New Engine

[Milt Atkinson]

On\in the damaged location, I put a long thread all bolt, RTVd the H out of it, installed a flat washer and a 'lock nut' ... no lock washer.

Got the intake installed tonight. Have to completely redo the plug wires cuz this engine has a different firing order and I had the wires cut and dressed on the other engine. Maybe another 4 or 5 hours tomorrow and it will be ready to try and fire it for the first time.

[cecil misner]

Hello Milt. My TH 400 has a similar problem with a bolt hole. I ruined the threads by being in a hurry and cranking them in with a battery powered DeWalt. I made a 3/16th inch thick strap that is bent in the middle. It spans three bolt holes. As I tighten the bolts on the end, the center is also clamped. Very much like the bars on chevy valve covers.

Ceec.

[Milt Atkinson]

Fired the 347 stroker for the first time about 8:30 last night. Had to tweak the distributor a bit before it would fire and keep running. After about 5 minutes, noticed puddle of oil on the right side up front. Both valve covers, from the factory, had been over torqued and were leaking. Changed out to my old aluminum Ford Racing valve covers with new Fel Pro gaskets and that problem is solved. About 7:30 this morning one of my friends, retired engine builder, came over and we dialed in the timing. Added 5 more quarts of transmission fluid and took it around the block a couple of times ... Holy Crap! ... what a difference! This thing is really fun to drive. Throttle response is very quick and it will put you back in the seat. Going to have to really watch myself now.

It will take a long time to get the grin off my face ... my wife just rolls her eyes and says "what ever" ...wait until she gets behind the wheel.

[Rolla Hessel]

As Al Awlays say, " You gotta love it ". Congrats Uncle Milt! I am looking forward to seeing AND riding in it in Ocala in a little over a week!!!