I haven't updated this recently, but I have done a few things on the car. Finished assembly of the long block, and put it on the stand where it has sat for the past couple of months.
This past week, when I was simultaneously hopeful that the Z06 would be able to move out of the shop under its own power, and ready to light it on fire and solve the problem that way, I decided it was time to get the Nova into the front of the shop and work on it when I am too pissed off at the Z06 for sanity.
I ordered a new power rack and pinion from Speedway Motors; it's based on mid 80s Tbird specs, I believe, and should work with the LS power steering pump. That's next on the agenda to change before I can test fit the motor.
Pulled the core support in preparation for doing the rack and getting the motor and trans in from the front for test fitting.
And finally, I decided a couple of months ago that this thing needs a 4L80E from the start with the turbo plans. I went out to the Go Pull It this weekend on a nice, balmy 94 degree day and laid around under a derelict van to get one. $220 later and here it is. Some degreaser and it'll be ready to bolt to the motor for test fitting in the car.
Finally, a pic of the shop as of right now. Getting a bit out of hand but that's OK..
How well would paddle shifters work for drag racing? I could see something like that being a little different that just the floor shifter setup mostly used.
In reply to brad131a4 (Forum Supporter) :
I think they'd work well; I don't know if there are any factory options that would be easy to source from the junkyard. I've got no experience there.. (?)
I wish my shop looked as "out of hand" as yours! Love this build. I almost bought a Chevy 2 when I was in high school (early 80's) but the entire trunk had rusted out and that was above my pay grade at the time.
hobiercr said:
I wish my shop looked as "out of hand" as yours! Love this build. I almost bought a Chevy 2 when I was in high school (early 80's) but the entire trunk had rusted out and that was above my pay grade at the time.
It's relatively clean but things are creeping up on me.. I am trying like hell to keep the floor clear of clutter, the work benches cleaned off, etc. but when I'm in the middle of a project things slip.
So today I pulled the manual Mustang 2 rack and test fitted the Speedway rack. As I mentioned above, it came with offset bushings to take up the difference between the old and new bolt centers (15.5 vs 16"). However, when I put it in place, the new rack mounts put it closer to the crossmember and it hit the a-arms. I needed spacers, preferably ones made just like the offset bushing washers.
I happen to have a friend with access to a water jet; I texted him this drawing at noon.
By 4:30 PM I was holding two of these:
And on went the rack!
Just about perfect, here's the clearance to the A arm pivot. Yes, if I want to pull the A-arm I'll probably have to pull the rack.
It's good to have helpful friends!
