First Batch of Parts - Done

By Michael on Aug 10, 2010(0) Comments

I finally received my last part of my first order, my block hugger headers. I must say you definitely get what you pay for. I figured for $160 they would be decent. It has to be some of the sloppiest welding I've seen on a part and if that were my company, I would be embarrassed to sell that to someone.

Anyway, I'm going to use them since I bought them. I like them better than normal headers because the collector is closer to the center than way far in the back. Here is my dilemma: I have to modify the main frame rail for them to work. It's not that bad actually since I'm already modifying the upper part. In this case, I think I'd try to run it closer to the engine itself, but I'm still not sure.

Regardless, I think these headers will let the car exhale better than the stock manifolds. I believe it's 1 5/8" tubes going to a 2 1/2" collector.

My immediate To-Do list is to remove the other exhaust manifold, spark plugs, and water pump. After that, remove the heads, lifters, and whatever else needs to come out.

Long Needed Update

By Michael on Aug 06, 2010(0) Comments

It has been a while since I've posted anything, so let me give you a quick update. After my rebuild back in 2007, the car worked fine, minus the many many leaks it had. Once I got it to the garage at my brother's place, I got a Summit version of the Painless wiring kit and installed that.

With the wiring squared away, I started trying to figure out why it wasn't running at 100%. The lack of a decent torque converter didn't help. So, it came down to the carburetor. Luckily, a friend of mine had a Holley 600 lying around and rebuilt it for me with me providing the rebuild kit. We put that on and it was much much worse. After swapping back to the Edelbrock, it ran just fine, but still not 100%.

I eventually got a new job which I have been at for a year since last May. With the extra money, I was finally able to fund my project again which is what I'm in the midst of.

Here is what I currently have:

• Ford Racing T5Z Manual Transmission
• Zoom Clutch/Pressure Plate
• T5 Bell Housing
• T5 Clutch Fork
• T5 Slave Cylinder kit
• 16lb Flywheel
• Kirkey Vintage Racing Seats
• Holley 650cfm Ultra Double Pumper
• Edelbrock Performer Air-Gap intake
• Airflow Research 165cc Competition Heads
• Block-Hugger headers

I have a lot of things left to get, but it's a good start. That pretty much brings you up to speed. I'm currently seeking a decent machine shop to balance my engine and figuring out the next series of parts I need to get.

Rebuild Update

By Michael on May 21, 2007(0) Comments

I must say this project has taken a few weekends because everytime we hit a snag, but one more weekend should do it. Below are the items that are left to install/do and will be accomplished May 26th.

• Starter
• Distributor and Wires
• Pushrods
• Shaft mounted rocker arms
• Driver side exhaust
• Alternator
• Scoop
• Transmission Pan
• Radiator and Fan
• Belts
• Hook up wiring
• Check fluid levels
• Cross your fingers and hope it fires!

There are a few things I'm leaving out most likely, but that is the jist of it. After all of those are accomplished, I see no reason to be able to drive it on Saturday or Sunday.