Out of this World

I received my JBA 1650 headers from NitroPlate in Nashville with a new Bright Silver ceramic coating. The headers were stainless steel, and had thick 3/8" flanges (requiring 1" header bolts instead of the usual 3/4"). They had been fitted to the car by the previous owner by denting two pipes, although a fresh set of motor mounts would have helped more. Over the past 5 years, the original stainless finish had discolored, as stainless does, so an aerospace-derived ceramic coating made sense to brighten things up permanently.

The finished pipes look great and ran $180, which seems like a good deal. The gaskets are Percy XX Carbon for square-port small block Fords. I've heard they work well, so figured I'd try them out. I'm also reusing the 1" Stage 8 locking header bolts.

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Smithfield BBQ Car Show in Raleigh

I stopped by a local car show behind the Smithfield BBQ in Raleigh today. There were fewer than 100 cars, but there were some nice ones.

>> Check out my photo album (100 pix!)

(My '66 isn't drivable right now, or I would have brought it along. I'm expecting to get the JBA headers back from NitroPlate in Nashville on Monday, although it might be a week before I have time to get the car back together.)

Cover Yourself!

I decided to spruce up the engine bay, since I was digging into the intake manifold anyway. So I ordered a set of Ford Racing polished aluminum valve covers (M-6582-E302P). I got them on eBay from a drop shipper for $127, and will be replacing a set of thin stamped steel covers that are prone to leaking. These new ones have a 3/8" flange to help keep leaks at bay, (screw-in) baffles, and are 3.75" tall to clear most roller rockers.

The polish job was pretty good, but required some more hand polishing around the bolt areas. I also had to thoroughly soak the insides down with a solvent to clean out the grime and aluminum shavings (!) from the manufacturing and polishing processes.

I also bought longer stainless bolts than I used previously. I bought 1" bolts at the local Lowe's, but cut them down with a Dremel to 7/8" for a perfect fit.

Lastly, I went with a Ford valve cover gasket set (M6584A50) bought on Amazon. These things have a steel core and a rubber bead all the way around the perimeter for a good seal. Apparently they can be re-used too if needed.







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