MICK’S FIVE STAR WORKSHOP
DETAILS DETAILS
We’re in the advanced stages of pulling together Tom’s amazing HG Monaro build, the centrepiece of which is a 427 small block powerplant. Because most of the componentry is in the workshop, it’s tempting to go at it like a bull at a gate, if for no other reason than having visual progress.
However I learned long ago it’s the details which will trip you up, eventually. Here’s an example: threads. You see we’ve had this beautiful front-end made up, complete with powder coated mounting brackets. Before we sling it all into the engine bay, I’ve spent fair bit of time going through all the engine mount threads with a tap (to clear the coating) and similarly go over all the bolts carefully, ensuring the threads are clear and sharp.
Why? Because when you have the engine in there, you can barely see a thing and have very limited space to work in, the last thing you need is an unco-operative bolt or thread!
One of the zillion challenges we’ve tackled with this one-off build seems ridiculous in its simplicity. That is spark plug length. As anyone who has built one of these engines will know, clearance for the
