MNTL.XD

This is exactly what i've done in the past with great results. The only other thing i would suggest that will make a big difference is getting an aftermarket inlet manifold, the standard manifolds were a shit design and a big power killer, so even a cheapy will see excellent results. Also you'll obviously be doing alot of highway k's so a long diff ratio would be best, a 2.77:1 is very economical for highway use, but a 2.92:1 will retain the long legs but also give a little bit more poke up-hills and will also benefit the torque of the new tow cam. (3.23:1 or 3.50:1 would suit the cam better again but maybe too short for your intended use.) Be sure to let the cam guys know what diff ratio you intend to use.

I have painted both my previous block and the block i have now in 2 pack without any problems except the paint darkened on the heads where the extractors bolted on, it has held well without any cracking or peeling etc. Once it was clean i gave the block a clean up with a wire brush on the grinder, prep washed it, primed it with a pressure pack of high temp, rough go over with scotch-brite, then top-coated it 2 pack body-colour and hit it with clear about 20 mins later.

** On a side note, this is to suit XD without aircon. ** I have done the white hose in pink so it can be seen.

I've always done my falcons with the flip trick, found if you only flip the smallest bottom leaf to the top, it will drop you almost exactly 2", although all mine have been sedan springs. Just thought i'd let ya's know if you just want it sitting a little lower and stay legal. Cheers, Paul.

Pretty surprised no-one has answered this, it has to be the most common ratio out there?

Smaller wire wheels on the drill, you can usually get a fair few different sizes of them brass ones from the cheap as shit shop, depends how thick the paint is, but i found they work ok. Maybe a die-grinder with similar attachment. If it's a bit thick then i'd get into it with some good old sandpaper first, then the smaller wire wheels.

While on this topic, i need a question answered too if possible. What is the right colour speedo gear for a C10, 3.5 diff, 16" wheels? Any idea?

I found Pedders to be quite stiff, which is perfect around town or in the city, but because i'm in the country and have to put up with crap roads, i've gone to the much softer Kings (Super-low) and it rides heaps better, so i guess it comes down to your own driving environment. With brakes i have always ran DBA slotted rotors and have never had a problem, i only run them on the front as rears aren't really necessary IMO as they are really only an 'anchor' for the fronts which do more of the work in actually slowing a car. The standard discs get quite warm very quickly giving brake fade early, the slotted rotors seem to keep their cool for much longer than standard, which is important when you're constantly on/off the brakes (city) or slowing from 100km/h and downhill mountain type driving in the country.