Got the engine running today. No leaks, no thumpa-thumpa noise anymore, I guess I fixed it. The only things I didn't re-work, repair, or replace, were the pistons, rings, con rods and block. 65 psi cold at 2000 rpm, 55 warm at 2000 rpm 45 pis cold at 900 rpm, 35 psi warm at 900 rpm Engine is as steady as a rock at 2000 rpm, a little rough at 800 rpm, so I think my new idle is 900 rpm. Pretty good idle quality from the TA 288-94 cam, I think. My TA RV12 was smooth as buttah, this is just slightly worse. I'm pulling 11" Hg at idle, with a slightly jumpy needle- I need to re-adjust my valves for sure, I should get 12-13" Hg I should think This procedure was not without it's drama, like getting 0 psi at first- distributor jumped off the oil pump drive. Don't know how the distributor dog was so loose, I snugged it down, I am sure of that o No: But I spotted the trouble right away and then bam! 65 psi. What's the least vacuum I can get away with on a real honest street car with power brakes? 8" Hg? I should be safe enough where I am now, I just want to make sure. I haven't driven it yet- the battery isn't charging. What else is new? I've replaced eight voltage regulators in this car since '89. None of them last. I'm pretty sure that the ones I get are "good enough" units that cover a broad range of old GMs. Pain in my butt-tocks. I'll double check the connections to the voltage regulator tomorrow- I'm only getting 12.2 V while the engine is running. Last time I checked it was 14.3 I had to do a couple new things, like put a 90* bend connector immediately after the heater core, so the hose won't get crimped by the taller TA valve cover. That was an easy fix. I also found out something interesting that anyone with a 4 row radiator and an HEI type distributor in their 70-72 Slylark or GS with a 455 might want to consider. I don't have the pics with me right now, but I bought a 1970 GS455 upper radiator hose, and it was very tight against the distributor, and seemed like it just barely fit between the radiator and the t-stat housing (It was a Goodyear hose). So I went out and bought the upper hose I've always used- the 1973 Riviera hose. Much different shape, and clears the distributor easily. I took some side by side pics, and also two that show each hose installed, from the same angle. interesting. Things should go smoothly now, I just hope the rain holds off tomorrow long enough so that I can adjust my valves, fix my charging system, and tighten up my header collectors. The car now has the crisp, crackly sound of a stock-car. It sounds bad-a$$ :TU:
Thanks, Adam :TU: This one was a long time coming- 2 months to the day. I cannot express my nervousness when I put the oil fill cap back on, and reached for the ignition key.
I can only imagine:grin: Must be very exciting to get her running again... Now I need some gumption to get my motor ripped apart and pumped up on some minor steriods..
Hey Chris, I changed my car over to a 10SI Altenator. It's not that hard of a conversion and you can leave the regulator on the firewall for good looks.And OH Great Job! :3gears: Soon!
I may have to go that way, Leo. thanks for the p/n I am already planning out where I'll do my first burnout with the new improved engine :laugh: Watch, I'll break the tranny this time
Nice job, Chris! Make sure one of the other Massholes is around to video that first burnout.... :laugh:
I know many people that have good luck with the Wells VR715 voltage regulator, i believe that's the model number. It's a solid-state unit.
Roger that, John :TU: Ken- I'm not the typical Masshole. I like no witnesses. That's how the cops don't get money from me
LOL, I have a feeling neither Johnno, John Campbell, nor Wolverine would ever sell you out! :laugh: OK, post pics of your dual black stripes if you insist on privacy. :bglasses:
Hey Chris.Big time congrats!!SO....you like the lumpy cam eh!! That tingle in the stomach just before the key turns,just like a hot first date!!Those external regulators are a pain(changed mine 3 times).Anyway,sounds like it`s "Ironing out the bugs" time as I like to say.Once again,congrats and looking forward to the test drive reports.Later,Tony.
Chris, That mean you're rolling out with the NE chapter next year to the Nats? Congrats! :3gears: Add another to the Massholes!
Hey Chris I just did my motor with same cam i love it you can get it to idle at 800 easy.I have 14 in the dist it has great low end and really pulls top end. I have sp400 in high stall from a roll its nasty.Mike ta told me it works better with 10 to1 comp good luck tomorrow
