Inlet Manifold Part 1

This is the sad state of the inlet manifold as it was when I took it off the block.
Most of the paint had come off and visually it looked ready for the scrap heap.
I wanted to save it as the inlet tubes from the carbie to the heads have a groove in them, making look a little like 8 spider legs coming away from the body of the carby. The newer 318s have a squarer looking inlet without the groove. I liked the look of this and thought I'd have a go at cleaning it up and painting.

Fitting time in when I can

Almost got it straight. Just needs a little more manipulation

 I wanted to try and save the sump because of the stamped numbers on the bottom. I have no idea what they mean, but I figured they wouldn't be there on an after market one.

Sump needs a bit of TLC

The oil sump needs a bit of careful panel massaging. Someone at some point in its life tried to drive over something that I think was about 10mm higher than the sump!
The result is that the bottom has been pushed in and has a nice scrape along it. Time to pull out the hammers, dollies and slappers.

 

The block is now painted

The block is finally painted and I think it's come up really well. I've ordered a brand new oil pump and screen, then it's onto the sump.

  
Masking up those pesky welsh plugs was well worth it! They look awesome against the red.
 

 

Hemi red is on the block

After what seemed like an eternity to tape everything up, the first coat of Hemi red is finally on the block.

Those welsh plugs are fiddly little things to tape up!

Picking up a bit of speed now!

 Engine block ready for masking up and some paint. Trying to get to it this weekend.

Picking up the pace now

Little by little I'm starting to get somewhere now. 2 heads done, 1 block to go!