My car was running pretty decent after bumping the timing back, rebuilding the carb, and swapping jets. Yet it still seemed to be running rich, burning the hell outta my eyes and leaving me smelling like I'd been pumping gas all day after just a short ride. Obviously, something wasn't quite right, and I had a couple of thoughts.
First off, to try and combat some of the fumes, I finally installed a PCV valve. I've seen more people out there running a breather in each valve cover than I have somebody running a PCV valve. Honestly, I think we all assumed the same thing, that the PCV was some sort of emissions equipment that had no place on a street/strip car. Well, come to find out, that's not the purpose of a PCV valve. I knew what a PCV was, it was Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. I also knew that it operated off of the engine vacuum. What I didn't realize was that running two breathers simply allowed the crankcase pressure to vent, and no matter how good the valve cover baffle, that venting including an oil mist that covered the valve covers, which then ran down to the headers, and added to my engine bay fumes that make cruising somewhat unenjoyable. I went with a PCV valve for a 1970 Chevelle 454, since I figure the pentical of horsepower would be my best bet for my engine.
Next up was why my car was running so damn rich that it burned my eyes. I wasn't exactly sure how a powervalve worked, other than it added fuel during wide open throttle. After checking around online, then taking a vacuum measurement, I had my rich idle condition figured out. My carb was equipped with 6.5 powervalves, and my vacuum was 5 inches, which meant from idle through my powerband my powervalves were dumping fuel in the engine.
A call to Barry Grant's Tech line helped me get in the ballpark regarding which powervalve I needed. They recommended either a 2.5 or 3.5, and stated really it's a trial an error science. After checking my engine vacuum again at idle, this time with the car in drive as suggested by the Tech guy, I rolled the dice and went with the 2.5. My idle vacuum is about 5 inches, and most people seem to suggest dividing your vacuum number in half to determine your powervalve you need. Perhaps this is because there are two powervalves in the carb and the vacuum is divided between them, I'm not sure.
I fired up the engine after swapping in the new powervalves and was rewarded with popping through the carb, which was a sign of a lean condition. After some adjustments, now the engine was backfiring through the exhaust, signaling a lean condition. I need to use the vacuum gauge and an extra set of eyes/hands to get it fine tuned, but it's tons better than before! I took a ride for a bit and was rewarded with a much more pleasant ride. The fumes seemed to be non-existant, acceleration was even better, and throttle response was much more instantaneous! Who says a cam this big of a cam feel "bulky" on the street? This damn thing is a rocket ship with a quick blip of the throttle. Bulky ain't even in my vocabulary.
The car still isn't tuned in perfect, but are they ever? It's tuned in better than it's ever been, and now that I know a thing or two about tuning it, idle and streetability will only get better. Sadly, the car will likely return to my parents' for winter storage in a month or so, but I'll be ready to kick off the cruisin'/car show season as soon as spring is sprung!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Dave seems like one cool dude.
I was scanning through youtube videos and ran across this guy named Dave, who happens to own a 930 hp 69 Camaro. Dave and I would get along just fine I think. This is just one of many videos he has on youtube.
Dave's massive burnout
Dave's massive burnout
Thursday, September 09, 2010
New Plugs, Wires, and a Carb Rebuild.
I replaced the plugs and wires a few days ago, which work out much better than my previous wires, though still not perfect. While my clearance issue between the plug/wire and the primary header tube on the passenger side, the 90 degree wires aren't the best fit for the other 7 plugs. They'll work, though I hope the header flange doesn't cook any of the wires. I suppose ideally I need a 90 degree boot for my trouble plug, and the 135 degree wires for the other 7. The Accel plugs didn't appear as short as I had expected, though once installed, gained much more clearance than I anticipated. That being said, I still can't remove or install the plug without removing the passenger side header.
Yesterday I tackled the carb rebuild, which was actually MUCH easier than the intimidating bag of parts and gaskets had initially posed. As for the instructions Barry Grant sent with the rebuild kit, it sort of sucked in my opinion. Now I realize that kits are fairly universal and all, but a nice diagram, or even a list of parts that WILL be used for each individual carb would be nice. Some parts I didn't use because they obviously were for another model. Others I didn't use because there were only enough to do half of the carb, such as the accelerator pump spring and the brass needle atop the carb for the squirter/nozzles. I got the mission accomplished, I just felt a little more effort could have been made with the instructions.
I slapped the carb on and attempted to fire the engine up just prior to going to work yesterday. The engine fire, then stalled, never to fire up again. I pulled the air cleaner and discovered fuel being pumped out the vent tubes when I turned it over and gas leaking all over the intake. I was left wondering if I forgot a gasket, assembled something wrong, or perhaps installed the brass needle mentioned above upside down. With no time to trouble shoot the issue, I got ready for work and did a quick google. It seemed as though it was a float issue.
Today, I ventured out to the garage and immediately adjusted both floats lower. I was rewarded with an instant fire up, sputter, and stall. The stall was due to the idle screw being adjusted way to low. I gave the screw a couple of turns, fired it up, and she purred like a kitten....hmmm...or perhaps "roared like a lion" would be a better description. I checked for leaks, all looked well, and prepared for a drive.
The road test went well, as the car seems much better with a fresh tune. I still need to double check the timing, as I think it may be a tad bit high still, perhaps in the 36 degree range, when I'd like it in the 32-33 degree range. My last issue I believe is still a ground issue. A few days ago I attempted the start the car and it seemed dead. Then, after throwing some jumper cables on and turning the car over, the voltage seemed fine. Now I KNOW you can't charge a battery showing 5 volts up to 12 volts with a 20 second jump start. I'm thinking a ground wire running all the way from the battery in the trunk to the engine block will solve all my issues. I may add a couple more ground straps, as extras, between body, frame, and engine just for good measure. My voltmeter jumps all over the place from time to time, leading me to believe there is definately a ground issue going on somewhere.
I was really hoping to hit some cruise nights his season, yet they seem to be winding to a close. I checked on Baker's of Milford only to discover that their end of the year cruise happened last weekend. I know there has to be a good number that will be going through October, and I hope to hit one or two. That being said, simply having the car back on the road would have been plenty of reward for this season. Next year, after getting a 5 point baby racing seat, the Chesher family will be riding 3 deep! :)
Yesterday I tackled the carb rebuild, which was actually MUCH easier than the intimidating bag of parts and gaskets had initially posed. As for the instructions Barry Grant sent with the rebuild kit, it sort of sucked in my opinion. Now I realize that kits are fairly universal and all, but a nice diagram, or even a list of parts that WILL be used for each individual carb would be nice. Some parts I didn't use because they obviously were for another model. Others I didn't use because there were only enough to do half of the carb, such as the accelerator pump spring and the brass needle atop the carb for the squirter/nozzles. I got the mission accomplished, I just felt a little more effort could have been made with the instructions.
I slapped the carb on and attempted to fire the engine up just prior to going to work yesterday. The engine fire, then stalled, never to fire up again. I pulled the air cleaner and discovered fuel being pumped out the vent tubes when I turned it over and gas leaking all over the intake. I was left wondering if I forgot a gasket, assembled something wrong, or perhaps installed the brass needle mentioned above upside down. With no time to trouble shoot the issue, I got ready for work and did a quick google. It seemed as though it was a float issue.
Today, I ventured out to the garage and immediately adjusted both floats lower. I was rewarded with an instant fire up, sputter, and stall. The stall was due to the idle screw being adjusted way to low. I gave the screw a couple of turns, fired it up, and she purred like a kitten....hmmm...or perhaps "roared like a lion" would be a better description. I checked for leaks, all looked well, and prepared for a drive.
The road test went well, as the car seems much better with a fresh tune. I still need to double check the timing, as I think it may be a tad bit high still, perhaps in the 36 degree range, when I'd like it in the 32-33 degree range. My last issue I believe is still a ground issue. A few days ago I attempted the start the car and it seemed dead. Then, after throwing some jumper cables on and turning the car over, the voltage seemed fine. Now I KNOW you can't charge a battery showing 5 volts up to 12 volts with a 20 second jump start. I'm thinking a ground wire running all the way from the battery in the trunk to the engine block will solve all my issues. I may add a couple more ground straps, as extras, between body, frame, and engine just for good measure. My voltmeter jumps all over the place from time to time, leading me to believe there is definately a ground issue going on somewhere.
I was really hoping to hit some cruise nights his season, yet they seem to be winding to a close. I checked on Baker's of Milford only to discover that their end of the year cruise happened last weekend. I know there has to be a good number that will be going through October, and I hope to hit one or two. That being said, simply having the car back on the road would have been plenty of reward for this season. Next year, after getting a 5 point baby racing seat, the Chesher family will be riding 3 deep! :)
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Craig's List Deals of the Day
Reading the Craigs List cars for sale, I came across a few killer deals.
First, a 1969 Firebird for $1,200. Yeah, it's just a shell, but since you can buy pretty much every part for these cars, it would give somebody looking to do a full frame up restoration a good starting point.
1969 Firebird 400
The next deal doesn't have a listed price, so how can it be a deal? Well, let's just say I have a soft spot for these old, square, big bodied Caprices. I have no desire to paint it loud colors and go ridin' on 24's either. Lowered, some nice 17-18 in rims, suspension upgrade, and updated motor and I think you'd have one sweet ride. Whatever the cost, a senior citizen car that is unmolested with just 12,000 miles is every gearheads dream car.
1989 Chevrolet Caprice
Here is a car that needs an engine, but if the car is solid and interior is decent, for $1,150 it would be a great car to transplant an LS engine into. Your money would basically be all tied up in the new powertrain, as you'd have a car for a song and dance, and have the luxury of paying V6 insurance.
1996 Camaro RS
First, a 1969 Firebird for $1,200. Yeah, it's just a shell, but since you can buy pretty much every part for these cars, it would give somebody looking to do a full frame up restoration a good starting point.
1969 Firebird 400
The next deal doesn't have a listed price, so how can it be a deal? Well, let's just say I have a soft spot for these old, square, big bodied Caprices. I have no desire to paint it loud colors and go ridin' on 24's either. Lowered, some nice 17-18 in rims, suspension upgrade, and updated motor and I think you'd have one sweet ride. Whatever the cost, a senior citizen car that is unmolested with just 12,000 miles is every gearheads dream car.
1989 Chevrolet Caprice
Here is a car that needs an engine, but if the car is solid and interior is decent, for $1,150 it would be a great car to transplant an LS engine into. Your money would basically be all tied up in the new powertrain, as you'd have a car for a song and dance, and have the luxury of paying V6 insurance.
1996 Camaro RS
Monday, August 30, 2010
Onondaga Dragway to Reopen
I called a friend whom I hadn't talked to for a few years while walking around Woodward's Cruise this year. During our conversation I was informed of a long closed dragstrip that was going to reopen. Located near Jackson, MI, the track closed about 25 years ago. In the dragracing hobby, it is almost unheard for tracks to REopen. All too often the story is of dragstrips closing, and the reason often being that urban sprawl creeped into the once desolate areas where these races took places.
Onondaga will continue to be an 1/8 mile track, and looking at the progress, seems that it will be ready for the 2011 season. I will try my best to make it to the track next season, and if not ready to race yet, then to at least take some pictures and take in a rare piece of history.
Dragzine: The New Onondaga Dragway Begins Construction
Current Progress at the Track
Water Winter Wonderland Coverage
Onondaga will continue to be an 1/8 mile track, and looking at the progress, seems that it will be ready for the 2011 season. I will try my best to make it to the track next season, and if not ready to race yet, then to at least take some pictures and take in a rare piece of history.
Dragzine: The New Onondaga Dragway Begins Construction
Current Progress at the Track
Water Winter Wonderland Coverage
Sunday, August 29, 2010
NMCA - Milan, Michigan
Just got back from the NMCA racing series at Milan, MI. I'll admit, I really enjoyed this racing series back in the day. When I say back in the day, I'm referring to a period when the cars still looked like cars. When Tony Christian, Spiro Pappas, and Pat Musi (spelling probably off on all) were the big racers. A time when the cars ran mostly in the 8's, perhaps even touching the 7's, and yanked the wheels like nobody's business.
Fast forward to NMCA 2010: It ain't like it use to be. The fast cars were fast, no doubt about it! We saw the record broke today with a 232 mph pass. I'll give them mad props for the times/mph they are laying down, but a lot was lost along the way. Majority of the cars are of the NHRA prostock bland flavor. One was a Chevy Cobalt, another a Dodge Stratus, they simply lost their character along the way, and while their horsepower is higher than ever, I was looking forward to the other classes of racing that took place.
I'm not up to speed on the class make up of NMCA, other than it all appeared to be heads up, with your normal weekend Milan bracket racing thrown in the mix. For me, the most exciting racing we watched were the heads up cars running mid 9's to mid 10's. Most of these cars lacked wheelie bars, and most of these cars were yanking the front ends off the ground upon launch. I'm not the type of fan that needs to see a bumper dragging launch to garner my attention, though two wheels a foot or two off the ground along with a hard launch will catch my attention. These cars also resembled street cars, and had the look and feel of my Camaro.
I built my Camaro to run mid to low 10's on the engine, and after talking with a few racers, I should be a solid mid 10's car. On the NOS, one racer informed me that I'll likely get into the low 9 second, possibly high 8 second range. Watching the races for several hours today, I am pretty sure that I'm going to be very happy with this build. I'm also quite sure that I'll be satisfied with my 1/4 mile pass, and finally admit to myself, enough is enough. 9 and 10 second 1/4 mile times are damn fast, and from what I saw today, in order to go faster than that is to venture into a territory I don't care to go. One, because I have no desire to spend the type of money needed to be competitive in that category. Secondly, I feel that what the crowds wanted to see most were the 9-10 second cars that looked like cars. The fastest cars of the day didn't garner much interest, nor did the 7 and 8 second rail dragsters. The 9-10 second cars are the cream of the crop, and that's exactly where I wanna be. I can't wait to go racing!
Here are some of the pictures from today's races, along with a link to more.
2010 NMCA Racing at Milan Dragway
Fast forward to NMCA 2010: It ain't like it use to be. The fast cars were fast, no doubt about it! We saw the record broke today with a 232 mph pass. I'll give them mad props for the times/mph they are laying down, but a lot was lost along the way. Majority of the cars are of the NHRA prostock bland flavor. One was a Chevy Cobalt, another a Dodge Stratus, they simply lost their character along the way, and while their horsepower is higher than ever, I was looking forward to the other classes of racing that took place.
I'm not up to speed on the class make up of NMCA, other than it all appeared to be heads up, with your normal weekend Milan bracket racing thrown in the mix. For me, the most exciting racing we watched were the heads up cars running mid 9's to mid 10's. Most of these cars lacked wheelie bars, and most of these cars were yanking the front ends off the ground upon launch. I'm not the type of fan that needs to see a bumper dragging launch to garner my attention, though two wheels a foot or two off the ground along with a hard launch will catch my attention. These cars also resembled street cars, and had the look and feel of my Camaro.
I built my Camaro to run mid to low 10's on the engine, and after talking with a few racers, I should be a solid mid 10's car. On the NOS, one racer informed me that I'll likely get into the low 9 second, possibly high 8 second range. Watching the races for several hours today, I am pretty sure that I'm going to be very happy with this build. I'm also quite sure that I'll be satisfied with my 1/4 mile pass, and finally admit to myself, enough is enough. 9 and 10 second 1/4 mile times are damn fast, and from what I saw today, in order to go faster than that is to venture into a territory I don't care to go. One, because I have no desire to spend the type of money needed to be competitive in that category. Secondly, I feel that what the crowds wanted to see most were the 9-10 second cars that looked like cars. The fastest cars of the day didn't garner much interest, nor did the 7 and 8 second rail dragsters. The 9-10 second cars are the cream of the crop, and that's exactly where I wanna be. I can't wait to go racing!
Here are some of the pictures from today's races, along with a link to more.
2010 NMCA Racing at Milan Dragway
Thursday, August 26, 2010
NMCA Drag Racing at Milan Dragway
While at the Woodward Dream Cruise last weekend, promoters were handing out free tickets to Milan Dragway for this weekend. I didn't think much of it until I was in the garage today listening to the radio. That's when I realized that this weekend the NMCA (National Muscle Car Association) come to Milan Dragway. We're talking 6 second/200+ mph street cars! We have a wedding to attend on Saturday in Adrian, MI, but will be back and heading to Milan on Sunday. They are even offering free spectator tickets online. I have a neighbor who said just the other day "I guess I'll have to go watch a drag race some day, as I really don't understand what the appeal is." Well, I offered up two of the tickets I had to him and his wife, and perhaps I'll give him a ride around the block in the Camaro, to lay the ground work. This will be some good racing, check it out!
NMCA Drag Racing
Milan Dragway
NMCA Drag Racing
Milan Dragway
Saturday, August 21, 2010
2010 Woodward Dream Cruise - Day 2 Finale
What can I say, Woodward's Dream Cruise never disappoints! For 15 of the 16 years it's existed, I've been there. Though the rules have changed a bit, along with venue and enforcement of the law, it's still a thriving event in which weather can't even keep people away from. For about half the day we battled drizzle and occasional light rain, though the lots were still filled and the cars were still rolling. By mid day, the rain had ceased and the sun came out, and before you knew it Woodward was bumper to bumper with congestion.
I've been into cars now over half of my life, so there isn't much out there anymore that really blows my mind. Nowadays, I just sit back and enjoy what's in front of me...and take tons of pictures! While there was a time when powertrain and presentation caught my eye, now it's simply how nice the car is. I like a loud race car thumpin' muscle car just as much as the next gearhead, but a nice paint job and set of wheels really set a car apart from the pack. For me, the craziest thing I saw this year was the guy cruising around on his bike with 2-3 Chiuauahas in a handle bar basket....all wearing a set of strap on racing goggles. I cracked up both times, though was unable to get my camera ready in time.
By Woodward 2011 I'll have the car tightened up a bit, have the tuning down, insulation in, carpet, some tunes, and a baby in tow as well. I'm sure come next year I'll venture out of my parking spot and into the madness. I just wasn't ready to roll the dice with my current setup and hope some catastrophic failure didn't occur. So, until next year, enjoy the pictures below, and don't forget to click the link to enjoy Woodward in all of her Fury!
Finally, back on the road.
2010 Woodward Dream Cruise: Final Day
I've been into cars now over half of my life, so there isn't much out there anymore that really blows my mind. Nowadays, I just sit back and enjoy what's in front of me...and take tons of pictures! While there was a time when powertrain and presentation caught my eye, now it's simply how nice the car is. I like a loud race car thumpin' muscle car just as much as the next gearhead, but a nice paint job and set of wheels really set a car apart from the pack. For me, the craziest thing I saw this year was the guy cruising around on his bike with 2-3 Chiuauahas in a handle bar basket....all wearing a set of strap on racing goggles. I cracked up both times, though was unable to get my camera ready in time.
By Woodward 2011 I'll have the car tightened up a bit, have the tuning down, insulation in, carpet, some tunes, and a baby in tow as well. I'm sure come next year I'll venture out of my parking spot and into the madness. I just wasn't ready to roll the dice with my current setup and hope some catastrophic failure didn't occur. So, until next year, enjoy the pictures below, and don't forget to click the link to enjoy Woodward in all of her Fury!
Finally, back on the road.
2010 Woodward Dream Cruise: Final Day
Friday, August 20, 2010
2010 Woodward Dream Cruise
Just got back from my first night at the 2010 Woodward Dream Cruise. All I can say is "Damn, does it feel good to be part of the scene again."
2010 Woodward Dream Cruise - Day 1
2010 Woodward Dream Cruise - Day 1
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