It has been at least 6 months since I pulled the engine and trans from the 69. I finally have just about everything back in. The engine/trans went in much more easily with the removable crossmember I fabricated. Connecting the headers to the engine is always fun, especially when doing it alone. The engine has to be about 2-3 inches above the mounting position with the headers waiting just below. Angle up, angle down, twist this way and that. Wrapping towels around the header pipes and taping them in place this time greatly helped from making more scratches in the JetHot coating. The studs I use for the headers makes things extra hard, but I don't have to worry about stripping out the aluminum heads. When I look over at my original small block and remember how easy it was to remove and re-install I almost consider going back. But not yet!!

The new McLeod dual disc clutch & pressure plate is about half the pedal pressure of the previous single plate I ran. Going through the gears again, even if not running, is still a sweet experience. I just love how slick and precise the shifting action is, even compared to my Z.

The Corvette Steering power steering conversion went in and looks very nice. A job that was assuredly much easier with the engine out. For those unfamiliar, it is a power steering box typically used in Grand Cherokees, and other cars. No under slung ram tube is necessary. All the power steering action takes place in the steering box, which takes up no more room (toward the engine) than the original. The ratio is 12:1.

I am very, very anxious to experience the new solid roller cam. It is hoped to make as much or more power as before with the factory L88 cam, but have much better low speed characteristics, not the least of which is less eye burn from unburned fuel at idle.

It has been a very good day. I am tired and my lips are sore from making all those motor sounds while dreaming of turning the key. Hopefully I will get another day next week to again work on it and be able to fire the monster back up!

Chuck

 

That has got to be fun. :cheers:

 

Sweet!! :cool: :cheers:

 

Way to go Chuck!!! I'm anxious to hear how your new combo works too. Keep us posted....& buy some Chapstick fer Chrissakes! :thumbs:

 

Thanks for the pic Chuck. Glad you got that beast back in there. I sympathize with you there, working alone. Sometimes it ain't fun but at least you don't have anyone telling you "maybe if you did it this way" or "maybe you should call someone!" :lol:

You're one of my role models. :yesnod: :thumbs:

 

my lips are sore from making all those motor sounds while dreaming of turning the key :lol: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Good luck, I hope everything works out. Sounds like an awsome car!

 

Chuck, how did the new steering box fit? I've been debating between that conversion and the stock style 12:1 box from Flaming River. I actually ordered the FR box from Summit, and it's a very nice unit, but your solution seems better if it works out well. I bought a used PS system from a forum member (Bill, aka 69ttop502) to install on my '68, but it needs a new PS ram and valve, so between the FR box and those parts I'm at the price of the Corvette Steering system. Do you have any pictures of it installed?

I bet your engine will run great with the solid roller! So many of the guys here that run them are happy with them. I'd love to run one in my 540, but the maintenance requirements are still scaring me away. Can't wait to hear how yours works out.

What's that silver tank above your sway bar for? You running that L88 on NOS? :eek: Just kidding...


[Modified by Flareside, 10:27 PM 10/26/2003]

 

Great "sounds" coming I'm sure......... Looks SUPER. JCL :yesnod: :yesnod:

 

:lolg: :lolg:
Good one.
Now my lips hurt looking at your picture making L88 sounds. You have a monster on your hands can't wait to hear about the results of your labor.
Nice job :thumbs:

 

:cool:
I'am interested in some more info. on your power steering swap and some pictures if you would please.

 

Good luck, Chuck. I was just thinking about asking you what had been up with the L-88. Wish I were in better health, I woulda come helped out.

You owe me another ride. :D

-Steve

 

My dream car. :thumbs:

 

looking good Chuckles....what cam did you install?

 

Congratulations Chuck! It has been so long since I've seen a post on your progress I was afraid that you'd dropped off the edge of the Earth! Really glad to see one of the old Forum members back making progress. Keep us informed on your progress and make sure we know about it when you fire that beast up!
Let us see that steering box and how you set it up, sounds like a viable alternative to a rack and pinion setup. I remember your discussions last year with Jin Shea on the conversion.

 

I was wondering the same thing. Chucks website says 3 quart Oil Accumulator. A dry sump system or modified wet sump with extra capacity?

Brent...

 

Awesome Chuck, can't wait to hear about the new combo. :thumbs:

 

Thanks guys! And Steve, I hope you you're feeling better soon!

The 3 qt round tube in front of the engine is the accumulator. It has a diaghram that the oil is pushed against with the engines pump holding a reservoir of oil. If the engine is making 50 pounds of oil presure and I suck air during a high G cormer, the accumulator immediately picks up the slack. It has an electric solenoid that opens and closes as the ignition switch is turned on and off. That way, when I shut off the engine with 35 pounds psi at idle, there is 35psi of oil immediately released when I next start the engine.

The steering box is not going to easy to get pictures of now that it is installed. The headers don't permit much of a view. But I do expect to have a much faster and more precise steering setup than I had before plus a great deal of mechanical leverage.

George, the cam I am running is Crane's solid roller #138601

Fair idle, moderate performance usage, good mid-range torque and HP, marine performance, bracket racing, auto trans w/3500+ converter, 3800-4200 cruise RPM, 10.5 to 12.0 compression ratio advised. Basic RPM 3400-6800 PowerMax
Roller
SR-246/362-2S-10 IG

Cam Specifications http://www.cranecams.com/master/apps/chevy61.htm

I am hoping to get close to the drivability and rev range your car has.

I am also hoping to get another car day this coming week to at least get the car to a point of firing it up again.

Chuck

 

Whoa, nice! What was the powerband of the orginal cam?

 

Garage: 4400-7000. :eek:

Chuck- Now I get what that tank was that you told me to be so careful around when we were pulling the rad. :D

You know what's funny, Chuck? As crummy as I can feel when I'm sitting at home doing NOTHING, I feel 100% whenever I'm behind the wheel of the pace car, especially winding out first and second gear! The L-88 must be about ten times as therapeutic.

-Steve

 

Good to see it back together. :cheers: