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My new stock stroke 400 build

The three carbs I tried were my 625 AFB, my 625 Street Demon, and the dyno operator's 650 Holley double pumper. The AFB was the worst, the Street Demon was next, and the dyno carb was the best. I since picked up a 600 Holley vacuum secondary. I will probably test both the Street Demon and the Holley in the car. I really like the Street Demon's responsiveness.

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I installed the new casters on my engine cradle. Even with the shorter casters it was still a tight enough fit under the bench that I had to put the old 73 valve covers on to clear. The original 361 is tucked away now.

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I have a car cruise I help organize for my friend who died from pancreatic cancer 11 years ago. It is scheduled for June 1st, and I am suddenly in panic mode to get the car done. My goal for today was to finish attaching all the peripherals and get the transmission mated to the engine so it is ready to drop into the car. I have a neighbour lined up to help tomorrow. I made it, but I am beat. 727 transmissions have gotten heavier over the years, and I had to lift the new one off my rolling cart and the old one back onto it.

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I have a car cruise I help organize for my friend who died from pancreatic cancer 11 years ago. It is scheduled for June 1st, and I am suddenly in panic mode to get the car done. My goal for today was to finish attaching all the peripherals and get the transmission mated to the engine so it is ready to drop into the car. I have a neighbour lined up to help tomorrow. I made it, but I am beat. 727 transmissions have gotten heavier over the years, and I had to lift the new one off my rolling cart and the old one back onto it.

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Tell me about it, Dave. I found that 727's were getting about 5 lbs. heavier each year! That is one of the reasons my trans repair shop is closed! LOL
 
It is finally in and bolted down. It fought us all morning until we got the transmission angle right. Glad I didn't paint the valve covers yet, I scratched them up a bit. I also had to remove the thermostat housing as it kept me from angling the engine in

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Getting the engine and trans installed is a huge milestone. Looks great!
 
Agreed. That was my goal for this weekend. Now I can work by myself again to reinstall all the accessories. There is hope now for being ready for the cruise.
 
Agreed. That was my goal for this weekend. Now I can work by myself again to reinstall all the accessories. There is hope now for being ready for the cruise.
Yes but you likely won't have the twin superchargers mounted.
 
I don't know about the superchargers Don, but the A/C won't be complete. I have to reinstall the compressor because the belts run the alternator, but I will need a new receiver dryer, and have to have it converted to new refrigerant.
 
Taking bites out of the elephant today. The new shiny transmission pan is installed as are the cooler lines and linkage. The starter and exhaust manifolds are on. I painted the valve covers, and touched up a few scratches from the engine installation. Next I will be working from the top to install all the brackets and accessories. Hopefully Monday will be installing new u- joints and the exhaust, which should finish it.

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Most of the accessories are on but the A/C clutch is giving me problems. I'll come back to it fresh tomorrow.

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I figured out the problems with the A/C clutch. The keyway in the clutch had gotten pinched when I tried to install it yesterday, so it wouldn't slide over the key. A little dressing with a file fixed it. I also found that the front support bracket for the compressor had to go inside of the P/S pump bracket instead of outside. It was hitting on the pulley and causing it to bind. All fixed now, but wasted a lot of time, taking it on and off. Just a few more things to finish under the hood , and then I can move on to the u-joints and install the exhaust.

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I ended up ordering all new belts. All belts and hoses are now in place. Baby steps.

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First I have our cruise here in Caledonia on June 1st, which is what I am working towards now. All going well I will definitely be heading to Sparta on the 14th.
 
You're welcome to come on the 1st if you want to make the drive?
 
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