Questions for Joe Lucia

[Michael K.]

Sorry for the long list of questions Joe, but you are the MAN when it comes to this stuff!

1)Which is the correct thermostat housing for a 57 2X4 270hp, cast iron or cast aluminum? Which would be better? What color should it be painted?

2)Who has the best neoprene rear main engine seal?

3)I need to replace the oil pan due to damage. Is it worth the extra $120 to get an original one?

4)I am replacing the cam and lifters with the Federal Mogul parts that you recommended. My local store wants to sell me a Cloyes timing set. Would the quality be good?

5)Can I use a fel-pro engine gasket set instead of sealed power? I am concerned about the intake manifold gasket color.

6)I have not tried Dr. Rebuild for my parts yet. They seem to have what I'am looking for. Are they a good company to do business with?

[Joe L.]

Re: Questions for Joe Lucia

Mike----

1) I believe that your application used an aluminum thermostat housing of GM #3705018. It's not reproduced, as far as I know. It would have been natural aluminum finish;

2) The neoprene conversion rear main seal is a real "specialty" item. I believe that there's only one manufacturing source for it, though. There really aren't that many of these old engines around to convert, anymore, so I doubt that more than one manufacturing source would get involved. Paragon carries this seal and Dr. Rebuild probably has it, too. You can probably get it from most better auto parts stores, also;

3)I don't know where you'd get an original pan for $120. The GM replacement pan, which is VERY similar to the original pan is GM #359937. I've been informed that GMSPO stock of this pan is exhausted and it will soon be officially discontinued. If you could get it, this is DEFINITELY the pan you want for a lot of reasons. It can't hurt to try to order one and see what happens;

4) Cloyes products are EXCELLENT. I prefer their 9-3100 True Roller timing set, but I've been told that there may be a fitment problem with early blocks. Cloyes also makes a stock type timing set using a Morse, early link type chain. You can go this route, too, if you wish. The set for your application is Cloyes #C-3025. GM NEVER sold this as a kit and none of the pieces originally used for your application are available from GM anymore. The Cloyes kit is identical to the original except that it includes a cast iron cam sprocket whereas your original may have been aluminum with nylon teeth. You WANT the cast iron sprocket if you use the stock-type set;

5) You can use a Fel-Pro intake gasket set but unless you get their embossed (stock type) set, it will be a different color. For originality, Paragon has a very good reproduction available. It's the stock-type, embossed gasket which I consider the best for intake manifold sealing;

6) I consider Dr. Rebuild to be an outstanding source. They are also, I believe, a Paragon dealer and either stock or can get you any Paragon item. The "Good Doctor" has retired and been "put out to pasture". Every now-and-then, though, I think he shows up around there to see who he can "befuddle". He's a "befuddler extraordinaire". Beware of that if a man happens to answer the phone. If that happens, it's more than likely that cantankerous, old "befuddler".

[Chris H.]

Re: Questions for Joe Lucia

Duke, I called GMSPO and they have those 359937 oil pans back in stock. Of course I never ordered one so I cannot be sure they are really there.

Chris

[Michael K.]

Re: Questions for Joe Lucia

Joe, thanks for taking the time to respond to all my questions.

1) Corvette Central only lists a 'cast aluminum housing' #241211 $45.95, while Dr. Rebuild lists it as 'cast iron' #1153102 $18.75. Confusing!

2) CC and Paragon both carry the seal kit.

3) The original repo pan is $180 and the replacement is $60. After looking at a picture in the Paragon catalog, I'm not sure my pan is that bad. It is concave on the bottom, might be normal. I plan on taking a picture of it and posting it this weekend to get some opinions (preferably yours).

4) I'll use the Cloyes product.

5) I was hoping to get a 'complete engine gasket kit' since I am going to be taking so much apart. If necessary, I can by the 'correct' intake gasket set in addition to the kit.

6) Good to know Dr. Rebuild is reliable. I will give him a try on some of the parts.

Thanks again Joe!

[Duke W.]

Duke? Joe?...

...turn 'em both upside down - they both look the same.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: Questions for Joe Lucia

Mike-----

The more I think about it, the more I think that I may have been incorrect on the material of the original housing. It's possible that it was cast iron. In any event, the cast number that I provided is the one used. So, whatever material housing you find that number on, that's the way it is.

[Chris H.]

Re: Duke? Joe?...

Sorry, I noticed it right away but unfortunately there is no way to edit post.

[H S.]

Re: Duke? Joe?...

After searching my stock of used thermostat housings I came up with one which is cast iron and is showing part # 5705018. This would make one believe the original material was cast iron.

H P Shuttleworth

[James F.]

Re: Duke? Joe?...H. P.

H.P.
Believe, first 2000 '67's and all earlier 2X4 manifolds used #5018 cast iron thermostat housing. Regards,