Well, it's RUNNING!!!!

I had a problem with the screw on the fuel feed. The first thread became a very slightly deformed. The screw would not feed into the throttle body nut.

I was in a bit of a panic. I had nothing to lose so byebyel98 came over to help me out. With his help I took a dremel to the threads, followed by a file, then a hack saw blade. After numerous bouts of modification of the threads, it bolted up. It went right in, we tightened it up and it stayed there.

BB98 went over my work, and I must say he was rightfully impressed. Especially with my heads. He noted that those were the best heads he's ever seen and may replace his AFR with Brodix. He went over my valve adjustment. Turns out I had everything pretty dam close. He threw a minor adjustment on them and cranked them down.

After fixing the fuel, and adjusting the valves we filled it with antifreeze.

Fired it up again and seems to be running really well.

I have to do the finishing touches like install the valve covers, the AC compressor, put on the belt and I should be good to roll into the street.

I still have to have the exhaust fabricated, and I'm considering the torque converter too. In the next couple weeks I'll have that taken care of, but that's no work I can do myself, I'll pay someone to do it so that's only two days of work for someone else.

So it's running well, no major problems, leaks, seems to have good compression.

Pics tonight, I'm tired right now.

 

congradulations jsup,
you have done well, it can be a long and stressful project when its your first major build,but all worth it in the end hey!!
good stuff,look forward to hear how she runs.
cheers

 

I'll be waiting for the pics.

 

Thanks. It is satisfying to hear it fire and not blow up..

Actually, it's my second. My first was a 1974 L48. Most of it was the same, but in many ways it was different.

That was 17 years ago. Strangly enough, in 1990, the year of my current Vette.

 

The torque converter is probably a two day job, for you, someone without proper facilities. You CAN do it. I can't say that I really blame you for farming it out, though. A trans shop shouldn't even have to spend a whole day on it.

RACE ON!!!

 

Two things that made my day besides starting her up....

1. the sound of open headers, for now....

2. BBL98 asked when I had the car wet sanded. I never did. Thta was nice to hear.

 

I don't know how many miles you have on your car but if its anywhere near 80,000 to 100,000 miles you might want to have them tap in a new rear main seal while they have the trans out.It only takes a few extra minites and can save having to do it later. WW

 

30K miles. but yes, a rear main seal will be done at the same time. Cheap, easy insurance.

 

The paint on this car was beautiful! I honestly thought it had been sanded and polished. Interior was wicked clean, too. Wish mine looked that good . jsup did a great job putting the top end back together, including the super ram and it's 117 bolts .

The car sounds good. Once you change the oil and get everything buttoned up, take it for a ride and take notes re: how it drives. Then inspect a few plugs (I know, PITA) to see how they read.

 

Way to go Jsup,
I'm a few weeks behind you with my engine and did my torque converter myself.
It's not that hard and even easier if you have a friend help you who has done one before.

 

Great news Jsup - Dan is a cool guy, now you have to go to orange county and finish his kitchen so he can come to etown to play


Dan's my longtime CF buddy

 

The pictures. Remember, I put the money IN the motor, not on it. I probably can stand to dress up the engine bay a bit. That's next years project.
I still have to mount the AC compressor and put the belt on, then I'm done and it's off to get a custom exhaust.

 

Thanks man. I got both VCs on today. Not too bad. The hardest thing about it is that I have to unbolt the AC bracket to get that side in and out. Could be a PIA in the future, but fortunately it's not something I'll have to do alot.

I also found two vacuum hoses we didn't connect. Could explain the rough idle. The two on the throttle body, the one underneath and the one on the passenger side.

Also, without the valve cover on, there was no hose to connect to the TB. Also could explain it.

I'm going to change out that oil pretty soon. Like I said, there' probably all kinds of crap that got in there.

If the weather cooperates I'll take it around the block tomorrow, maybe on the highway if I feel safe.

Hey, how bout those heads!!!

 

What about the heads? Here we go again!! Have any pictures of them off the car?

Goodjob on getting the car fired up!! Motor looks good. Did you get all 117 bolts?

 

Kitchen is done!! Car is now up on jack stands; I need to finish putting in my new flywheel / clutch combo, speedo gears, trans blanket, Hurst short throw (actually, that's done), and LT4 exhaust. Should be done in about a month. After 500 miles on the clutch, I'm coming down to see you!!!

Not a huge deal on a SD system, but still needs to be buttoned up. Definitely change the oil asap. Did you clean up all the blood?

 

just pokin that cat with a stick.

Yeah, the first 113 were tough but the last four went right in.

This better be worth it. Looks like the weather is holding up, should be able to run it today.

 

Glad to hear. Seemed like this day would never come. I bet that first ride puts an all day smile on your face.

 

 

With open headers

 

The neighbors are going to love you