January 4, 2002: Miscellaneous things

Well, I obviously (and unfortunately) didn't meet my goal of the first test drive by the New Years. Between the engine idling woes and the replacement fender fiasco, it just didn't happen. However, I'm definitely making progress, so maybe soon...

I've done a lot over the last three weeks, some of which is documented in the previous diary entries. Some not though. As you've read, I've had idling problems, which are still persisting. I'm still trying to figure out how to tume the FAST/Speed Pro ECU system, but I'm getting there. I also am not certain that I have all my problems worked out with my throttle body either. Still working on those too...

I attempted to bleed the brake system on the car for the first time a few days ago, and I made an unfortunate discovery. I found several leaks, which wasn't overly surprising. Unfortunately, one of them was due to a bad inverted flare that I had made. It requires making a new line, which is always fun. Can you say "blue brake fluid all over the floor"? Ugh! It's fixed now, and I'll be rebleeding the system tomorrow.

Another fun problem was the subframe. Apparantly it wasn't quite aligned with the body correctly. It appeared to be shifter to the driver's side about 1/2". So, with the help of a friend, I loosened the 6 bolts holding it to the body, and we shifted it around the best we could. The tires seem to be more even

I also had to make a new throttle cable. A couple of months ago, I raised up the rear of the transmission to help the tranny alignment with the rear end. That caused the engine to tilt forward, and the cable I had made was now too short. A phone call to Jegs, and a new Lokar cable was on the way. It's now on the car! :)

I filled the Currie Ford 9" with fluid the other day too. I mention this only because I have to say how much I HATE gear oil! ACK! I had that stuff all over the place before I was done (don't ever try to pour that stuff in through a funnel, it doesn't work..). I'm still recovering from the smell...

Today I removed and realigned the passenger's side windshield wiper! :) I also had to realign the passenger's side window to prevent it from hitting the chrome trim at the rear of the window. Oof...

I've bought a console for the car. I was previously planning to build one, but I decided to at least try a stock one first. Turns out that the automatic console for a 73-81 Camaro will basically work. I'm going to build a custom plate to cover the large hole for the automatic shifter, leaving only enough open for the T56 shifter to come through. I will also use that plate to mount the power window switches, which I have on the way too. Look for future pics of those, they are cool! :)

I rerouted the heater hoses to better hide them. Can't get rid of them completely, but they look a lot better now!