First, I realized I didn't know what I was doing nor had the tools to put the short block together myself. Ring files, dial gauges, ring compressors etc. where only a few of the things I didn't have, so I took the block, pistons, crank etc. back to Goza in Acworth and had them put the short block together.
I've also put in an order for a Stage 3 2.1 head from Bo Port. Still waiting on it to ship, but I now have all (most?) of the parts to put the engine together.
New things first: this is a billet timing pointer from http://mc-machine.com to replace the cracked plastic cover:
Also got a new set of upper-engine gaskets, a thermostat and oil pan gasket.
Since the engine could be put together by the end of next week, I started cleaning and painting all the little parts to go on the engine. Here are the cam and aux shaft pulleys:
Here are the Serpentine pulleys and oil pan hold-down plates:
Here are a bunch of parts including the oil pan, oil cooler, turbo bracket and water pump:
Here are all the water lines painted aluminum. I think they look nicer than the black I originally painted them.
Finally, here is the first coats on the valve cover. I have an idea for this that I'll be working on next weekend ...
