Mikelly

Biggest mistake ever made was when John Kerry Marched up to the podium, soluted and said "Reporting for duty". Almost as bad as Bush donning a flight suit and claiming a half assed victory on an Aircraft carrier... THESE are your TWO viable choices... Goodluck! BTW, I hope CBS is tanked for this... They have skirted these types of tactics for way to long. This gets back to what JohnC and I have BOTH been saying... Do NOT believe ANY of the media... The media was once a relayer of news... Not weighted with their agendas, opinions or views... Just the facts... We've lost it... No more unbiased and fair reporting... FOX is "Republican" and most everyone else is Liberal and democratic... This is beyond wrong. On the health care issue, I must say that although I agree, something has to be done, I've had to be treated in Europe (Eastern and Western) and I like our system just fine thank you! Is it the best? Nope. Do we need to improve it? Damned straight! But "socialist" and the "United States" had damned well better never be a part of the same "Democracy". When that happens, I'll be searching for residency elsewhere... This has been one of the BEST politically motivated threads we've had on this board... I want ot thank you guys for an EXCELLENT read! It is good to see obviously democrat and republican members agreeing the we've got problems on both sides of the political fence! Mike AKA The fence sitter

Wheelman, Shame on you... You know that guns and those who make them are the real problem... Much like tobacco and Cigarette makers, and McDonalds, and the Coffee Bean grows of that dangerous HOT substance... COFFEE! In this, the greatest nation on earth, the reason it is so great is that we can thwart all responability, and blame all our woes on the fact that our childhoods didn't parrot that of the Hilton Sisters, and that we should be given free passes for those misfortunes... "I didn't get a pony when I was growing up" "I was picked on as a kid"... Thank you Mr. Clinton for yet another WORTHLESS Law, putting guns in the hands of those who never intended and never will be lawful citizens... Heaven's forbid we enforce existing laws on the books... No, we must create NEW laws to wave as successes, so we can get re-elected to our positions of power... P-O-L-I-T-I-C-I-A-N-S are the problem with our current society... Our forefathers did not intend for these positions to be permanent careers... We have strayed so far from the original intent of the constitution. Truly sad. Mike 8)

Pop, You are in titled to your opinion... Just as I stated earlier, once this whole war is declared "Won" and the liberal tides turn, the Patriot Act, or most of it's key principles will be killed. Does the Patriot Act infrenge upon our constitutional rights? ABSOLUTELY.... Does that bother me personally? To a point. Do I understand the need for it and the intended use of it? I believe I do. Therefore it does not bother me at this time. As I have stated several times, there are VERY VALID reasons to take up your picket signs and protest against Bush... VERY GOOD reasons... I've seen NONE of them discussed in any threads here since day one. We're all in titled to our opinions, and mine matters most to? M-E! I don't care if others "Get it" or not. As I'm sure you don't care what others think of YOUR opinions. They matter to YOU! As I said before... The answers are out there, but we're all taking the path, just like water... Least resistance... so Yea, Sheeople fits, In MY opinion...Which is all that matters to ME Mike 8)

Zguy, You can take any circumstance, Add emotion, throw away reason, and have a "1984". Do as you wish... I'm quite certain that Uncle Sam Won't be saddling up to my curb with their listening devices, cameras, and opening my mail box. However, if for some reason they found me on their list... I'd COOPERATE and assist them in eliminating me as a suspect in their war on terror... ONLY TERRORISTS and those who support their goal have real reason to fear this act. You guys are killing me... Fan your flames all you want, add as much drama as you need to this... But YOU KNOW, and I KNOW, that there are TO MANY LIBERALS in congress and the senate to let this bill get out of hand. Once this "War" is considered won (Much like Reagan's ill-fated war on drugs), This bill will be killed. But you guys go ahead and pump it up as much as Mr. Kerry needs you to. Bahahaha Bahahaha ("Lambert?" "Dahahaddy!" ) Go ahead, he needs all the help he can get... This reminds me of a bunch of housewives sitting on sofas and watching friggin' soap operas, Crying their eyes out over some fictional character's death... Reality just a little to boring for you guys? 1984? JEEZ! Again, DO YOUR RESEARCH ON FACTS, not some BS FICTIONAL Paperback NOVEL. Come on guys, don't be Sheople.... There are R-E-A-L reasons NOT to support Bush... They are out there... you guys are being lazy. Don't grab the low hanging (Empty and spoiled) fruit. Mike aka The fence sitter...

Hmm... Let's see, Freedom comes with a price, and we are under a state of war with a foe who has far reaching allies under unassuming alliences. Our country has never faced something like this in our history of being a nation. I'm amazed that on this, the anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on US soil, that we would have so many "Sheople" falling in lockstep against something that will only be used to target those who SHOULD fear for their privacy. Chenney swapped residences, it was legal, get over it. He followed the LETTER of the regulations requiring state residence... It was legal... Tell me this: Your great candidate on the democratic ticket for president couldn't even decide for THREE WEEKS how to defend an attack on his military record and the medals he won... How quick would he respond to another terrorist attack? I'm not impressed... Say what you will about Bush, but atleast he kills terrorists... He talks tough, and he means it. Did he offend the rest of the free world with his decision to go after Saddam and terrorists? Who cares... They will eventually fall in step, as soon as they need another favor from the United State. You folks have less than 8 weeks to realize we're gonna have a republican president for another four years... You picked a pathetic flip flop, who has less appeal as a president to this country than Bob Dole! The sad thing is John Edwards is getting taken down in this... I think he would have been a MUCH more viable candidate. A real shame... No, I'm just fine with uncle sam watching my PC and checking out my phone logs... I've got nothing to hide, and anyone who thinks this is a real invasion on their privacies needs to go back and READ what the intent of the Patriot Act will be used for... And Yes those in Chechnya who are rebels are MUSLIMS... I'm amazed how LITTLE people research topics before they march right off the cliff, right along with the rest of the bahahaha, baaahhhaaaa SHEOPLE! Most of you guys are smarter than this... Do your research, and put your fears at rest. And remind yourselves why this current act is needed... On this, the anniversary... Think about it. Mike 8) 8)

You obvious;y haven't seen some of the builds I've torn appart. I've seen 5000 mile motors look worse than a lot of 150K + motors... Just depends on the skills of the builder... This motor is a good example of a lower mileage motor that obviously had internal fitment and component issues... Although, I'd bet the previous owner was clueless that the motor was in the condition it has been discovered to be in... Let's face it guys, you buy a used motor, and unless you drop the pan on site and inspect the bearings, you have just as good a chance at vegas. No one knows what is going on if there are no visible signs of engine trouble. Mike 8)

PoundZ, I'd recommend getting back with the seller... Try to work something out if possible. I'm guessing you bought this "As is - Where is - no warranty implied". Hopefully the seller will see your side of the story and try to make it right. Not knowing the full story, or if you had this motor running in your Z (I honesty didn't catch "when" you bought this motor), and not wanting to be partial at the moment because I don't have all the facts, I'm trying to be fair to all parties involved. Mike

Nope, that about covers it. Sounds like Mike K's comment might be spot on... Get the info for the cam and pull a pushrod... Have it checked and see what the length is Vs. what it should be, and that will tell you a lot. On the plus side, you still have a very nice platform to build from. ...Just trying to make lemonade! Mike

I'll have an original Scarab in my garage for some upgrades for one of our members here soon, probably end of the month. I'll take lots of pics... Jim Mcnemar's car will be getting a host of upgrades, to include coil overs, struts, five lug conversion, quafe equipped R200 conversion with CVs, big brake kit, and that is in phase one... Then we'll do the JTR conversion, and swap out his tranny for a Gforce, and make the required driveshaft and exhaust changes for the swap. Should be fun! Jim bought some sweet CCWs to go along with the swap... Mike

Unfortunately John is right. That is gonna need a rebuild... I was contacted by the seller, and I'm gonn advise the seller & the buyer to work this one offline... As with any motor, you don't know unless you disassemble it. The seller wouldn't have known about the bearings, and by his own admission, the car sat the last few years with less than 1000 miles driven in that time, which would account for the rust... The rest of it, who knows what happened, but you guys should try work this out offline... Mike 8)

Just picked up a set of used (2001) C5 Corvette calipers, all four, for $140 shipped... Once Jamie gets his hub issues squared away, we can make a set of brackets and I'll have C5 Vette brakes are all four corners! Gonna be sweet when the rest of the car is done! Mike

Well at least she'll have some "cool" and interesting stories to tell about how she got all those bitchin' scars... I'm so glad I don't have daughters... Mike 8)

Poetry, pure poetry! Thanks John! Mike

I agree man. What I've learned is that no one takes as good a care of something as you would... Which is why it is best to just do it yourself! Mike

Well what specifically makes you think that the valvetrain is stock? Was the motor advertised with a radical cam? Did you get a cam card, or other info for it? Heads alone might make the motor produce more HP, but a bone stock, low compression (less than 9.0:1) 350 chevy starts life in factory trim at less than 270HP... So you do the math... Nice heads alone won't be a huge gain if the required matched cam isn't therer to allow the heads to breath. Slapping on an intake and headers won't do the trick without the cam. That said, if someone went through the trouble of building the motor and putting aluminum heads on it, especially from this site, I can't see them not spending the extra few $$$ and slapping a cam in to tap the power potential. If you are suspicious of the deal, and you think you have been screwed, get your ducks in a row, gather your facts together and get back with the seller. Make them aware of your concerns and inform them of your rights. IF they live close enough (Preferably within the same state) then you can use your local courts to get your story heard and sorted. In Virginia we have what is called a "Warrant in Debt" that party A can swear out against party B. Once that occurs, the two parties are served a summons to go to small claims court (Depending on the claim amount) and the judge will settle it if a mediator assigned by the court can't. Good Luck, and I hope you didn't get screwed... especially by one of our own. Mike

Dale, that oil site rocks... been reading it for a while, since I decided to become an AMSOIL dealer. Very interesting reading indeed. PoundZ, I bought a custom built crate motor in 1998 and had it in the car less than 3000 miles when it went... $4400 worth of JUNK. Any time you buy a used motor, it is really a crap shoot. Sounds like the previous owner was hard on it... The mileage means nothing if it was abused. I'd go ahead and pull a main and rod cap and get a look at the bearings... And the thrust bearings. That will tell you if the motor needs to be R&Red. My motor died because of oil pump box brace failure... Causing the pump to cavetate and starve the motor... This was after a number of 10:98-11:02 runs... The motor never seated the Total seal rings properly, and we had constantly fought issues with the carb, only to find that it was an issue in the bottom of the motor, creating symptoms that lead us to the TOP of the motor... Until it was torn down... It sounds to me like you will NOT be happy, once you drop a main and rod cap and check them. Something sounds hinky! Mike

Chaparral, Use at your own discretion! I just saw the latest Newsweek and CNN poles (Was watching the news while we ate lunch...) Kerry better pull one out in the debate or his goose is cooked... Now, Bush being the silvered tongued devil he isn't, might just hand Kerry the election in this debate. But I doubt it. He won the last election with Gore on debate night. But seriously, this is Kerry's last chance... 60 days out and he has a new staff, is relying on advice from Clinton, who is in the hospital facing a quad bypass, and Kerry has 11% to close to tie Bush... We couldn't write a better script... You diehard democrats better get your swing voters in line, and hope like hell Kerry screws his head on straight and gets a clue... 'Course he hasn't to this point... Maybe Billy boy will give him some more of his priceless widsom , you know, like how to remove stains... from dresses... I kill me! So are you guys gonna be sheople, or are you gonna take the pepsi challenge, make your lists, do your research (Not going to your favorite democrat or republican websites), or are you gonna be lazy and just continue the same whine about the current non-issues... You know, like the rest of the sheople? Do I need to provide cheese with my next response? Times a tickin' Mike aka the fence sitter

OK, Time out... Let's take a breath, shall we? Emotion and politics are two things that should never ever go together... And why we continue to elect idiots who I would never invite into my own home. Here is something I'll throw out to you guys... Swift Boat... Who cares? John Kerry GOT three medals. Period. That is fact. Whether or not he got them legitimately was the conflict. What did his detractors do? They instilled DOUBT in his ability to lead in a time of war, which is what we currently are in. Doubt... That was the intention... Kerry sat back and took the advice of his staff and did NOTHING for three weeks while this swelled... Amazing. In my opinion, it doesn't matter if he deserved the medals or not, he got them... But the American Sheople now have doubt instilled in their opinions of the man... They have to get around that issue in order to vote for him. That issue alone is his stumble... Now he will fall... Before you guys start hammering each other again about FDR, and other politicians... Think about it... They are politicians... Chenney? 30+ years as a career... P-O-L-I-T-I-C-I-A-N! Same thing for Rumsfeld, and Powell. They have been around for quite some time. And they have worked in other administrations... Condi Rice is the only exception. Make yourselves a list of the things that are most important to each of you, and then find out what you can about what EACH candidate's stance is on those things... Remove emotion, or you will not get a fair shake out of this... Forget party lines boys and girls... Forget them and make your list... Then YOU decide, based on the research of the candidates... And don't go to your traditional sites... Dig deap... 8) Then make your choice... However, After last week's convention, and the poor response from Kerry over these other issues, I fully believe Bush has this one in the bag... It's curtains for Kerry and I'd bet money on it... I still want to know where my moderate candidate is... I still have no one to vote for... Mike

Terry, ONLY because you mentioned that your wife wanted you to "Do something with it" or "SELL IT"... Put me first in line if you E-V-E-R decide to sell it! Gorgious and exotic, indeed! Mike

My personal preference would be for the coalition to erase Syria from the face of the earth. Turn it into a big glass bowl, return them all to Alaah to sort out, and be done with that terrorist state who has caused so much trouble for us SINCE the 1960s. Just so we're clear where I personally stand, I'd like to see nukes... My professional opinion is that Bush won't rock the boat this close to elections. He has Kerry on the ropes. His impact was felt and landed a square hit on Kerry's jaw and I personally think that unless John Kerry turns the corner on public opinion, He is done for... I'd bet money that we are looking at four more years under Mr. G.W. Bush. Not saying this is or isn't my personal preference... Just making a prediction... Maybe I'll get my nukes wish after all? Yea, I said nukes.... Does this make me a bad man? Better question... Do I care? Mushroom Clouds for them all I say! I'd be the biggest humanitarian in the world, if but for the people! Mike 8)

Yea... What kills me is the ones who are hot, know they are hot, and think the world revolves around them... I dated a LOT of women in the 33 years prior to meeting, then marrying my wife. I dated a few amature swimsuit and model wannabees. Without fail, they were the highest maintenance, biggest pains in the ass I've ever dealt with when it comes to humans on planet earth... After "Model/ swimsuit babe" #4 became ultra-high maintenance, I decided to get back to my roots, and started searching out the country gal that would best compliment ME. Finding someone who is naturally pretty, yet very grounded and humble these days can be more rare than a low serial number, unmolested 1970 Zcar! Damn I love my wife. Mike 8)

Well I've got a 383 stroker sitting on the stand right now, ready to go into the Z, and it is FI with the aid of the Holley System commander port injection setup. I've also been building an LS1 for my Corvette. As far as building them from scratch, I'll have about the same amount in the LS1 motor as I have in the SBC 383. The estimate on the 383s power has been about 530 BHP, and the LS1 will make about 510 BHP according to a couple of different computer package guestimizers. The added benefit of the LS1 is a tremendous amount of weight loss... The block weighs over 80 pounds less than the traditional steel block. My personal opinion is that the support from the aftermarket for the LS1 is growing DAILY and will only continue to increase. In my opinion, the LS1 platform is the current generation of the most popularly swapped SBC around... If makes excellent HP with minor changes. It responds very well to cam, heads, and headers, as long as you can tune the computer. In the Zcar, this motor will be a tremendous advantage over the traditional SBC. The lighter weight will help out, and the motors size is smaller as well, making it able to get it lower in the engine bay. THe lack of distributor in the setup helps with moving the motor back further, which will aid in a better weight balance, and will carry that weight lower in the chassis to help with PMI. From a cost standpoint, I look at it the same as I would turboing vs supercharging... The initial expense of the turbo will be higher, but more flexible, more stable on the drivetrain, and produce better power across the board in the long run than the Supercharger. And My current LS1 will be available reasonably cheap (compared to those on the market!) very soon! Mike

Well having owned some kind of sport biked for most of the 80s, some of the 90s, and now since 2001, I can tell you that a trip over to ANY of the sport bike BBs will be a real eye opener. Most of the people I've met through this website, I'd go out of my way to help. Most of the people I've come into contact with from the sportbike world are oxygen thieves. My wife and I debated yesterday about going to visit her dad on the ZX9R or in the Vette. She didn't want to wear her leathers... We took the Vette, no discussion. I rarely, and I mean RARELY EVER get on a bike without my leathers, boots, and back protector. Pete Paraska has seen me one of the very few times that I've ever been on public roads in shorts, and that was because I knew I wasn't going more than a mile, and was on my brother inlaw's RoadStar, not a wheelie or stoppie machine. Anyone who knowingly gets on ANY motorcycle with a t-shirt, tank top, shorts, and anything but BOOTS, is going to require many many months to many many years of therapy if they come off the bike... The girl is equally at fault for getting on that bike, but the tool driving should be taken into a field, gutt shot and left for dead for being so careless with his passenger's life... Riding a wheelie ups the crash factor... Doing it with someone on back is criminal. Mike 8)

This is real timely since I'll be doing this over the winter as well! I"m glad you did this Bill! Mike

Check my pics here: http://photos.yahoo.com/dat74z To see those wheels on a flared Z. Look in the folder with the control arms in it, and the various pics of the white Z with large brakes and other stuff... That was using the Z31 hubs. You can also see the stock 2002 silver painted wheels on my other Z in other pics in the photo albums... Nice wheels for sure! Mike