My Tenth Anniv.

[roadking77]

2023-08-03_02-33-25 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-08-03_02-33-17 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
I think I have the front buttoned up enough to get things rolling along. Finally got all of the correct parts in and installed. I ordered a clutch kit from summit, supposed to be on the door step this saturday. Hope to get some shop time on sunday to get working on that. Havent heard back on the transmission yet but I believe if I can get the clutch/bell housing installed I should be able to get the motor in the car. I will worry about the trans. install when the time comes. I am tired of looking at this thing sitting on the floor and all but ready to get it put where it belongs. Also ordered a new lifting sling from summit. Hope it will do the trick. I opted for the lesser of the 2 'good ones' they had. My builder let me use his to unload off my truck but they sell for almost $200. I spent the $100 and may use it a couple of times. If I did this on a regular basis def. would have gone all in.

[roadking77]

Forgot to add, I got the hole cut into the air cleaner at the correct spot. Need to get the welder hooked up (im out of gas right now) to  patch in the extra hole.

[Gene-73]

Engine looks really good Kerry! Do you by any chance have access to someone with an engine run stand? It would be good to fire it up and iron out any potential issues before installing in the car.

[5th T/A]

Engine sure looks nice Kerry! Good enough to put a drop cloth behind and snap some pictures for framing. The pictures would make for nice wall art in a garage.

I couldn't help but notice how you had the lettering of the power steering and alternator belts lined up next to each other.

Regarding Gene's comment about running the engine before installing, I thought you said your engine builder ran the engine on a dyno?

[b_hill_86]

What is it that worries you about the trans install?

[tajoe]

The end is (finally) near. 

[N PRGRES]

2023-08-03_02-33-25 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-08-03_02-33-17 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
I think I have the front buttoned up enough to get things rolling along. Finally got all of the correct parts in and installed. I ordered a clutch kit from summit, supposed to be on the door step this saturday. Hope to get some shop time on sunday to get working on that. Havent heard back on the transmission yet but I believe if I can get the clutch/bell housing installed I should be able to get the motor in the car. I will worry about the trans. install when the time comes. I am tired of looking at this thing sitting on the floor and all but ready to get it put where it belongs. Also ordered a new lifting sling from summit. Hope it will do the trick. I opted for the lesser of the 2 'good ones' they had. My builder let me use his to unload off my truck but they sell for almost $200. I spent the $100 and may use it a couple of times. If I did this on a regular basis def. would have gone all in.

Absolutly GORGEOUS!

[roadking77]

Yes, motor has been run and broken in. I have been told it 'ran beautifully'. Same guy built my 77 motor and it is fantastic so I am not worried about that aspect.

My concern with the transmission install is- I have never done it before Nor have I installed a clutch, or even installed a motor in a car for what that is worth. BUT, with the help here and some people I know I think I can persevere. One of the reasons it has sat in my floor for so long now, a bit of hesitation of making sure everything is ready to go.

Never thought about the drop cloth background thing, but that is a great idea.

Not sure anyone would notice the writing on the belts. I had them installed and then saw the writing wasnt aligned between the two. In fact one was even backwards. I have just a slight case of ocd and it was bothering me, after a 5 minute internal debate I removed the one and put it back in line with the other. I know as soon as they make a revolution they will be off but I know how they started

Same with the extra hole in the air cleaner. My first thought was to block it off from the inside with a simple piece of gorilla tape or something of the like, then the 'keep it gm' sticker on the outside will cover. But I will know that is just a hack that I will never be happy with. Get the welder out!

[5th T/A]

It’s good to be a perfectionist, lots of things nobody would notice on your car because it’s out of sight. But surely it will bother you if it’s not perfect. It’s great to have high standards on workmanship. You and other perfectionist on TAC inspire members to do things the correct way.

I can understand your apprehension, with a second set of experienced hands you will do just fine installing your engine and transmission. Maybe a comparison would be for a skilled mechanic with little carpentry skills who is a little reluctant on replacing a window or entry door on their house. Where for you who has done it hundreds of times knows exactly what to do, there likely is no unforeseen challenges that you haven’t dealt with before.

[b_hill_86]

Yea I have no doubt you’ll get it done without issue. I wish I was closer and I’d help. I’ve pulled my engine and trans close to half a dozen time’s probably over the years. The trans is way easier and the engine isn’t that hard to begin with. Any tips I can provide I will. I’ll PM you something that might help a little. For me though, using a Jack with my adapter I made was key. I only pulled it and reinstalled it once by hand.

[roadking77]

Video is great! Makes it look easy, LOL.

It took me about 3 months to build up the courage to take my axles out! I talked to people, looked at utube etc. Then finally one day I put on my big boy pants and viola!  No big deal. Hope the experience installing the motor will be the same.

[b_hill_86]

I’m sure it will. Just don’t drop yours like I did with mine. Yea….. lol

[Nexus]

The engine looks great!!

Installing it is pretty much the same as anything else... if you don't cut corners, it will go alright and work even better!!

[roadking77]

Got my decals today. They were down on the list of priorities at this point until fellow member posted about the limited availability, so in a panic mode I placed the order. I can actually put a lot of them on as the car has been in paint and is ready to go. Might give me some incentive.
Still waiting to get my transmission back. Guy was on vacation last week. Figured Id give him a couple of days before I started bugging again.

[Nexus]

Limited supply eh?

hmmmm

Phoenix Graphics?

[roadking77]

Yes, Charlie to rehash, there was a post on here, someone looking for stripes. SO, I got in touch with PG and they have NO preformed stripes in stock and no idea when they will have more. They have been waiting a year so far with no projected delivery in sight. They do have roll material, which is how the factory did it so I figure no biggie, will be another learning curve. PG did not seem to be short on anything else, hood birds, smaller decals etc. But who knows? I spoke with them a year or so ago and at that time they told me they had a few 10th kits on the shelf and had no intentions of replacing their stock. But he did say they dont sell too many and they should be there for awhile. I missed out on the pre formed didnt want to find out they had nothing left. If they werent $700 I would order another as a spare, LOL.

[Nexus]

I'll need to cross my fingers, and hope something is available when/if I get to that point!!

thank you

[roadking77]

This thing is a continuous uphill battle. IF I ever get it running (not worried about finished at this point  ) it will be a miracle.
Shop has had my transmission for a few weeks to give it a once over. Picked it up this morning and all is good. He tore into it and gave it a good health check. That was the last part I was waiting for to get my motor installed. Got back to the shop, opened up my new clutch that has been sitting on the bench for the last month and  I ordered the

[roadking77]

WRONG one! (sorry for the 2 page, I hit a button that pasted, duhh). The part I wanted for a 26 spline clutch had an S at the end of the number. I ordered a 10 spline which has the exact same number, just no S. Will ship the wrong one back but I ordered the correct one. Supposed to be here in 4 to 5 days. I usually get stuff from summit in a 2 day turn around but this part is coming from Nevada, so I guess thats where the extra days come from. Really hoping to get things put together and the motor installed over labor day weekend.

[5th T/A]

ARGH!!!, I feel for you.

[ryeguy2006a]

Don't sweat the small stuff Kerry.

[roadking77]

So it continues, the 'wrong clutch' had a pilot bearing that was too big on the outside diameter. So, thinking ahead that the correct one coming this week may be wrong as well I ordered one from NAPA. Picked up today, its closer in size but still wrong! The search continues........

[b_hill_86]

For what it’s worth I run a LUK brand clutch and the bushing it came with fit my crank. A point to note is LUK started including a throwout bearing with a composite rear material where the fork rides. I did as much research as I could to see what the consensus was but I only seemed to find people complaining about it who never ran it. I chose not to use mine and got an all steel bearing. (Two of which have failed on me so I’m tempted to try the part-composite one).

Btw the LUK kits run a kit $100 and the pedal feel is described as factory. They come in 11” and 10.5” so watch what you order depending on what size your flywheel is set up for.

[TATurbo]

The engine does look spectacular, Kerry!
Looking forward to seeing it in its natural habitat.   I hope the engine and trans stop fighting the inevitable soon. 
Have you tried talking nice to 'em?  Let them know they were made for each other...Soul mates and all that

Sending positive energy your way.

[roadking77]

2023-09-07_06-57-12 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
VICTORY! Some times the tail will wag the dog. I ordered the clutch pack from summit, info said perfect fit for Pontiac. Pilot bearing was too big, or so I thought. I have been on a wild goose chase trying to find the correct one. It only took 6 trys to get it right! Not being able to find the right size anywhere I figured to get an oversized bronze/brass bushing and have a machinist make it fit. Out of desperation I contacted Butler Performance to see if by chance they had heard of multiple size Pontiac bearings. Scott gave me a call (which was pretty decent as I have never bought or been in touch with them before this). I sent him pictures and he immediately said I WAS MEASURING IN THE WRONG PLACE There are 2 steps in the end of the crank. I had been measuring the furtherest point which was also the smaller diameter. I ASSUMED the bearing went in that position 1. because I have never done anything like this before and 2. the bearing I got from Summit almost fit in that position, but was just a hair too big.
So, with the help of Scott, the correct bearing was ordered, showed up yesterday on the doorstep and Im hoping to get work done early enough today to get started on putting this thing together. I did ask with his knowledge whether a bearing or a bushing is better. He said most of his customers are split and either way will be fine.

[5th T/A]

Funny how something that would seem simple can turn into a project. Glad you got over the pilot bearing hurdle. I can’t wait to see pictures of the long awaited engine sitting in your TATA. Not that I want to rush you in any way!

I have nothing but good things to say about the folks at Butler. As you might recall my engine was built by Butler for another forum member. I called Butler to enquire on details on the engine, at the time I had not purchased anything from them. Scott spent a lot of time with me providing in depth information on the engine. I since have purchased parts, and accessories from them. Their service is always great, prices competitive and I seem to recall no shipping charges on several items.

[FormTA]

Thanks for that posy Kerry! It has been decades since I installed a ST10 in a car. I will need to get a pilot bushing as well for my project, so I'll keep that in mind. Onwards and upwards!

[roadking77]

Another step forward and reached a minor milestone for my car last night. Got the clutch put in on Saturday. The stand the motor was on interfered with the mounting of the bell housing. So I had to get my lift from the other garage (after unloading my recent motor purchase ) and make a temp motor stand. Last night I was able to get the bell housing and transmission installed!
 First time in at least 10 years these parts have been together, and the first time since 1979 that they have been in this condition. Gonna take the core support off tonight or tomorrow and get things ready to install into the car, hopefully Friday or Saturday.
2023-09-11_05-54-39 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-09-11_05-54-29 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-09-11_05-54-23 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr2023-09-11_05-54-16 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-09-11_05-53-42 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

[roadking77]

2023-09-11_05-53-24 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-09-11_05-53-31 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-09-11_05-53-02 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-09-11_05-53-16 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

[roadking77]

2023-09-11_05-53-59 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
My awesome motor stand, c'mon, how else is a carpenter supposed to do it And its treated so it will last!

2023-08-31_05-54-24 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-08-31_05-54-01 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
And a reminder of what the motor looked liked the day I brought it home.

[ryeguy2006a]

Fantastic update Kerry!! Won't be long now and you'll have it stabbed in the car!

[FormTA]

Nice!! I see you had two crankshafts and two bellhousings on the pallet. Just duplicates or other projects?

[5th T/A]

This is pretty darn exciting for me! I love the before and after pictures. Like many others when I see a basket case, I can dream that some day it will be restored to perfection. But getting there can be quite the journey. One of my favorite things about TAC is watching when you and other members take on the challenge and bring a pile of parts back to life.

[b_hill_86]

Awesome! Can’t wait to see your continued progress. I dig the stand too

[roadking77]

Luke, there were a ton of parts that came with this car. The interior was full of trim stuff, and being the motor was completely disassembled, there was a ton of motor parts. There was an extra crank, I ran the numbers and I think it was for a chevy truck? extra flywheel, no idea what it was from. Also a couple of bell housings, one correct again no idea what the other is for? There was a good carb in the pile but after I ran the numbers found it was not original. I got in touch with the seller after a couple of years to see if he had the original but it was not to be. That is one important part of the motor not original. I was able to find a 'correct' numbers matching one so I figured that was about as good.

Larry, my biggest weakness with old cars is that I only look at them with rose coloured glasses. I look at a dilapidated POS and can clearly see the finished project in my mind. This is ok if one has a bottomless check book and an infinite matter of time, I have neither! I have seen cars posted on another forum for sale that look pretty darn good to me and most of the comments come back 'parts car'! Maybe I should change my name to that.

[FormTA]

I'm in the same boat Kerry but maybe worse. I buy the darn parts car...

[ryeguy2006a]

Haha, that feeling when you buy the parts car and it's in better shape than your project car. Then you end up restoring two cars hahaha

[stros]

Great to see you're making progress Kerry!

[roadking77]

Slight hiccup, but nothing surprises me at this point. I knew the motor mounts were not right as someone had welded them to the frame. Cut them off today to re-install, and from what I can tell they are not correct. They do not match the picture in the assembly manual, nor do they match a spare that I have, nor do they match the ones on my TATA burn car I have behind the garage. SO, back a few steps and order a new pair, along with some other odds and ends. I took the core off in anticipation of the motor install. Bottom branches had a bit of rust, as I did not take them off when I painted the core. So, a bit of touch up with those. In the meantime I can clean 3 years of dust off the frame.
2023-09-16_11-04-35 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-09-16_11-04-27 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr2023-09-16_11-04-56 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-09-16_11-05-23 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2023-09-16_11-05-39 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Here is an original motor mount I had on the shelf. Notice the blue paint spot. This only fits on the passenger side. On the build sheet for the motor mounts is 'blue/green'. When I restored my 77 the mounts had blue paint on one side and green on the other. I would assume blue is for the passenger side.
Also in the assemble manual they show a 'shield' which mounts on the top of the motor mount with a note that says r.h. side only. Anyone know anything about that?

[MNBob]

There are 2 steps in the end of the crank. I had been measuring the furtherest point which was also the smaller diameter. I ASSUMED the bearing went in that position 1. because I have never done anything like this before and 2. the bearing I got from Summit almost fit in that position, but was just a hair too big.

The same thing happened to me when I installed the TKO600.  American Powertrain sent me one that maybe was for a Chevy.  I had to order the correct Pontiac one and put it in the right place.  I hope the staking job I did was OK; no problems so far.

Luk clutches has favorable reviews.  My Centerforce has much more pedal pressure than stock.