A Few More Baby Steps

Just a few more things checked off the list. I installed the water pump and thermostat. 

Then I drilled and Helicoil'd four of the valve cover bolt threads. Yeesh. I also took the opportunity to repaint the valve cover and upper intake.

A once-over with the palm sander does wonders for detail.

The gap in the ribs on the upper intake is from an ill-fitting strut brace rubbing the intake.

All bolted up:

I also bolted in the coil-on-plug conversion plate along with the coils.