Eventually, I got all the exhaust manifold bolts in (with nickel anti-seize) & torqued. Then I added the heat shields & accessory nuts.

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The oil pressure port is extended using common plumbing parts (I may swap to a factory extension or this stainless reproduction) in preparation for an older sender (Standard PS60) so the gauge will actually work.

The distributor body was sandblasted & clearcoated, but I need to clean the cap & probably replace the wires. The MAF body was also blasted & cleared (NOT the sensor).

The oil fill cap is a new MotorCraft EC-743 (F3AZ-6766-B).

The harmonic balancer was also sandblasted & painted. Then its sealing surface was wire-wheeled clean again, and lubed before installation. Its pulley is new, like the WP, TC, t'stat cover, & spark plugs. But the oil pan gasket & valve cover gaskets are the original (reusable) '96 parts.

Owner caption December 2018 · Photo 75 of 83