Got Engine Started!

I got it running.  I was battling 3 things:  My distributor was 180 degrees out.  The fuel pump was VERY stubborn about priming and working (but I finally got it) and I was dealing with a weak battery.  I got it going, timed it.  It has great oil pressure, 50 pounds at idle and over 80 pounds of oil pressure with some throttle.  It runs at 220 degrees.  And it took 2 gallons of coolant to fill that bad boy radiator!

Engine Install Continues

Painting the Engine Compartment and Motor

I sanded down the engine compartment and removed or temporarily "relocated" most of the firewall components.  I masked off everything else.  I degreased it with lacquer thinner.  I then used spray paint called "Hot Rod Green".  This was the closest rattle can match I could get to color I am painting the car (lime green).  For the 318 engine,  I used "Chrysler Blue", silver, black and whatever else I had laying around extra to detail the engine.  I think it turned out pretty good.

Numbers Matching Car

The VIN on the title matches the VIN on the block.  It also matches the VIN on the dash and the driver's side door.  The body tag is missing.

Engine Tear Down Continues

Put the 318 on an engine stand today.  Pulled water pump, timing cover, motor mounts and balancer.  Found quite a bit of rust behind the freeze plugs when I removed them.

I also found the partial VIN stamped on the block.  All the numbers match the dash, door, title and block!

Pulled engine: damage report.........so far.

I pulled the engine this morning and so far have found 4 bad things:

1. Freeze plug on passenger side rusted and leaking
2. Freeze plug on rear of engine (hidden by transmission) rusted and leaking really bad
3. Broken exhaust manifold stud (common and to be expected)
4. Broken motor mount ear (I think I can deal with this as is)

I haven't torn down the front of the engine yet.  I'm planning on removing the water pump, timing cover, oil pan and timing chain.

Pulling the engine for a "rattle can rebuild".

I'm pulling the engine today.  The 318 has some issues.  It is leaking coolant into the oil.  This may be from a poorly sealed front timing cover allowing water to enter into the oil pan near the front of the engine.  Also, I am replacing the timing chain.  I have heard the stock one's were plastic coated or vinyl so they would run quieter.  I have heard horror stories about plastic pieces in the oil pain clogging the oil pump pick up screen starving the engine of oil.   Also, one of the freeze plugs is rusted and leaking.  I'm replacing all of those.  I did a compression check on the engine and all cylinders had compression between 135 and 155 psi.  I'm not replacing rings, bearings the cam or anything else unless I have too.  I will clean up the motor and do a "spray can rebuild".   LOL!

Color Scheme with painted bumpers, mirrors, door handles, etc

I'm going to paint the Charger a lime green or sub lime green.  I think it's a color from the early '70's and I like it with the flat black.  I may add the rear spoiler and hood scoop.  My car is missing the hood mounted turn signals so I found some on ebay last night for $30!  I like a lot of things this guy did when he painted this car.  This car was for sale on ebay but has rust issues under the car and in the trunk.