11/19/98

SMOG-So far, Molalla does NOT need smog certification!! Hooray!!

COOLING-The weather is cool, so the car is, too. I'm running on three rear fans plus two front. I DO have the replacement (plus a spare) from PermaCool. Just haven't had the pressing need for the extra cooling. I have 3 sensors, but I've had NO time to put them in. I'll need a permanent mount to insure no overheating again, AND redundant sensors for safety.

HEADS-Saw a mind-stopping article in Fast Fords and Mustangs which showed Trick Flow heads on a 426 Windsor making 483 HP. With Vortech blower=777 HP!! HUGE!! I've talked with Coast High Performance who did the engine in question. Looks like about $2500 in parts. I've been advised by Crane Cams against a 244 cam, more like 220-228. I've consulted Extreme Performance in Canoga Park , and they concur.

BLOWER-Had a Mustang guy wanting to dump a Vortech for $1800, who then decided to keep it. I will be calling Vortech directly and taking the car to their HQ in Moorpark for a look-see.

PAINT-Going to do the FC first, supposedly THIS weekend, THEN the SC. I figure the FC is WAY further away from functional, whereas the SC is reasonably cool when clean. Along with paint I will change the upholstery as needed.

HIFI-The hifi got killed when the rear battery shorted out and pumped 24 volts through the system. I took out the burned EQ, had it fixed, then it smoked again on hookup. I'll send it to the manufacturer this time. I STILL need a circuit breaker for the rear battery. I have another 4-channel amp to replace the two that burned out. I have yet to install that, either. Rob Anderson has been too busy looking for employment to put any time into it. There is also an intermittent tweeter on the right rear, possibly a loose connection on the crossover.

ALTERNATOR-It STILL works!! After 7 in a row, the 200-volt diodes made the difference. Here's hoping it continues to function. If not, the next stop will be a Powerline or 24-diode unit from Texas .

MISC-The mileage seems to have dropped about 2 MPG. No explanation. The carb DOES flood out easily, and there is a gas deposit on the manifold, despite tightening everything. I'm researching injection, but for now the money requires keeping it basic.