Hopefully this time it will continue...... engine rebuild

[mopar thunder]

That sure is one beast of a block!    I assume that timing cover is for an electric water pump?

I asked the same thing when I saw it because I thought for sure I was going to have to go buy one now but I was told both will fit.

[mopar thunder]

Found out the end of last week that the timing cover isn't as deep as the one on the engine before so now they have to make a spacer. The impeller blades hit.  So I am also anticipating belt pulley issues down the road.  Heads are still not on.

[Chryco Psycho]

That is really poor planning , I wonder what pump they thought you should use on there ?

[RUNCHARGER]

Dang: I hate it when the simple things don't work out easily.

[mopar thunder]

That is really poor planning , I wonder what pump they thought you should use on there ?

I'm not sure what the thinking was. Unless as Brad said maybe that cover was specially built for an electric pump. I am looking into that now. The block is designed for racing and to use it for street applications to takes a little modifying. I'm trying to contact Kent Ritter today to discuss it.

[mopar thunder]

Dang: I hate it when the simple things don't work out easily.

I agree, you work on making the difficult things all work together then you run across a simple thing that will give you a headache. The goal was to have the heads on the engine by February..... well it is now almost April.   

[RUNCHARGER]

It will be worth it though. That is an artful piece.

[Chryco Psycho]

is there enough thickness to mill the cover of the impellor to fit ?

[Brads70]

is there enough thickness to mill the cover of the impellor to fit ?

That was my first thought as well? 

[Shane Kelley]

   Killer build.  Curious to see the outcome of the timing cover issue.

[mopar thunder]

Well, it looks like I am going to go with an electric water pump. I think if I fab the mechanical one I will run into more fabrication issues down the road, belt pulley line up, twice the area to seal if I go with a spacer, etc. An electrical one will bolt right on, there will be no pulley issues and I will free up a tiny bit of HP. Mezeire seems to be one of the better ones so I am looking at them. Does anyone know the exact diameter of the lower radiator hose for a small block?  I'm guessing 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 inch. I just want this build to move forward w/o any more delays.

[Shane Kelley]

I really wanted to build a killer block 340. I had looked at the MP R3 block. Everywhere I looked it pointed to lots of machine work and one off specialty parts. I just didn't want to try and slay that dragon. If I was a machinist or trusted a local one. Maybe.  But neither apply for me.  But I do admire people like you that take on the challenge.   

[Chryco Psycho]

I would use Mezeire , you will not gain any HP , you will lose at the alternator what you gain at the water pump
the Mezeire should have different adapters so I would just match the size of the lower rad inlet diameter

[mopar thunder]

Well I ordered a Mezeire and it came in damaged...  It was a polished unit and the bolts were not in a bag and they left thread marks all over the unit.    I had to send it back and they are sending a new one. Should be in Wednesday. I am still keeping my fingers crossed that after this it will continue w/o a hitch. Really not much more after this except bolting on items and setting clearances. Then off to the dyno. Unfortunately the shop I am using (for install) have negotiated a challenge with Memphis Street Outlaws (J.J. Da Boss) and are heading down for filming April 27. Which is OK because the engine isn't complete yet but then there is a huge car cruise in Ocean City MD in Mid May so they will be swamped with cars going to that. So I am guessing my car won't be ready until sometime in June.

[Chryco Psycho]

Does it have proper clearance at least ?