Downriver Cruise Coverage

The 2010 Downriver Cruise was yesterday, and I'd have to say it was nothing short of amazing. A few things made the cruise more enjoyable than the Gratiot cruise. One, it is significantly larger in size. Secondly, there is much more cruising as opposed to parking at this show. Lastly, perhaps most importantly, law enforcement seem very flexible down there, allowing people to do responsible burnouts in the street without any troubles.

I was skeptical of what turnout would be yesterday, as the day kicked off with cloudy skies with the threat of storms. We headed down about 2 pm, to blue skies and a bright sun. We walked a lap around the south end of the cruise, then set up shop along the curb and sat for another 3 hours or more. With a little money and a lot of luck, my Camaro will be ready come Woodward in August. Be sure to click the link at the bottom to view nearly 400 pictures from the cruise.

Additional proof that this was the Downriver Cruise, in case there was any doubt.

I knew somebody who had a Dodge D100, though this was seemed a few years older.

2010 Downriver Cruise

Downriver Cruise 6-26-2010

Just a heads up, the 2010 Downriver cruise takes place tomorrow, June 26 on Fort St from Outer Drive south to Sibley. This show is significantly bigger than the Gratiot Cruise, at nearly 7 miles long. It's been some years since I've attended this cruise, but I can only guess that it's grown since my last visit. I'll be there with camera in hand.

2010 Downriver Cruise

Engine installed, drivetrain complete

Yesterday I finished installing the engine in my Camaro. To say it was a breeze would be a lie. First off, an engine installation goes much more smoothly when you have two people involved. Secondly, nothing makes a gearhead more nervous than watching about 1,000 lbs dangling over the front nose of their prized possesion. Crossing that threshhold has always made me nervous. After a lot of leverage, repositioning the trans with a jack under the car, jacking up the car so the cherry picker would clear the underbody, the engine was finally in place.

I am very happy with the oil pan Tico Race Engines chose. Not only does it fit perfectly, now well protected above the crossmember, the pan just plain looks badass! After the engine was installed, I jacked up the car, finished tightening the bolts holding the trans/crossmember in place. Lastly, I bolted in the driveshaft. With that, the drivetrain is in place and complete.

Dad brought up the Demon carb off the Challenger, along with my MSD 6AL box and Blaster 2 coil...temporarily on loan. :) Next, I will start buttoning things up, such as installing the above components, the starter, water pump, steering box, etc. After that, I will have to order up a brake master cylinder, lines, a windshield, and a few odds and ends to get her back on the road.

Though still inconvenient to store, a fold up engine hoist..aka cherry picker, is the only way to go.

This is how much space the monster would consume if it were not a fold up hoist. There is a reason back in the day when I'd borrow somebody's hoist they were in no hurry to get it back.

Engine, meet Trans.

My feeble attempt at preventing trans fluid from leaking out the tailshaft. Mark my words, this is the last time I do an engine install without either an extra yoke or plastic dummy plug. What you see down the page is Lake Dextron III all over the garage.

Check out that sweet ass pan!

What fun is an engine installation without creating an oil slick on the floor? It's amazing I didn't end up on my ass in a puddle of trans fluid. I came close, more than a few times.

Point of no return, nervous as hell.

The pulling, prying, and praying begins.

You can stare at it all day, but it won't find it's way onto the mounts by itself.

Kinda looks like one of those Rat Fink shirts don't it? Just need a shifter coming out the roof.

One side in, a little more prying, pulling, and shoving...

...and the other side is bolted in.

Thank you for your services!

First wheel stand with the new engine in place.

Lookin' good!

One final touch.

Driveshaft in place.