Gbranham's MkIV 427/IRS/TKX Build Thread...Wiring Test Success

[TrackDay17]

Greg, thanks for allowing me to visit and check out your project.
Your car is going to be really nice when it's finished, your craftsmanship looks top notch !

I'm definitely excited to plan out my build and order a kit in a few months.

[gbranham]

Greg, thanks for allowing me to visit and check out your project.
Your car is going to be really nice when it's finished, your craftsmanship looks top notch !

I'm definitely excited to plan out my build and order a kit in a few months.

You're welcome...any time! It was great to meet you, and I look forward to hearing more about how you spec out your FFR.

Greg

[gbranham]

Today's project was to replace the small Summit Racing bullet-style fuel filter with an Aeromotive canister-style. Not sure why I didn't do this from the get-go; it's bothered me since I installed the Summit piece. It felt like I cut corners. The Aeromotive piece is very nice. I lubed up the o-ring between the lid and body with a dab of oil, and hand-tightened it. I tried to snug it with the embossed hex on the bottom of the canister and a 26mm wrench, but it was tight. The last thing to do was shorten both of my PTFE braided lines on either side of the filter. The Summit unit sat in the same spot, but was much smaller, so the fuel lines had to be shortened to accommodate the larger Aeromotive unit. Maybe an hour and a half in the whole project. I feel much better now.

The other exciting piece of news is that I ordered my Edelbrock Pro-Flo4, intake manifold gaskets (Fel-Pro 1250S3), ARP intake studs, RAM flywheel, RAM clutch, Quik-Time bellhousing, and TKX from Summit this AM. Oh, and a dial indicator from Amazon. Thanks to the pro-tip from Kleiner...I ordered the TKX TCET17765 with the .68 5th gear.

Last hot day in KC, knock wood. 92 today, and a cold front tonight. Much cooler tomorrow and next week. No rain in 3 weeks, and it looks like another 7 days without rain. We could really use it!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Greg

Fuel Filter1.jpgFuel Filter2.jpgFuel Filter3.jpgFuel Filter4.jpg

[Mike.Bray]

The other exciting piece of news is that I ordered my Edelbrock Pro-Flo4, intake manifold gaskets (Fel-Pro 1250S3), ARP intake studs, RAM flywheel, RAM clutch, Quik-Time bellhousing, and TKX from Summit this AM. Oh, and a dial indicator from Amazon. Thanks to the pro-tip from Kleiner...I ordered the TKX TCET17765 with the .68 5th gear.

You're ordering the good stuff there! Just remember to check the flange on the bellhousing to make sure it doesn't hang below the frame rails. You'll probably need to trim it some.

[gbranham]

You're ordering the good stuff there! Just remember to check the flange on the bellhousing to make sure it doesn't hang below the frame rails. You'll probably need to trim it some.

Yes, sir! Will do!

[gbranham]

I've been tinkering with gear ratio calculators this afternoon and put together a spreadsheet and graph. This shows car speed in various gears at various RPM. Looks like I'll be turning around 2250 RPM in 5th at 70MPH. Not too shabby.

TKX Chart.jpg

[JMD]

Fun step! I've got that same transmission. Even with my moderately built 302 I'm hovering around 300 ft/lbs at 2500rpm and with as light as this car is (and a conservative cam) I don't ever anticipate lugging at low rpm to be a problem. I don't even need to touch the gas pedal to get moving from a standstill. From idle I just let out the clutch and start rolling. I haven't had it on the highway yet, but from what it feels like so far I would bet a 3.31 rear gear would be the sweet spot, especially with a larger displacement engine.

Looking forward to the weather this week!!

[BUDFIVE]

Greg,
Spreadsheets and Graphs—I’m getting emotional
I have the same TKX but with 0.81 fifth (TCET18084). So, I’ll be ~20% higher revs at cruise, my cam is NOT mild. It’ll be fun to compare notes when we’re logging some miles…enjoying your build thread.

[gbranham]

Greg,
Spreadsheets and Graphs—I’m getting emotional
I have the same TKX but with 0.81 fifth (TCET18084). So, I’ll be ~20% higher revs at cruise, my cam is NOT mild. It’ll be fun to compare notes when we’re logging some miles…enjoying your build thread.

I love spreadsheets and graphs! My wife thinks I'm a dork. She's probably right.

[Mike.Bray]

I love spreadsheets and graphs! My wife thinks I'm a dork. She's probably right.

Same here except my wife calls me a nerd. At work they call me boss

[gbranham]

Oh joy of joys!!! Christmas has come early! Going to be a fun weekend! TKX, QT bellhousing, RAM clutch, RAM flywheel, Edelbrock Pro-Flo4 EFI, and some other supporting goodies. I'm excited to get started!!

Greg
TKX1.jpgTKX2.jpg

[gbranham]

Unboxed some goodies today.

The ProFlo4 sure is purty! Here's several pics of both the ProFlo4 and the transmission, as reference pics if anyone needs them. I know I probably will.

Beautiful 75 degree weather here in KC this weekend. No rain so far in October. It's the first year ever in the history of weather record-keeping (130 years) that KC has gone the first 19 days of October without rain. Oh well...the weather is great. Have a great weekend everyone!

Greg

Goodies1.jpgTKX4.jpgTKX3.jpgProFlo1.jpgProFlo2.jpgTKX5.jpgProFlo3.jpgProFlo4.jpgProFlo5.jpg

[gbranham]

A couple more:

ProFlo7.jpgProFlo6.jpgProFlo8.jpg

[TrackDay17]

Looks like you're going to have the engine wrapped up soon !
I like the black logo valve covers.

[gbranham]

A few more reference pics.

20241020_084254.jpg20241020_084249.jpg20241020_084240.jpg

[JMD]

Very nice...one heck of an early Christmas!

Don't forget to cut the mounting tab off the side of the TKX that's right over the fill inlet. Mine got in the way during the install and I cut it out afterward, but would be easier to do prior to install. Actually I think all the mounting tabs on the side can be trimmed as we don't use them...but that's the only one that really gets in the way, iirc. You keeping the shift location in the rear or changing it?

Excited to see the progress!

[gbranham]

Very nice...one heck of an early Christmas!

Don't forget to cut the mounting tab off the side of the TKX that's right over the fill inlet. Mine got in the way during the install and I cut it out afterward, but would be easier to do prior to install. Actually I think all the mounting tabs on the side can be trimmed as we don't use them...but that's the only one that really gets in the way, iirc. You keeping the shift location in the rear or changing it?

Excited to see the progress!

Thanks for the reminder on the mount that needs to be removed. Will get that done before dropping in the drivetrain. I'm leaving the shift location where it is.

Greg

[gbranham]

Worked on my Ram 1529 flywheel, Ram clutch and QT bellhousing installation today. Flywheel and backing plate...check. Install clutch and pressure plate to set clutch fork pivot bolt depth...fail. Summit sold me ARP 150-2201 pressure plate bolts, 5/16" - 18. They do not fit. Wrong thread pitch. I've reached out to Ram for the correct bolt (I think I need ARP 150-2202, 8mm x 1.25 20mm).So, on to checking bellhousing runout. I'm going to take a ribbing for this, but setting up my magnetic dial indicator contraption was easily the most frustrating part of my build yet. I'll hand in my man card now. Hah! After a few hours of fiddling with it, I got it, and got down to the business of checking runout with my trusty sidekick and wife, Lisa:

1) Check to ensure dial indicator returns to 0 after a full revolution...check
2) Determine most positive value as Lisa turns engine with breaker bar. +.004" at 5-o'clock...check
3) Re-zero dial indicator at this point...check
4) Rotate engine 180 degrees and check runout...-.004" at 10-o'clock...check.
5) Divide that number in half for total runout...-.002"...check.
6) Well within .005" tolerance.
7) Mark all this on the SST warranty sheet, and email it...check.

Oh, I also got my Edelbrock ProFlo4 intake manifold installed with Fel-Pro 1262 S-3 gaskets, gasket sealer, and RTV on the front and rear walls. Also a thin skin of RTV on the water ports front and back. Lightly torqued bolts, will wait until tomorrow to do final torque.

Beautiful Fall Saturday in KC...65 degrees with light breeze. Finally got rain 2 nights ago, after 29 days with none. 1.33" really helped! GO CHIEFS!!!!

Have a great weekend, and Happy Halloween, everyone!

Greg

Runout.jpgBellhousing.jpgFlywheel.jpg

[Blitzboy54]

Engine looks mean. Really clean as well.

[gbranham]

Some quality time in this shop this morning. I got my clutch and bellhousing bolted up, and stabbed the TKX in. As expected, it stopped about 3/4" shy of mating up with the bellhousing. Tried several times, same result. Then did all the things one does in this situation...remove bellhousing, pressure plate, clutch, realign, try again, try again, and try again. After 2 hours of this, working by myself, I was frustrated, and my arms and back were a bit tired from lifting the TKX several times. So, I stopped, said some colorful words, caught my breath, and regrouped. I stabbed the TKX in again, and again it stopped 3/4" shy of the bellhousing. Only this time, I stopped there, and supported the TKX with jack stands so it wasn't stressing the pilot bearing. I got a ratchet strap out and hooked it to the clutch fork and engine stand, to disengage the clutch. Then pushed the TKX...went in like butter. Feeling pleased with my accomplishment, I then remembered reading about this tip on the forum, but clearly archived this helpful tidbit somewhere deep in the noggin. Anyway, all good now, things are buttoned up, and clutch fork seems to be centered in its bellhousing window while the throwout bearing is just touching the pressure plate fingers. I'm calling this stage done, and now will purchase an engine leveler to prep for the drivetrain installation.

Soggy and much-needed weekend in KC. Feels and smells like Fall. Have a great weekend everyone, and GO CHIEFS!!!

Greg

ClutchFork1.jpgPivotBall1.jpgClutch2.jpgClutchRatchet.jpgPivotBall2.jpgClutchFork2.jpg

[gbranham]

A few more:

Tranny1.jpgTranny2.jpgTranny3.jpgTranny4.jpgTranny5.jpgTranny6.jpgTranny7.jpg

[Mike.Bray]

will purchase an engine leveler to prep for the drivetrain installation.

Do yourself a huge favor and order this leveler. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w41036

I don't know much about football but that Taylor Swift guy sounds really fast.

[gbranham]

Do yourself a huge favor and order this leveler. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w41036

I don't know much about football but that Taylor Swift guy sounds really fast.

Yes, sir! That's the leveler I ordered about an hour ago.

Hah! And her boyfriend is a heck of a singer!

Greg

[gbranham]

All prepped and ready to drop it in. I removed the radiator to get a bit more reach and put all tires on wheel dollies to get the legs of my hoist to clear the frame. Rear of the car is elevated a tad above the front, so with the leveler, it should be a quick task (knock wood). Next weekend's project!

Greg

Hoist1.jpgHoist2.jpg

[TrackDay17]

Nice ! looks like your almost ready to go !
One step closer to making noise !

If you need another set of hands with the install let me know, I'd be happy to assist if needed.

[gbranham]

Nice ! looks like your almost ready to go !
One step closer to making noise !

If you need another set of hands with the install let me know, I'd be happy to assist if needed.

Thanks, and yes, I could use a hand. Gonna shoot for next weekend if you're around.

Greg

[TrackDay17]

Thanks, and yes, I could use a hand. Gonna shoot for next weekend if you're around.

Greg

Sure, I'll be around just let me know what time you're ready.
Working on remodeling the master bedroom every day, I can always use a few hours break from that !

[Fman]

A few more reference pics.

20241020_084254.jpg20241020_084249.jpg20241020_084240.jpg

What intake manifold gasket did you end up using? I am asking because I also have the PF4 and Edelbrock sends a gasket with the manifold. My engine builder ended up using the Edelbrock gasket and it turned out to be a complete bust, leaked and sent oil into the intake on all cylinders. I ended up recently pulling the manifold and installing a new Fel Pro gasket which took care of the problem. After my experience with the Edelbrock gasket would not recommend it.

[gbranham]

What intake manifold gasket did you end up using? I am asking because I also have the PF4 and Edelbrock sends a gasket with the manifold. My engine builder ended up using the Edelbrock gasket and it turned out to be a complete bust, leaked and sent oil into the intake on all cylinders. I ended up recently pulling the manifold and installing a new Fel Pro gasket which took care of the problem. After my experience with the Edelbrock gasket would not recommend it.

I threw the Edelbrock gaskets in the trash, and used Fel-Pro 1262-S3, based on recommendations here on the forum.

[gbranham]

Today was the day to drop in the drivetrain. I got it all done, from first hoist to cleanup, in an hour and 5 minutes, working by myself. Totally doable with the engine leveler. When I got the snout of the tranny down in the engine bay, I couldn't get enough of an angle with the leveler to get it to clear the firewall, so I gently dropped the oil pan front sump down on the 3/4" upper radiator square tube (with towels on the tube), which helped lower the tranny snout. Also put the snout of the tranny in the driver's side corner of the tranny tunnel (up against the driver footbox), and the bottom of the oil pan all the way to the passenger side. That helped persuade the whole assembly into the engine bay. Once the pan cleared, it was smooth sailing from there. I suspect if I would've had a second pair of hands to push down on the tranny snout, it would've gone in quicker, or if I raised the rear of the car more, but I had a small window of time to get it done today, so I just went for it.

Leveled it up and called it a night. Tomorrow, I'll bolt everything down and get the driveshaft in. Fun times!

Greg

Engine3.jpgEngine2.jpgEngine4.jpgEngine5.jpgEngine7.jpgEngine6.jpg

[gbranham]

A few more:

Engine10.jpgEngine9.jpgEngine8.jpgEngine1.jpgEngine11.jpg

[TrackDay17]

Looks like a nice fit, glad to hear it was fairly easy.
Can't wait to hear that beast come to life !

[Blitzboy54]

Getting the engine in is such a big milestone. I have to say I am super jealous of your work space. That is quite a garage.

Car is looking great!

[PNWTim]

Load levelers are a god send. They are great when they work well and terrible when they don't. Yours looks like it has a nice crank handle on it which is a plus. Good job shoe horning that thing in there.

[BUDFIVE]

A fun milestone and I look forward to the video (audio really) when you fire it up.

[Mike.Bray]

Load levelers are a god send. They are great when they work well and terrible when they don't. Yours looks like it has a nice crank handle on it which is a plus. Good job shoe horning that thing in there.

I have that same leveler and one of the things I like about it is the handle can be removed and adjusting done with a socket on a speedhandle. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w41036

[gbranham]

I have that same leveler and one of the things I like about it is the handle can be removed and adjusting done with a socket on a speedhandle. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w41036

Indeed! In fact, when I had it tilted with the tranny down, the handle was hitting my lift chain, so I had to take the handle off and spin it with a ratchet and socket. I used a stubby ratchet. Easy peasie. There was no OOMF required. Smooth as butter. Thanks for the recommendation on this leveler, Mike. The chains that come with it were too short to mount to both front and back heads, so I bought two 12" lengths of chain and some strong carabiners on Amazon. All had 1300lb working strength. Worked well.

[gbranham]

Getting the engine in is such a big milestone. I have to say I am super jealous of your work space. That is quite a garage.

Car is looking great!

Thanks! I love this shop. It was one of the main reasons we bought this house. It's 30x30, and since we've been here, I've insulated it, put up sheet rock, and put in a mini split. Heat in the winter and cool in the summer. My favorite place to be! I don't think I'll ever spruce it up to look like one of those garages you see in ten million dollar homes; it's super functional as it is.

Greg

[gbranham]

Good morning in the shop today! Was up and at it at 6am (I was a bit excited to start the next phase of the project, now that the engine is in).

*Got the ground strap installed. Will probably hang a 2nd one from a starter bolt to an engine mount to block bolt.
*Installed the driveshaft. Amateur Tip: Before you tighten up the engine mounts, use a 2x4 to lever the tranny snout to the left or right. I was working by myself, so I hooked a ratchet strap to my 2x4, and tied the other end to my workbench. Cinched it up, and it moved my tranny just enough to the driver's side to slip in the driveshaft. The driveshaft seems to be fairly level and doesn't have any extreme angles, using 3 Forte tranny spacers. You guys could talk me out of it, but I don't think I'm going to bother getting too precise with the driveshaft u-joint angles. I'm just going to let it ride as-is.
*Got my fuel line cut and terminated to connect to the PF4 fuel rail. Ordered the Fragola fuel line pressure test kit from Amazon last night, so I can test it when it gets here.
*Started installing my Edelbrock throttle cable bracket (#8041), but I don't think I'm going to need it, and besides, the Forte mechanical throttle linkage hits it. I'll do some research.
*Torqued the engine mount to block and frame bolts and nuts.
*Clocked my PowerMaster 9503 starter (nice piece...thanks, Mike Bray), and am waiting for starter bolts from Amazon.
*Reinstalled distributor and PF4 throttle body.
*Installed my clutch cable. I have to do some research on how to adjust it. I also bought a BBK adjustable quadrant for the outside of the footbox. Gotta research a bit here.

I removed the radiator to have more room to install the engine, but I think I'm going to leave it off until I absolutely have to install it. It's a lot easier to reach the front of the engine with it removed.

I can't find the four 12pt driveshaft bolts with threadlocker pre-installed on them. They're allegedly in the driveshaft box, but no have got. I'll call FFR in the AM and get a set shipped out.

I think that's about all I did this AM. Beautiful cool Fall morning, in KC. Have a great week everyone, and GO CHIEFS!!!

Greg

Engine12.jpgDriveshaft.jpgGround Strap.jpgEngineLevel.jpgEngine14.jpgEngine13.jpgThrottle Bracket.jpg

[BUDFIVE]

Greg, good idea waiting for the radiator, especially while you put in the accessory kit and engine sensors and harness. The last thing before start up for me was radiator and hoses and it worked well.