty of room for the exhaust. Hopefully, it will clear the steering box.

Looking Good Now!! I bet you can't wait to get it in and running.
Congrat's on your project and I Hope the installation goes WELL.
Those shorty headers look like they have a Good fit to them.
David

Thanks!

We got the engine installed today. It took a little longer than I had hoped because one of the motor mounts was giving us trouble and there was a clearance issue with the driver's side header to the steering box and steering column.






It wasn't actually touching, but it was so close that I felt it necessary to dimple the header in those places. Now there's plenty of clearance.




The Z-bar bracket I welded in was perfectly placed and the Z-bar lined up great. Big relief! The clutch adjusted very easily and is real easy to push. Gotta love the Centerforce!


Plenty of room on the passenger's side to get to the plugs, etc.


Sitting pretty. can't wait to get it started. I need to hook up the exhaust and all the accessories next.

I've had engines built for me but by far the most rewarding experience has been building a couple of mild 440's myself.

It's like giving birth for us males!

it may just be the picture, but it really looks like there is a hole in the header where you massaged it for the power steering pump?