I got a 455 flex plate, the torque converter I got is for a TH400 with a fixed pitched pump etc. I need to change out the pump now unless I find a variable pitch converter.
I think I learned a lesson with the intake. You either have to mill the rails on the block and/or intake.

Ordered converter, input shaft and pump for my TH400 to make it a fixed pitch version.

 

Well tomorrow might be the day the engine gets installed. Solved the converter problem. Changed the input shaft, pump and while the transmission was apart, replaced all the clutch/steel plates and piston seals. Now I have a fixed pitch TH400. The transmission has been upgraded with a TransGo 1-2 shift kit, TCI rebuild kit, B&M pan / modulator, and a Hughes 3000 converter.

 

Brother you are extremely crafty in this hobby. Keep up the great work.

 

Thanks for the compliment. I've only recently gotten back into messing with cars after a 30 year null. I've been messing with aircraft during that time though.

 

Engine is in. Tried to install with tranny attached, no worky. Oil pan too deep. Had to install engine then do tranny from underneath. TH400's are heavy. Raised it little by little supporting it with wood blocks until a jack could be placed underneath. Don't want to have to do that again.

 

More pics. Gee I hope the headers fit.
Well just tried to get the left side in. Might have to modify the brake lines a little. The distribution valve is in a bad spot. Might be able to just bend the lines.

 

how much does that tranny weigh ? just curious cause I will be installing one not to far down the road , lol someone told me they only weighed 80lbs , the one on my 92 cavalier i stalled years ago was heavier I think.

 

I think it might be more than 80 lbs but can't say for sure. When your under the car and try to lift it, and your older and out of shape like me, it's heavy. I use to be able to install a manual trans my self but not this by a long shot. You will need a jack. My buddy and I lifted it in stages using 2X4's. Rocked it to one side put a 2X4 under then did the other side and so on. Then we took a small jack to the aft end and bridged a board across. Did the same for the front until we could get my floor jack underneath. I hope I never have to remove it again.

 

Well more pics. Got the headers on one side, just got done moving the brake distribution valve so the other side will fit. Took a picture looking out the passenger side, think I'll be cutting into the hood (Fiberglass).

 

Got the brake lines hooked up after moving the distribution valve. Header should fit now, actually, it better fit. Hopefully I'll be able to "light her off" next weekend.
Header fit, there's no room for anything else. Wouldn't work if I had to install a Z-bar.

 

Getting ready to run it Saturday. Just need to temporarily mount the radiator. Also need to hook up a cable throttle system. Most little things on the engine that don't look good, like the breathers, are on just for the run and will be replaced. I still have to clean and paint the front end pieces before re-installing them.
I'm crossing my fingers that nothing leaks.

 

Fired it up today but couldn't get the proper break in, it wouldn't stay running for long. Carbs were misadjusted. Would run for a couple seconds then stall. Adjusted mixture screws a few times. And played with the timing. Had to fix a couple water hose leaks in the process. Maybe next time I'll get a better run, but even though, it sounded pretty mean.

Well I think I figured out why my engine wouldn't stay running long on initial start. It's called a choke and my rear carb has a manual choke which I don't have it hooked up yet. A choke helps in 45 degree weather. Too anxious I guess. Didn't help that I was alone, using a remote starter switch, going back and forth checking rpm, oil press, water temp, looking for leaks, checking timing, all in all a PTA.

 

Had exact the same problem when i installed mine and was all alone in the garage I installed the motor and then placed the tranny underneath the car,then took the motor-lift and placed it as far back it would get using a rop hanging down beween the motor and firewall and lift the front or the tranny wich is the haviest part,then i crowled under the car and lifted the back while pushing it forward,it is doable but risky if you work alone

 

Short video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh4eWyTzJJk

There are exhaust leaks where the headers meet the heads which I fixed, well I'll find out later. Installing the full exhaust system, I'll attempt to anyway, the garage floor is definitely cold.

 

The Muncie is around 75 lb, but the automatics are heavier, iirc. As you get "older" you use a floor jack with a bracket plugged in to support the trans, or get a tranny jack. It helps especially with manuals to make up guide studs by cutting the heads off bolts and slotting them with a hack saw.

 

Another vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fl_Rx6kUR0

Got the exhaust system installed. Getting close to putting the front end back together, need to take the car out for a spin.

 

Sounds awesome, bet ya cant wait to jump on it!!

 

You got that right. My plans were to paint the radiator support and such but I just want to drive it. I may just clean things up and paint what I can. I don't want to remove any hoses from the radiator cause nothing leaks now. Should have painted things prior to running it.

 

Installed cable throttle system and painted radiator support.

 

Got both fenders on after painting W/W's. Air cleaner will poke through hood. Took the car out in the neighborhood for a short run, it's a beast.

 

Real nice! I love multiple carbs and just looking at engines, haha. Must be a man thing

 

Looking and sounds great

 

Thanks for the comments guys. Finished with body panels, just need to line everything up. Hardest part was installing the bumper myself. Just need to modify the hood.

 

I'm calling this project done. I put my stock wheels back on with the hubcaps. Got the hood installed after some modifications. Need to take pics of the hood.

 

Pictures of hood installed.

Poly lock on one rocker decided to come lose, ended up shattering a harden push rod tip. That made a lot of noise cruising down the road.

 

One last vid. Now all I need are some nice rims and tires.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWDmxQOs_pk

 

Looks great! I can't wait to get mine done...hopefully sending the car off to paint soon. I didn't want to have the body shop overspray on the focus of my restoration, the (eek) $11K engine! We'll see how she runs when it's all said and done.