XC GXL Part 14

G'day,
In this part we finish porting the heads and inlet manifold
Also the engine block returns from the builder along with the parts for the build.
It's a slow process but at this stage we were starting to make some real progess
Cheers Blue

[@tonymontana897]

Hey Blue. Nice work so far mate.
I'm staggered how that Redline Manifold ports are so undersized compared to the gasket. You'd think when they design and cast a manifold that it would conform to close as possible to the other mating surface right ? That gasket shows how woefully inadequate the designers were AND, it's supposed to be a performance manifold of sorts over and above the stock manifold too. I'm sure it will perform way better now after the port job.
Also, you mentioned fitting a filter to the radiator to catch the rubbish still inside the water jackets. I've never heard of such a thing. What type of kit do you have in mind because I think that's genius. I think I'll do the same when I'm ready with mine. Can you film that when you get to it please ?
Good call on that SCA engine stand too mate. It looked dodgy. There's not many things I buy from them anymore, but occasionally they have some decent specials and I splash out.
I'm not really thrilled with some Tool Pro ring spanners I purchased some time ago. Hardly used them too. Practically just sat in my tool chest for a couple of years until the other day I go to use some spanners and the bloody chrome plating was flaking off. Some got caught in my skin too. Bloody hopeless mate. I have since purchased better quality spanners. Just be careful with their in house brands. They are sketchy. Made in China crap.
I noticed your gasket kit there too. Is it all Felpro ??
I follow a chap called Peter Anderson, That's his channel name, and he's a pretty smart guy who knows his way around Cleveland engines. I recall him saying how much he hates the Felpro branded head gaskets for some reason I cannot even remember. He was adamant about it too. So I'd look into it before you commit to using yours if they are in fact Felpro. If I find the info, I'll post back.
When you're ready to build the engine could you set up your camera on a tripod perhaps so we can see how you go about the various processes ? Or you could get a helper to come in close while you piece it together.
You can't film and build while holding a camera, of course, and we'd love to see you work.
I love engine building videos, especially Clevos.
Thanks and all the best mate.
Regards
Tony

[@BluesShed]

G'day Tony
Yeah mate after I got into this job I was blown away as to how far out the ports are especially the Redline
I have change numerous cylinders on aircraft engines in my life and despite how old that technology is everything lines up dead on, the casts are all alloy and still pretty rough but everything matches up as do motorcycle engines from my experience.
I watched Peter Andersen Build his XC, and my wife told me to record and put my own videos up on RUclips.
Peter has given me plenty of tips that I have used during this build
You are right about the Felpro gaskets I split 3 sump gaskets, that is coming up in the next 2 parts that I hope to get out shortly before life is going hold me up for a bit.
The radiator filter is a redline product now made under a different name, it's a tube that intersects the top hose and has a mesh filter and a magnet inside
It works really well I have a video covering that in the future
The engine is pretty strong and we have just clocked 5000 km in the car what you are seeing is 4 years old now and I'm trying to get the videos to catch up with the present
We are planning to drive it up to the centre NATS Sep 2024
Thanks for your input much appreciated and I hope that you enjoy the rest of the build
Cheers Blue