willie Posted February 25 Posted February 25 John she is coming together nicely!!!! Looks great!!!!! We all had that same problem, in the same place on the rad support. I learned something from your photos, i learned there was many more places that the seam sealer goes on than i thought. I guess because i had my car painted, they already sealed it before painting her and i never noticed it before!!! Tkx for the info and lesson!!! Great Job!!! 2 Quote
71SSclone Posted March 27 Author Posted March 27 Making some progress over the last few days. Engine and trans are installed. We are now working on the Vintage Air and the new American Autowire harness. Installed the 1-1/4 front sway bar. Waiting on the new rear suspension and other parts to be delivered. 1 Quote
71SSclone Posted March 27 Author Posted March 27 Can someone tell me what the numbers mean on the engine? Or point me in the right direction to decode the casting numbers on my 454. I figured it was just a standard 454 with rectangular exhaust ports, but it has HI-PER PASS cast in the back of the block on the passenger side, so now I’m curious. 1 Quote
1970mcss Posted March 27 Posted March 27 The casting number "3999289" looks like it was used from 72-79. If you google the number it links to an old first genmc forum post. Not sure about the other numbers 3 Quote
Dtret Posted March 27 Posted March 27 What are the stamped letters and numbers on the pad right below the alternator? They were stamped hi- perf but I think most were. 3 Quote
420ponies Posted March 27 Posted March 27 (edited) Mortec shows "454,'71-'79 ,2 or 4 bolt , some "CE" replacement blocks had 4 bolt main caps". This is based on the 3999289 on the pad ,driver's side behind cylinder head/ where the trans bolts to. Anything on the passenger side where the alternator goes? Sometimes those are gone if it was decked (to get the cylinders squared to the block). Did you take the pan off to see if 2 or 4 bolt motor ? Most BBC were stamped Hi-Perf. I think only ones were not are the Marine motors(stamped Marine). Edited March 27 by 420ponies added content 4 Quote
willie Posted March 27 Posted March 27 I say what Dennis said, you need the letters on the front pad by the alt. Then what Jim said most all of the BB were stamped Hi Perf. I have a CE block and its only 2 bolt but it does say Hi Perf. 3 Quote
71SSclone Posted July 3 Author Posted July 3 A little update on my Monte. Went up north for a few weeks so I could work on my car. First thing I was going to do was install the UMI rear suspension. Wait, only 1 box? Thats no good. They only sent a box with a rear sway bar in it. All the other pieces were not shipped. After being on the phone and texting, Summit Racing agreeded that someone screwed up. They will send the rest of the parts in a few days. Next job, install Moser aluminum rear end cover. Open up the rear, and the limited slip unit is junk. Needs rebuilt. Also, perfect time to replace the 2.73 gears in it. Install the stock rear end cover and order a complete rebuilt kit w/ 3.42 gears. Next job, replace leaking transmission pan with B&M deep sump aluminum transmission pan. Finally, a job that went smooth. After I was finished, I forgot to install the Lokar transmission dip stick assembly. Off comes the pan, so I can install the dip stick assembly. Seems like this car is in it's 1 step forwards, 2 steps backwards phase. I was able to install the polished aluminum valve covers, and mock up the air cleaner assembly on the of the fuel injected throttle body. I also got to inspect the stainless headers from ARH for my car. They are ging to look great. The following week I was able to install the rear suspension. Hopefully I can get back up there in a few weeks and continue the progress. Pics to follow. 4 Quote
71SSclone Posted July 3 Author Posted July 3 Also installed the Vintage Air assembly that goes behind the dash, and installed the CVF serpentine belts system. 9 Quote
GRAY 70 Monte Carlo Posted July 3 Posted July 3 Looking good keep it up the finish line is out there 4 Quote
Dtret Posted July 3 Posted July 3 You’re doing a fantastic job. Everything looks great. Don’t worry about one step forward and two back that’s pretty normal. When it gets to one forward and four back then it’s concerning ( welcome to my world). 7 Quote
willie Posted July 4 Posted July 4 Dennis, like Joe says the truth is one step forward, four steps back and a kick in the n***s!!!! Thats where most of us wind up a few times a build!!! lol That means time to walk away and have a bag of chips and a soft drink!!!! 6 Quote
Dtret Posted July 4 Posted July 4 9 hours ago, willie said: Dennis, like Joe says the truth is one step forward, four steps back and a kick in the n***s!!!! Thats where most of us wind up a few times a build!!! lol That means time to walk away and have a bag of chips and a soft drink!!!! “ soft drink “. That’s funny. 😆 2 2 Quote
Dtret Posted July 4 Posted July 4 2 minutes ago, willie said: I was going to say soda pop!!! lol Nope. That still won’t get it done. After the kick I’m going to need something a little stronger. 3 3 Quote
71SSclone Posted July 5 Author Posted July 5 On 7/4/2025 at 8:05 AM, Dtret said: Nope. That still won’t get it done. After the kick I’m going to need something a little stronger. I'm with you on that one, Dennis!! Usually something 80 proof or higher!!! 4 Quote
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