Progress Thread Block transplant (and more)

[FastDriver]

Lol... Hate that. Dropping the bolt or nut and then repeating "please fall through... please fall through..." I love tubular k-member and A-arms in 2 of my cars. The stock stuff catches them way too often. Anyways, your bolt is probably along the rail/edge of the k-member below where you dropped it. Run a magnet along it from below.

 

[JD1964]

The coolant drain plugs in my stock block were useless. They were 1/4” Allen key and the Allen key rotated and stripped without budging the plug. I’m thinking about using some kind of petcock drain for coolant plugs on the new block. Do any of you use anything like that or do you have a recommendation?

 

[gkomo]

Do they make the same size and thread plug but hex head? Not a coolant plug on an engine block but it’s a common ‘upgrade’ in the Toyota world to replace the front differential plugs that come Allen/torx (?) with a Lexus hex headed plug for this exact reason.

 

[JD1964]

I’m down to one bell housing bolt before I can lift the short block out. I need to put tools away, make room on the work floor to move the hoist around and get the engine stand out of the shed. It’s leaf season too so that’s taking up my limited time as well. Little by little it’s happening

 

[AeroCoupe]

Pretty sure there are screw in hex plugs where the freeze plugs go on the Boss block. I have never had a drain on the block and have just dealt with it. I don't plan on pulling a motor very often so I have not seen the use / benefit but I can see where some would like the option.

 

[JD1964]

One Ford Performance Parts Boss 302 block on board!

 

[AeroCoupe]

Hell yeah man! Happy Friday!!!

 

[JD1964]

Parts guy at Ford said the Ford Performance outlets actually shut down but they came up with shipping Ford Performance parts directly to dealerships as an alternative. I told him that me being able to pick it up locally like this was one of the selling points that made me choose this over the BluePrint block.

 

[JD1964]

Progress

 

[JD1964]

 

[nickyb]

Progress

The plate on the vette,something to do with pink floyd?

 

[nickyb]

You crazy diamond.

 

[JD1964]

You crazy diamond.

I know the song well, however the plate name was not chosen to be related to that song. It’s in relation to the color of the car which shines like the sun

 

[JD1964]

Before I put the engine back in I think I’ll replace the pilot bearing. I have a new one already from before which I chose not to use the last time because it looks like Chinese junk. What is a good quality bearing? What about a solid brass bushing instead of a bearing? I see the brass bushings are also being offered by suppliers.

 

[85GTStangGuy]

How about a Ford Performance one, to go with your FP block....

ROLLER PILOT BEARING - HIGH LOAD - 4.6L/5.4L/5.0L 4V

ROLLER PILOT BEARING - HIGH LOAD - 4.6L/5.4L/5.0L 4V|Ford Racing Parts

performanceparts.ford.com

 

[General karthief]

I think the bushing vrs the bearing is a friction thing, you know science stuff.
I don't really know

 

[FastDriver]

I don't know if any are better than Ford's part.

 

[JD1964]

I got the old block down bare. Everything came apart without a hitch and all wear surfaces look very good to me. I’m taking both blocks old and new along with the entire disassembled rotating assembly to the machine shop on Wednesday (goal anyway). He may want to see wear patterns on the old block since I want to reuse the pistons

The be block came with a complete screw in plug and dowel kit except for the rear cam plug which is press in. I’ll get the shop to install that one but obviously I can handle everything else.

Everything should be straight forward from here unless Weaver says I can’t use this or that or the other thing. Crossing my fingers he’ll say it’s ok to swap everything over.

 

[FastDriver]

Lol... Hate that. Dropping the bolt or nut and then repeating "please fall through... please fall through..." I love tubular k-member and A-arms in 2 of my cars. The stock stuff catches them way too often. Anyways, your bolt is probably along the rail/edge of the k-member below where you dropped it. Run a magnet along it from below.

Just came across this nugget on FB and thought of this thread:

211K reactions · 12K shares | ☎️ 331 255 3535 851 Sard Ave Aurora IL 60506 ameritruckscenter.com | AmeriTrucks Center LLC

☎️ 331 255 3535 851 Sard Ave Aurora IL 60506 ameritruckscenter.com

www.facebook.com

 

[JD1964]

All will be revealed when you remove the motor grasshopper.

As you said, it was hidden between the steering rack and K member. It was found in wide open view once the motor was out