I need opinions and advise!!!!

[Drivir8]

ok, getting redy to start cleaning, painting etc. m y new/used engine. I want to clean and paint it, replace all gaskets, should I rebuild water pump or just replace with a new one? I also want to put in a timing chain now while it's out of the wag. Ok, can I paint where the engine and tranny hook up? Or should I just clean it good there? Also, is an aluminum intake worth the money while I'm at it or just keep the old one... Any and all suggestions from you guys would be great!
On another note, I modified my new cherry picker by replacing many of the bolts with heavy duty pins. Now when I need to put it in the truck or whatever, I can break it down pretty easy and each part is fairly light! :D

[Drivir8]

BTT

[country boy]

I would get a new water pump good idea on the cherry picker.

[Drivir8]

BTT

[The Anti-Chrysler]

Use a heavy duty degreaser like simple green automotive, and clean the block real good. Hit it with a wire brush if it's really crusty. After the grease is wiped down, use something like paint prep to clean the degreaser residue and leave a good surface for paint. You can paint the rear of the engine, but who will see it is the important question - one for you to decide. If it's out for work, you might as well spray it all.

The aluminum intake would accompany a 4bbl carb. I didn't hear any mention whether you have a 2bbl or a 4bbl now. If you have a factory 4 bbl manifold you probably won't see a big difference with a healthy existing setup. If you are going from a stock 2bbl to a dual plane intake and a new 4bbl, you will see some higher-rpm improvements. The aluminum intake is much, much lighter also.

I would surely get a new water pump, IMO

[Drivir8]

Great! Thanks for the tips Jason. I think as long as it's out I might as well paint it all but I didn't know there was a product like paint prep... I'll look into doing that too.
I have a 2bbl carb and not sure if I really need or want to go to the 4bbl. I also live in an emissions Nazi state like most of the guys here so I have to have the that stuff.
The engins has some surface rusr from sitting on a pallet in a barn.
I wasn't sure about that tranny connection as far as paint... never done this before! Heck, never come CLOSE to doing something this involved to a truck! But I got a lot of positive feedback here and think I can do it so I'm jumping right in! :D

[The Anti-Chrysler]

The paint prep I spoke of is almost like paint thinner or acetone. It doesn't leave a residue, so the paint will adhere better.

If you're keeping your 2bbl carb, I would freshen it up and keep your ship anchor cast manifold. You can boost your performance and reliability by doing the TFI upgrade, or even swapping out to fuel injection down the road, which is what I would do, like you, from an emissions testing state.

[Zacko]

Don't paint the mating surface between the engine and trans. It could affect the alignment and over time the paint could get pounded out and let the bolts work loose. My general rule of thumb is if both parts have a machined surface don't paint either of them. If you are bent on painting them bolt them together first. And as far as the water pump goes, I doubt you could rebuild it for less than a rebuilt from an autoparts store, and with them you get a warrantee.

[Drivir8]

I plan on doing the TFI upgrade as soon as I get it actually running! I looked for paint prep today, no luck yet but I'll keep looking.

[Zacko]

A good paint prep/remover is found at your local tractor supply (John Deere or IH/Case) since they put a 1/4 inch of paint on all of their replacement parts they have to sell you paint remover too. It comes in aerosol cans or brush on and really cuts everything including your fingerprints. Just ask for their paint stripper. Autozone carries something like it but I've never used anything as strong as the John Deere stuff.

[Drivir8]

BTT

[Brown Bear]

What part of VA are you in drivir?

[OBX-AUTOMOTIVE]

Originally posted by Drivir8:
I plan on doing the TFI upgrade as soon as I get it actually running! I looked for paint prep today, no luck yet but I'll keep looking.WALMART...THINNER $6.?? A GAL!! :cool: smile.gif

[Drivir8]

I'm in norther Va., city of Culpeper. OH! just paint thinner or degreaser??? I thought this was some "special" product... hech that kinda stuff is everywhere!

[GasWag]

Ive heard the old trick of using brake fluid but dont know how good it works, might be handy if you have some laying around.