Terry in Las Vegas Build - 15,000 miles, standard ratio R-P installed.

[Big Blocker]

And here I thought you had a spider problem . . .

The Miller thing, no pictures, it didn't happen.

Doc

[KDubU]

Thanks, guys. Yes. It is going to be Toyota Barcelona red with charcoal stripes. When I was visiting Miller, he had one in his shop from a guy in San Diego. Hope he doesn't mind that stole his scheme :p

Assuming with black rollbars, pipes, wheels, etc? That will look sharp.

[edwardb]

I worked on a few odds and ends again. First, I got my louvers all ready for mounting. I've read silicone, RTV, JB Weld, and HSRF as being used to adhere to the inside of the body? Is there a favorite method?
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200503_090625788.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200503_090625788.jpg.html)

I don't know about favorite. Most of us, me included, will cite what we've used. Since you've gone the direction of the adhesive-mount studs, which I also prefer, that rules out some of the approaches with Velco, etc. Given the relatively light weight, you might get away with RTV or JB Weld. Don't know though, haven't tried them. I've always used HSRF for this, along with anything else I need bonded to the vinylester body. Has never let me down. Not cheap though if you're only buying some for this one thing.

[TMartinLVNV]

And here I thought you had a spider problem . . .

The Miller thing, no pictures, it didn't happen.

Doc

I am patiently waiting for updates from Miller. I talked to him a week ago and he said another few weeks. The Covid mess has disrupted everyone's schedule. Miller has been great every step of the way. I'm actually very surprised that he is still somewhat on schedule as I figured that he would have a more difficult time getting supplies.

[TMartinLVNV]

Assuming with black rollbars, pipes, wheels, etc? That will look sharp.

Black pipes, roll bars, and quickjacks. I'm leaving the wheels the factory charcoal color. When I burn up the tires, I may consider powdercoating the wheels black, but will re-***** then. For now, I'm leaving the trim (headlight/turnsignal rings, windshield frame) chrome.

Thanks.

[TMartinLVNV]

I don't know about favorite. Most of us, me included, will cite what we've used. Since you've gone the direction of the adhesive-mount studs, which I also prefer, that rules out some of the approaches with Velco, etc. Given the relatively light weight, you might get away with RTV or JB Weld. Don't know though, haven't tried them. I've always used HSRF for this, along with anything else I need bonded to the vinylester body. Has never let me down. Not cheap though if you're only buying some for this one thing.

Thanks Paul. I don't want to mess with this again or worry about it falling off. I see on Amazon it is $46.50 for a pint. I think I'll go this route.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I'm very surprised that you didn't fit the louvers and adhere the mounting studs prior to paint. Tha't'll be kind of a PIA once the body is on...

Jeff

[TMartinLVNV]

I'm very surprised that you didn't fit the louvers and adhere the mounting studs prior to paint. Tha't'll be kind of a PIA once the body is on...

Jeff

Oh. I didn't know to. Wonder if I can bring them when I go back to Miller to put the body back on. I've already ordered the the HSRF. I'll ask next time I talk to him.

[TMartinLVNV]

Jeff Miller is once again showing the mastery of his craft. Painting is in progress!
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/123_1.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/123_1.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/123_1_01.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/123_1_01.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/123_1_02.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/123_1_02.jpg.html)
Won't be long now!

[KDubU]

Very nice!

[TMartinLVNV]

Jeff Miller is the man! Once again he does an incredible job. He may have crazy eyes, but he can paint.
Toyota Barcelona Red and Magnetic Gray
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200523_153314362_HDR.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200523_153314362_HDR.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200523_153321348_HDR.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200523_153321348_HDR.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200523_153328413_HDR.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200523_153328413_HDR.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200523_153334345_HDR.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200523_153334345_HDR.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200523_153340754_HDR.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200523_153340754_HDR.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200523_153356147_HDR.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200523_153356147_HDR.jpg.html)

I was a big dummy and forgot to bring the door and trunk latches. I'll be putting those on by myself with a few tips from Jeff. I already have the lights back on. Next is the roll bar, brake duct screens, windshield, side vents, and emblems.

Now if I can just get my neighbors to stop touching it when they come over...

[Papa]

Looks great, Terry!

Dave

[bobm488]

Very very nice!

[Pat427]

Terry, the paint looks awesome! Congrats!

[Jeff Kleiner]

One of these days Miller will find his true talent. Until then just talk nice to him and encourage him to keep trying new things.

:p

Jeff

[Big Blocker]

Terry,

Looks beautiful, my friend. Can't wait to see it parked next to mine at C & C on Saturdays . . .

I see you forgot to take the side louvers to Miller. Not a total screw-up but it will be harder to mount them with the body on. I'm re-installing my right side as we speak, had to remove it to do some mods under the right fender. Mine have been held on for 17 years now with silicone with no issues and they are easily cut off if you need to for whatever. Yes, taking out the elephant ear will give you room to maneuver.

Doc

Jeff; Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha . . . . you and Miller crack me up. Stay well, 'Ol friend.

[TMartinLVNV]

Terry,

Looks beautiful, my friend. Can't wait to see it parked next to mine at C & C on Saturdays . . .

I see you forgot to take the side louvers to Miller. Not a total screw-up but it will be harder to mount them with the body on. I'm re-installing my right side as we speak, had to remove it to do some mods under the right fender. Mine have been held on for 17 years now with silicone with no issues and they are easily cut off if you need to for whatever. Yes, taking out the elephant ear will give you room to maneuver.

Doc

Jeff; Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha . . . . you and Miller crack me up. Stay well, 'Ol friend.

DMV will be holding me up. It looks like they are opening at the beginning of the month and then it will be a zoo for a while with them trying to get caught up. Hopefully I can get an appointment with them sooner rather than later. I don't know if I can even get a 10 day moving permit without showing up in person. I need to look into that.

Jeff does not install the side vents. He gave me instructions on how to do it with silicone. I bought the HSRF to do it that way, but now I'm thinking about just going with the silicone. I have the car as high as possible on jack stands and I don't think it will be that big of a deal to access from underneath.

[cv2065]

Looks fantastic. Making me re-think my stripe color....:)

[Mark Eaton]

Terry, It looks awesome, I have been thinking of a similar color scheme with that magnetic Gray

Mark

[KDubU]

She’s a beauty! Can’t wait to see her all out together.

[RJD]

Beautiful!

[TMartinLVNV]

Thanks guys for the encouraging comments!

I forgot to include a pic of my requested "freak sized person" mod that was suggested to me by SJDave almost a year ago. I asked Miller to cut out part of the top edge of the door. He did a beautiful job.

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200522_083438693_1.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200522_083438693_1.jpg.html)

[ydousurf]

Sweet looking ride, Terry! Enjoy those final steps across the **********!

Dj

[Caddy Dad]

That's a great idea. Something I may need to consider.

Thx!

[Canyonblue]

Looks great Terry. You're on the home stretch now.

[TMartinLVNV]

I took a few days off of work and was able to nearly finish the Roadster. Of course I still have a few things to do. I need to align the headlights, adjust the right side pipe (hangs a little low in the back), a few other little things. NV DMV still has not announced an opening date, so it is going to be a while before Svetlana is legal.

It is 105 today and 30 mph winds. When things are better outside, I will take some more pics and do a walk around video. Hopefully, I can get some without neighborhood trash cans in the background.
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03831.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/DSC03831.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/2.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/2.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/3.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/3.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/1.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/1.jpg.html)

[Pat427]

Looks awesome!

[KDubU]

Very nice! Congrats on getting her all wrapped up, she does look amazing.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Very nice Terry :)

Jeff

[GUARDDOGG]

Looks beautiful!

[TMartinLVNV]

It's time to put the Roadster to bed for a while. I'm going "on call" for work for two weeks then to TX for a week. When I get back, hopefully DMV will be up and running again. So, with 57 miles on the odometer, I should wait a bit more before being legal.
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200530_201300880.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200530_201300880.jpg.html)

[TMartinLVNV]

I've started to assemble my trunk tool kit. I always do this for each car. For the Roadster, I have an air pump, tire Slime, a tire patch kit (just to get me home), tire iron, and a scissor jack that will fit under the frame tube that is 4" off of the ground.

On order is a tarp for laying down on. I'm working on assembling a tool kit. I usually get a DeWalt kit on Amazon. They are decent tools and are priced right. Then I suppliment it with a few crescent wrenches, multi bit screw driver, some wire tools, electrical tape, etc.
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200604_175500575.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200604_175500575.jpg.html)

[Railroad]

zip ties and vice grip pliers

[TMartinLVNV]

zip ties and vice grip pliers

Both good ideas, thanks. Safety wire comes in handy on the road too.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Make a copy of your wiring schematic and tuck in there.

Jeff

[Papa]

Be sure you have some kind of roadside assistance and/or towing coverage either with someone like AAA or through your insurance company. Be 100% certain that they will provide flatbed towing!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=129528&d=1591375747

[Robert 2006]

Terry,
I guess your my twin, it was my car that you saw at Jeff.

[TMartinLVNV]

Terry,
I guess your my twin, it was my car that you saw at Jeff.

Hey Robert. I hope you don't mind me stealing your paint color scheme. I like what you chose so much that I used it myself. You will always be the first born twin. We can tell the two apart because you have a dual roll bars. Are you going to Huntington Beach in Sept?

[TMartinLVNV]

Make a copy of your wiring schematic and tuck in there.

Jeff

Really good idea too. I did not consider this.

[TMartinLVNV]

Be sure you have some kind of roadside assistance and/or towing coverage either with someone like AAA or through your insurance company. Be 100% certain that they will provide flatbed towing!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=129528&d=1591375747

Dave, I went with the same insurance as you. American National. Do you have AAA in addition to AN?

[bobm488]

Terry,
I guess your my twin, it was my car that you saw at Jeff.

I dropped my car off at Miller's when your car was being wet sanded. Here’s a picture of your car.
129580

[Papa]

Dave, I went with the same insurance as you. American National. Do you have AAA in addition to AN?

No -- ANPAC covers towing, so that's what I have. They even have a feature that uses your phone's location (GPS) to direct the tow truck to you.

[TMartinLVNV]

Walkaround video
https://youtu.be/SCZzBqnQjX0

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03842.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/DSC03842.jpg.html)

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03848.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/DSC03848.jpg.html)

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03843.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/DSC03843.jpg.html)

[Papa]

That's an outstanding build, Terry. Beautiful work.

[TMartinLVNV]

That's an outstanding build, Terry. Beautiful work.

Thanks Dave, that means a lot. I used quite a few tips from your build that helped me complete mine.

[TMartinLVNV]

The right side pipe stuck out a little bit at the back and hung a little low. The left side pipe was perfect from the beginning. So this morning, I wanted to fine tune the right pipe. I loosened up the ball and socket joint on the headers and removed the hanger bracket. I readjusted everything and moved the hanger up and in a smidge. Now it is just in the right spot.

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200613_100750293.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200613_100750293.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200613_100802226.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200613_100802226.jpg.html)

However, now the inside of the 90 degree bend is actually touching the body! :mad: It was really close before. I really wish that the exhaust cutout in the body was shifted back 1/2" (on both sides). That way the open gap would be symmetrical instead of having too much on the front and not enough on the back.

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200613_100824588.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200613_100824588.jpg.html)
https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200613_100830455.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200613_100830455.jpg.html)

I don't see a way around removing the pipe again and sanding more of the body on the rear edge of the exhaust cutout on a brand new paint job :mad: I'm walking away from the Roadster for the day before I look at this again.

Loving my feet in the reflection :D

[Papa]

I'm curious if anyone has come across any nice stainless steel trim for those openings? I know they are all different from car to car, but perhaps a slightly larger opening with a good template for trimming the body would allow for use of something like that.

[KDubU]

Did you use any wedges on your pipes?

[TMartinLVNV]

I'm curious if anyone has come across any nice stainless steel trim for those openings? I know they are all different from car to car, but perhaps a slightly larger opening with a good template for trimming the body would allow for use of something like that.

Here you go Dave! Go crazy with this stuff. The more the better! :p

https://www.amazon.com/Cowles-T5605-18ft-Chrome-Edge/dp/B001EA0LI6/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=door+edge+trim+chrome&qid=1592084164&sr=8-3

You will have plenty left over to do the entire underside edge of the car, wheel well openings, trunk lid, hood, and maybe more...Oh wait, these are not those types of cars :o

All in jest of course...

[TMartinLVNV]

Did you use any wedges on your pipes?

No. I have the adjustable headers.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The adjustable headers still aren't a cure all. Swing it forward on the ball & socket to bring it closer to the front of the cutout and then use a wedge to kick the rear of the pipe back towards the body. Oddly enough it's usually the driver's side that is most problematic.

Jeff

[TMartinLVNV]

The adjustable headers still aren't a cure all. Swing it forward on the ball & socket to bring it closer to the front of the cutout and then use a wedge to kick the rear of the pipe back towards the body. Oddly enough it's usually the driver's side that is most problematic.

Jeff
I didn't think of that. I would rather use a wedge than grind in the body at this stage. Do you recommend the thinnest one?

Looking at the Breeze website, they also have a spacer that is not a wedge.

***Update***
I was looking at what Breeze had to offer for the wedges and or a spacer. I started messing around with the pipe and was trying to decide how to figure out what would work best for this problem. Then I got some 1/4" worth of washers to simulate a spacer, put them between the header flange and exhaust pipes. Presto! It worked. Gave me a nice bit of room between the body and inside pipe. So i ordered the 1/4" spacer and an extra collector gasket from Breeze. I will have to move out the hanger bracket as well.

Thanks Jeff for the suggestion.

[Papa]

Here you go Dave! Go crazy with this stuff. The more the better! :p

https://www.amazon.com/Cowles-T5605-18ft-Chrome-Edge/dp/B001EA0LI6/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=door+edge+trim+chrome&qid=1592084164&sr=8-3

You will have plenty left over to do the entire underside edge of the car, wheel well openings, trunk lid, hood, and maybe more...Oh wait, these are not those types of cars :o

All in jest of course...

Ha! I was thinking more along these lines:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=129926&d=1592087796

But, if the plastic chrome edge trim is your thing … :rolleyes:

[GTBradley]

Wow! Beautifully done, love the color combo!

[TMartinLVNV]

Last Mon, NV DMV opened up for 30 days of walk-ins only. No appointments allowed. I waited until the second week to let the first surge of people through the doors. Today, I went down there and guess what?!? Now they are taking appointments only and no walk-ins at all. Even better, the first appointment I could get is July 10th. And, I can't get my movement permit.

So, I can't get the movement permit to drive to a shop to get my car inspected and the DMV paperwork filled out or to drive to the DMV for the VIN inspection. Great. To do this "by the book", I have to arrive on July 10th, pay $2 (yes two) to get a movement permit, make another appointment to get it registered, and in between those two dates, get the inspection done. What a wonderful system we have here. I can't get a movement permit online or at one of their kiosks because it has never been registered before.

Me thinks that this process is not going to be done "by the book".......:mad:

Where is my cat? I need to go kick something :p

[David Ferguson]

Have you considered borrowing or renting a trailer to transport your car?

[Mark Eaton]

Terry, I put mine on a trailer and hauled it out there. Also, I did everything online possible, made it much more efficient.

[TMartinLVNV]

Terry, I put mine on a trailer and hauled it out there. Also, I did everything online possible, made it much more efficient.

In NV, I can't do anything online with the Roadster. Since it has never been registered before, they want it inspected for road worthiness, lights, wipers, etc at a body shop or garage, then they want to do the VIN inspection at their place. Legally, I can't move it without their $2 moving permit. Somehow, It now has 83 miles on it. Weird, I know :rolleyes:

What ticks me off is that the DMV changed what they said they were going to do one week into their reopening and the first appointment being almost a month away is unacceptable. I can get a trailer and truck. It is just a pain in the ***. I have buddies that will loan me theirs, but are on the opposite side of town or I can do the uHaul thing. All of this can be avoided if they would give me a movement permit for $2 today that is good for 30 days.

I'm going to roll the dice and drive to a shop that is pretty close to me to do the initial inspection before getting the moving permit. That way I won't have to make a second appointment and wait even longer. I might do the trailer thing for the trip to DMV since it is about 10 miles from my house through urban area.

[TMartinLVNV]

I have my right side pipes adjusted and a smidge away from the body. Kleiner suggested getting a shim to angle the exhaust out. I did just that, I got a spacer from Breeze and it pushed the pipe out just enough so that the inside curb doesn't rub on the body anymore. It is still tight, but I think it will be ok.

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200623_193638763.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200623_193638763.jpg.html)

[TMartinLVNV]

I drove some back roads to the nearest auto shop that would do a DOT inspection. I passed with the help of Skidd's temporary clamp on windshield wipers. Thanks Shane for letting others use your kit.

The only part that the inspector questioned was the lack of back up lights. I had to pull up the Nevada DMV website page detailing the definition of "tail lamps" which does not include back up lights.

Now, back to waiting. My July 10th appointment at the DMV can't come soon enough.

[Pat427]

Terry, well done!

I checked the Texas checklist and they don't require back-up lamps, so I think I too dodged that bullet.

[TMartinLVNV]

My appointment with the DMV was today. I had to make an appointment for the closest DMV which is not the one that can grant the exemption from emissions. So, at the first DMV, got my movement permit. Went to the second DMV to get my emissions exemption. Then, returned to the first DMV. I had to pay sales tax on the F5 invoice which I expected. It was 109 today, so not the best for driving around. But, I got it done! I'm legal.

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200710_193142406.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200710_193142406.jpg.html)

I decided to take her out for a spin after the sun went behind the mountains.

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200710_200442314_HDR.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200710_200442314_HDR.jpg.html)

I still have a few things to address, but this milestone is done!

[KDubU]

Congrats Terry! Now you have to wait until the heat wave is over for an enjoyable drive. Great, great choice on the colour combo, she looks awesome.

[JB in NOVA]

Your roadster looks amazing! Congratulations.

[Papa]

Congrats, Terry! Was that picture taken by Cammelback? I used to travel to Scottsdale quite a bit for work.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Congratulations on the major milestone Terry!

Jeff

[TMartinLVNV]

Thanks guys, it really means a lot. I'm already at over 300 miles :cool:

In early Oct, I already have plans on a three day two night trip through southern UT. There may be a few picture opportunities on that route :rolleyes:

[TMartinLVNV]

Congrats, Terry! Was that picture taken by Cammelback? I used to travel to Scottsdale quite a bit for work.

Dave, this was on the "Red Rock Loop" which is just west of Las Vegas.

[GTBradley]

Those latest pictures made me think it was a totally different Cobra, even better in that setting.

[acmikee]

i just spent the weekend in vegas over by red rock casino....im in st george

[TMartinLVNV]

i just spent the weekend in vegas over by red rock casino....im in st george

In the first week of Oct, a few of us are planning on a three day two night through the Grand Escalante area of Utah. PM me if you are interested in joining us.

[TMartinLVNV]

I started to do a 300 miles undercarriage inspection and I'm sure glad that I did. Looks like my power steering rack is leaking on the right side. I have an email into F5 to see if they will replace. If not, do you have any suggestions for a replacement? I remember reading some bad things about Cardone. Rock Auto lists BBB/Vision-OE and AAE as options.

Or, should I just get a seal kit? While I'm in there, I will put in some of the limiters. My tires touch the F panels at full turn.

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200713_101610935.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200713_101610935.jpg.html)

https://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200714_004828147%201.jpg (https://s413.photobucket.com/user/tmartinlvnv/media/IMG_20200714_004828147%201.jpg.html)

[Papa]

Terry,

What are you running for your PS pump? You may be outputting too much pressure to the rack.

Dave

[TMartinLVNV]

Terry,

What are you running for your PS pump? You may be outputting too much pressure to the rack.

Dave

Dave, it is the KRC setup that Forte included with the motor. I don't know anymore about it than that.

[Papa]

Dave, it is the KRC setup that Forte included with the motor. I don't know anymore about it than that.

Maybe something to check with Mike on. Here is some info I found that you might want to read up on.

https://www.krcpower.com/ecommerce/more-assist-aluminum-flow-valve-kit-b-c-d-e.asp

[Pat427]

Terry,

I had to put a pressure down regulator on my power steering pump because I was told the pump was too powerful for the powersteering rack. Maybe this too is happening with yours?

[TMartinLVNV]

Maybe something to check with Mike on. Here is some info I found that you might want to read up on.

https://www.krcpower.com/ecommerce/more-assist-aluminum-flow-valve-kit-b-c-d-e.asp

Really interesting reading here. Thanks. I found a tag that was attached to the pump when Forte shipped the motor. It lists the 2.41 gallon per minute flow which is the second lowest option that results in a lower amount of assist. My pressure valve is the 1600 psi which sounds like it should be the one I'm using from my reading on that page. With all of this said, I don't know how either of these would cause the seal to leak around the right side arm. I can't imagine that there is a lot of pressure in that area but I don't know exactly how it works.

F5 responded. They are sending me a new rack. I've heard from others that it is pretty common for them to leak and need to be warrantied.

[TMartinLVNV]

Terry,

I had to put a pressure down regulator on my power steering pump because I was told the pump was too powerful for the powersteering rack. Maybe this too is happening with yours?

Your setup is very different from mine. I don't know how they really compare to each other. Skidd would know way more about this than me.

[TMartinLVNV]

Steering rack is back out. It sure was easier when the body was off. But this actually was not too bad. I'm thinking there will be some bad words said when I'm lining up everything for the install though. Now it is waiting time for FedEx and the new rack.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200716_111311527.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/04950078-221e-426a-9ff7-c8132532757c)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200716_111055130.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/fd9a814d-a3ec-4460-a521-fbbe2331cdb5)

[GTBradley]

Terry, I wrote the over boost issue up on my build thread, see the last page, and I got the rack from FFR also. Though my pump is for the Coyote. I don’t know why they deliver it with so much boost but the flow control valve I used was the lowest boost.

[TMartinLVNV]

Terry, I wrote the over boost issue up on my build thread, see the last page, and I got the rack from FFR also. Though my pump is for the Coyote. I don’t know why they deliver it with so much boost but the flow control valve I used was the lowest boost.

Did you recently buy stock in KRC or something? Now my wallet is $40 light too! :D It is a ridiculous amount of assist. I can turn the wheel with one pinky finger with ease.

Based on what you and Dave are telling me, I'll swap this out too. On my setup, access to the valve is super easy. I also got a FedEx shipping notification from F5 and the rack will be here on Wed. Dan Golub was very quick to answer all of my questions and get a new one out.

[GTBradley]

Oh, good point, I should hit them up for some kickbacks!

Yeah, at that level of boost the car is telepathic. Factory Five is fantastic! I was unhappy with them over windscreen cracks, but have since learned to get over it. They really care about their customers.

[bobm488]

This subject of over active steering is perfectly timed. It’s almost scary how sensitive the steering is, maybe you get used to it?? Ordered the part today.
Thanks guys

[TMartinLVNV]

I'm loving the Quickjack 5000. So much better than jack and jack stands. It gets the car higher off of the ground too.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/.highres/IMG_20200711_164109308.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/2d855e9c-90d9-4b0c-89ee-cc8eaeee5f85)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/pp213/tmartinlvnv/.highres/IMG_20200711_164123106.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/a43b183d-d20a-4775-9d48-04822f947a04)

[TMartinLVNV]

This subject of over active steering is perfectly timed. It’s almost scary how sensitive the steering is, maybe you get used to it?? Ordered the part today.
Thanks guys

Bradley is now on the Christmas bonus list with KRC :rolleyes:

[TMartinLVNV]

Since I'm in a holding pattern, I did a few things. First, I filed down the "horns" on the brackets where the steering rack attaches to the frame. The bellows contacted the horns when the car was in the air and the suspension drooped and would drag. When the car is on the ground, it was probably less so, but I ground it down, filed off the burs, and painted over.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200717_123730026_LI.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/be6bc022-b0d3-4439-bd99-2d7517fb2984)

I'm going to try my hand at my least favorite thing, painting. I will paint the inlet areas on the spinners the same color as the car. I've masked off the rest. Miller recommend two coats etching primer first, before paint. I'm waiting for it to arrive from Amazon.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200717_123700038.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/24bb7210-ea31-41e4-aad5-f7a6f6fb27e6)

[GTBradley]

Bradley is now on the Christmas bonus list with KRC :rolleyes:
Hooray! Well, wait a second, I’ll need to forward that bonus on to Edwardb, that’s where I found out how to do it.

[TMartinLVNV]

FedEx dropped off the replacement power steering rack on Wed. I got it all in today and hooked up. Getting it all lined up and the two main bolts in was not fun, even with the Breeze bushings. I bet without them it is much harder. Thanks to Dan at F5 who got it shipped out right away.

New rack, tie rods back on and the Breeze bushings installed.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03871.JPG?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/6b53a9f3-f34e-4f65-ad83-575219d2fe3c)

Breeze fittings swapped over. Checked the "O" rings and they still look good.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03872.JPG?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/6c693ca1-53bd-468c-b862-6ed0cf17e35c)

steering limit spacer installed under the dust boot. My tires were rubbing at full turn.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03864.JPG?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/070b7404-1ffd-4d22-a581-04aa85042a13)

Sliding it in through the drivers side.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03873.JPG?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/f05b8aab-082a-4219-9206-b28172315ddc)

Bolted in after a few bads words were uttered.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03875.JPG?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/0cd3ed05-83db-45b3-b3df-f244699a9fce)

Hopefully, this one does not leak. I set the toe using a tape measure. My KRC pressure reducer is still on the way.

[TMartinLVNV]

I tried my hand at applying some paint protection film in the easier areas. I purchased the 3M stuff in a 6" by 84" roll for $24 and an application kit for $10. I watched a few YouTube videos and away I went.

The first step for the spats was to place the film on the area to be covered and figure out the correct length. Then cut off the desired amount. The angle cut makes for a nice line across the top.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200723_164759257.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/c3efb3b7-2e78-4d94-95ad-206dce311081)

The next series of steps is a compilation of what I saw on the videos. Clay bar the area, clean, apply a 50/50 mix of distilled water and iso alcohol, clean the area, the spray the area liberally with a distilled water and Dawn soap mixture.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200723_164907725.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/fbc48e8b-6bb1-4c34-80d5-651e0ddcb031)

Peel off the backing material and apply to the area. If it sticks, apply some more soapy water until you can easily move it around. Get into the perfect position, apply some soapy water on top of the film and squeegee the soapy water out towards the edges. I decided to wrap it around the lip of the wheel well. The first time I did this, I cut it too close to be able to grab ahold of it with my fingers to stretch it. This is the second time and I left an inch of excess material. After stretching it around and removing the soapy water from under the lip, I used an exacto knife to do the final cut.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200723_170335607.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/fe2cb641-366e-42af-9710-df0a2244d8ff)

[TMartinLVNV]

Now it is time for the tops of the doors where your arm rests. This was much easier. I divided the remainder of what I had left in half. Then I used my custom radius tool to cut a nice curved edge at the 4 corners. No, I won't loan this custom high end tool out. You can get your own spray paint cap :p

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200723_174156852.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/8d41e107-ab4a-4eed-9906-8d36dce9d7bd)

Same process as the previous post.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200723_173603429.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/9b8f294c-1c19-4255-af2f-5b99d3d57e0b)

Final product. It is not perfect, but decent enough. If I did it again, I'm sure it would be much better. I may even do that. The 84" roll was just enough to do the tops of the doors, one fender spat screw up, and two more fender spats. I already have another roll on the way. I'm going to do the area behind the rear wheels. The front is a nightmare. I'm not even thinking about that right now. These pictures are with my real camera. It sure does pick up the color of the car a lot better than my phone. I also did the door edges.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03880.JPG?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/3797a4bf-3992-4b73-9376-1bb7f1d30faf)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03882.JPG?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/1db63221-2474-4ab9-bd97-e6528830fd8a)

[bobm488]

Nice job Terry

[TMartinLVNV]

I did my first mini road trip today. It was over 100 and a little bit windy, but not too bad. I went up to Mt Charleston and back in a round about way. 190 miles averaging 17.5 mpg. I'm now at 640 miles and no issues right now.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200725_131425985.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/bcb47566-dabf-4627-891b-2842c123deef)

[TMartinLVNV]

I applied a little bling to the spinners for the wheels. I've always felt that the voids needed something. I tried painting them with some Duplicolor spray paint to match the car. Primed, color, then clear coated. I think that I like it. The price was right too, just took time.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200725_184302851.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/510cbf54-08db-4712-aab9-b4618b0d81f3)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200725_184255423.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/f4030766-7426-4477-b8d5-252089433035)

[TMartinLVNV]

I swapped out the power steering flow control valve per Dave's/Bradley's/Sir Edward's recommendation.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200730_180434084.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/3853e8b2-1398-45ef-b9ce-8bdf238fda0b)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200730_180958788.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/d3ef85cf-c1b0-4fc0-bb9b-9d9b139289a8)

There was minimal fluid loss as it is at the top of the reservoir. It does give a bit less assist and more feel through the steering. I would actually like even less, but is the least amount of assist flow control valve that they offer. It is still easy to turn the wheels at a stop. But now, instead of just using a pinky finger, you need three fingers on the wheel. Thanks Bradley and Ed, good suggestion.

I got some more 3M paint protection film in too. I want to cover the rear quarter panels at the bottom from stuff the tires kick up. However, it is almost 7 at night and still 104 outside. But it is a dry heat :rolleyes:

[TMartinLVNV]

Also, I went to an appraiser to get my car......appraised. I have $65K in the car and that is all that I'm interested in covering with my car insurance. I showed up at his shop (Italian exotics repair shop, lots of eye candy) and he looked at my car for about 5 seconds and said "ok, no problem". He said that is the easiest appraisal he has done in a long time. He told me a few stories about people showing up with either poor workmanship or a unrealistic value for their build. He said that he has to be accurate in his valuation or insurance companies would not continue to use him and that it can get ugly sometimes with the car builder who is very proud of their work. I was surprised that he did not want to see any of my paperwork or receipts.

American National Insurance covers up to a valuation of $25K no questions asked. They require an appraisal for anything more than that. The bump up from $25K to 65K raised my premium only $70 per 6 months.

Terry

[TMartinLVNV]

I brought my car down to an alignment shop today. All in all, my home garage alignment was not terrible. Everything is in spec now. I cut one shoulder off of the rear adjustment collar on each side back when I assembled the front suspension. Some have had issues getting enough caster with just one shoulder cut off. The alignment guy did 7.21 degrees on the passenger side and 6.84 on the driver side (less for the crown of the road, he told me) without issue.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200806_093338222_HDR.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/8914dd29-86d3-40c3-9075-5a369dae513b)

[TMartinLVNV]

I pulled into my garage after a late afternoon drive and noticed that I am at 996 miles. VegasJack and I also did a morning run up to Mt Charleston to enjoy the good weather up there. The car is running great!

Where I am at now.
-The alignment seems to be perfect.
-My leaking left front caliper at the fitting has been leak free for about 400 miles since I removed the fitting, cleaned up all the threads, re sealed, and put back together.
-The coolant over flow tank seems to be at its happy spot. I bought the 52 oz one from Summit. It puked twice after hot drives and hasn't since.
-My replacement power steering rack is holding up fine. I'm loving the reduced power valve in the power steering pump that Paul/Bradley suggested. It gives me much more feel in the steering.
-The longest I've driven at above 100 degrees ambient temp is 1 3/4 hrs. It wasn't that bad. Mostly on the highway. I have a serious case of swamp butt and have to shift my weight around in the seat a little, but I could go longer.
-It is fun starting up the car for the first time and the water and oil temperatures are already registering on the gauges at about 105 :rolleyes:


Things still to address.
-When I installed the gas pedal and throttle cable linkage, I thought that I had it set at WOT when the pedal arm came into contact with the pedal box frame (with a cut piece of vacuum tube to act as a bumper). However, when the pedal is all the way forward, the Holley is only seeing 79% throttle. I need to verify that the throttle blades are all the way open when the pedal is all the way down and then figure it out from there. I'm hoping that maybe I just need to move the RT pedal back a smidge to allow the pedal to be depressed further. This will be next weekends task. If anyone has any suggestions, my ears are open.
-I have the tires set at 25 PSI. Does that seem about right?
-For my swamp butt, I'm thinking about a wooden beaded seat liner. Anything to get some airflow will help. With the Kirkey Vintage seats, this may be difficult to find something that fits well. I'm open to suggestions.
-This is kinda a weird one. In second gear, from about 15 to 20 mph (just putzing around the neighborhood) and at light throttle, I feel a rhythmic vibration from the driveline. Above 20, and it goes away. I don't notice it in any other gear. When driving normally or pulling away from a light, I never notice it. I set up the driveline angle at a hair over 2 degrees (very shallow "V" with the rear U joint).
-I still have some hot air coming in from under the dash. I thought that I had it all blocked off with the adhesive A/C foam strips. It seems to be coming right over or to the left of the fuse box.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20200807_090220.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/3cd139e9-1613-417a-aeeb-06a2b680fc77)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/background.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/b1ea2dad-621b-41eb-90e4-62a237b2a332)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200807_094213775.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/b9e40985-24b4-4eea-a22f-5b27c2551bad)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/(edited)_POM.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/909fd33d-cc12-42c0-8dcd-82e1d5a0faae)

[bobm488]

"I still have some hot air coming in from under the dash. I thought that I had it all blocked off with the adhesive A/C foam strips. It seems to be coming right over or to the left of the fuse box"
I had the same issue yesterday.

[TMartinLVNV]

I solved one of my problems. It turns out that my cruise control attachment screw was blocking the throttle linkage from fully opening. I removed the screw, and can get 99% TPS when operating the linkage by hand. I can get 93% from the pedal now.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200811_102405159circle.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/5e5b13b1-5c3e-483f-8f67-0c17558d7f28)

Now I need to find a new way to hook up the cruise control (which works really well BTW after getting the settings from Carl) and because I had to move the throttle cable adjustment around to get more travel from the pedal. Now, my throttle pedal sticks up too high. It should be below the brake pedal. It is now higher by about an inch. I'm waiting for everything to cool off before climbing into the driver's seat head first upside down in the footwell.

Holy cowdung Batman! Car has a little more giddieup now :cool:

[GTBradley]

What? Your car has cruise control? Cheater!

[TMartinLVNV]

What? Your car has cruise control? Cheater!

Don't hate!

[GTBradley]

Okay, but I’m gonna do jealous.

[Hoooper]

What? Your car has cruise control? Cheater!

Does the coyote harness not include cruise controls? With drive-by-wire throttles I have done cruise in the past with as little as 1 switch (on/off) and 1 3-way momentary (up/down) and it has been really easy to set up. DBW throttles have made cruise control so simple it would be pretty disappointing if the coyote setup omits that for some reason.

[TMartinLVNV]

Does the coyote harness not include cruise controls? With drive-by-wire throttles I have done cruise in the past with as little as 1 switch (on/off) and 1 3-way momentary (up/down) and it has been really easy to set up. DBW throttles have made cruise control so simple it would be pretty disappointing if the coyote setup omits that for some reason.

Hoooper, you will get a lot more response to this on the main Roadster forum rather than on a pushrod Ford motor build. There are also a ton of Coyote build threads you can look through as well.

[Hoooper]

I was just asking I guess for his reference, Im not using a coyote

[GTBradley]

Does the coyote harness not include cruise controls? With drive-by-wire throttles I have done cruise in the past with as little as 1 switch (on/off) and 1 3-way momentary (up/down) and it has been really easy to set up. DBW throttles have made cruise control so simple it would be pretty disappointing if the coyote setup omits that for some reason.
I’ll bet it does, I haven’t looked into it yet. An on-off would be fine.

[TMartinLVNV]

I went out for another 200 mile drive today. When I was transferring my photos from my camera to my computer, I noticed my photos from almost exactly 1 year ago since I save them all by date. Quite a change in the Roadster in that time :cool:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20190827_072603.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/5eceab95-1ba6-49e0-958e-a6e60c7bbd37)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/POM(1).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/64bc7bbf-46a3-4890-b14c-f478842bb44d)

[GTBradley]

I can't go, Terry!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=134233&d=1598310700

I don't have a rear view mirror like yours...

[GoDadGo]

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/POM(1).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/64bc7bbf-46a3-4890-b14c-f478842bb44d)

You Nailed The Color Combo!
This one needs to be submitted for the POM award because I'm sure you will win.

[TMartinLVNV]

I can't go, Terry!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=134233&d=1598310700

I don't have a rear view mirror like yours...

Oh crap! Have you considered adhering it to the windshield with gaffer's tape? Or better yet, just put on one of those cheap stick on plastic hooks. Try to find one in simulated chrome so that it won't look ugly :p

How long did the pass take to arrive? I haven't ordered one yet.

[TMartinLVNV]

You Nailed The Color Combo!
This one needs to be submitted for the POM award because I'm sure you will win.

Thanks GoDad! I copied Robert 2006's scheme. I knew that I wanted red with black or charcoal stripes. Miller sent me a pic of a car that he was working on (Robert's) and I said "just like that." "Do that to mine". I can't pick colors myself but when I see something I like, I'll gladly copy :cool:

I have already entered a photo earlier this month. There will be more for sure. I'm a bit of a shutterbug. Bradley, Doc, VegasJack, Howard, and a few others are going with me through southern Utah in Oct. We will be going through Brianhead ski resort, Cedar Breaks Natl Monument, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef Natl Parks. There might be a few photo opportunities :rolleyes:

[GTBradley]

Oh crap! Have you considered adhering it to the windshield with gaffer's tape? Or better yet, just put on one of those cheap stick on plastic hooks. Try to find one in simulated chrome so that it won't look ugly :p

How long did the pass take to arrive? I haven't ordered one yet.

LOL! Nah, that won't work, they say it won't be replaced if stolen. I better use super glue.

It took just short of two weeks.

[PeteMeindl]

That picture of your finished car in that scenery is awesome, Terry! Nice job!

[TMartinLVNV]

I think that I have my throttle pedal travel worked out for good. I am now able to get 96% at WOT. Before, if I had the RT pedal adjusted to where it was comfortable for me to drive at about an inch lower than the brake pedal, I was not able to get enough travel out of it and was limited to about 78%. I moved the pedal pedal back on the upper frame rail to get more travel and it was way too high. My foot kept hitting the throttle when I was going for the brake and it put my leg in an uncomfortable position. I walked away from the project for about a week and this is what I came up with.

I made a Z bend to move the pedal a little over to the left so that it would not hit the frame in the footbox as soon in the pedal travel.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200812_201930176.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/b8b9727b-cbb3-490e-9c0c-aab1b4cfbc75)

Next, I removed the spacer and shaved off part of the pedal arm so that I can have the pedal pad further back.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200831_101319319.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/08e0782b-e606-4e79-a5d1-4583c135235b)

The pedal pad is now about 1/2" below the brake pedal. I wish I could go back further, but I think this will do. I won't be able to drive it until later in the week. But now, at WOT, I get 96%. Woohoo! The problem with working in this area is that it is so uncomfortable. I can only work with my left arm, upside down, and with the door sill hitting me in the ribs. Not fun at all.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200831_103458106.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/b3fa7047-c44a-4913-bcdd-585c6007a17d)

Next step for me, if this works out, is to mess with cruise control attachment to the throttle body. I was never too happy with how I had it set up before with both the cruise control and the throttle attaching from the rear of the throttle body. What was happening was that the bead chain was sometimes drop down and interfere with the throttle linkage (not good at all). I bought some parts from Summit to try and run the cruise control cable around the front of the throttle body and have it pull on the lower part of the linkage from the front while the throttle cable pulls from the rear of the linkage from the top.

[TMartinLVNV]

I added a 3.5" fisheye mirror to the passenger side flat mirror. The non curved mirror from Speedway did not help much. This eliminates the blind spot and makes the mirror functional.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MAZPDI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200903_093359878(1).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/a09c0b55-c6da-4135-8422-10d1daf42668)

I received my measuring sheet and sample vinyl from Pigfarm for a tonneau cover.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200903_093231570_HDR(1).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/5f15d37e-c3f8-4970-a3a3-00a063055626)

[TMartinLVNV]

I reversed how my cruise control was hooked up. Before, I had both the accel cable and cruise control cable attaching to the throttle body linkage from the rear. The bead chain would sometime interfere with all of those moving parts. Not good.

So, I bought this arm bracket from Summit. Which necessitated longer throttle body attachment studs as well. But, it all worked out. I'm running the cruise control to the bottom of the linkage from the front rather than from the rear. Now, when the accel pedal is depressed, the bead chain slack has nothing to interfere with. Not as elegant looking as before, but works and is safer.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200903_093329582(1).jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/aeb71052-2c86-4218-b8b4-acebfa0a426b)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200903_093320915.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/bfc19337-f58d-4fe3-83f4-1b46d47a6611)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200903_093312930.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/a2bf915b-77c3-463e-9e9a-7ee4ec6fc9c1)

[TMartinLVNV]

This is how my pedal ended up after making more adjustments to get full throttle.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200903_093507625.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/65a8d9b6-f152-4c95-9737-ba907ab663da)

Here you can see how the Z bend moved the pedal over a smidge. I still wish that the accel was about 1" lower than the brake pedal. Right now it is about 1/2". I have to make sure that I hit the brake with the right side of my foot. I think that for my feet and this small footbox, this is the best that I can do. I'm certainly tired of working in this cramped area.

[GTBradley]

I feel for ya, during spirited driving you can catch the gas pedal with the brake pedal. Have you considered the AC pedals from Mike Forte’s?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=127290&d=1587946521

[TMartinLVNV]

I feel for ya, during spirited driving you can catch the gas pedal with the brake pedal. Have you considered the AC pedals from Mike Forte’s?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=127290&d=1587946521

I've made the pedals as small as possible. What would the advantage to the AC pedals be besides looking nicer?

[GTBradley]

Good point.:)

[TMartinLVNV]

VegasJack and I did a two day/one night run into Arizona. It ended up being 727 miles total. After leaving Las Vegas, we went through the following towns in AZ: Kingman, Peach Springs and Seligman along Route 66, Prescott (overnight), Sedona, Flagstaff, Kingman again, Oatman, the back home through Bullhead city. The weather cooperated with us for the entire trip. We had a brisk morning on the second day and it was a hot afternoon. But otherwise, quite nice. VegasJack's car has been on the road for many years and ran flawlessly. This was the first really long trip for my car. The only issue I had was that I started losing coolant. I thought that I had fixed it by adjusting some of my heater hoses where they connect to the T-stat housing/water pump. It ended up being the t-stat housing itself. I think that the gasket compressed a little was allowing some coolant to leak out. At a gas station stop, Jack was able to see it dripping from that area while I was revving it up. I put a 1/2" wrench on the two bolts and sure enough, they were loose. Problem solved for the rest of the trip. I had replaced the housing a while ago to get a 3rd port to run a heater hose since the two ports in the intake manifold were already being used by the dash gauge and Holley Sniper sensor.

Here are some observations from me:
-The size of the crowd asking questions about the cars is inversely proportional to the size of the town you are in. In other words, at smaller towns, a lot of people gather quickly.
-My car averaged 19 mpg. I was pretty excited about that. Especially since a lot of time was spent at 75 mph. Jack's car always used less gas than mine. 347 with Holley Sniper vs 302 89 Ford Mustang doner with EFI results in 11% worse fuel economy.
-The trifecta of questions seem to be 1. Is it real? 2. Is it a 427? 3. What year is it?. We both tried to be good brand ambassadors. I would estimate we were asked at least 15 times "are they real?".
-Cruise control is wonderful. My right foot really appreciates the ability to flex. My long legs are pretty cramped and puts my foot at an awkward angle for the gas pedal for long stretches.
-Heater is wonderful. I'm amazed at how well the heater is able to warm a person up with an open top car.
-Fuel injection is wonderful. From 1000 ft to over 7000 ft altitude, my car started and ran great with the Holley Sniper. On a 45 degree cold morning, my car started right up and purred along just fine without being cranky.
-Heated seats are wonderful. I started on "high" and switched to "low". Even then, I had to turn the seat heaters off to keep my backside from sweating. Of course, at the end of the day in Bullhead City, it was 95 degrees.
-With 445 ft lbs of torque, there is not a hill big enough to warrant having to drop a gear when traveling at highway speeds. This makes me happy.
-Earplugs, a 360 degree brim hat, a long sleeve shirt, and lots of sunscreen are good things.

[TMartinLVNV]

Along Route 66 in Seligman. I'm the tall one :p

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200911_120643994_HDR.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/a1e1e0ed-4e37-4932-8db7-d5bea4dc6eaa)

Prescott, AZ traffic jamb.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200911_151826252_HDR.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/3d480db1-edb9-46b5-bda7-d37994f2f414)

[TMartinLVNV]

Jerome, AZ

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03931.JPG?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/b95cb305-5c86-48d6-8131-67f4cd2de814)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03922.JPG?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/642408ca-7600-440f-b3be-b521e68a208e)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03920.JPG?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/f26bd7fb-c88a-4b3d-b3f8-40cae5352417)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200912_083308374_HDR.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/de3d52f5-1de9-437d-b51d-6511a279661d)

[TMartinLVNV]

Outside of Sedona, AZ

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200912_090616478_HDR.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/5ea3c7de-51b7-4c38-ac70-32cbaebd6eb1)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200912_080204246.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/7bc0f11b-5034-406e-bae3-662ff18ead3b)

[TMartinLVNV]

Oatman, AZ

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03948.JPG?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/71a1b285-9bab-4213-9ba5-fc9310923a4f)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03943.JPG?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/151cba6d-751a-43d1-a784-6ab7149aae81)

[TMartinLVNV]

Let the cleaning and inspection begin. I'm going to do the undercarriage and wheel wells first. Then engine bay followed by interior. Finally, going to use my waterless car wash for the first time and new microfiber towels to clean and finally wax the paint.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200913_155228619_HDR.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/25824521-2c88-4bd8-9faa-c9fb359c462d)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200913_155213915_HDR.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/3a2ec486-fcfa-4aa3-8218-f4e882571c74)

Wheels cleaned front and back.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200913_162858238.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/9bb6c787-52a2-41c3-9856-1d36bec06df7)

[TMartinLVNV]

While under the car in the daylight, I noticed two things.

First is OOPS!. I've been careful not to ever pull up to a curb or parking stop. I have no idea when this happened. I'm guessing it is pulling into a parking lot off of a street. Oh well, it is a driver.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200914_130024731.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/0f6e80e9-7ad6-4e81-93df-b63c0a5de725)

Second is that my diff cover is leaking. I have fresh fluid around the bottom of the cover. The top, sides, and drain bolt areas are all dry. I used the green Permatex gasket maker for diff covers. I've sealed up many diffs over the years and have never had one leak. I'll try again but with the Lubelocker gasket. I also got another bottle of the friction modifier. I purchased the "Ford Racing" version because it was $0.55 cheaper for some reason than the regular stuff and because the box says racing. I bet it adds 5 hp too ;)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200914_125946850.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/ae672974-a8ae-434d-bfd2-2a5b4ff4f321)

[460.465USMC]

Very cool, TMartin! Looks like your trip was a blast! Thanks for sharing, and including all of the great pictures. Gives me lots of motivation for reaching this step someday.

Question: are your side pipes ceramic coated, and are they the F5 originals?

Chris

[TMartinLVNV]

Very cool, TMartin! Looks like your trip was a blast! Thanks for sharing, and including all of the great pictures. Gives me lots of motivation for reaching this step someday.

Question: are your side pipes ceramic coated, and are they the F5 originals?

Chris

Keep plugging away and it will be done someday. Thanks, we had a good time. A few of use are going through southern UT at the beginning of Oct too. Three national parks and a few national forests will provide lot of photo opportunities.

I did my side pipes differently than most. They are the standard F5 pipes. I don't find them to be too loud. If the fiberglass ever blows out, it may be a different story. But, I am happy with them for now. I was going to do the flat black ceramic coating on them. When I was at the powdercoater getting other parts done, I asked him about it. He did not do ceramic coating but said he could order a special high temperature rated powder coating that he uses on the flame bowls of tiki torches of all things. He guaranteed it to work. I'm very happy with it. I really like that it has a nice textured thick finish. I think it was about $450 for both pipes.

[egchewy79]

maybe it's an optical illusion with your car in the back ground or maybe because you're so tall, but your cobra looks so much smaller than the one in the foreground!

[TMartinLVNV]

6'6" 275 lbs. I make the car look tiny :cool: espically when standing next to it.

A mild amount of zoom (focal length) with a lens can really change perspective too.

Here is a decent article on how focal length affects your image and how to change your settings for a desired outcome. This is optical zoom, not digital zoom.

https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-focal-length-affects-the-background-of-a-photo/

[TMartinLVNV]

This is a full write up for the GlobalCruise (Rostra) cruise control install. I purchased the Ultracruise II 250-1223 for my car quite a while ago. With the help of Carl (BadAsp427) I had it up and running pretty quickly. With the help of Carl again and Steno, I finally got everything fine tuned and it is now working perfectly. There are 12 micro switches that allow the unit to be tuned to your application. This post is for anyone considering adding this to their car. I very much recommend it as it does make highway cruising more pleasant and it is not very expensive. The unit plus the controller is about $250.

It can be mounted in many different locations. I put it under the upper rail of the right side of the engine bay. I have pictures of it mounted plus the cable routing in previous posts. This is where I put the controller. It is out of the way but visible and accessible.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20200925_115616317.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/7c189525-071a-4ca3-aad0-b28678d14c2b)

I will outline the wire connections they way they are presented in the manual:

Installation VIII. Wiring Attachments to Vehicle
A. Ground - Ground
B. Brown Accessory Power - My keyed on fuse box with a 10 amp fuse
C. Red Brake Positive - RF orange brake switch FD
D. Violet Brake Negative - RF Purple Brake switch/brake lights
E. Dark Blue Tachometer Wire - RF purple coil wire behind the tach
F. Gray Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Wire - RF dark green speedo signal wire behind the speedo
G through N. not used (J grounded)

This is my final configuration of the micro switches:
For people like Dave (Papa) :rolleyes:
1 - 0
2 - 0
3 - 1
4 - 1
5 - 1
6 - 1
7 - 0
8 - 0
9 - 0
10 - 0
11 - 0
12 - 0

For the rest of us :cool:
Gain - extra low
Pulses per mile - 38600
Engine/Setup Timer - 8 cylinder/low
VSS Source - Sine Wave Input
Transmission - Manual
Control Switch - Open Circuit

I hope this helps someone down the road as many others have helped me in so many areas.

[TMartinLVNV]

With the slightly cooler temperatures upon us, VegasJack, Howard, and I did a tour through Southern Utah. 988 miles in three days! Our cars all did great and got attention at every stop. We even had two Russian women who wanted to sit in our cars and take pictures. No problem! :cool:

Headed into Zion National Park

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20201005_123247754_HDR.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/a9569d9f-28f5-40c4-ab3b-ce239bf26a8b)

Grand Staircase-Escalante

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03986A.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/b28cba04-9f67-484d-bcf7-29315e670c94)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/DSC03983A.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/ce2f0626-9b00-4aa9-a35b-2eb3e060ac98)

Now I have a lot of work cleaning up to do!

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20201007_174023469.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/ba92c986-91e6-4d06-9a35-efe591e17917)

3500 miles and going strong!

[TMartinLVNV]

Now that I have had 10 hrs of sleep and feel much more refreshed, here are a few observations from our long road trip.

Sunscreen and long sleeve shirts are a must. I have full brim had with a neck shield that I wore. The wind does blow it around a lot at highway speeds and it can be a bit annoying. Howard had a neck gaiter and baseball cap. I think this is a better alternative and will be getting one too. I kept applying sunscreen to the sides of my face and neck as well as my wrists and hands.

I used the foam ear plugs and am happy with them. No cords to untangle, no pressure on the outside of my ears from ear muffs, no batteries. I can still hear higher pitched sounds quite well. The price is right and I just hum a song to myself. The big negative is if you just heard the "Baby Shark" song and can't get it out of your head. Then you may consider driving your car into a telephone pole after a few hours :rolleyes:

The trunk is REALLY small. Even with the RT drop trunk mod. After my tool kit, road repair supplies, and car cleaning supplies, there is not much room for a soft duffle back with clothes.

With the Forte 347 with the Holley Sniper, I am really happy with my fuel milage. I try to fill up to the same level each time. I top off until I can just barely see fuel in the bottom of the filler neck. I get 18-19 mpg the majority of of the time. I did get 21 on one tank on a 150 mile stretch when we were at a steady 65 mph.

The longest single stretch I did without stopping was 166 miles. I don't think I would want to go longer than that without getting out for a butt break. We did 350 miles one day with lots of stops. I could have gone longer. The Kirkey Vintage Racing seats are surprisingly comfortable even with the super thin padding. I didn't have any hot spots or pressure points. I do have to wear cargo pants and move my wallet and CCW IWB to the front pocket or side pockets.

The Holley Sniper was fantastic. Whether on a 25 degree morning at 11k ft altitude or 90 degree day with a hot start after gassing up, no problems at all. It started and ran just fine every time.

When there is a line of 4 trucks with a RV in the middle, it does not take long to pass them up when dropping it into 4th and hammering it. Even with quite a few near WOT sprints, the milage never dropped below 18 mpg. In Utah, the speed limit was 80 on parts of the interstate. My car just loafs along at 2500 rpm in 5th and is quite happy to spend long periods of time at this speed.

When cruising along the national parks at 25 mph, the fan will come on a lot. This car needs forward speed to keep the motor cool.

The most important lesson from this trip is.....

Chicks dig red cars. Especially Russians. За здоровье! :cool:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20201005_133136345_HDR.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/a502d4a1-0213-4280-bdd9-ae89139f9273)

[460.465USMC]

Looks like another really fun trip, Terry! Thanks for sharing.

So, at 80 MPH your motor is turning over at 2,500 RPM? It's been a while since I used the RPM calculator on the Tremec website, but that's a very livable engine speed at 80 MPH.

[TMartinLVNV]

Looks like another really fun trip, Terry! Thanks for sharing.

So, at 80 MPH your motor is turning over at 2,500 RPM? It's been a while since I used the RPM calculator on the Tremec website, but that's a very livable engine speed at 80 MPH.

Basically yes. I got the TKO 600 with the longer legs (.64 or so I think). There is a noticable gap between 4th and 5th. It does not bother me at all. I think that I cross over 2500 rpm right at 81 mph. I calibrated my Auto Meter speedo and compared to GPS. My speedo reads right at 1/2 of 1 mph faster than GPS indicated. It took a lot of work to get it that close and I'm good with it.

[JB in NOVA]

Thanks for all the details, Terry. Looks like a fun trip! This gives those of us in "mid-build" something to look forward to.

[TMartinLVNV]

Thanks for all the details, Terry. Looks like a fun trip! This gives those of us in "mid-build" something to look forward to.

Thanks JB. I really appreciate it. I received so much help from many others during my build. I'm still not done, but darn close. Even though I have a blast driving it, I do miss the build process. I loved the research and planning of options, even though it can be overwhelming at times. My garage and gun safes are full now. I guess I need another hobby. I have a spare bedroom that is not used. Is a train set next? :p Mmm, no.

[TMartinLVNV]

I completed another road trip through Death Valley with VegasJack and Howard. The car ran like a dream. I'm now at 4200 miles and I think I can consider my build "graduated". To help others, I'll describe some of my options and upgrades and report how they ended up working out for me.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20201030_091612690.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/8499a515-0bd0-4946-8535-bfe763cd81ed)

347 Engine - I am very happy with my engine choice. I decided on a Forte Dart block, Edelbrock E-street heads, Holley Sniper EFI, Ford E-cam, Edelbrock Air Gap manifold, and TKO 600 with .64 OD. I would not change a thing. After taking a bit of time to get the Sniper dialed in, the car starts right up, no matter how cold, hot, or what the altitude is. I get a consistent 18 mpg. I've had 21 mpg on a long 65 mph stretch. I have not messed with the tuning portion of the Sniper using their software at all. This motor scares me. It is almost too much power in this car for my driving abilities, but I'm learning :cool:

3 link solid axle - I am happy with this choice. I don't find the ride to be uncomfortable or the suspension not able to perform like how I want. I also don't know what a independent rear end drives like. For what I do with the car, the solid axle is fine.

Power Steering - When Paul (EdwardB) speaks, you should listen. I like the power steering for the reasons he has stated about 100 times over. If you have the KRC setup, read here https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?33080-Terry-in-Las-Vegas-Build-graduated&p=419887&viewfull=1#post419887

Heater - I LOVE the heater. I'm in Las Vegas and have used the heater a LOT. For cold mornings or being up at high altitude, this option really helps. It was really a pain in the rear end to get this option up and running. The Holley Sniper uses the second port in the intake manifold for its own temp sensor. So, I could not plumb the heater using it. At first, I used a Mr Gasket water outlet elbow that had a port already machined into it. I could never get this elbow to seal up. First, with the o-ring gasket, then with the o-ring removed, the chrome surface roughed up, and a fel-pro gasket, then a RTV gasket. No mater what, it leaked. I finally drilled and tapped a hole (3/8" NPT Pipe Tap and 37/64" drill bit) in the Ford Performance elbow and used a new Fel Pro gasket with no leaks. This caused me a lot of time, frustration, and clean up on the underside of the car. But I would do it again.

Scotts Hotrods reservoir - This was recommended by Dave (Papa) since the CNC option is not available anymore. They are small, but look good and work well. After 4200 miles, the brake fluid level is still at the top. These are available in doubles and triples.

Auto Meter Ultra Lite gauges- I like these. They are a little hard to read at night even when backlit. But they are good enough for me.

Wilwood Brakes - I'm sure that the standard brakes are find for most applications. But these looked cool enough to justify the expense for me. I will never use these to their limits.

Factory 5 EFI option - This is the only option that caused me heartburn. What is provided by F5 is not suitable to the basic Holley Sniper requirements. The lines are too small from the hanger in the tank to the supplied flexible lines. I ended up not using almost everything that was provided for $550. Get the Pro-M 3/8" hanger and proper 3/8" send and return lines. The Holley Sniper also has its own internal fuel pressure regulator.

17" wheels - I am quite happy with the 17" wheels. The Halibrand style sure are a pain in the rear to clean though.

Breeze Automotive - I purchased the power steering offset mounting kit, radiator support kit, russ thompson gas pedal, battery mounting kit, hinged radiator mounting kit, fan shroud, dead pedal kit, Boig cooling tubes, and some other stuff. Great products and great service.

I also upgraded the tie rods and ball joints to Moog.

Paint and body work by Jeff Miller - It was expensive but it was money well spent. A true master of his craft.

Cobraheat Heated seats - I like them, but I don't used them very much. They are cheap and do help a little. However, they can cause your backside to become sweaty very quickly, which is not what you want when it is cold outside.

Exhaust - I like 'em loud. The F5 mild steel pipes power coated with special high temp resistant finish is holding up well.

Cruise Control - I love this. Maybe the best $250 I spent on the car. It really allows me to relax more on the highway. Most importantly, it allows me rest and stretch my right leg. I'm cramped for space, so this is much appreciated. It took a while to get this working properly. This was a big time suck for sure. But it now works butter smooth.

[TMartinLVNV]

Mods for big and tall guys. I had a lot of help from others with their suggestions to get me to fit into this car (SJDave, David Hodgkins, and others).

17" Kirkey low back seats - This is the single best item for improving leg and butt room. Without these seats, I don't think I could fit into the car. I have driven 160 miles straight in these seats. I was ready to get out of the car for a butt break, but could have gone further if needed.

Driver's door cutout - Jeff Miller cut out part of the top of the drivers door for my shoulder. I could not get my arm inside of the car without this. No one (non Cobra owner) has even noticed the cutout until I point it out to them.

Pedals - RT pedal for maximum adjustability. Also, I shaved down the brake and clutch pedal pads to as small as possible. I wish I had more room, but it works well enough. I also use driving shoes. I can drive with regular shoes, but I have to be very careful no to hit two pedals with the same foot.

Steering - I purchased the smaller leather steering wheel and also have shimmed up the column about 1/2" inch. I had enlarge the hole in the dash, but it was easy to do.

People often have a surprised look on their face when they see me get in or out of the car. It is a tight fit for sure, but it works well enough.

[TMartinLVNV]

Things I would do different. I would love to build another car. Maybe one day...

If I would, this is a list of the things I would do different (it is not very long):

Rear cockpit cubby hole - there is a definite lack of places to put things. This would be a nice option to store stuff while you are driving. I think it can be done after the car is built but is more difficult. Maybe one day.

Stereo - I do miss my tunes. I think that I will purchase a bluetooth speaker and use that when needed.

Whitby center console - I really like the way this looks. However, with my shifter, my hand sometimes hits it when shifting into 1st or 3rd. Minor inconvenience. Maybe I change the shifter arm one day.

I wish I had painted the backsides of the fender well aluminum panels. I didn't know that they would be so visible from the engine bay when the hood is open.

What the future holds

I would like to change the interior. The carpet is pretty basic. I'll probably pay an automotive upholstery shop to spiff things up a little (trans tunnel, flooring, custom seat covers, etc).

Oil cooler - It is not necessary. I've never seen my oil temp gauge go over 180 (it usually hangs out at 160), but it looks so darn cool.

Let the bank account recover :rolleyes:

Thanks to everyone who helped and advised me throughout this build. I could not have done it without you and this forum. If I can build a car, then so can you! I learned so much. I'm certainly sticking around to try and help others and most importantly, to coordinate drives with others. Let's put some miles on these things!

[BadAsp427]

Congratulations Graduate... Looks great...

[Straversi]

Great write-ups and photos. Thanks for documenting and sharing your build. I’ve enjoyed it from the beginning. Great car as well. Congratulations

-Steve

[ydousurf]

Nice work and congrats on the main objective - GRADUATION! I still need to go through all that you documented in your build. However, I will take to heart adding-in the cubby slot, since I was on the fence on that one. Enjoy your dream and may safe roads always find you!

Dj

[cv2065]

You are cracking me up Terry. Looks like a fun trip and congrats on the graduation. Hopefully I'm not much further behind you.

[TMartinLVNV]

I realized that I had not commented on my experience with Factory 5 and Stewart Transportation. So here goes...

Factory 5 was great to deal with. The ordering process was very smooth and they took the time to advise me during options selection. The car was completed for shipping on time and ready for Stewart Transportation. I called F5 just a few times during the build process. I mostly relied on this forum. Each time I did call F5, they pointed me in the right direction to resolve the issue right away. My power steering rack started leaking after I put a few miles on the the car. I talked to Dan and sent him some pictures and he sent me a replacement immediately. The new one has been working perfect. Yes, I had a number of parts that were backordered and had to work around them. It did cause me some delay. However, this seems to be the nature of the beast when F5 is relying on other vendors to fill part orders. The communication with Stewart was very good and they kept me updated throughout the process. The driver was fantastic and was a great help getting everything into my garage.

[460.465USMC]

Things I would do different. I would love to build another car. Maybe one day...

If I would, this is a list of the things I would do different (it is not very long):

Rear cockpit cubby hole - there is a definite lack of places to put things. This would be a nice option to store stuff while you are driving. I think it can be done after the car is built but is more difficult. Maybe one day.

Stereo - I do miss my tunes. I think that I will purchase a bluetooth speaker and use that when needed.

I wish I had painted the backsides of the fender well aluminum panels. I didn't know that they would be so visible from the engine bay when the hood is open.

Thanks for sharing your list, Terry! I'm seriously thinking about the cockpit cubby (when I eventually get to that point) given the number of comments I read about minimal space.

Stereo: like you I'm not going to install one, but perhaps get a large BT speaker.

Keep sharing the pictures of your travel adventures. It gives great inspiration to me to get there someday.

Great looking car! Enjoy!

[JB in NOVA]

Terry, congratulations all around! You did an outstanding job with your build, you documented it along the way to help others (like me) avoid mistakes, and it looks like you are having so much fun in your new Roadster! Well done, my man. Well done.

[TMartinLVNV]

5,000 miles on the odometer! Woohoo! I've been on trips with friends to Utah, Arizona, and California with many more to come. The car is doing great and I still sometimes just stare at it in the garage. I have been caught in a light rain once and got into a fight with a tumbleweed on the highway.

Before work starts
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210115_105827088_HDR.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/2de4b833-be20-46ad-8279-dd9b631f8e86)

Working on it
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210118_130858975.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/e4a833b4-6710-4c15-af99-197218c2b6c0)

I was on the highway on a windy day and a tumble weed blew in front of me. I was almost able to miss it. Almost.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210109_110450116_HDR.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/dddf1653-9484-4c18-b2c8-f6232a0f5707)

[TMartinLVNV]

Cleaning up the brake calipers
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210116_155716461.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/a1c0810d-1179-4ff3-90e4-9bc7fbb1e295)

Wiping everything down
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210116_160636049.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/76186811-e4c8-425c-8286-16adffb0d29f)

The wheels must be clean. Inside and out.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210116_160706450.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/af5ec787-b07b-47cb-aa46-fa9490ef6cbc)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210116_161149592.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/e470de61-1679-4464-9d87-3052f26a2af5)

[TMartinLVNV]

Oil change time.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210116_155748296.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/ee5c605e-8f94-42d4-bc34-e7de5fde2099)

I install a Fumoto valve on all of my cars to make oil changes a little easier. Because they do not have a magnet in them, I install a rare earth magnet next to it. I pull it off before draining, and reinstall it afterwards.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210116_165039174.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/af289e51-1f2d-45d4-bf58-cd61dc64fa6b)

I probably did not need to change the tranny fluid. I did it anyway. It may be the last time I do this.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210118_100544797.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/3de5aef6-3272-428c-9ada-e75a1d6be056)

Today, I'm going to detail the undercarriage and do a little work on the trunk to organize things better. I also will be spending some time waxing the paint.

[TMartinLVNV]

The space in the trunk is precious. I've been wanting to put my tool box up on the top shelf for a little while now. Of course, up there, it is likely to slide around a lot.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210121_171234434.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/be1eda7e-a22a-4aef-9b07-cfceeef51d0b)

So, I installed two pieces of angle aluminum to hold it in place.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210121_175409880.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/0c1e9b87-7cef-433b-b0f5-2ade512a50e4)

Toolbox up in place now and secured.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210121_175557357.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/008cc9fc-0c69-4a25-93d2-e5c7a5105a1e)

Everything back in the trunk again.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210121_175745743.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/f71836e2-486b-49c1-be71-54c99698cc6d)

[TMartinLVNV]

Storage space in the cockpit is very limited as well. I've been putting stuff behind the passenger seat but it also slides around a lot. I found these on Amazon for just a few dollars. They are meant for kitchen sinks.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210121_180148883.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/97e969a0-1963-43ab-acc0-accf9483ea99)

I trimmed off the ears and slid them in place behind both seats. Not the most elegant option, but definitely functional. I'll keep an eye out for a black colored pair. This will work for now.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210121_180417108.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/ea1a7344-3d76-4d6e-a8c5-1643f9374509)

[John Ibele]

I like that you're continuing your build thread through the driving & maintenance phase. Thanks for the good ideas.

[TMartinLVNV]

Thanks John. I don't know that the work ever really stops on these cars. But, that is part of the fun I suppose. I love driving every mile in this car. The constant waves, honks, or even people videoing me from their own car puts a smile on my face.

I also enjoy, almost as much as driving, the process of detailing areas that most people will never notice or even see. But I know that the rear axle is dust free and for some reason, that makes me happy.

[GTBradley]

I know that the rear axle is dust free and for some reason, that makes me happy.
You’re not just a gearhead, you’re a gearhead-nerd. Seriously though, you are definitely the guy to travel with. I bet if I broke down and asked if you had a watchamagizmo tool, you’d say, what color would you like?

[TMartinLVNV]

You’re not just a gearhead, you’re a gearhead-nerd. Seriously though, you are definitely the guy to travel with. I bet if I broke down and asked if you had a watchamagizmo tool, you’d say, what color would you like?

Ha! You are right! Followed up by would you like a 12 point or 6 point, deep or standard, metric or English? If I ended up not having that, I could just throw you some bailing wire ;)

[GTBradley]

Well then, I’ll bring the chewing gum.

[John Ibele]

But I know that the rear axle is dust free and for some reason, that makes me happy.

My dad was a thermodynamics expert, the rabid kind who thought teaching his kids the laws of thermodynamics was perfectly appropriate, and we insisted was borderline abusive. We learned enough to know the right answer to give Mom whenever he got lost after heading out to the garage: “He’s happily reducing entropy in his little corner of the garage, knowing he can’t reduce it in the Universe overall.”

If making your rear axle dust-free makes you happy, who am I to stop you? We all have our happy little corner of the Universe. :rolleyes:

[Fixit]

My toolkit consists of a Swiss Army knife, Leatherman, and a can of Fix-a-Flat...:rolleyes: I like the little corner baskets!

[TMartinLVNV]

My toolkit consists of a Swiss Army knife, Leatherman, and a can of Fix-a-Flat...:rolleyes: I like the little corner baskets!

The baskets really come in handy. I usually have a sun hat on while driving. Then I switch it out with a regular baseball hat when getting out of the car. The unused hat gets stored behind the seat. I take everything out of my pockets before getting into the car and put it in the baskets. If I'm going to a scenic area for pictures, I put my Sony camera in them too.

[Fman]

The space in the trunk is precious. I've been wanting to put my tool box up on the top shelf for a little while now. Of course, up there, it is likely to slide around a lot.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210121_171234434.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/be1eda7e-a22a-4aef-9b07-cfceeef51d0b)

So, I installed two pieces of angle aluminum to hold it in place.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210121_175409880.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/0c1e9b87-7cef-433b-b0f5-2ade512a50e4)

Toolbox up in place now and secured.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210121_175557357.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/008cc9fc-0c69-4a25-93d2-e5c7a5105a1e)

Everything back in the trunk again.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210121_175745743.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/f71836e2-486b-49c1-be71-54c99698cc6d)

Going to have to add that tool kit on my list after car is done, great idea. Do you have a link to that tool kit?

[Big Blocker]

Terry,

I was going to suggest a strip of Velcro glued to the underside of the tool box but you got it handled perfectly . . .

One of the reasons I switched to MK-IV seats for my MK-II was the storage space under the seats. That worked for me because mine were NOT adjustable, simply bolted to the floor in the position that was exclusively "me". I modified the front "leather hinge" of the seat bottom to make the bottoms removable, mostly because having them attached was a PITA when trying to get to the storage area. Things like sun screen lotion, gloves, my "7-11" beanie, trash bag rain coats and a flashlight would fit just perfect.

Just thoughts . . .

Doc

[TMartinLVNV]

Going to have to add that tool kit on my list after car is done, great idea. Do you have a link to that tool kit?

This is the one that I got. I have a bigger one in my Jeep. They are decent quality tools and the price is right. In my tool bag, I have a few adjustable wrenches, larger box end wrenches, vice grips, bailing wire, electrical tape, flashlight, gaffers tape, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0767NRWH8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In the RT drop trunk, you can see a jack, air compressor, tire patch kit, slime, tarp (for laying on the ground, and a can of white lithium grease.

[TMartinLVNV]

Terry,

I was going to suggest a strip of Velcro glued to the underside of the tool box but you got it handled perfectly . . .

Doc

Thanks Doc. It works well and the price was right!

[TMartinLVNV]

I ordered the cover from Pigfarm quite some time ago and it arrived this week. It fits perfectly. I should have made the stripes a little bit darker, but I'm happy with it. It is a very nice product.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210204_181101190.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/d06bb2b4-d7b9-40f6-9d0f-bd0ce86600af)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210204_181049196.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/a907c70e-3760-4e6e-a526-1dab1c4784c8)
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210204_181041107.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/17f80f0c-0ae1-4492-befb-49473591a8d0)

A bit hard to fit in the trunk, but it does. Barely

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210204_181658116.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/04abbfe9-ad3a-46e8-88d6-8f751f39ddab)

[TMartinLVNV]

When building the car, the CNC brake/clutch fluid reservoirs were not available anymore. With Dave's (Papa) suggestion, I purchased the ones from Scott's Hotrods. They are quite small. Several people expressed concern about this and I was worried as well. I realized that I had not checked the fluid level since 500 miles.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210204_172418277.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/1866440e-162d-4f2d-b912-214e00b8479c)

Here you can see the front is down just a smidge after 4500 miles. I topped it off (even through it did not need it) and it is good to go.

[BadAsp427]

After the 10K I put on mine, I have never had to add fluid and I have the very small FFR style reservoirs. I guess if you don't have any leaks and your brake pad last, you should not see much drop in level

[JB in NOVA]

I ordered the cover from Pigfarm quite some time ago and it arrived this week. It fits perfectly. I should have made the stripes a little bit darker, but I'm happy with it. It is a very nice product.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210204_181101190.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/d06bb2b4-d7b9-40f6-9d0f-bd0ce86600af)


Terry, I'm not familiar with Pigfarm. So that is a "tonneau" that is custom fit for the FFR Mk4, but it doesn't require snaps on the body? How does it secure at the front and rear of the cockpit? Any feedback on how it does in the rain? It looks very nice.

[TMartinLVNV]

After the 10K I put on mine, I have never had to add fluid and I have the very small FFR style reservoirs. I guess if you don't have any leaks and your brake pad last, you should not see much drop in level

The front was down just a smidge compared to the back. Probably took half a teaspoon to get it back to the same level. I think the capacity is about that of a shot glass ;)

[TMartinLVNV]

Terry, I'm not familiar with Pigfarm. So that is a "tonneau" that is custom fit for the FFR Mk4, but it doesn't require snaps on the body? How does it secure at the front and rear of the cockpit? Any feedback on how it does in the rain? It looks very nice.

Yes. They are made for each car. An order sheet for measurements is sent to you along with vinyl samples to color match. Fortunately, I don't have any rain experience yet. There are four braces that run lengthwise to the car to keep it from sagging. I think it will do well to keep most rain out. There are two straps that hang down over the doors that can be strapped underneath of the car to hold it in place. It is not secure from theft. Even if you used a lock, a pair of scissors is all that is needed to take it. But I don't think there are a lot of thieves looking for them. There are no snaps or anything on the front or rear. This is just to use when the car is parked.

It is a nice product. In my experience, the delivery was a bit longer than estimated.

[BadAsp427]

Terry, I'm not familiar with Pigfarm. So that is a "tonneau" that is custom fit for the FFR Mk4, but it doesn't require snaps on the body? How does it secure at the front and rear of the cockpit? Any feedback on how it does in the rain? It looks very nice.

They hold rain water really well. Here is a photo after a full night of rain. I learned that I needed to tighten up the bungee cords on each side so that the water ran off rather than puddle. As can be seen on the passenger side in this photo.
142518

[GTBradley]

I read once that someone said they kept a beach ball (or two) in the car for overnight/rain use.

[TMartinLVNV]

I have wanted to get rid of the quick jacks for a while now. I just never liked the exposed hardware look of them. A while back, I bought the bumperettes from F5 then had them powder coated. I bought some new threaded rod, measured the correct length, and cut to fit (5.7" worked perfect for me). I drilled out the threads on the bumperette holes (took 3 cobalt bits) so that the threaded rod would pass through. The 5.7" allowed me to get two threads past the nylon on the locknut that holds everything together. Tiny fingers would help here, which I don't have.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210319_192709365.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/4fb61e41-04b1-4ec7-bea5-deb0d14c2191)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210320_090151898_HDR.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/45465092-4e11-480b-bfd0-d97fd1a01d4e)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/IMG_20210320_091440420.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/dd65193f-804c-4256-8bb4-0d07a69346e1)

I am almost at 6,000 miles now and the car is still running strong. I've been practicing lots of donuts in open parking lots having fun with it. The LV locals and I have a three day trip in southern CA soon and then a PCH trip later next month. I did have to use my touch up paint on the lower front of my car for a goober of a paint chip :mad:

[TMartinLVNV]

The Las Vegas area Cobra owners just returned from a three day 650 mile trip through southern California. Specifically Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs. We were able to get a quick snapshot of something that may be of interest of fellow Cobra owners :cool:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/crop1.jpg?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/fe8cbced-e749-4b1d-b4d5-a7010a4bc986)

We have Wes, Jack, Terry, and Howard.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/crop2.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/tmartinlvnv/p/cf8a7646-f3ae-4a3e-a925-a48b8052aa6b)

These are off of our cell phones. I took some with my GoPro as well. I'll mess with them more later, after a shower :rolleyes:

[GTBradley]

Wow! That is a fantastic photo, Terry. And one of my all-time favorite WWII aircraft, too. Nice work getting that done.

[nuhale]

Very cool! Black sheep squadron!

All time fav military plane. As a kid I loved the show black sheep and used to go nuts when they were at Oshkosh air show.

Great pic!!!!

[Al_C]

Love the photos! There's something about a Corsair that can't be beat.

[Fman]

Awesome pic! Sounds like a fun trip... :)

[TMartinLVNV]

Thanks guys. It was a lot of fun. We have a great group of people here in LV that like to go out and put miles on their cars. We stopped by this museum and were admiring the planes when someone from out group said "I wonder if they would let us photograph our cars next to a plane". That's all that it took. I took off and asked. The worst they could say was no. I asked a person who asked another person who asked another person who made a phone call. Amazingly, they finally said yes. We were told that if we hit a plane, we just bought that plane. We brought our cars in and quickly staged them. People starting gathering around and it was hard to get pictures. We definitely could not move cars around to make things more symmetrical. Then some kids were part of a group and we let them sit in the cars to take pictures.

Suddenly, we were told that we have get the cars out of there. I don't know if anyone got in trouble or anything, but they wanted us out of there. So after a few donuts in the hanger, we pulled out. Kidding!

I wish we could have taken better pictures and taken more time to set everything up better. But, it was more than I expected and was a real treat. They were very generous with us.

[TMartinLVNV]

Love the photos! There's something about a Corsair that can't be beat.

Al, I think that the curves of the gull wings are similar to the curves of our fenders. Maybe that is why we love them so much?

[Al_C]

Al, I think that the curves of the gull wings are similar to the curves of our fenders. Maybe that is why we love them so much?

Or....maybe it's the 2000+ horsepower!

[GTBradley]

If we ever get a trip out to KC I think we could get pictures with the Connie and others at the Kansas city Airline Museum...I know a guy.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/blob:https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/e39a6fef-5b4a-45ae-9aa1-dfa4d4d2c120145650

[Al_C]

If we ever get a trip out to KC I think we could get pictures with the Connie and others at the Kansas city Airline Museum...I know a guy.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/blob:https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/e39a6fef-5b4a-45ae-9aa1-dfa4d4d2c120145650

9 hours from Chicago! Road trip!

[GTBradley]

8 hours from Denver! Road trip!

[Cutter 54]

Hi and thanks for seating options. Can you confirm the Kirkey low back seat is the 55V series (Vintage Class Bucket)? Is there adequate room to recline the back and is there decent tight support?
Also, just how tall are you?
Thanks. This is like trying on walking or running shoes before buying.

[Big Blocker]

Late to the party but, the cockpit cover looks GREAT!

In response to post #423, yes, a "beach ball" works perfectly

Doc

[TMartinLVNV]

Hi and thanks for seating options. Can you confirm the Kirkey low back seat is the 55V series (Vintage Class Bucket)? Is there adequate room to recline the back and is there decent tight support?
Also, just how tall are you?
Thanks. This is like trying on walking or running shoes before buying.

Hey Cutter. Yes, my seats are the Vintage Class Bucket and 17" wide. The standard is 16" and they also come in 18". The 18" seats are so wide that they won't go back as far as the 17" ones in the Cobra. The 17" Kirkey seats are the #1 modification to fit tall people in these cars IMHO. I'm 6'6". I find that they hold me in place quite well both in the thigh and the seat back area and are comfortable enough for 150 miles before a butt break is needed.

I also got these:
https://www.kirkeyracing.com/product/10/99214/FLOOR-SEAT-MOUNT-316-ALUMINUM-FOR-16384155657071-SERIES

You can recline the seat back as far as you want, but that will also move you forward. You need to find the sweet spot that works best for you. My seats are reclined a little and are firmly against the back wall of the cockpit.

Most of this info was given to me by Dave Hodgkins who did the research.

[jiriza84641]

Best plane of WWII. My absolute fave.

[FF33rod]

Fantastic shot, that'd be so much fun. Corsair is my all time fave as well, followed by the P-38 Lightning

Steve

[TMartinLVNV]

10,280 miles to be exact! My car is running strong and is ready for its next service. This weekend, I'm going to put it up on the Quick Jack lift and do my routine undercarriage inspection and detailing. I'll pull the wheels off and clean them up, inside and out. Then wipe down the braking components and underside of the motor, tranny and diff. I have a very slight leak from either the fill plug or the diff cover that needs to be addressed. I need to change the oil and inspect all other fluid levels. I also have on my list to adjust the hydraulic clutch down a little and refit the drivers door to get it a little more flush. I currently sits a little proud along the lower edge.

During these miles, I have met many friends, answered the question "Is it real" many many times, and had a lot of overnight driving trips to AZ, CO, UT, and CA. I have been caught in light rain and pouring down rain with no windshield wipers. My front end has a few paint chips and on my very last outing, I caught a rock with the windshield. The crater is not directly in my line of sight. It is bigger than what the home windshield repair kits are good for. But I did one anyway just to keep it from spreading. I'm sure I'll need to replace the windshield not too long from now.

I still love my Forte 347 and TKO 600 tranny powertrain. I semiregularly bounce off of the rev limiter while enthusiastically driving. I can get 21 mpg if speeds are kept at 65. On the highway at 75-80, I regularly get 19 mpg. The Kirkey Vintage 55 seats are still comfortable and I can do 150 miles between butt breaks comfortably. I love love love the cruise control. It makes road trips so much more enjoyable. I can put both of my feet in front of the pedals and stretch out my legs.

I had to get my Holley Sniper professionally tuned. The motor was starting to run like crap and would constantly die at idle. The Holley "self tuning" is not that great IMHO. I found Andrew "Dr EFI" at projectgattago@gmail.com. He was able to remotely connect to my Sniper through a laptop connected to my WiFi. He did three tunes over a period of time with miles between to get everything just right. It was really amazing to listen to my motor respond to him at his keyboard across the country as he flattened this, smoothed that, took a little out here, added more there. Technology. The motor runs stronger than ever before. He was great to work with and I can't recommend him enough. At $475, it is not cheap. But what is on these cars? If I could start over, if I chose to go with the Holley Sniper, I would have also purchased their distributer to go along with it rather than a standard vacuum advance distributer. Andrew could have had done more with the programming that way. I had to add a total of 2 quarts of oil over the last 5,000 miles. Perhaps it is because of the forged pistons? I don't know. I have to remind myself that this is not my Toyota Tacoma that still has oil at the top of the dip stick line after 7,500 miles.

A group of us, including GTBradley, already have another summer 5 day trip planned to CO at the end of August. It is a great way to beat the heat here in Las Vegas.

[Blitzboy54]

This is fantastic! I will definitely take your advice and give your tuner a call. I'm glad to hear it is going so well.

Safe travels

[TMartinLVNV]

This is fantastic! I will definitely take your advice and give your tuner a call. I'm glad to hear it is going so well.

Safe travels

You will need a Holley cable to connect the Sniper to a USB in your laptop. I think it was $50 or so. If you go with the tuner, I can send you mine and then you send it back when done.

[JB in NOVA]

Great info! Thanks for the summary.

[GTBradley]

…This weekend, I'm going to put it up on the Quick Jack lift and do my routine undercarriage inspection and detailing. I'll pull the wheels off and clean them up, inside and out. Then wipe down the braking components and underside of the motor, tranny and diff…
Be honest, Terry, you do this after every drive, don’t you?

[TMartinLVNV]

Be honest, Terry, you do this after every drive, don’t you?

Only during the months that end in "y" :cool:

[GTBradley]

I’m right there with you on the miles and it is surprising the number of rock chips that are accumulating. I have touch up paint, but I could imagine repainting the car someday.

[TMartinLVNV]

Little engine dress up.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221013_212105_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221013_212105_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

[TMartinLVNV]

I caught a rock on my windshield a few months ago and it needed to be replaced. I use the instructions on GT Bradley's build as a guide for making my own out of Lexan. A 4x8 sheet 3/16" thick and abrasion resistant was $570 from my local Grainger.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221013_204942_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221013_204942_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

First a made a template from the removed glass.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221013_205201_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221013_205201_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

[TMartinLVNV]

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221013_211343_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221013_211343_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

Next I traced the template onto the Lexan sheet.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221014_105849_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221014_105849_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

No turning back now.

[TMartinLVNV]

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221014_115357_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20221014_115357_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

A very dirty Lexan windshield in place. I have some Plexus plastic polisher/cleaner on order and I'll clean it up then.

Wes and Jack came over to assist. If the 4x8 sheet was about 6" longer, I could have cut 4 windshields out of it. Unfortunately, only two could be cut with a lot left over. Wes has the second one for his car. It was surprisingly easy to remove the windshield, take the trim apart, and fit in the new polycarbonate. Now I don't have to worry about a cracked windshield anymore.

[hineas]

The windshield looks great! I am considering switching to Lexan if (when) ours cracks.

That engine looks amazing! I didn't think your engine could get any cleaner, but I was wrong. The new valve covers, air filter housing look crisp. The red air filter is literally the cherry on top.

[buttsjim]

Windshield looks great! (Thanks for stopping by the other week--you're advice was very helpful)

[TMartinLVNV]

During my 3 day Cobra trip through western Colorado, my engine let me down at 10,700 miles. On the third day, we were starting out in the morning. As I was pulling away from a stop sign and accelerating onto the highway, my motor started to lose power and buck wildly. There was no place to pull over. A semi passed me on the right and the noise was unmistakably coming from the right side pipe. The car was also backfiring out through the intake. After finding a place to pull over, GTBradley and I figured that the #4 cylinder was not firing. Air, Fuel, Spark, and Compression are the things need to go boom. Air was fine. Spark was fine. Fuel is fine. Hmm. Our best guess was an exhaust leak at the manifold. I checked the bolts, and they were fine. We were not too far from the hotel, so we decided to drive back. If I kept the RPMs at 3,000 and at light throttle, the car ran somewhat ok. I pulled over at a gas station and Bradley had the great idea of pulling the plug wire for the #4 cylinder. The car ran much better. I put the car on the trailer and went rode passenger in his car (very nice and smooth ride BTW).

After getting back home in Las Vegas, I pulled the exhaust manifold off. It looked like it was leaking a little bit a corner of the #4 exhaust gasket. I swapped gaskets and the problem persisted. Hmm, I pull the valve cover and......

[TMartinLVNV]

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220910_090836.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220910_090836.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

WTF!!!! That's not supposed to look like that.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220910_093015.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220910_093015.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220910_102755.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220910_102755.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

Well crap. Stuff happens and this shouldn't be a bit deal to fix. I call up Forte and see what he thinks. He gives me to possibilities of I used the wrong weight oil or that the retaining nut worked its way loose. I was using 5w-30 oil (that is recommend by Dart). He recommends 10w-40. The car ran fine until it didn't. I did not get any warning or ticking noise beforehand. I certainly have beat on the motor at times, but nothing that it wasn't built for IMHO.

I ask if he has a single rocker arm and unfortunately he does not. Plus, apparently Ford Performance does not make these anymore. He also tells me that these rocker arms are not new from a package, but are new take offs from another motor. I consider my options and I decide to order 16 new Harland Sharp roller rockers. The pushrod still looked great and rolled smooth on glass.

[TMartinLVNV]

I also decide to ceramic coat my headers since I'm going to be spending so much time in the engine bay.

Before:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220901_173336.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220901_173336.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

After:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220908_130351.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220908_130351.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

I like :o

[TMartinLVNV]

Everything is going good:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220915_171536.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220915_171536.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

Until:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220924_144235.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220924_144235.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

The #4 exhaust lifter is trashed. The rocker arm won't get even close to the proper angle. Of course, did this one last. Now I gotta dig deeper...

[TMartinLVNV]

The adventure continues:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220921_123028.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220921_123028.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

Well crap. Something about the exhaust valve lifter on #4 doesn't look right. Is that debris in the lifter valley? Why yes! Plus parts blocking some of the oil return passages.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220921_123033.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220921_123033.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220921_123037.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220921_123037.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

[TMartinLVNV]

Ok, I'll replace the lifters too. I'm keeping calm. No big deal. Until.......Guess what, The lifters cannot be replaced until the head is removed :mad: I'm learning new stuff at every turn of this adventure.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220924_220842_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220924_220842_1_.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

Tiger telling me that everything will be ok.

[TMartinLVNV]

Let's get to work:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220922_155234.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220922_155234.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

Clean, clean, clean. I love the small of carb cleaner in the evening. Good thing I don't smoke anymore:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220923_113658.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220923_113658.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

[TMartinLVNV]

Half of new lifters in and ready to start lifting:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220922_154915.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220922_154915.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

I wonder what is in the oil pan. Let's find out:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220926_123446.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220926_123446.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

The engine builder at Forte did a great job sealing up this pan. It did not leak a drop in the last few years. It was a PITA to get off though.

Time for another surprise. There are my missing roller bearings from the roller rocker:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220926_123431.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220926_123431.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

[TMartinLVNV]

Going back together as time permits:

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220924_211018.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220924_211018.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220920_201057.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220920_201057.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220926_003149.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/pp213/tmartinlvnv/20220926_003149.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

[TMartinLVNV]

I've fired up the motor several times now. After getting the distributer oriented correctly, resetting the timing, resealing the T-stat housing twice, it seems to be running fine. I'm currently battling sealing up the oil pan. Tomorrow morning, I'm going in on attempt #3 to get is sealed up well. After that, I'll get her back out on the road again.

Am I pissed? Yes, very much. I bought a crate motor to prevent this very scenario. I'm about $1,200 into this repair (roller rockers, lifters, pushrods, gaskets) with some tools that I had to buy on a motor with 10,700 miles. What gets me the most is the time I've invested into this. I'm well over 20 hours wrapped up in this project working in and under the engine bay. I'm not placing blame anywhere. I don't know enough about motors to figure out the source of the problem. Maybe a lifter or rocker arm manufacturing defect is the cause? I'm personally filing this under the "stuff just happens" category.

I'm really hoping that I will get the oil pan sealed up tomorrow and can get it out on the road. If everything goes well, I have some more hours into it getting it cleaned up. It is dirty everywhere as I never cleaned anything after the CO trip through several rain storms. I'm looking forward to getting back on the road with friends and enjoying the car again.

[cc2Arider]

Bummer Terry! Thank you for sharing your experience.

I'm not that familiar with the Ford V8...question to others...those look like dog-leg roller lifter guides. What are the considerations for choosing the link type guides over these?

Craig C

[GoDadGo]

You've Got This Mr. T!

While this is a problem that time, money and effort will solve it truly looks like things will get better soon...Also, Tiger is right because everything will be okay soon so wrench & ratchet on Mr. T!

[Kbl7td]

Just curious, do you plan to change the oil again? If any other debris is in there it might be good to change again after running for a few minutes. Top end was cleaned but who knows if anything was stuck in the bottom end that didn’t drop out.

[TMartinLVNV]

Just curious, do you plan to change the oil again? If any other debris is in there it might be good to change again after running for a few minutes. Top end was cleaned but who knows if anything was stuck in the bottom end that didn’t drop out.

I cleaned the snot out of the oil pan. I wiped down all of the baffles and shot carb cleaner between the weld spots and let everything dry. This is the third time I've had the oil pan off. For the first go around, I put in 10w-40 Mobil 1 oil with a zinc engine break in additive from Comp Cams. I did a few heat cycles of the engine and knew that I had to drop the pan again because of a leak at the back. I drained the oil into a very clean oil catch pan and reused that oil. I did not use the last little bit of oil just in case there was any debris. I've done this twice now (after topping off for any lost amount). My plan is to run the motor for 500 miles to let the zinc additive do its thing and change the oil out.

As a side note, I didn't mention it before, when I dumped the oil after the lifter/rocker arm failure, I drained it through a coffee filter into the pan. There was no glitter or apparent metal fragments in it at all.

[TMartinLVNV]

Bummer Terry! Thank you for sharing your experience.

I'm not that familiar with the Ford V8...question to others...those look like dog-leg roller lifter guides. What are the considerations for choosing the link type guides over these?

Craig C

Craig, you will probably get more replies if you post this in one of the general forums rather than in a build post. It will get a greater number of knowledgeable eyes.

[TMartinLVNV]

If anyone notices that the engine dress up kit posted before is out of order, I've been working on the motor for over a month and have waited on posting about it until now. The valve covers and air cleaner will be up for sale soon.

[BRRT]

Only 10K miles and a busted rocker. Ugh.

[Railroad]

I might have missed it, but did the roller on that lifter look OK? I would like to hear how the cam lobe looked.
Lifter might have let go first, or rocker?

[TMartinLVNV]

I might have missed it, but did the roller on that lifter look OK? I would like to hear how the cam lobe looked.
Lifter might have let go first, or rocker?

The roller end looked fine as did the cam lobe. The roller rolled very smoothly. I was sweating looking in through the hole and looking at the cam shaft for the first time. It seems the trail of destruction ended or began at the pushrod side of the lifter.

[TMartinLVNV]

Only 10K miles and a busted rocker. Ugh.

Yep. If the lifter did not fail as well, it wouldn't be that big of a deal.

[Joe Campbell]

The roller end looked fine as did the cam lobe. The roller rolled very smoothly. I was sweating looking in through the hole and looking at the cam shaft for the first time. It seems the trail of destruction ended or began at the pushrod side of the lifter.

Good that you checked. I had a lifter blow in my 347 a few years back, and it wrecked the cam as well. At that point the motor had been rebuilt four times so I figured it was time for a 427W.

[TMartinLVNV]

Good that you checked. I had a lifter blow in my 347 a few years back, and it wrecked the cam as well. At that point the motor had been rebuilt four times so I figured it was time for a 427W.

Do you know what caused your lifter failure?

[John Ibele]

Sorry to hear about the bad news, Terry, but way to power through it. Thanks for sharing both the information and documenting the demonstration of persistence … always a good reminder for any builder!

[Blitzboy54]

If it is any consolation of any kind you keep a pretty entertaining log of your experience.


That's all I've got. Has to be frustrating.

[TMartinLVNV]

If it is any consolation of any kind you keep a pretty entertaining log of your experience.


That's all I've got. Has to be frustrating.

Lol, that's all I have to keep me sane.

[TMartinLVNV]

I tried to do the oil pan gasket on Sat and gave up. I spent about 2 hours on my back under the car. I have to shimmy my super sexy curvy body between the quickjacks, work in an uncomfortable position with a flat head screwdriver, razor blade, carb cleaner, and a pick trying to get the RTV and residue off. The four little indentations are pure evil. Then when your arms are trembling with exhaustion a drip of oil hits your right between the eyes. It is really special. I bought the caulk tube type of RTV this time since I almost ran out of RTV the last time I tried this endeavor. With my shaky hands and a too long caulk tube which included the length of the shaft of the spring loaded depressor making the whole thing 23" long on a car that is only 20" in the air. I had a flashlight in my mouth a seal in my hand, the the tube of RTV ready to go. Of course now is when I realized that I poked a hole too small in the end of the RTV tube. The strength of of the incredible hulk was needed to squeeze the caulk gun and get a reasonable amount of RTV to dispense. Do I get up and make a bigger hole? Of course not, I got this! It's a lot of work to get into this position. The damn seal kept popping out of the groove. I put too much RTV in the groove. I manage to grab the only paper towel within arms reach and try to clean off excess RTV. Great, now I have RTV all over the caulk gun and my gloved hands. Crap, now a glove tore. Double crap, I just banged my elbow for the 7th time on the exposed bolt end that holds my quickjack together. That really hurt. Deep breath. Let me try again. Nope. Crap, must rest arms. Another drip!

I'm done with this for the day. I squeeze out from between the quickjacks, get up, and all of my tools of cleaning are lying in a filthy state where I dropped them after admitting defeat. I have to try this again when I'm fresh in both mental state and strength. My elbows hurt. I somehow have black RTV in my chest hair which is really strange since I'm wearing a shirt. It's like when you open up a jar of anti-seize and somehow it gets into your hair. It is unexplainable, but it happens.

I went inside, cleaned up, and thought about kicking the cat. Instead I opened a beer, turned up the gain on my 50w bass amp, and practiced the sweet perfection of Roger Waters' bass line of Money by Pink Floyd while pissing off the neighbors.

[bobl]

I've seen this failure several times in SBFs with the OEM style lifters. The rocker arm failed (for whatever reason), then the lifter came apart because there was no load on the valve train. Those are good rocker arms you replaced them with and I would not expect any future issues.

[Dave Tabor]

[QUOTE He also tells me that these rocker arms are not new from a package, but are new take offs from another motor. I consider my options and I decide to order 16 new Harland Sharp roller rockers. The pushrod still looked great and rolled smooth on glass.[/QUOTE]

What's up with that? But new nonetheless?

Dave
Gen III Coupe #17
15,000 miles

[egchewy79]

I tried to do the oil pan gasket on Sat and gave up. I spent about 2 hours on my back under the car. I have to shimmy my super sexy curvy body between the quickjacks, work in an uncomfortable position with a flat head screwdriver, razor blade, carb cleaner, and a pick trying to get the RTV and residue off. The four little indentations are pure evil. Then when your arms are trembling with exhaustion a drip of oil hits your right between the eyes. It is really special. I bought the caulk tube type of RTV this time since I almost ran out of RTV the last time I tried this endeavor. With my shaky hands and a too long caulk tube which included the length of the shaft of the spring loaded depressor making the whole thing 23" long on a car that is only 20" in the air. I had a flashlight in my mouth a seal in my hand, the the tube of RTV ready to go. Of course now is when I realized that I poked a hole too small in the end of the RTV tube. The strength of of the incredible hulk was needed to squeeze the caulk gun and get a reasonable amount of RTV to dispense. Do I get up and make a bigger hole? Of course not, I got this! It's a lot of work to get into this position. The damn seal kept popping out of the groove. I put too much RTV in the groove. I manage to grab the only paper towel within arms reach and try to clean off excess RTV. Great, now I have RTV all over the caulk gun and my gloved hands. Crap, now a glove tore. Double crap, I just banged my elbow for the 7th time on the exposed bolt end that holds my quickjack together. That really hurt. Deep breath. Let me try again. Nope. Crap, must rest arms. Another drip!

I'm done with this for the day. I squeeze out from between the quickjacks, get up, and all of my tools of cleaning are lying in a filthy state where I dropped them after admitting defeat. I have to try this again when I'm fresh in both mental state and strength. My elbows hurt. I somehow have black RTV in my chest hair which is really strange since I'm wearing a shirt. It's like when you open up a jar of anti-seize and somehow it gets into your hair. It is unexplainable, but it happens.

I went inside, cleaned up, and thought about kicking the cat. Instead I opened a beer, turned up the gain on my 50w bass amp, and practiced the sweet perfection of Roger Waters' bass line of Money by Pink Floyd while pissing off the neighbors.
Put some studs in the corners or some disposable plastic ones to hold the gasket up while you’re on your back

[TMartinLVNV]

[QUOTE He also tells me that these rocker arms are not new from a package, but are new take offs from another motor. I consider my options and I decide to order 16 new Harland Sharp roller rockers. The pushrod still looked great and rolled smooth on glass.

What's up with that? But new nonetheless?

Dave
Gen III Coupe #17
15,000 miles[/QUOTE]

I was surprised he said that as well. I just let it go.

[Namrups]

I tried to do the oil pan gasket on Sat and gave up. I spent about 2 hours on my back under the car. I have to shimmy my super sexy curvy body between the quickjacks, work in an uncomfortable position with a flat head screwdriver, razor blade, carb cleaner, and a pick trying to get the RTV and residue off. The four little indentations are pure evil. Then when your arms are trembling with exhaustion a drip of oil hits your right between the eyes. It is really special. I bought the caulk tube type of RTV this time since I almost ran out of RTV the last time I tried this endeavor. With my shaky hands and a too long caulk tube which included the length of the shaft of the spring loaded depressor making the whole thing 23" long on a car that is only 20" in the air. I had a flashlight in my mouth a seal in my hand, the the tube of RTV ready to go. Of course now is when I realized that I poked a hole too small in the end of the RTV tube. The strength of of the incredible hulk was needed to squeeze the caulk gun and get a reasonable amount of RTV to dispense. Do I get up and make a bigger hole? Of course not, I got this! It's a lot of work to get into this position. The damn seal kept popping out of the groove. I put too much RTV in the groove. I manage to grab the only paper towel within arms reach and try to clean off excess RTV. Great, now I have RTV all over the caulk gun and my gloved hands. Crap, now a glove tore. Double crap, I just banged my elbow for the 7th time on the exposed bolt end that holds my quickjack together. That really hurt. Deep breath. Let me try again. Nope. Crap, must rest arms. Another drip!

I'm done with this for the day. I squeeze out from between the quickjacks, get up, and all of my tools of cleaning are lying in a filthy state where I dropped them after admitting defeat. I have to try this again when I'm fresh in both mental state and strength. My elbows hurt. I somehow have black RTV in my chest hair which is really strange since I'm wearing a shirt. It's like when you open up a jar of anti-seize and somehow it gets into your hair. It is unexplainable, but it happens.

I went inside, cleaned up, and thought about kicking the cat. Instead I opened a beer, turned up the gain on my 50w bass amp, and practiced the sweet perfection of Roger Waters' bass line of Money by Pink Floyd while pissing off the neighbors.

And you will get up tomorrow and gladly do it all over again!! That is what we do and when we are finished we are proud of what we have done!

[buttsjim]

I tried to do the oil pan gasket on Sat and gave up. I spent about 2 hours on my back under the car. I have to shimmy my super sexy curvy body between the quickjacks, work in an uncomfortable position with a flat head screwdriver, razor blade, carb cleaner, and a pick trying to get the RTV and residue off. The four little indentations are pure evil. Then when your arms are trembling with exhaustion a drip of oil hits your right between the eyes. It is really special. I bought the caulk tube type of RTV this time since I almost ran out of RTV the last time I tried this endeavor. With my shaky hands and a too long caulk tube which included the length of the shaft of the spring loaded depressor making the whole thing 23" long on a car that is only 20" in the air. I had a flashlight in my mouth a seal in my hand, the the tube of RTV ready to go. Of course now is when I realized that I poked a hole too small in the end of the RTV tube. The strength of of the incredible hulk was needed to squeeze the caulk gun and get a reasonable amount of RTV to dispense. Do I get up and make a bigger hole? Of course not, I got this! It's a lot of work to get into this position. The damn seal kept popping out of the groove. I put too much RTV in the groove. I manage to grab the only paper towel within arms reach and try to clean off excess RTV. Great, now I have RTV all over the caulk gun and my gloved hands. Crap, now a glove tore. Double crap, I just banged my elbow for the 7th time on the exposed bolt end that holds my quickjack together. That really hurt. Deep breath. Let me try again. Nope. Crap, must rest arms. Another drip!

I'm done with this for the day. I squeeze out from between the quickjacks, get up, and all of my tools of cleaning are lying in a filthy state where I dropped them after admitting defeat. I have to try this again when I'm fresh in both mental state and strength. My elbows hurt. I somehow have black RTV in my chest hair which is really strange since I'm wearing a shirt. It's like when you open up a jar of anti-seize and somehow it gets into your hair. It is unexplainable, but it happens.

I went inside, cleaned up, and thought about kicking the cat. Instead I opened a beer, turned up the gain on my 50w bass amp, and practiced the sweet perfection of Roger Waters' bass line of Money by Pink Floyd while pissing off the neighbors.

Well, at least you've kept your sense of humor.

[sread]

Nobody else has addressed what might have caused the failure so I will put in my 2 cents worth. While it isn't that uncommon for cast roller rockers to break (which is what yours appear to be) I would have guessed that the lifter came apart first. I see bobl mentions that he believes the rocker arm failed first. I don't know and he probably has more experience with this type of stuff than me. What I do know is that any slack or excessive clearance that develops in the valve train will very quickly break stuff. Apart from weak or failed springs, valve float, or repeatedly banging the engine into the rev limiter is a sure way to introduce slack into the valve train. I don't know what your cam specs are or what your rev limiter is set at, but you might want to consider refining your driving technique. I realize that in certain racing situations hitting the limiter is unavoidable, but unless you enjoy doing this type of thing regularly, you probably should limit the max rpm you are hitting.

[Railroad]

Someone, maybe Crane, used to make hyd high rev lifters, probably flat tappet, that had a flat snap ring instead of a round wire clip holding the internals of the lifter together. Their sales pitch was the wire ring could let go, and their blue steel flat snap ring would endure shock of the internal piston hammering on the snap ring.
It might be worth the time to see if anyone has maintained this approach in their roller lifter applications.
I think running too little lifter preload could induce this type of failure.

[bobl]

I had an engine in the shop just last month that a rocker lock nut had backed off. The lifter came apart just like Terry's, nothing else failed. I believe the slack in the valve train causes the retaining clip to pop out. Once the slack gets great enough the lifter internals pop out, since they are spring loaded and oil pressure fed.

[GTBradley]

Poor kitty!

[Hoooper]

Side affect of aluminum rockers unfortunately. Theyre almost always OK, but you do see a lot of failures in aluminum roller rockers if you look around online and almost always OK isnt exactly what you are looking for in a street engine. Aluminum fatigues and eventually breaks, no matter what the load is. The higher the loading the more quickly it happens, so an engine built with a bigger cam or higher spring pressures will fatigue them much more quickly than an engine with about stock numbers. Obviously they still shouldnt blow up that quickly unless your lift or spring pressure is right at the limit of what the manufacturer "allows" for those lifters and there was probably a defect in that rocker but aluminum rockers will always eventually fail, which is why you dont see aluminum rocker arms on any OEM street engines. Hopefully you dont have any issues with this new set. If you do, consider investing in a set of crower or jesel steel roller rockers that will last you forever.

[jwd]

Fel-pro makes a moulded one piece oil pan gasket- requires no sealant,hate that stuff never have a leak and can use again.

[hineas]

What an absolute miserable mess...

Good luck with the seal. I can't wait for your car to be back in action so we can go out again next driving season!!!

[egchewy79]

Fel-pro makes a moulded one piece oil pan gasket- requires no sealant,hate that stuff never have a leak and can use again.

put a dab of RTV at the curved "corners" of the one piece gasket if you do use it.

[BadAsp427]

So sorry to hear about you troubles. Looks like you got it taken care of and most likely learned a few things along the way. You mentioned you bought a crate engine. Was it not under warranty?

[johnnybgoode]

If there is any way you can get access to a lift it will make the pan install so much easier. If not try to get the car as high up as you can. It also helps to loosen the trany bolts and pry the trans back a 1/4" which will make it much easier to get the pan past the bulge in the block plate and let you use the "Snap-Ups" that come with the one-piece blue Felpro silicon gasket. Here is how I did mine.

https://www.ffcars.com/threads/oil-pan-powder-coat-and-re-install-with-fel-pro-os30616r-gasket.642583/#post-6116554

The following are the installation instructions for my Quality Roadsters pan which are the best instructions I have ever found. If you follow these instructions your pan should not leak. Good Luck. Scott

OIL PAN INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS


Congratulations on your purchase of a Quality Roadsters oil pan, the only oil pan designed from the ground up specifically for your FFR! The Quality Roadsters 302 pans are designed to use the stock Mustang oil pickup tube and dipstick. On Mustang donor engines, simply remove the stock pan and install your new pan. If using a 302 crate, explorer engine, or other, you must use a stock 87-93 Mustang pickup tube, (or our high flow tube), and a stock 87-93 dipstick. Our 351W pans come with a replacement pickup tube and dipstick designed to work with your new pan. You may also purchase one of our high flow pickup tubes. If you are using a main cap girdle, the regular pickup tube may not clear. In this case, you must use our high flow pickup tube. It is designed to clear most girdles. Any girdle will require custom work on the pickup tube in order to work.

Make sure the gasket surfaces are clean. I recommend you clean your new pan before installation as well. Double check to make sure the windage tray bolts are tight before installation. You must check pickup tube to oil pan clearance before installing your pan. To do this, install your pickup tube, and measure from the bottom of the block to the bottom of the pickup tube. Measure vertically, not on an angle. The pickup must be 1/2 inch from the bottom of the pan. Measure the depth of the pan and compare. The pickup tube bracket may be bent to adjust the clearance if necessary. Test fit the pan to make sure there are no clearance issues. Put the pan in place on the engine. If the pan holes wont line up with the block, it’s probably the scraper hitting the pick up tube. Wiggle the pan back and forth to make a scratch mark on the scraper to determine where you need to make your adjustments. Simply bend the scraper down in those areas until it clears. While the pan is in place, rotate the engine backwards to check for crankshaft to scraper interference. If the crank is hitting the scraper, you will hear it, and it will leave a mark on the scraper. Again, simply bend the scraper down in those areas. I suggest you give the crank a little extra room just in case you miscalculate. You may also find that the back lip of the pan (where it goes around the rear main bearing cap) hits the transmission dust shield, preventing the pan holes from lining up just right. If this is the case, you can gently tap the lip in with a hammer. Once you have solved any clearance issues, you may perform the final install. Apply a small dab of RTV sealant to the block on both sides of the rear main cap (in the corners), both sides of the ½ circle on the timing cover (in the corners) and where the timing cover meets the block. I recommend Felpro pan gasket part # OS34508R for the 302 and OS34506R or OS30616R for the 351W depending on engine year (see your parts supplier). This is a one-piece rubber gasket reinforced with metal, and if installed properly it’s virtually leak proof. If the engine is in the car and gravity is working against you, use some interior trim adhesive to hold the gasket to the block (such as 3M super trim adhesive). The gasket must be installed on the engine, and then the pan put in place. Do not attempt to install the gasket on the pan, and then put the pan in place. Make sure the gasket is in place over the main cap and the ½ circle on the timing cover. Once the gasket is in place, apply a layer of RTV to the pan on both side flanges and to the gasket in the corners at the main cap, and on the timing cover to prevent leaks. Install the pan. If your original pan had flange reinforcement brackets, do not use them. Also the stock Mustang pan bolts are to long and will bottom out in the block before the pan is tight. In all cases MR GASKET oil pan bolt kit part# 6087 works nicely. The flange on the heads of the larger bolts is sometimes too large to seat properly. In this case, grind off enough of the flange on the bolts to fit properly. Check that the gasket is properly in place (especially on the main cap and ½ circle on the timing cover) and tighten the bolts. The Felpro gasket has metal rings around each hole to prevent the gasket from being over tightened. Check your drain plug to make sure it is tight. Install your oil temp sender or the pipe plug and fill with oil. Use Teflon tape on the pipe threads. The pan has a minimum capacity of 8 quarts. You can run more if you like, but do not go over the full mark on the dipstick. Make sure the dipstick is installed at the proper angle in order to get a correct reading. The dipstick tube should be close to the cylinder head if installed properly. You must also add enough oil to fill the filter (about a quart), and to fill the oil cooler (if you are using one). An oil cooler and lines can hold as much as 2 quarts.

[TMartinLVNV]

My car is up and running! I think I finally got the oil pan sealed up. On my third attempt, I used the Milodon 4 piece gasket with a dab of RTV at the four corners and where the timing cover meets the block. I have taken it out on two drives now and I don't see any oil leaks. Each time I look under the car I'm still a little nervous though. The motor is running mostly good. I have a slight hesitation and I think it is timing related. Tomorrow I'm going to try 14 degrees instead of 12 and she how it responds. After 7 weeks down time, it certainly feels good to get it back out on the road again.

I had a ton of help from several people. Thanks to all of you for your solid advice. Now it is time to clean up the garage and the car. The LV Cobra guys already have a 1/2 day drive planned next weekend. It will certainly be nice to put a few miles on the car again.

[hineas]

I'm glad it is up and running!!! Especially since the weather is so nice this time of year in Vegas.

[TMartinLVNV]

For several reasons, I decided not to go down that path.

[TMartinLVNV]

Oil pan seems to still be leak free. I did have another oil leak. It was coming down from the back of the driver's cylinder head and valve cover. I pulled the valve cover off, cleaned everything up and bolted it back together just a little bit tighter than before.

[TMartinLVNV]

It was a beautiful Nov day here in southern NV. 4 Cobras and a Camaro went for a 200 mile drive through Valley of Fire State Park and along Lake Mead. BBQ and a beer finished the trip.

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