2 steps forward, 1 step back

I had to correct a mistake today. I neglected to acquire and mount a "block plate", also called a mid-plate or separator plate, before installing the flexplate on the engine. Basically, the block plate does 2 things--it helps align the starter motor for mounting, and it prevents too much damage being done if the tranny ever gives up the ghost. Some cars can go without, but being a safety feature, I figured I should do it.

I was worried that the flexplate would not come off easily. I had used blue Loctite which is supposed to help seal the threads on the bolts mating the flexplate to the engine crankshaft. To my surprise, the bolts came out very easily. Now that has me worried the other way. Oh well. I will just keep following the directions from the manufacturers and keep the faith.

I did order the block plate from JEGS today. Since I was ordering anyway, I bought the stuff I need to finish the fuel system, and some other miscellaneous stuff. Total damage today was over $250 :(

I also got around to painting my headers with the high temp paint I bought a while back. The gases exhausted from the engine after combustion can get up to 2000 degrees F. They get expelled out the headers and eventually the side pipes. The headers can be over 700 degrees and the side pipes over 400 degrees. Many people get the piping ceramic coated, but that is pretty expensive and may need to be done multiple times if there are fitting issues with the side pipes later in the build. So I am keeping it simple and cheap with good high temp flat black paint. I may end up getting special covers for the side pipes once the car is finished, but for now, this seems a good solution. Here are some before and after pics.