Highway Wonderland, Come on Catch Me If You Can Options

[Bitter]

Sounds like it's a whole new car, with it running that well there's really no reason to bother with EFI.

[njccmd2002]

looks like youre havinn fu with yur project car!!!

once you fix, it dont sell it.

[VavAlephVav]

up here they only worry about 35% on the front doors. The back windows and rear glass can be painted black if you like. In fact I run 20% on the front doors and nobody really cares.

[Box]

It really is, after setting it up and putting it into drive it surprised me the first time. It's just astounding how small things can make a huge difference, especially with not having a computer to bandage things on the go for you. I'd still like to do a multi-point EFI, but I don't really feel it's necessary as I'd be doing it more for efficiency than power. I'm excited to see how much better it gets just with the fresh plugs and wires, as it looks like what's on there was just scrounged up... I'll buy headers/exhaust and one of the cold air intakes here soon for it, and that should really help too. Definitely will keep an eye out for a 4th gen parts car, my thought process being the Miata will more or less cover buying one. I really like the idea of modernizing the transmission, suspension, brakes, and chassis while keeping the old school motor.

It is fun, can be aggravating at times though. Mostly fixing previous owners' blunders, which is the most irritating... At the same time there's that sense of accomplishment at the end of the day and knowing you're saving a car that otherwise might have slipped through the cracks. It also helps being a car I've always wanted. I just think they're a great looking car, and with the right touches here and there they really don't look dated at all. I've thought about it and part of me really likes the plain body with only having the spoiler, that and I love the fact it's a hardtop car. No leaks, stiffer body, and sleeker profile. I've already been told by numerous family members that if I ever go to sell it they're buying it. I think this is a car I'll keep forever though. Of course I really need to pick something up that's better on fuel, but now that it's sorted if I can get into the low 20's it won't be so bad.

I'd just like to have the medical exemption so that way I don't have to worry about it. I'd like to run 20% on the sides and back, then have the front done in 70-90% to cut glare from the sun and headlights.

[Box]

First noteworthy update in awhile. Was going to install a PCV system instead of the breathers, but whatever valve covers(look like Mr. Gasket) are on it now the holes are too big for the PCV grommet. So will have to figure something out there, or buy new covers that're OEM style but just taller. The thermostat that was in there was a 180º surprisingly, but it looked to be pretty old... So I threw in the 195º and a new gasket along with replacing the radiator cap. Then I replaced the spark plugs and wires. I don't know what the Hell, but the spark plugs that were in there were so old the body where the socket fits over were rusted...that and they were so fouled and worn I'm surprised it ran as well as it did. Not to mention one didn't even match the rest of them... Also new 8.5mm magnetic core wires to top it off. Needless to say it runs much smoother and I'm not choking from the smell of raw fuel being dumped out of the exhaust. Now it just smells like old car, which is fine. The only other thing is I replaced the original fuel cap as I figured it probably needed it anyway. The only thing now is to reset the idle speed and choke speed, but it ended up taking longer than it should have. The number 6 plug is a bit of a pain to get to thanks to the A/C condenser, but with enough cursing and arm twisting you get it eventually. Definitely was easier to change the plugs on my brother's with the 301. The next thing to do will be to replace the transmission filter and pan gasket, along with adjusting the shift cable. That and the oil and filter, perhaps the oil pan gasket.

[Box]

Reset the idle mixture and speed earlier, had to go a whole 1.5 turns richer since doing the plugs and wires to get the maximum amount of vacuum. The brakes work a lot better now, go figure... Gets up to temp nicely and no signs of spark knock or dieseling with 93, so that's good. Definitely seems to run much better now, and sounds healthier when revving it out. Funny how a few small things can make such a difference. The valve covers are leaking, especially on the passenger side. Suppose that will be part of the next plan of action, along with finding some covers that aren't gaudy chrome.

[njccmd2002]

I tought this car went to clunkers program.

[Box]

Nah, it just needed help. I have to say it's amazing the differences in a person's idea as to what a great running car is though...

[Box]

Figured it was time for an update since some noteworthy things have occurred. Up until now I did change the valve cover gaskets and engineered a PCV system, so no more leaks and constantly adding oil. Oil pressure is more stable too, just wish I had felt up to it sooner. Though in self defense the previous owner siliconed cork gaskets into place and it was a total nightmare to straighten out, had it not been for that... Anyhow for recent events I refurbished the air cleaner assembly off a '79 C10 to use in lieu of the tiny open element filter, as it wasn't happy at all sucking in underhood air. Bought a Wix filter to use with it for now and ran ducting from the snorkel down to the front bumper, much happier now. The next thing to do is refurbish the shaker scoop I bought and either finding a shaker hood or cutting out mine. A few pictures:




I wish I had taken some before pictures of the air cleaner assembly, it looked like it had been sitting on the ocean floor for ages. Amazing what a wire brush, some rust stripper, and epoxy paint can do.

[Box]

Covered some plywood and made a hatrack cover panel:

Think I did a pretty good job considering it was the first time doing something like that. At the least it'll look a lot better than the velour or whatever that was thrown up onto there.

[Box]

May or may not be the last update, just depends if I can find a rear cheap enough to take the stress off the transmission and torque converter. For the time being I'm having to flash the converter a little to get going, no more than you'd rev a manual while engaging the clutch so it shouldn't cause too much trouble. I am going to install a trans cooler before I do any extended driving though. Anyhow was able to get this done Sunday:


I also threw on this decal(bonus points for those that get the reference) since it condenses my life, and especially befitting with this car, into three simple words:

[Box]

Some more pics in front of Django the Durango:


I think it looks pretty good with the black hood and shaker, and just having the shaker and spoiler without the rest of the Trans Am attire. I still need to get around to painting the rims solid black and polishing out the beauty rings, but not happening in this heat and humidity...

[1994Celica]

Looks nice man. Hopefully to can get the trans issue worked out. Honestly an auto in one of those wouldn't bother me. You're making me want something American more and more

This post has been edited by 1994Celica: Jul 7, 2015 - 9:04 PM

[Box]

Thanks. I had posted in the Today I... thread where I found the problem out of a TCI article. The rear gear is way too steep and causing "over revs" to get moving. I've experimented and I can keep my foot on the brake and give it some gas to flash the converter and roll off the brake to get moving smoothly and civilly, much in the way you'd rev up and roll out the clutch. Or if I hold the brake and rev it to where the body twists up first it takes off like a raped ape even with the 2.41 rear. I'm going to try and find a 3.08-3.42 rear to take the stress off the converter and transmission, which going to research into which gear would be best as I'd like to keep it as low as possible with the 3-speed.