9550

hard to believe, but i finally got the timing cover and water pump back on.
balancer is not back on yet and will probably get the tool to put it on this weekend coming up.
other than that, whats my next step in the re-assembly? the heads, right?
note that the radiator and fan are still off the car. im not sure if they will get in the way when im putting this thing back together, or should i be putting the radiator and fan back on soon, if not first?

thanks in advance

mattdel

Do the radiator and fan absolutely last. Give you more room to work, especially the balancer bolt.

9550

this is what i was hoping

Duncan_GT

Yeah, you'll need the space with the balancer

9550

ok, so i will hold off on the rad/fan.
but whats next? heads?

Duncan_GT

Yep, heads. Then rockers/valve train. Then lower intake

dawson1112

Before you drop the heads on buy your self a thread chase and chase the threads in the block for the head bolts. Make sure you blow them out with some air and don't allow any kind of FM to get in the holes. Any crud in the holes for the head bolts could prevent proper torque and cause gasket failure later.

Duncan_GT

I believe with the 302's that you will need to use thread sealer on the head bolts as well since they go into the water jackets

9550

i have done this already
i actually bought 4 taps so far for the various bolts i have encountered. probably overkill in spots, but im ok with it.

9550

im planning to use sealer on the bottom bolts. the top bolts are closed off from the coolant as far as i can tell