[Formulabruce]

Steve, ever use a "nibbler"? If not ask the teacher to try one on some scrap sheet metal. Cuts steel like butter and goes fast, and is a bit more "homeowner" type tool... I do love the plasma cutters though as well..

[njsteve]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

Steve, ever use a "nibbler"? If not ask the teacher to try one on some scrap sheet metal. Cuts steel like butter and goes fast, and is a bit more "homeowner" type tool... I do love the plasma cutters though as well..

Actually, the bodyshop course starts again in January and I will be removing the homemade "boxed" trunk drop-offs that were hand built in the late 1980s when the NOS quarters were installed. I'll be installing the new repro units. So stay tuned.

[njsteve]

I got the pistons and rods back today. The crank should be done with balancing tomorrow so we can start the assembly process this weekend.

The machinist said that the rods and pistons were all within a gram of each other and didn't really require any modifications to get them all matched.

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by njsteve

The machinist said that the rods and pistons were all within a gram of each other and didn't really require any modifications to get them all matched.

Now that is nearly unheard of! I can see the rods being close, but , that is just WOW to me. I did my own, then watched the assembly balanced., spinning.. Im in shock , your engine should be able to pass the "Coffee" test for sure!

[njsteve]

What's the Coffee Test?

Is that where you no longer need coffee to keep you awake at night, after realizing how much you have just spent on engine parts?

[njsteve]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

Now that is nearly unheard of! I can see the rods being close, but , that is just WOW to me. I did my own, then watched the assembly balanced., spinning.. Im in shock , your engine should be able to pass the "Coffee" test for sure!

Bruce, here is your official Coffee Test photo.

The Family Engine Rebuild.
Idle speed: 800 RPM.
Outside temperature: 30 degrees
Coffee: Cream with two artificial sugars.
The wife's coffee cup.

Priceless.

[njsteve]

I have been tuning the carb and timing the past few days. I am currently on 74 jets, 43 primary rods and DA secondary rods. She runs very nicely and pulls well up the RPM range.

Does anyone have a spare pair of BE or BL secondary rods they can "loan" me? The magic setup recipe that I had in the T/A was 74 jet, 44 primary rods and BE secondary rods and that car pulled like crazy (same rear gears, same transmission).

I have around 110 miles on the motor now and I am a firm believer in breaking them in like you are going to drive them: hard. She starts at the first turn of the key and idles nicely. I have been doing a lot of my 8 mile test and tune trips over the past week or so when the weather permits.