speeder Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 Tonight was going to be the '77's track debut. Just got the rear end of the car back together with LSD newly set up, good CV joints, and drag radials. Datalogged the AFR versus manifold pressure and RPM on my "dyno" run up the Banana river bridge, everything looking good. Did a couple burnouts and leave 2 nice straight steaks of Nitto. Nothing breaks. Car is screamin fast. Threw my helmet into the car and left for work (2nd shift), plan to take off early and head to the track. At idle while waiting at a drawbridge, I look in my rearview and see big oil smoke. When I get going there's a puff of oil after every shift. None of the possible diagnoses are short term fixes - Looks like the car won't make it to Reynolds. Bad day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-Gad Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Run a leak down. Hopefully, it is only a turbo seal. I realize you just got it, but we can hope... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeder Posted February 15, 2003 Author Share Posted February 15, 2003 Hey, I'm now Speeder. Think I'll keep my logon name. Well, Leakdown in hole #3 is 40%. Probably a delayed result from severe detonation caused by my failed FPR diaphragm a while back. Thought I had lucked out. Motor comes out this weekend. If it weren't for bad luck I would have none at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v8dats Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 that sucks really bad i wont be able to make it to reynolds either.how far is meritt island from largo/tampa area? maybe someday i can swing by and take a peek at the car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-Gad Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 You ned a temp motor? i have a solid turbo bottom end. Just put on your head and viola, you are back in business!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie-GNZ Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 Rick, sorry about the engine. Take Mike up on that offer as we want to see that car there, racing or not. It is one of the STARS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeder Posted February 15, 2003 Author Share Posted February 15, 2003 Mike, You have mail. Thought I was thrashing before an engine change became necessary- Assuming the head is OK, Reynolds here I come! V8Dats, I'm about 3.5hrs away - near the Space Center. Come by sometime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeder Posted February 15, 2003 Author Share Posted February 15, 2003 Scottie, If the car doesn't make it it won't be beacause I didn't try. I don't see much of a problem, though - changed a few Z motors in my time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v8dats Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 cool! i would hafta wait till the reynolds event is over.maybe i can swing by in a couple of months. i will let you know way ahead of time. thanks for the invite Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeder Posted February 17, 2003 Author Share Posted February 17, 2003 Looks as if the engine will come out tomorrow - I have the ZXT shortblock (Thanks Mike Gad) cleaned and painted, and my spare N42 head with Isky turbo cam ready to be installed with HKS steel gasket and ARP studs. Figure it's best to replace the whole engine rather than assume the original head is good, although I get pretty solid indications that there is piston or ring damage. This is going to be close, but I think I'll make Reynolds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-Gad Posted February 18, 2003 Share Posted February 18, 2003 Excellent Rick!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 18, 2003 Share Posted February 18, 2003 Burn the midnight oil & bust some knuckles!! Looking forward to seeing you in the caravan on Saturday. On a serious note, I know it's a tall order and if the car doesn't make it I hope you will still come and have some fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeder Posted February 18, 2003 Author Share Posted February 18, 2003 Engine is out of the car and all the parts to be reused are off. (All the "wet" work is done, thankfully) I'll build up the "new" engine tomorrow and install it - I'm taking 1/2 day off work to finish- I want to have it running tomorrow eve.. Hope to have Thur and Fri to debug and tune a bit. Not complaining, but jeez this car has a lot of stuff on it. My little buddy with the stripped - out, SR20DET powered 240SX calls it a "Pimpmobile". Still not near as cluttered as one of those modern things, however. Couldn't resist pulling the old head and peeking inside - The damage I saw was - none! No holes in pistons or scarred cylinder walls Looks as if a teardown later will expose the problem. Rings/Lands? Once more into the breech tomorrow - You guys keep the good Karma heading my way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike kZ Posted February 18, 2003 Share Posted February 18, 2003 Keep on trucking Rick, you'll make it!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeder Posted February 20, 2003 Author Share Posted February 20, 2003 The engine is in the car. Hard day. Had to helicoil 2 studs on the head ,Took me 4 hours(!) to get the damn engine to mate with the trans/clutch. Anyhow, the car didn't run today - tomorrow I'll hook up electronics, water, and turbo stuff, then try it out. Took some time to check stuff today - found that my TECII crank angle sensor bracket positioions it 6 deg (1 tooth) advanced. May have contributed to the engine failure. I'm a little behind schedule, but still have time. Not a comfortable amount, but enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeder Posted February 21, 2003 Author Share Posted February 21, 2003 It runs!!!! Sounds good, pressures and temps good, and doesn't leak a drop of anything. The cam in the car now is lopier than the other one... cool. I'll torque the headgasket tomorrow morning early and go for a ride. Friday night I'm going to get some sleep! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-Gad Posted February 21, 2003 Share Posted February 21, 2003 YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kick @$$!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 21, 2003 Share Posted February 21, 2003 Damn that was fast!! Awesome job and I'll see you on Saturday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeder Posted February 21, 2003 Author Share Posted February 21, 2003 Time to close this thread, 'cause I'm no longer "Bummed!" Just tired. Just back from a test drive and the car kicks ASS! I'm pumped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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