I knew painting the block was going to be a pain, simply because of the process, self imposed wants, and never doing any sort of painting at that level.

I wanted the block to be the same color as the car will be, which is pearl based, so I wanted a smooth surface so that the pearl will be defined. So, I sanded down cast iron with 80 grit 2 inch disks, cones and cylinders. It took quite a few of them, and a lot of time to get it done but it was worth it.

Then it was time to do the proverbial cleaning the block. I knew once I started this step, the clock starts and everything behind it is on a tight schedule to primer. So, I made sure my DIY paint booth was sealed, filtered, exhaust works, paint gun was setup, and everything else I needed was there. I used all PPG products because the color I wanted is a custom color from the Painthouse in Texas. He supplied the base coat and told me what to use as the primer and clear coat. I had already ordered and received all of it, and downloaded the TDS for each and went on my way.

I had the machine shop run the block through a hot tank, so all of the old paint and oil was gone, except for the WD40 I put on there. I washed the block twice with hot soapy water using a soft brush on the outside and several engine cleaning brushes for the oil galleys, bores, etc.... I blew it, and used a few lint free clothes to get it dry.

I then started the tape and masking step. I used the gaskets and just traced around them, adding about 1/8 to ensure nothing would be exposed. After that I used paint prep to do a final cleaning of all of the exposed areas.

I added two coats of primer, two coats of base, and two coats of clear. I was nervous about my technique and spent hours reading up on how to set up the gun, and best practices. I am very happy with how it turned out. There were no dust particles, no runs, and no uneven spots. I would never want to paint the car, but I was okay with me doing the engine block.

Next step, assembly... finally!!!

Smoother surface

After primer

After paint and clear

 

After a couple days from paint, I started to assemble. I debated on whether or not to paint the freeze plugs and/or oil galley plugs, but in the end, I decided to paint the freeze plug, but not the oil galley plugs... those were stainless. I thought they would be a good small contrast.

Oil galley plugs are in, as well as the cam

Crank is in. When checking the trust clearance/end play, I was at about 2 thou, which is not enough. I did some research and found some posts on seating the thrust bearing. So, I followed their suggestions and was able to get to 6-7 thou, which is much better.

Instead of using a two piece seal, I decided to use the Fish one piece. It was not to terribly difficult to install, so I hope I made the right decision.

Next up, pistons...

 

Pistons are in

Originally, I had Hasting rings that came with the set, but when checking the gaps, they were a bit tighter than what I wanted. They were coming in around 16-17, but I wanted more like 19-20. I ended up breaking one, so I decided to try a different brand and a different type. The hasting were drop-in and since I was going to file them to 19-20, I landed on Total Seal fie-to-fit. I bought one of those tapered ring compressors from Total Seal, which made it easy to drop them in.

The timing chain components are done, I just need to tidy up the cover a bit first.

 

DSE did not know if it will fit and Milodon said it will be tight. I looked around before and there is not much out there on that combination, so I appreciate your input. In the end, when Milodon did not respond to my follow-up questions regarding pick up and pan fitment issues I was seeing on the block itself, I decided to move away from Milodon. I have a box of Moroso products sitting in the shop that I will have a look at soon. Hopefully they fit the block better than Milodon did.
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I used the Milodon 18301 pickup with the Melling 10778 pump. Need to wiggle the pan around to clear the windage tray when installing.

 

DSE did not know if it will fit and Milodon said it will be tight. I looked around before and there is not much out there on that combination, so I appreciate your input. In the end, when Milodon did not respond to my follow-up questions regarding pick up and pan fitment issues I was seeing on the block itself, I decided to move away from Milodon. I have a box of Moroso products sitting in the shop that I will have a look at soon. Hopefully they fit the block better than Milodon did.

I used the Milodon 18301 pickup with the Melling 10778 pump. Need to wiggle the pan around to clear the windage tray when installing.
[/QUOTE]

I tried the 18301, but I could not get it to line up. I did not like the pan angle and distance from the pickup bracket and the pump once getting to that 1/4 to 3/8. I could have used a spacer and longer bolt (not provided by Milodon) for the gap between the pump and bracket, but it was larger then what I liked.

I installed the Moroso 24440 pump and 20416 pan and had no issues. The pump lined right up at 5/16, which was level with the pan. I did use a couple of spacers and a bolt they provided, but a much better fit overall. I had to message a couple of holes in the pan to get the studs to work, but that was minimal. I still used the Milodon support bracket, but I had to message that a bit as well to fit inside the pan.

All torqelated and ready to go...