If you have front inner fenders, try removing them.
Air has no problem coming in through the radiator, getting it out from under the hood can be difficult.
I seem to recall Herb Adams explaining this sort of thing at length in one of his books.
Maybe time for some 2nd-gen Firebird extractor vents in the front fenders. People seem to forget that Pontiac actually developed their aero package in a wind tunnel and it actually works.
SkinnyG
SuperDork
7/20/18 11:23 p.m.
I don't really have inner fenders, I mean, there is in essence a Princess Auto trailer fender, but it is totally open to the suspension/brakes/wheel, just not the tire tread.
I won't do fender vents, but I could see doing a deep vent in the hood to pull rad heat up and over the car. Last ditch effort, though, because I hate bodywork.
Small flares in front of the fenders or pull the front fender edges out to create a bit of a venturi to pull the hot air out?
SkinnyG
SuperDork
7/21/18 10:21 a.m.
BA5
Reader
7/23/18 7:59 a.m.
I want to learn about vent sex tractors!
SkinnyG
SuperDork
7/23/18 10:25 a.m.
OMG, I didn't even see that!
That's better than "pen island .com" any day!
SkinnyG
SuperDork
7/23/18 10:43 a.m.
Sounds like an Agricultural Punk band.
SkinnyG
SuperDork
7/24/18 3:50 p.m.
I taped the cowl vents closed, seemed to make a difference.
Also, the thing has been running lean on cruise, and as I've been taking the lean out, it's been running cooler and cooler.
Except I haven't been able to get rid of a lean surge. And as much as I fatten it, it keeps going lean.
I know I wasn't happy with my DIY Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator Mod to the TBI. It just wasn't holding steady; it needed frequent adjustment. Plus, the gauge I had in the inlet line was fluctuating all over the place.
Since I had one on a shelf: External regulator. Rock steady now!
Time to get back to tuning! Nope. Wait. I think I found the lean issue - a header bolt just came undone and blew out the header gasket..... Figures.
Now it's up on the hoist cooling off until I can get my hands in there.
The love for this one is falling away.
Anyone else reading these, or is it just Trans_Maro and me?
I'm still following, I'm sure others are too. It is a little off-putting that you seem to not enjoy it anymore. Maybe the fun was in the build, for you and the audience? Love it though!
Also: Need more smoky burnout videos!
I am reading. It is one of the threads I always click on when it hits the first page.
Also checking in every time there's a new post!
Hoping you'll like it better when all you have to do is drive it.
pres589
PowerDork
7/24/18 4:30 p.m.
I check this thread constantly. I never have much of value to add and I don't want to add noise. I think this is an extremely cool project.
SkinnyG
SuperDork
7/24/18 4:31 p.m.
Ah, bless you fellers!
Honestly, it really scoots with the new motor. Just this lean surge issue. I think you're right - it'll be more fun when I can just have fun with it.
And yeah - I like the build.
NOHOME
UltimaDork
7/24/18 5:47 p.m.
Following start to finish. Knowing full well there is no finish.
Pete
This thread is one of my inspirations
I'm still following along SkinnyG. I just don't say much haha
SkinnyG
SuperDork
7/24/18 8:52 p.m.
NOHOME said:
Knowing full well there is no finish.
Project Car Purgatory. Sweet.
Previously, when I was putting the 350 in, my regular auto parts store did not have Remflex header gaskets in stock, so I went with Percy's Carbon gaskets. Should have ordered and waited for the Remflex. On the horn right now with another auto parts store to see if they have Remflex. #2006 in case I Google this again in the future.
And the reason is yes, tightening the flange did nothing. I need to pull the header and change the gasket. Wa-frickin-hoo. With any luck, this will be my last problem (HA-hahahahahahahahaha-ha-ha. Ha. Yeah, me too) and I can get the tune finalized and just drive the thing.
Now that it actually pulls past 4000 rpm, I can put the LO3-305-grenading trans governor back in, and make some better use of this new-found power. I'm still quite pleased with the power so far.
Still not willing to put a Rochester in there.
I -love- the challenge. I -hate- the challenge. ("I love you, I'll kill you" </Enigma>)
I still have a set of heim-jointed 4-link bars to go on if I can get to such luxury.
SkinnyG
SuperDork
7/24/18 9:22 p.m.
I do appreciate all o'y'all's checking in.
I should read more build threads, so I can find comfort in the struggles of others.
I'm still reading! I dig your 60s Chevy pickup as well.
SkinnyG
SuperDork
7/24/18 10:17 p.m.
Way back when I first got this on the road, I complained the my 12-year-old Kumho 711 all-seasons couldn't put the power down.
I -am- happy to report that with a Detroit Tru-Trac, and the 4-link properly set up (should be close to neutral, maybe a tick of anti-squat), and a fresh set of Bridgestone RE-71Rs, this thing flat out hooks and goes. (Clearly I need more power??) No complaints, despite being only 195/50R15's.
SkinnyG
SuperDork
7/25/18 3:48 p.m.
NOT a Reflex gasket:
2.5 hours to change one header gasket - I'm getting quicker!
My own fault, for not re-torquing the header bolts after it ran.
Replaced with Remflex, my favourite. Pictured here so when I Google the part number (#2006), I can find it easier:
NOHOME
UltimaDork
7/25/18 3:56 p.m.
The remflex gaskets and the ramp or wedge lock header bolts combine to actually keep the exhaust gasses where they belong