I'm still sorting out axle issues. In the interim, why not spend some more time on the engine? I found a heavy duty steel drive rod for the oil pump, one that has an integrated steel 'bushing' formed into it. This is a stronger setup than the OEM plastic bushing, and is supposed to be better for a high volume pump such as I have. Okay, sounds good.
My co-worker Mike kept bugging me about the unpainted engine. "It's gonna rust, ya know." Okay,
fine--I found some silvery blue engine paint that reminds me of classic Pontiac engine paint (more or less) plus it kinda goes with the light blue car. After painting the block and heads, I installed the oil pump and the heavy duty shaft. Finally, the bottom end was complete and I could install the oil pan.
Flipping the engine back over, I installed the valve covers. We then prepared to put the sexy Air Gap intake manifold in place. We fiddled until it was precisely located, then we began bolting it down... only to find out that my OEM bolts weren't quite up to the task--some of them are too short to properly hold the Edelbrock intake in place. Hmm. We were out of time for today, so I guess I'll have to make another Ace Hardware run before my next wrenching session.
But, hey--it's looking more and more like a complete engine!