What I've been up to and what the UPS driver dropped off

[79BIG10]

Well I've been working my a$$ off at work and been neglecting the truck. So I felt bad and called up Summit and order some parts (see below). I ordered the finishing parts of the gauge swap (Auto-Meter Pro-Comps), a HEI pigtail since mine was starting to get loose, a TCI SFI approved flexplate since I have a bad spot on the stock flexplate (with a 2500 stall it finally bent it enough to where the starter won't engage it at a certain spot) and the ARP bolts for the crank to flexplate and the torque converter bolts to the flexplate. I installed the gauges like bigblock73 did in front but need to still get a speedo cable. Damn Napa ain't around here anymore So after one day of working on gauges and installing them they look great and work even better. At night there's no doubt on what my gauges are reading. It's clear as daytime. So after installing the gauges I went to tackle the flexplate but of course I ran into trouble. I'm going to have to borrow a compressor and air tools to get the tranny bell housing bolts loose. I tried everything and nothing worked. Time for more power. Next day off I'll be doing that and then onto the front end.

Personally I'm doing good with a new higher position at work and lost 165 as of last month. I still have more to go but over half way there. Also another aspect of my life is doing even better. Divorce is getting done and let me just say (since a public board) LIFE IS GOOD!!! If you want more info on this PM me

[ocbaud]

looks like the same flexplate i have very nice one.

[79BIG10]

It may be. I caught myself before ordering and realized I was about to order the 2 piece version instead of the 1 piece which I needed.

[1FaastC10]

Brandon, i thought about IMing you earlier tonight but was busy, and didnt have time to chat much. glad to hear everything is going good for you.

a little tip on pulling the trans... take 2 bolts that are the same thread as the belhousing (3/8"-16 IIRC) about 4-5" long and cut the heads off of them. now thread them into belhousing bolt holes (i prefer the middle holes) and use them as long dowel rods. makes it easier to remove and install.

[plumbcut]

orrrr dont be a little girl- just man handle the trans into place like god meant for us to.

excellent choice on the flexplate- SFI approved is the only way to go.

plumbcut

[gchemist]

When are you driving to Austin for a race??
Glad to know you are doing well.

[87Silvy]

Got any pics of the Autometer install?

[TIMSPEED]

Originally Posted by 87Silvy

Got any pics of the Autometer install?

Yeah, when you get em' installed, take pics. Those guages look PERFECT!

[N2TRUX]

Brandon it looks like you have been busy. Give us some update pics of the gauge install. You know we like pics.

Another trick for tranny pull/install I learned a long time ago is get a looooong extension. It makes it much easier to get those top bolts from behind rather than reaching over/around the tranny....

[swervin ervin]

Cool. I love to look at new performance parts.

Of all the things I've done to my truck, and it's been a lot BTW, I still love my gauges the best. Best thing I've ever done.

[79BIG10]

I'll have some pics later this week of the install. I'm using a old bezel I got from Big Red and still need to add the turn lights, brights, and one other light for my electric fans. I'm using some big lights to let me know when something is on.

I've got to give thanks again to Mike and Jeff for great articles on their gauge install. Without their stuff this would have gone alot harder.