Roadster wheels for New Jersey inspection

[mgr409]

I didn't realize back over 10 years ago when I bought my roadster from FFR that the NJ MVC would fail my roadster build for having 15" wheels because they want 2"+ clearance if the car was sitting on the rims with no tires. Without the tires and 15" wheels there is about 1" of clearance to the frame. I have an Aviaid oil pan so no problem there. I also heard they will bust me for the emergency brake cable going under the 4" tube calling it sticking out under the frame. I was wondering if there was a fellow NJ roadster builder that would temporarily swap their 17" roadster pin drive wheels with me to help me get baby past NJ MVC. I would pay for a rental if needed. I hope this is not in violation of our COCA by asking this.
163005163006 How come baby's pics did not post?

[mgr409]

now I see them

[michael everson]

Why not just raise the ride height? Going to be hard to find anyone with 17 inch knockoffs.
Mike

[GTBradley]

Nice work, by the way!

I don’t know what kind of shocks you have, but I know with mine I can just spin the collars on the shocks and I could raise it an inch easily.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Same thought as Mike; just crank it up for inspection then afterwards put it back where it belongs.

Jeff

[mgr409]

For some reason, I did not even think about doing that. I have the Koni's and they are about in the middle of the range. I think I may be able to get another inch out of it as you all have suggested. This inspection detail about the clearance check is something many builders here in NJ have complained about. It is stupid because if I get one flat tire, the car is still essentially 5" off the pavement. Even if I have one tire left inflated, I am still up there. You guys are all the best. Over the 10+ years of building, I could never have done it without the support that happened countless times. Thanks for the likes on the build, I had a 3' x 4' print of Dave Smith's car on my garage wall as the model I was trying to duplicate.

[Blitzboy54]

Like the other fellas said, your build is gorgeous. I love the dash, well done sir.


You should put together a graduation thread. I would like to see more. I’m sure everyone else would too.

[mgr409]

In 2 weeks I am taking it for an alignment, then the dreaded MVC inspection. After that I will post the graduation thread with more pictures. The upside down motor is Keith Craft, 514 cubic inches, 565 HP / 650 TQ, full roller, balanced, blueprinted, dyno'd.

[GTBradley]

I believe that the alignment depends on the ride height, so if you’re close enough on the alignment to drive it save paying for it until after you set the height back down.

[Mosquito1177]

Hi there what type of engine do you have?

[rich grsc]

it's in the post

[mgr409]

I have a big front suspension problem. Took it in for wheel alignment and they pointed out two issues. 1) The upper control arm adjusters are screwed together all the way (making the assembly as short as possible) and the front wheels are way out at the top of the tire. There is no way to even get close. 2) The steering rack right and left wheel adjusters have right hand threads on both ends of the adjusters. Rotating the adjusters just moves the adjuster back and forth without moving the tire toe in or toe out. I noticed both of these issues during assembly but never having done a wheel alignment, I thought the professionals would get it done. They just verified my suspicions about the assemblies. Did I do something wrong in the assembly? The right and left adjusters should have right and left hand threads so that one can make each wheel toe in or toe out. One note on the assembly - I added the SAI modification. Can anyone comment on this?

[mgr409]

The engine is built by Keith Craft. It is a Ford 460 bored and stroked out to 514 cubic inches. Roller cam and roller rockers. The cam is from Comp Cams and is ground for the Webers. Edlebrock heads 10:1 compression. Balanced and blueprinted, dyno tuned and broken in. With the original 4 barrel the engine was 700 HP. The Webers brought it down to 565 HP still has 650 TQ with a broader curve, better for street driving.

[mgr409]

Could the front lower contol arms be too short, like they sent me the wrong part in the kit?

[mgr409]

OK, I found the toe in adjustment method by turning the inside tie rod, not the sleeve.

[Jeff Kleiner]

What spindles? Did you use the specific SAI mod spindle adapter? Which set of holes are the lower control arms mounted in?

Jeff

[mgr409]

the tubular lower control arms are bolted to the outside lower frame mounting holes.

[mgr409]

Hi Jeff, the spindles are SN95

[mgr409]

I did use the SAI mod spindle adapter

[mgr409]

can that SAI adapter be mounted 2 ways? one way toward the wheel the other way toward the Koni? Page 49 of my build manual shows the standard adapter leaning into the Koni. Someone posted on another forum that the adapter is supposed to be leaning toward the wheel which would bring the top of the tire in.

[mgr409]

I think I understand the issue - the UCA ball joint socket (I have the angled socket) is angled with the grease fitting toward the engine, the way the manual says to install it. David's instruction says it may be best to flip it over which would have the grease fitting leaning toward the tire. He also says that swapping right for left UCA also will get closer to the correct alignment. On my car it looks like it is a must. I am going to rebuild it this weekend. I hope this will do it.