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2-22-2002 - Well, it's been awhile
since I have posted any information. My '85 SS Monte has been running
well for the most part. I now have Mickey Thompson Sportsman tires on
the rear all the time. The posi unit I had purchased awhile back went
to my buddy Jim. I'm currently working hard at acquiring another one.
If I don't, I'm going to just buy one new. The rear end will also get
some fresh Moser or Strange axles in the process. |
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After the rear end is done, I'm going to finish getting the parts for
my new engine. It will definitely be another 350, not a stroker. The
new plant will utilize an Edelbrock Torker II intake and a Crane solid
lift cam among other parts. |
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I have some new pictures on my engine page. The ones that were there
were from the original engine setup. Since then, the Terantula intake
has been swapped with a Performer RPM. Also, the engine color has
changed a bit. |
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Jim has changed projects again. He's now driving an '86 Z-28 Camaro.
It's got some decent get-up. Hehe, actually, it's one of the baddest
rides on the road now. Come track time, it should run low 11s. |
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4-24-2002 - Progress on my '85 has
been slow. I've spent the last three weekends (going on four)
redoing the rear end. I'm installing a 2-series posi unit and a 4.10
gear. In the process, I have replaced the studs on both axles. I
have passed up getting new axles; the old ones are still in good
condition. After the rear end is back together, I'm going to drive
the '85 SS for a bit longer. Then I will begin building the new 350
engine. |
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After the rear end is redone in my '85 SS, I will see about doing some
work on the '86 SS. It needs the T-top seals replaced, along with new
exhaust manifold gaskets and a new exhaust system. I will have
installed the same setup as the '85 SS (prior to the current engine):
an aftermarket catalytic converter flowing through 2.5" pipe to
two-chamber Flowmaster mufflers. |
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Jim and I went to the Test-n-Tune shootout at Dinwiddie (Virginia
Motorsports Park) back in March. It was really cool, the first time I
have been to a major event. We saw plenty of 6-second rides! The
best part was we were allowed to stand right next to them in the
burnout box, as we raced, too. |
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5-30-2002 - The rear end for the '85
SS is almost complete. I ran into an old friend that has the
necessary tools to finish it. I should be putting in my SS this
weekend. Once in, I will drive the '85 SS for another couple of
months before pulling it off the road again to redo the engine. |
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The '86 SS has been running strong and well. I have performed a good
amount of routine maintenance on it lately. In The '86 headed to the
track a couple of weeks ago just to see what it could run. The best
of two runs was a 15.62 @87 Mph. Not bad for a stock motor. I'm
pleased with its progress and power. |
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6-18-2002 - The '85 SS is back on
the road! The 4.10 gear and posi unit feel great. I also took the
opportunity to put a fresh coat of ultra flat black paint on it. Of
course, problems always arise. I have to replace the water pump in
the next couple of days. |
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The next project will be putting in a new engine, as I have mentioned
off and on in the past. This will hopefully take place within the
next three months or so. I'm still shooting for a low 12-second
engine. I don't have many parts to go... the cam, lifters, valves
and rockers for the heads, an intake, and new pistons (depending on
whether the current engine is bad or not). |
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9-7-2002 - Not long after I had the
new rear end in, I had to replace my axle seals. Seems the vent tube
near the gear housing was clogged, and we overlooked it. I definitely
made sure it was cleaned thoroughly before replacing the seals.
Everything has been fine with it since then. |
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Most of the remaining parts needed for my new engine are on order. I
should have it built within the next two weeks. I am looking forward
to going to Super Chevy in October at Virginia Motorsports Park. Come
out and meet us there! |
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12-28-2002 - A few changes have been
made to both the '85 SS and the '86 SS. The '85 SS has received a new
engine that will hopefully be in the mid to low-12s. Unfortunately,
the engine has proven to be a challenge. After putting it in, it was
discovered that the number 2 cylinder was dead. I was using another
Comp 292H Cam (not what I wanted, though), so I put in the old one
from the other engine. Now I have a knocking lifter. I have put in
new lifters, but the knock is still there. Also, I am having idle
problems. The causes identified are a Victor intake that has been
polished too much (for which the fuel cannot atomize) and a bad power
valve in the carburetor. |
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I will rebuild the carburetor as soon as funds permit. I will also
change the intake. I'm not sure what I am going to put on as of yet.
Also, I will be picking up a 3" exhaust setup from a buddy who has an
'85 SS himself. Hopefully, I will be posting pictures of the new
engine soon. |
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The '86 SS is still running good, though the valve seals are getting
worse. The front Rockford Fosgate speakers had to be replaced, as one
of them was beginning to produce distortion. In addition to replacing
them, I put in filters to tone down how much power they receive. When
the '86 SS was due for inspection, I had to install new front brakes,
rotors, and bearings. The steering wheel tilt also had to be
tightened. Unfortunately, the company sheered the cruise control
wiring. The other day, I put in a new cruise control signal lever.
Also, I painted the backside of the dashplate which reflects light
back onto the gauges. It is definitely brighter now. |
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