BARACU

Fiberoptic cables...damn...why didn't I think of that? Actually, it's one of those new wireless engines with remote control brakes. Just hid the wires in fresh air vent and frame rails. Maxi block in passenger area. Made all new brake lines and moved them away from the heat.

Just a note of thanks to all the members for all the info that I was able to get from this forum over the past year. My 350 conversion is complete with the exception of a few minor details. Briefly, my car was brought out from CA. to NE Pa by a friend of mine about ten years ago( rust free cars are a rarity in PA) .His intention was to do this conversion, but that never happened,so I bought it. The car was completely disassembled and stripped to bare metal. I removed all the wire clips and brackets from the engine compartment and smooth out all the seams.A 350 block was built with all edelbrock components to 350Hp with a built 700r trans. I used Ross' front and rear upgrades on the brake system.With the exception of the motor and trans all work was done in my home garage. The entire project took nine months! I've owned other Z's before both stock and slightly modified and after driving this one only 500 miles ......these V8 z's can be addictive. I entered the car this past weekend, in it's first AACA judged show. I was put into the "Modified and Custom" class with all the souped up American muscle cars. I think the poor little Z was scared at first. But not too scared...it took FIRST Place...hehe ! Anyway......thanks again, guys!http://www.pbase.com/baracu/zcar

I'm talking about the one in the pic. Once I had the car on the road, I found it to be hitting part of the e-brake. In fact, it had bent the bracket. A few minutes with the Sawzall, solved the problem.Just something for you to keep in mind.

I just completed my 75Z with Ross' front and rear conversion. I have Compomotive 3 pc wheels in 16x7 with 0 offset and 225-50-16 Hankook tires. Everything is a perfect fit with no rubbing and look great. I have Tokico shocks and suspension technique springs which lowered the car a bit, but no problems. You may have to "remove" the stock L bracket for the stock brake lines, that's welded to the frame. Mine were hitting the the e-brake bracket. Good luck on your project

While mounting the hood latch on my 75 SBC conversion, it seemed that the JTR latch plate and safety catch set up was pretty awkward and clumsy looking. Discussion with a friend came around to whether it was really needed. IF the latch failed , how high could the hood possibly raise at highway speeds(70-90mph)? We both seemed to think that pressures above and below the hood would be equal, possibly lifting the hood just a few inches, but not enough to obscure vision. Anyone have any experience with this or any thoughts on it? My car is not on the road yet, so I can't test this theory.

Rick: Thanks for the information on the Aerostar shroud. Finding one of those in good condition should be much easier than the Nova one, I'll ckeck it out. Thanks again.

I'm aware of the popularity of the electric fan, but at this point, I'm hoping for more a traditional look. I've already added a few extra wires up front , in case I have to go electric. The repro shrouds seem to end at '74 -'75. Unfortunately, in NE Pa., most cars from the 70's have been stripped or sent to the crusher. Any other input would be appreciated

The JTR manual recommends a fan shroud from a 76-79 Nova with a 350. Has anyone , actually used this shroud? If so , how did it fit and work. Is it available as an aftermarket itemand from where, I would prefer getting a new one. Any info on a shroud would be appreciated, Thanks, in advance

I just thought that I'd introduce myself. I've been "lurking" on the board for a month or so and am amazed at the wealth of information on here. I'm not new to the Z, having had one back in the 70's.At the risk of dating myself, I wasn't a "kid" then! I currently have a '77 with modified engine, flattops,cam, Holley 4v,etc. I recently purchased a 75, that the PO had started to convert to V8, but never got very far. I'm currently, at the "strip to metal" and "lose all the unnecessary wiring" stage. The information, that I've gotten from here already is almost mind-boggling. I 'm sure I'll have plenty of questions as the project progresses. Thanks, again!

I've been reading and searching on this board for a few weeks, hoping to find a solution to a smoking problem at start up.'77 z engine, bored .020" with flattop pistons, slightly hotter streetcam,Clifford 4V intake with Holley 390 carb,headers and 2 1/2" exhaust.Engine has 4000miles on it and just started with blue smoke at start up. never while running. Compression either hot or cold is 225-230lbs on all cylinders, initial compression stroke is 125 on all cylinders.head was redone at rebuild with new valves,and seals...guides checked out Ok. About a month ago, I found a broken guide on #3 exhaust and thought that was the problem. Head was pulled and redone all new guides and seals were installed, Head was checked and had 0 leakdown. Reinstalled head and still had same problem. Leakdown test, with Snap On dual gauge tester, on cold engine showed 0 leakdown on 4 cylinders and 1/2lb on two cylinders. Carb was rebuilt and checked for leakage,PCV cleaned and checked,no sign of coolant in oil or vice-versa,brake fluid not being sucked into intake, intake shows no sign of oil contamination. Ignition checked, wires metered.Running 20-50 Castrol oil...no usage Everything appears to be perfect in this engine. Yet, it still smokes at startup. I'm pretty much out of ideas.Hopefully someone can help. Sorry for the length. Thanks in advance!