Mikey's Stroker build

[Mgardiner1]

My father restores and collects antique tractors and stationary open flywheel engines, so he has all of the methods of rust/paint/uglyness remover available For extra large items we have a pot sand blaster we use in the backyard. Otherwise the majority of my blasting is done in a cabinet blaster in the basement.

When i first started, the aluminum accessories did not look aluminum. They were black and white between the grease and corrosion. I had to sandblast first because the glass beads were not aggressive enough. I then followed up with bead blasting to return the parts to a little brighter aluminum color (sand leaves them looking like sandblasted steel). They are far from looking polished or like brand new. But they are clean and have an even finish. A few pieces i even used phosphoric acid on to strip the oxidation off! I'll have pics of them up soon enough

[Mgardiner1]

Push rods installed, all lifter preloads are between 1/2 and 1 turn down the entire line. Other then that, i sandblasted a few more pieces tonight. I also found that my welded custom exhaust header will probably need to be sliced and slightly repositioned. I should have waited to weld it in the first place..... I guess i get a little impatient sometimes

If mechanical objects could be considered sexy, this would definitly rate high on the scale

[Mgardiner1]

Some more eye candy. Loosely hung the accessories on the front. Took a shot or two of the clear cloated aluminum to show the semi gloss finish. I really wish i had some before shots of those parts

[Muad'Dib]

What did you use for the clearcoat? Will it withstand the engine heat?

[Mgardiner1]

The jury is still out on that one LOL if they yellow over quickly, i'll most likely follow up with some of the engine black just to cover them up.

I used a lacquer based clear protective coat. Its supposed to be good to like 250F. Maybe its a low ball figure? LOL not sure. I'm sure i'll find out after the first 1000 miles

[dwg86]

When is it going to run?

[Mgardiner1]

Not soon enough

I confirmed the need to rework the exhaust manifold. I'll take care of that today. I've also got to go to auto zone and pick up a new ignition coil. I dropped the old coil and it landed directly on the high tension post and broke it right off. I've got to grab a thermostat and a new O2 sensor as well.

I finished blasting and clear coating the alternator body last night and got that back together and mounted. I also smoothed the injector bosses on the intake manifold and clear coated that as well. I'll get the exhaust manifold straightened out and get the high temp paint on that so i can get it all mounted early this week.

If i get the new power steering pump and bracket this week, then that should pretty much be it for the build, and i can start the swap next weekend. It will most likely take me more then a weekend due to the wiring harness swap, and i always plan to run into problems.... Anybody in the NY (Long Island) area want to pitch in? I'll supply plenty of !!!!

I primed the oil system last night with the valve cover off so i could watch oil bleed up to the rocker asesmblies. I ran a cordless drill at about 1500 rpm and slowly rotated the engine 2 full turns back to TDC. I think that should be enough priming. If i get nervous, i might pop the distributor before turning the key for the first time and re-prime. But with the assembly lube i used, it should be no problem at all.

I'm going to break it in on 5w30 penzoil and a full bottle of GM EOS. I'm going to run the cam in for 20 minutes, and then take her down the road to get some compressed gasses against the rings. I figure i'll put 10-20 miles on it and then change the oil and filter. I'm going to refill it with more 5w30 and most likely half a bottle of the EOS.

[Mgardiner1]

Most of the major items are done, so it feels like progress is a lot slower now.

I'm having difficulty with the vacuum lines. I am going to have to find some vacuum rated tubing on a roll and make all new ones.

Worse yet, every 1999+ parts catalog i look in, shows the old intake manifold and the corrosponding pipe threaded nipples to go with it. Did chrysler misprint the books and forget to update them?? I figured i'd go with the "stock" vacuum lines and just get them at the stealership, but now i can't get part #'s for the hoses.

More pics as usual I included a picture of the exhaust manifold after i corrected the layout and painted it with the por-20 high temp paint. If the paint holds up worth a poop i'll paint ever manifold with it for the rest of my life! i think it looks great!

[Mgardiner1]

You guys gettin sick of all these pictures yet???

[seanyb505]

That is one nice looking engine! It makes me even angrier that I couldnt clean my stuff up more. I still like my Hemi Orange block better though I wish I would have thought to install the dist while the engine was out too. I had to find TDC like 27 gajillion times while it was in the XJ. (4)

[Mgardiner1]

Thanks!

I really was strongly considering using John Deere Ag&CCE yellow (the same color as the mower decks on the ride on lawn mowers). Its like super bright, almost flourescent!

The major reason i didn't use it, is i didn't think it would withstand the temperatures. I like the Muffler black i used. Its high temp, and has a satin finish I also wanted to keep it relatively stock looking from the exterior of the engine bay

[dwg86]

Looking good mike.

[Diamond-x]

I agree, very well done.

Can't wait to see pics of it in the vehicle and running.

Good job.

[Mgardiner1]

Thanks for the responses guys! I'm pretty happy with how it has been coming out thus far. If i get the power steering bracket and pump assembly before the weekend, let the swapping begin!

I just received my Hesco speed sensor/cable driven speedo adapter. I ran the part number stamped into the bottom of it. Apparently it is a legit jeep/mopar part number. I could get it for about $25 less from moparpartsamerica.com. Oh well.

I may even start pulling the engine this weekend regardless of power steering components. It will just get me ahead of the game when i'm ready to drop in my stroker.

According to my list of mods and the work performed, I'm hoping for 250ish HP, and 315ish TQ.

[Mgardiner1]

Alright gentlemen (and ladies if there are any among us)....

I received the power steering bracket and pump this week. However i grabbed the wrong length hardware to mount the pump. This is a minor problem an i'll grab new hardware from work tomorrow morning.

I'm going to start making my swap this weekend. I'm not counting on getting it completed, but i should get the old engine out and at least the wiring completed. If i feel ambitious (and don't go out for a few beers tonight) i might start disconnecting items and pulling the grill assembly tonight.

I'll post back with updates!!