Great, well that's good to know for the 8.5 ! I'll keep you guys updated on what I choose to build. For the TH400 I did buy a 2800-3200 stall converter. I'll see if we do the planetary mod as well !
Waiting on pushrods and a brand new alternator to show up and we shall be ready for the very first crank up
What type of high temp clear did you use? Got a pic of the can? Reason I ask is I'm building a new engine and going the same route as you (block painted, all aluminum left bare color) and want to keep the aluminum looking nice and clean. I know over time the bare aluminum oxidizes and starts to look dull (my current intake and timing cover) and I want to avoid that. JW has a treatment process for the aluminum parts to keep them new looking but it may cost a fortune to ship my parts back and forth.
Hope it doesn't yellow on you. From what I could find on a quick search, it is only good to 200* https://www.rustoleum.com/~/media/D..._Touch_2X_Ultra_Cover_Clear_Sprays_TDS_1.ashx
Man the plum crazy purple looks good. I am trying to decide which color to paint mine. Mine is a 70 block so the original red is cool, but also nothing special.
If you want something original looking and to keep Buick's roots well this is a no no, but since I enjoy putting stuff that shouldn't go together all along, this was the best choice haha. Thanks for the great comment !
I had an intake powdercoated an alluminum color years ago. It looked very good and actually was the color of alluminum... not the cheezy chrome paint
I really dig the plum crazy block. I like things that are unique and out of the "norm" away from what everyone else has. On my new build I thought about doing my block black, everything else aluminum/silver and leaving the Star Wars air cleaner red. The car in and out is all black with a bit of chrome trim.
Somebody good with photoshop should make that engine all plum crazy with yellow script on the valve covers (Hemikiller) https://scontent.fymq2-1.fna.fbcdn....=0f746b6e1734864901528ab877f6962a&oe=5FB48D43
Next time try asking TA to ship your parts through USPS, they transfer directly to Canada post. Also Talk to Chris Skaling he is a Canadian TA dealer and can help you avoid fees. Message me for his info if you want.