Yeah they were painted on the last engine. One of the first things I did after my Dad brought her to me.

I don't like them unpainted either, they'll be coming off today for some paint and a trip thru the oven to cook. I've got a new fan clutch pulley bracket coming from Mitsu. Couldn't resist at only $32 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. I'll see what it looks like before deciding whether or not to paint it. And, since I don't have a clutch fan anymore, I can't use the OE bolts because they go too deep and hit on the backside. I haven't found any elsewhere on the truck that would work so I could order new OE. I need them to be about 7-8mm shorter... Oh well, shiny Rockfords will have to suffice...

I've followed your tip to the letter. I've put some spare lower intake gaskets down, then the lower intake and lightly tightened the bolts. Then, I put a spare upper plenum gasket on and the upper plenum and snugged the bolts holding it down. Then I put both front and rear brackets in place and torqued them. The front brace incorporates an engine hanger that I'll... er Brendan will be using to hang it on the hoist on installation.

I've spent the last while fiddling with fitment of a large case GM CS144 alternator in the OE alternator bracket. Big thanks to Russell (rxinhed) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> for fronting the spare bracket for me to cut on. That way if I don't like how it turns, it doesn't work, or it catches on fire, I can go back to the OE alternator with relative ease...

Stay tuned...