My Z car log....small jobs done and fun things

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ChatGPT. For those of you who haven't used it, it is Artificial Intelligence.."A.I.". I entered all the information on my engine everything. It has given me an estimate of the power my Z car engine should make at 6 psi.....which is what I saw yesterday on the gauge when I let off. I really don't want to add more boost , as I already have 11.54 to 1 compression, 20 degrees timing at idle with vac disconnected and plugged....and run her on 91 octane pump gas. I got it running well on this setup, and YES my knock sensor...I have seen it "intervene" twice. (pulls timing up to 10 degrees based on the severity of the knock it picks up) also keep in mind, that even though I have large diameter wheels which throws the rear gears off, I have 4:11 gears before them so it puts the power that IS there down nicely. Power wise, It could be less, but kind of a fun thing to see what the computers "educated guess" is:

 

numbers seem low, but it's a light car and geared down, so "seat of the pants" says it runs pretty hard!

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3000 RPM is when I can give it the gas. Prior to that have to slowly ease into the power, so the carb can keep up. add gas easy and steady, let off easy and steady. Motorcycle carb with about a 1.5" gas pedal range. It definitely feels like a 2 stroke power band! engine has a longer stroke, so the mid range is very strong, and at 3000 even half throttle you are REALLY moving....and it REALLY snarls if you floor it. 

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Comprative estimates from other AI platforms

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07-13-2025. HEAT. That was the issue I ended with the other day, so some insulation for the turbo I ordered on Amazon came in and I went ahead and installed some over the hot side (turbine) and end piece where the wastegate is. In doing that I removed the brake master cylinder heat shield and hit it with my buffing attachment in my electric drill with some Mothers mag wheel polish......not very good end product, but better than nothing. I also got rid of the screw holding it in place on the top bracket by drilling a hole and using a bolt with nuts and a washer to get it right. I took a bunch of pics, then took it for a ride. My work didn't solve the heat! Someone mentioned going from my stock 180 degree thermostat to a 160 degree one, so I found one on amazon for under 10 bucks and ordered it, and I am waiting for a new speedo cable as well, as my 53 year old original broke. When I got back from a drive I checked the temps of things under the hood, and the area I insulated was half as hot as the other day, but the engine still is running so hot. The tune is rich which makes engines run cooler and the hood is always open a hair now to cool it as well. the last pic is a spot where the insulation actually burned a dark spot! How would that happen? It's rated for 1100 degree continuous heat. Did they lie?? I just don't know what to think. Any ideas?

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click below for quick video:

 

 

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another video just listening to it.   click below:

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So, the heat issue has caused me to go ahead and order a 3 row aluminum radiator with dual electric fans. I decided to get one I found on Amazon, made by CB Auto - which is in CHINA. So, half price of others and looks to be okay. I also went ahead and got an anode made of zinc that screws into the drain petcock. This is what allows the minerals to attack it instead of the aluminum in the radiator. I also will be switching my thermostat to a 160 degree one I ordered. Since I have had good luck with the chinese parts I have used, we will do this.

 

factory video, click here:     https://www.amazon.com/vdp/048db201f503475ea5ee22731531c6e1?product=B0BQGTGGL4&ref=cm_sw_em_r_ib_dt_8D3hq5NBWLJy6

 

 

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My SPAL fans arrived today:

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07-19-2025.  Well today was a day to get the car ready for it's updated radiator and fans, and do some other small work.  I took both SPAL fans and tested them to ensure they work and that they spun in the right direction.  Then I began the process of pulling the radiator out.  I found that I needed some different bolts for the water pump pulley, and so while there I went ahead and got all new hardware for the radiator when it gets here.  I bought some thick rubber washers to isolate the aluminum radiator fromt he car, to keep corrosion of the radiator at bay.  After that I swapped out my radiator thermostat from the factory 180 temp to a 160 temp and then installed a new Speedo cable.  I spent a little more and got one from the Z car Depot, partly because it comes with a new firewall grommet.  Ready for more new parts to arrive!  PICS:

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Radiator arrived:

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shroud complete and ready to go~!