64 Skylark......."ALPHA LARK"

Discussion in 'Members Rides' started by Steve Reynolds, Oct 22, 2017.

  1. Steve Reynolds

    Steve Reynolds SRE Inc

    We ran it while I was at TA, but we didn't dyno it. We ran it on pump gas without the ProCharger, just to get it broke in, check for leaks, issues, etc. Everything was "A-OK" so they crated it up and sent it north.
    Once I get it in the car and running OK, I'll take it to a local chassis dyno tuner and play with it there. I did make the decision to switch to E85, so after spending another $3500 on pump and carb, I'll feel safer with it not hurting itself without the intercooler or meth injection to keep temps down. E85 should do the trick and it's available at quite a few locations locally.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2021
  2. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Yes I switched to E-85 this year too, CSU carb. I feel it will help widen my tuning window. I also raised the compression from 8.5:1 up to just under 10:1 so that should help (turbo 355 inch)
     
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  3. Super Bald Menace

    Super Bald Menace Frame off oil changes

    This is a phenomenal project. I'm in awe.
     
  4. Steve Reynolds

    Steve Reynolds SRE Inc

    Well, I used part of the day yesterday to get the car in Slicksand primer, (Boy that stuff sprays out crappy! I even used the proper gun.)
    Anyway, next step is to start installing the drivetrain..............IF I ever get caught up on oil pans, (currently 18 behind but I know I'll be running out of material soon and can't find it available!)
     

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  5. Steve Reynolds

    Steve Reynolds SRE Inc

    I took a "time out" from customer stuff for a day and spent Sunday working on my Tomahawk. Everything was mocked up on a OEM block and not everything bolts right on to the Tomahawk. So far not a big deal ...... just a little modification here and there. I finished making the crank sensor mount, set the distributor in, installed the blower pullies, and final test fit the blower. I took the blower brackets all apart and finished them to match the rest of the engine and ordered all stainless steel hardware for it.
    Hopefully I can find a day or two in the next few weeks to work on it again. Almost time to drop it in place..............
     

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  6. Steve Reynolds

    Steve Reynolds SRE Inc

    Well..... as busy as I am, I FORCED myself to put in a few hours here and there on the car....... or it'll never get done! LOL

    Engine, tranny and driveshaft are in, all hooked up. Working on installing and wiring all the sensors. Not too far away from ignition! First is to finish bleeding the brakes and then finish up the trunk with fuel cell, fuel pump, etc. so it's ready to fire up! All in due time.............although I need to have it far enough along to head to the paint shop in late fall.
     

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  7. GS Kubisch

    GS Kubisch THE "CUT-UP" BUICK

    Gonna be perfect when it's done! Can't wait!
     
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  8. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Awesome!
     
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  9. 64 Hardtop

    64 Hardtop Founders Club Member

    Loving it! Beautiful work!

    PS I still think it should have the chrome side trim.:D
     
  10. GKMoz

    GKMoz Gary / Moz

    Love the blue Steve!, the car and your skills are dynamite! WOW!
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2021
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  11. Postsedan

    Postsedan 13427 L78

    Holy Crap!!!!! As I have said many times.....Steve is Da Man!

    What a Fantastic Thread and Build. The only way that Alphalark would be better....is if it were a Post Sedan....but that is just ME :)

    Steve....keep up the great work.

    BTW, Those headers are amazing!
     
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  12. Steve Reynolds

    Steve Reynolds SRE Inc

    Thanks everyone!!!
     
  13. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Any info on the carb? Who’s is it? I’ve had great luck with a few CSU Holleys including one for E-85....
     
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  14. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Looks killer,...think the water pump bearing is gonna stand up to the psi from the belt?
     
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  15. Steve Reynolds

    Steve Reynolds SRE Inc

    It's a custom built "Pro Systems" E85 blow thru carb. They were recommended by "Steve Morris Engines" which is a huge builder of Procharger engines. I have my fingers crossed in hopes that it works as good as they say it will! LOL Along with that I purchased a Aeromotive variable displacement brushless pump for the E85. The entire fuel system is based on "recommendations" from pros, since I have no history with E85 or boosted applications......... a "new" learning experience for an "old" guy! LOL


    Ethan, the water pump is on the "return" side of the belt and not under great tension from driving the blower, and since this style of belt doesn't require as much tension as a "V" belt I believe it will be fine. I did some research on this before utilizing it this way, so I'm fairly confident it'll be good to the bearings.
     
  16. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Yea that's true I didn't think about it being a cog
     
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  17. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    That dual needle and seat carb is a badass piece,...had a friend go from one to a $4500 FI setup and slowed down and washed his cylinders when something happened in the ecu and held the injectors open,...obviously he regretted it and put the carb back
     
  18. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    I think you should be fine with that carb. I bolted on a custom CSU carb and it had perfect street manners and the air fuel ratios were spot on from idle to 7500 RPM, from 4 psi to 20 psi, amazing really!
     
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  19. Steve Reynolds

    Steve Reynolds SRE Inc

    Well...... I spent the better part of the last few days working on the car. I needed to get it to a certain point before my surgeries. (Knee replacements..... next Monday the 16th the right one, and 6 weeks later the left one). I'm hoping to be able to do some shop work while in recovery, but we'll see..................
    Anyway, the trunk is finished, the fenders are jammed out and installed, brakes are bled and 98% of all wiring is complete. I'm very, very close to firing it up.... perhaps in a month when I'm up and about before the second knee. It's getting exciting thinking it'll be running soon!!!
     

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  20. GS Kubisch

    GS Kubisch THE "CUT-UP" BUICK

    Refresh my memory Steve...

    Did you make more room for tires? 275 ?
     

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