President's Day brought more accomplishments...first set of new OEM tires courtesy of local race shop - nary a scratch!:
Next was balancer install...once I finagled the cooling fan out:
Some concern on the fasteners...I had planned to use an ARP bolt vice the OEM TTY deal.
I was surprised at the lack of thread engagement on the ARP...but it equaled the OEM bolt (which seems minimal!)...so in it went to 235 ft/lbs.
Next was the stretch AC belt...actually went on easily once I installed fully on the balancer, but left it off the AC compressor pulley. Then pushed the belt on with my fingers over the AC compressor pulley while rotating the engine. Admittedly, I used the original 19,000 mile belt so stacked the deck:
Next was pulling the intake...far cry from the Gen I SBC's aluminum job - or the cast iron behemoth!:
Back to the blower drive - OEM tensioner - GM 12663624:
Pulleys - GM 12665845 / 12678295 / 12642707:
Bracket - GM 12667163:
Installed:
Only fatality is a damaged sensor...got too hamfisted with the disconnect clip mystery...
Next is fueling (injectors/HPFP), heat exchanger, blower unit, and hoses. Maybe next weekend.