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