[Bentwheelbob]

The compression should be around 9.3 to 9.4 and the timing got dialed on KRE's dyno at 9 degrees. It idles smoothly once warmed up, but the EFE/heat riser is vacuum operated and just won't get happy. I'm going to replace the 190 degree thermostat in the morning and will see what difference that makes. I'm sure it didn't help that it was 98 degrees here today and high humidity. Were you running stock water pump and radiator?

[muscle_collector]

as I posted in the other topic. unbelievable job. I cant tell you how impressed I am with your work. you should post some side by side before and after pics so everyone can be overwhelmed with your talent.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by muscle_collector

as I posted in the other topic. unbelievable job. I cant tell you how impressed I am with your work. you should post some side by side before and after pics so everyone can be overwhelmed with your talent.

What Gary said ^^^^^

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by muscle_collector

as I posted in the other topic. unbelievable job. I cant tell you how impressed I am with your work. you should post some side by side before and after pics so everyone can be overwhelmed with your talent.

Thanks Gary and Alvin. You are both too kind.

It's funny you that you popped up Gary, because for some reason I was thinking of your hoard yesterday morning. I was feeling a little remorseful that this project is winding down and thinking about what I will do next. I am not a paint and body guy so I prefer cars like the Gold Car that have workable paint, but just need mechanical reconditioning and a little elbow grease. This car probably went beyond "a little elbow grease", but it sure has been fun. Now to get the paint buffed out. It's kind of thin in spots (Van Nuys) so that will be a challenge.

Of course I would be remiss if I didn't recognize My Pal Dave. I'm lucky to have a friend like him.

Here are a couple before pictures.

[Gator67]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

The compression should be around 9.3 to 9.4 and the timing got dialed on KRE's dyno at 9 degrees. It idles smoothly once warmed up, but the EFE/heat riser is vacuum operated and just won't get happy. I'm going to replace the 190 degree thermostat in the morning and will see what difference that makes. I'm sure it didn't help that it was 98 degrees here today and high humidity. Were you running stock water pump and radiator?

My compression is a little higher (9.7) and it's happiest with initial timing at 12. I use a stock water pump and fan. I was using a factory 4 core radiator and it ran at just above the thermostat's 180 rating even here in the desert. I ended up ruining the radiator (crushed it by mistake after pulling it out to detail the engine bay), and replaced it with a stock appearing higher capacity aluminum unit. Overkill, but now the temps don't budge from 180 ever. I had a 160 degree thermostat in my wife's 68 FB after it's 400 was rebuilt…I had to replace it during the winter because I couldn't get much heat out of it (40 degrees is cold here).

I still can't get over how nice your engine bay turned out…of course, once you get your engine dialed in and you'll find yourself wanting to drive it all the time…the engine combo is just so nice--it's fun on the street and on the interstate you can just apply a little gas to accelerate in a way that seems effortless. I don't think I'll ever use a 3.75" stroke again when I rebuild a 400 that will go in a car that I plan to drive.

[Bentwheelbob]

OK, so I didn't change the thermostat yet, but did make an adjustment to my fan clutch as per the link below. This was in the PY Street section. I took it out for a 10 mile cruise today and the temps stayed around 205. I parked it in the driveway after the cruise and let it idle for about 10 minutes in +90 degree and continuously checked it with an IR temp gun. The thermostat housing temp stayed between 210 to 215. Hopefully the issue is resolved.

Here's the link.

http://midamericachevelles.com/tech/...tch_adjust.pdf

On another note, the front sway bar got installed today along with the NOS WS6 end link bushings that Burd from UnitedF-body.com hooked me up with. Pretty cool - thanks Burd. I can't wait to get the alignment done and get it back on the road.