[corellian corvette]

Any new pictures? As I'm starting my own restoration on my 1973 formula - your pictures are going to be EXTREMELY valueable. Thanks and GREAT WORK!

[Tunas73TA]

Not much new.
Still wrestling with exhaust manfolds to satisfy myself and Gardner Exhaust...

I have ordered my second set of "Ram Air" exhaust manifolds and am going to use the ones from Ames.

Here are a few side by side, the RARE models are the darker coated (and scratched) ones:






and the fit of the new ones from Ames:

[corellian corvette]

Hard to see in the pictures. Do yo like the fit of these better than the other ones? What's the outlet size?

[Tunas73TA]

I do like the fit better.
The outlet size is the same, although it appears bigger on the RARE manifols, they are both supposed to be the stock 2.25" ? I think..

Honestly, Eric (I think) from Gardner flat refused to buld an exhaust for the manifold if it had the 3 bolt flange (like RARE has) and insisted it wouldnt fit right unless I use the 2 bolt flange..so thats what I ordered.
Now I can get on with the rest..

All the rear trim (tail panel/ lights/ bumper) is ready to go back together, so thats next.

[corellian corvette]

I delt with Gardner several years ago on my Olds 442. Those guys do AMAZING work but they will not make even the slightest changes. I asked for one small change to the exhaust system and it took forever to negotiate that with them...

Are you going to be able to use the stock starter with those? I'm thinking about the same modification but I want to use the stock starter...

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by Tunas73TA

I do like the fit better.
The outlet size is the same, although it appears bigger on the RARE manifols, they are both supposed to be the stock 2.25" ? I think..

Honestly, Eric (I think) from Gardner flat refused to buld an exhaust for the manifold if it had the 3 bolt flange (like RARE has) and insisted it wouldnt fit right unless I use the 2 bolt flange..so thats what I ordered.
Now I can get on with the rest..

All the rear trim (tail panel/ lights/ bumper) is ready to go back together, so thats next.

I have dealt with Eric, the 2 bolt on one side is correct and youll find it fits well. It was odd putting on the exhaust from the back to the front, AND using a clear sealer, but it went on without a hitch and no leaks. Install it on a 4 post lift or make sure the car is on jackstands on the axle so it has correct ride height before tightening. It easy to toss the directions they send, BUT I would take a look, they put it on backwards from what you would think is normal. In fact the factory put them on from the rear to front as well.
Enjoy the new beer glass they send with the exhaust!
It was pleasure, after 3 systems on my car, to install one with absolutely ZERO mods needed.

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by corellian corvette

I delt with Gardner several years ago on my Olds 442. Those guys do AMAZING work but they will not make even the slightest changes. I asked for one small change to the exhaust system and it took forever to negotiate that with them...

Are you going to be able to use the stock starter with those? I'm thinking about the same modification but I want to use the stock starter...

I had a mini starter , but the flywheel would "ding" it every so often no matter what I did with shims. Even tried a new gear. Its a torquemaster I believe. Anyways, I went back to the HD stock HO starter, and no issues as long as wires are banked against the block. I also got a oil filter angle offset adapter as has been discussed.

[Tunas73TA]

Glad to hear positive Gardner comments. He seemed to know his stuff when talking to him.
I may run the stock old starter just to see how it performs.
If everything seems OK I may just paint it up.
If not, I will swap it out with a mini unit.
It does fit with about a third inch more clearance. The RARE manifolds were touching the shield.

[Tunas73TA]

Quick update...but no new pics yet.

The Gardner exhaust is on but still hanging loose until I get the weight on each corner.
Nice quality stuff!

This weekend:
Finally got the upper a arm bump stop snubber things installed...PITA
Both (anti) sway bars are in place. Front shocks (delco) went on with no problem

I need to slip in the drive shaft, instal the shift linkage,put a few rubber gas lines in place, rear shocks, adjust the exhaust, and I may be done sliding around under this thing,

Pics later.

[rexs73gto]

I,ve got a mini on my 73 GTO & it is great, it fits good & give lots of room to do anything you would need to do even hookit up or to take it down if needed.

[TimsTA]

Those Bump Stop rubbers are a PITA! I would buy 3 if not 4 cause you'll tear at least 1 up installing them!!

[FunctionalShaker]

Original bump stops are still available. They go on easily by hand.

[Tunas73TA]

I ended up ruining 3 of these buggers!
2 of them I mangled months ago before I had the a arms mounted.

Ripped one more installing them this time.
I used a hand file and opened up the slot a bit, more like smoothing the radius.

Anyway, all installed:

OER brand:






Also got the rear tailight harness swapped over:








Any sources for the mini starter !

[superdutybob]

On upper bump stops, I have had good luck letting the weight of the car install them for me.

1. Jack up the suspension
2. Start the bump stop in with lots of silicone lubricant
3. Slowly drop the suspension and the spring pressure will push them in place

Works every time without issue.

[Norwood]

Originally Posted by FunctionalShaker

Original bump stops are still available. They go on easily by hand.

Not Mine.........I tried soap, silicone, exc.............and had a He!! of a time.