IT"S ALIVE!!!!!!

[dbrick]

I turned the key and there was a terrible thunderous noise from under the car, with smoke and vibration everywhere. Apparantly, the motor started, and I need to get a muffler on this before going any further. Open header in a concrete one car garage is a bit much.

I'm amazed, about 4 15 second cranks with the ignition off and plugs out, and there was oil pumping everywhere, plugs in, ignition on, turn on the fuel pump to fill the carbs, cranked about 2 seconds and fired up instantly. Can't tell if there is a death rattle until I get a muffler, but it's alive.

Now I just need a trans mount and brakes......

[S Allen]

Good feeling isn't it? How long have you been working on your project? Just curious.

Steve

[dbrick]

Dragged it home last week of July 2004, figured if I didn't change it back from the 4 speed that was in it to a 5 speed I never would once it was running, so out came the engine and trans a week later and trans swapped, engine painted engine compartment cleaned, and back in the same day (Had help pulling it out, then the rest by myself). Progress has been slower since that very productive day. Just keep chasing little demons and alot of "While I'm here might as well..." VERY happy I went through it first, or would have been a disaster as all these things I fixed would have been breakdowns on the road. Hours and hours of little things, but will be well worth it in the end.

It's idling now,around 1400 rpm, 20 inches of vacuum, nice steady needle, sounds good for un synched carbs with ballpark mixture setting. Hooked up the exhaust, just a header and the mehaphone resonator, no muffler, sounds really good, might just stay that way.

Massive oil leak from the valve cover, but I think I just didn't tighten it enough, those big bolts look like they will crush it if overtightened. Adjusted the valves, have to get the temp gauge working, have the electric fan, so it warms up really fast, want to make sure the thermo fan switch works.

Picked up the Energy suspension transmission mount for a Chevy V8, it's within 1/16" exactly the same as factory Datsun. Will cut and reweld the crossmember down to 5 speed height and put it in. Just have to verify the height, Bill Cole said it was .875, so about 1 inch lower than 4 speed.
Might just make a new crossmember from scratch.

Then brakes, bearings and tires.
Only big worry is the rear axle seems to have alot of backlash at the pinion, but will drive it and see.

And , of course, another Roadster may be dragged home next week as a parts mule/make some $$$$ project.

Large write-up on modifications when car is done and I know they work.

MUST have running and ready for vacation at the Jersey Shore, July 4th week, no excuses.