Weather was great today, so was able to finish up the lower intake. Over the past few days, I had been working to clean up all the ports.
From the factory each port had some level of casting poo(that's the nontechnical term;-)) Running your finger in each port you could feel it.
So working with 80 grit sand paper and a Dremel I went to work. I wasn't looking to make each port perfect, but rather smooth out/clean as much as possible. Once I was done it was clear what a huge difference not only in appearance – but to the touch how clean and smooth they have become.
Performance advantage - who knows but have to think the air will move threw these a bit easier now.
I then spent time sanding the outside of the lower. I figured this would help the paint lay more consistent and smooth. Once I felt I had it smoothed out as far as I could get it, I masked the lower up and went outside and shot 2 coats of self etching primer.
Once the primer had dried, I shot it with some gloss black engine enamel. Really happy with the results. I wasn't sure sanding the outside would make much of a difference to the finish, but man it really did. Smooth as a babies butt.
Now even though the lower intake is pretty much hidden when the engine is all bolted up, you do see hints of it. Overall I think it will look great and go well with my powder coated black alternator.
Next up is the Alt bracket. Since I did the coil on plug conversion, no need for those ugly holes on the top.
Plan is to fill the unneeded holes with JB Weld, smooth then paint.
From the factory each port had some level of casting poo(that's the nontechnical term;-)) Running your finger in each port you could feel it.
So working with 80 grit sand paper and a Dremel I went to work. I wasn't looking to make each port perfect, but rather smooth out/clean as much as possible. Once I was done it was clear what a huge difference not only in appearance – but to the touch how clean and smooth they have become.
Performance advantage - who knows but have to think the air will move threw these a bit easier now.
I then spent time sanding the outside of the lower. I figured this would help the paint lay more consistent and smooth. Once I felt I had it smoothed out as far as I could get it, I masked the lower up and went outside and shot 2 coats of self etching primer.
Once the primer had dried, I shot it with some gloss black engine enamel. Really happy with the results. I wasn't sure sanding the outside would make much of a difference to the finish, but man it really did. Smooth as a babies butt.
Now even though the lower intake is pretty much hidden when the engine is all bolted up, you do see hints of it. Overall I think it will look great and go well with my powder coated black alternator.
Next up is the Alt bracket. Since I did the coil on plug conversion, no need for those ugly holes on the top.
Plan is to fill the unneeded holes with JB Weld, smooth then paint.
. A opportunity presented itself to have the motor pulled and built, so I took it. I had the Cobra shipped off to Swarr auto who built up my Teksid block with Manley forged rods and pistons. We also added a Milodon oil pump, Canton Street/Stripe oil pan to get some more oil flowing inside the engine since I'm not running a intercooler. And it just seemed like a good idea while the engine was out. Full ARP hardware as well as new Ford Racing chains/guides installed. Forging the motor wasn't in the original plan but glad I spent the coin and did it. Now every time I stomp on the go pedal i will not have to worry about bending a rod or punching a hole thru the side of my block. Next I sent out my T45 to Halon Motorsports to have him build up the tranny. A 26 spline was added as well as stronger gears and supporting internal parts. It can easily handle the power I'm putting down and feels beefier now when shifting. 
