More Goodies and more work . . .

I picked up a F-Body oil pan, pickup, gasket, bolts and windage tray for the 4.8L.

Also got a shipment from my favorite parts supplier BMA Parts for the 740i.

1. Water Pump
2. Thermostat
3. Rear PCV Cover
4. Intake Gaskets
5. Throttle Body Gaskets
6. Coolant Pipe Gaskets
7. Fan Clutch
8. Belts
9. Tensioners

I also have to add LUBEGARD® Dr. Tranny INSTANT SHUDDER FIXX (I know that doesn't sound right) since the torque converter is still shuddering (lock-unlock-lock-unlock).

I also got some goods for the 530i

1. Engine Coolant Sensor
2. Clutch Reservoir Cap
3. Water Pump Pulley
4. Fan Shroud and bits
5. Various screws and crap

I have to find a 5.0 bellhousing for the T-5 I picked up last week and come up with clutch release solution since the SN95 bellhousings have the release fork at a VERY weird angle.

-=PJ

Kaaaa-boom . . .

Good news everyone . . . . Found me a T-5!! Going to get it tomorrow. Comes with a decent warranty and for less than it would have cost to repair the T-5 I have . . . I can deal with that!!

-=PJ

Damnit . . .

Just got off the phone with the builder. . . Good news, it is a from 84 Mustang GT, YAY! Bad news, 2nd and 3rd gears are pitted pretty bad, damnit . . . To get this transmission in decent condition would cost $$$. No thanks, I'll pass . . .

I'm glad I spent the $ to get it opened up and looked at. I would have been PISSED to blow it up at the first race.

-=PJ

And the verdict is. . .

I found out today that the world class T-5 I purchased for my 350is track car is in fact a non-world class transmission on the inside.

That NEW Summit Racing T5z is looking better and better . . .
-=PJ

Damn it's been a while since my last post . . .

 . . . and I have been busy in the garage. I have to upload some pics from the camera and bring the Blog up to date.

But while I find time to get all that done, read on this STELLAR build: "1932 datsun" build and Build Site and Blog

Joey's build shows ingenuity, skill, good use of resources and materials, and PATIENCE . . .

I was talking to him about fabbing stuff out of stuff:

"I've been on CL (surprise surprise) looking for a possible replacement for the Volvo 780 (long story . . . short story = maybe more rust than I initially thought :( . . .) Some guys out there are making mounts and "stuff" for $800+. For that price I can get a GOOD 220v welder + plus goodies and make my own damn mounts . . . plus a whole lot more stuff."

-=PJ

Have updates . . . .but I'm lazy.

There have been some updates in the garage, but I'm lazy. So I'll post some other stuff when I'm un-lazy.

But we did get another Bavarian Interstate Missile . . . and yes, it's black.

-=PJ

Oh yea . . .

Parts cometh via the brown and the two white trucks . . . looks like this week will be another busy week.

===========================

I fixed the coolant weeping octopus hose and replaced the the valley pan on the 530i. I also ordered a new OEM replacement MAF from Auto_Mammoth on eBay after receiving many 1215 error codes.

Yeah . . . I cheated on this picture :D

I still have to do the front wheel bearings and the rear subframe bushings . . .

===========================

For the Dakota, I got the front wheel bearings, front brakes, water pump, and dreaded heater core . . . sigh.

-=PJ

Update . . .Not really

Not really much of an update . . .

But I did get to sample BMW's new 650i vert last week.

Things I like:

1. The POWER
2. The TORQUE
3. Sporting handler for such a BIG ass car

Things I didn't like

1. Flappy paddle 8 speed trans
2. Sport + didn't stay in Sport +
3. Weight ~4600 lbs . . . seriously??
4. The farting noise it made on upshifts
5. Price tag (as tested  . . .$98K)

Ok . . . yeah, it's expensive and heavy, but this chassis moves around without any complaint. The last generation 6er (E63/E64) kind of lumbered about around corners and had a good amount of understeer when moved above the 5/10s threshold. It was good in straight line . . . This new chassis (F12/F13)  is sublime albeit with the truck like weight. Me thinks the coupe (~4200) will be a better performer.

The third pedal would have made this car a HEAP more fun to drive and to tame all that tq (450lb-ft from 1750-4500rpm). Speaking of which, hits pretty damn hard!! The surge of power is something to experience. It is honestly on the dumb side of stupid  . . .

===========================

I did some work on the 302 as well. Nothing to really talk about, but the pictures will do a better job:

Tested and rebuilt 24lb Injectors

Oil Filter Adapter

Looks like we may have an issue . . . ordered a 90* adapter from Summit Racing

===========================

The 530i decided to spring a nice coolant leak last week. After running some die and chasing it with a black light, I found the culprit. The strange octopus looking hose under the coolant tank has a pin hole leak . . . yay!! While chasing the coolant leak, I made the most of a BALMY, HOT SC summer's day by dropping the oil pan to check the oil pump bolts and replace the oil pan gasket.

===========================

Last night I also decided to empty my bank account with the following vendors:

• BMA Parts - Patrick B. and Yves provide awesome service with good prices for BMW parts and quick turn around on orders. When I need parts of my Bimmers, I call these guys FIRST!
• Rock Auto - While their shipping scheme is highly dubious, the parts they stock are quality parts. Everyone of my cars have some parts from Rock Auto's warehouse. Shipping time is short and prices are GOOD.
• Summit Racing - Do I really have to say anything about Summit Racing? All the damn hot rod parts you want for $11.95 shipped . . . only if my wallet was full of money. Since they have a warehouse right there in GA, I can order parts today and it will be here tomorrow.

===========================

Finally, I went to WeaverParts.com of Monroe, NC yesterday to get the LR4 for the Volvo 780.

For $550, I got:

• LR4 - 110K mile
• ECU
• PS Pump
• Alternator
• Starter
• 6-Month warranty
• Crap you see in the pics of the motor

As you probably noticed, they cut the wiring harness (BOOOOOOO!!!) when they removed it from the truck. Since I have to get one, I may use the eBay vendor TechRods to get one built for my project, unless I find a complete one for <$150.

-=PJ

Almost There . . .

After getting lost in the ALMS race on Saturday :D, I finally picked up the wrench and started working.

I rechecked the piston to valve on the 302. I'm running the old F303 cam and GT40P heads and the last time I checked them was last year. I would prefer to go through the whole process again . . .

After PtV, I dropped on the head gaskets (Felpro 9333PT-1) and torque the head to spec (Step 1 - 30 ft.lbs.; Step 2 - 50 ft.lbs.; Step 3 - Addt'l 90 degrees) using ARP flanged head bolts. Remember to use assembly lube and thread sealant on all of the lower bolts.

Next I dropped in the pre-oiled stock lifters, push rods, and 1.6 pedestal roller rockers. I set the rockers to zero lash on the combustion stroke with the lifters on the base circle of the cam and torqued to 20 ft.lbs. @ a quarter turn.

Then I had an AWESOME time playing fastener roulette with the timing cover and water pump (Summit Racing  reverse rotation) bolts.

I rolled the motor over, installed the oil pan studs, Felpro oil pan gasket and buttoned it up with Canton Road Race oil pan. This pan is a must for those who live life one Apex at a time ( . . . thanks Vin Diesel).

Flipped the engine over once more and installed the lower Explorer (GT40 style) intake, valve covers, stock distributor, Professional Products balancer and FRP Shortie GT40P exhaust manifolds (yes I know one if pointed forward and silver). All gaskets (otherwise noted) are from the Mr. Gasket rebuild kit.

I have to get some more tools . . .YAY!! I need to get a pilot bearing remover, a harmonic balancer installer and socket to torque the exhaust bolts. I also need to refurb the 24lbs injectors, install a larger throttle body, modify the fuel lines and accessory brackets. Since I'm using the Explorer GT40 style intake, it comes with the fuel rail that has the inlet and outlet on the driver side . . . this will be VERY helpful on the E36 chassis . . .

-=PJ

Summer Time . . .

In the garage, ALMS going on the netbook,  torque wrench in hand, fridge full of . . . beverages :D, a 302 on the engine stand, and a BIG fan to cool off the Carolina summer. . . .

-=PJ

I was once told . . .

That a neat and orderly garage is conducive to good work. So after the help of some friends and purchase of a new toolbox, the garage now looks like this:

I was also told that organization is the key to success. So I raided Mrs. Zero's DYMO and got to organizing:

:D

-=PJ

The Patients

Here are some pics of the two patients currently on the stand:

Left: M42*

Right: 5.0L

*Yes the 4 cylinder is bigger than the 8 cylinder in size

Both are currently torn down to a shortblock state:

Checking PtV on the 5.0L at the Old House

M42 Shortblock

M42 Head

Trunk full of goodies
Left: 5.0L Engine/Transmission Plate and Ford Distributor
Semi-Center: Bilstein/H&R M3 Race suspension
Right: 5.0L GT40P heads (rebuilt by me :D) + Valve covers

-=PJ

Stuff in my Garage

I've finally completed all of the pages for the stuff that resides here at the garage!!

To view, click on the links somewhere over there ======>

-=PJ

Welcome to the Garage

Welcome to Strike Zero's Garage!!

This is my little spot to share a my automotive/powersport/motorsport hobby.

During the day, I'm just an ordinary guy making a living in Information Technology. Yes, I am your average computer nerd and my entire house is the equivalent to a small data center . . . LOL!!

However, after I put down the keyboard and mouse, I tend to pickup wrenches and ratchets to do two things:

1. Maintain all the vehicles for DD use and road trip operation
2. Build some really neat cars!!

No I can't weld or design trick suspension parts, but I think I do ok my little two car garage for a weekender :D

I've participated in several AutoX and tracks events with SCR-SCCA, Tarheel Sportscar Club/Triangle Z Club, NASA, BMWCCA, and Asphalt Ventures. I did pretty well in 2006 with SCR-SCCA and took the Street Modified title in my 325is (no it did not have a M3 motor, turbos, or a V12).

Currently in the garage and driveway:

• 1988 Volvo 780
• 1993 BMW 318is: Gas Sipper
• 1993 BMW 325is => 350is: Track Rat
• 1994 BMW 530i
• 1997 BMW 740i
• 1998 Honda VFR800FI
• 2000 Dodge Dakota: V8

Everything is driveway is manual transmission (except the Volvo and the 740i . . . but you will see that change here in the blogs in the coming months) and ready to make a road trip (except the 325is/350is - more on that later :D)

Enough of the intro and welcome . . . Look forward to updates and snips about the on-going projects of Strike Zero's Garage!!

Howdy!!

-=PJ