The Great Pumpkin - '71 Duster
Wow, over a month since the last update. Finally got a new laptop so I have all my computer-related stuff back in one place. This new one is much better than the previous model, really disliked the touch screen. I am not a tablet type person. The screen is also bigger and the keyboard has a number pad. Plus it was under $300 which is a heaping helping of win.
So as far as the Duster, the transmission is done and the engine is almost there, just waiting on a specific main stud that works with the Kevko oil pump pickup. Will detail further down.
In other news, I decided to remove the Hurst Line-Loc and made new front brake lines. Frankly, I felt like the thing was never right. I don't believe it was the Line-Loc itself since it was brand new and installed correctly but rather the combination of parts - small caliper pistons and rotors combined with a lot of extra tubing with sharp bends.
Everything was put in new two years ago but the brakes were never that great. I did everything I could possibly do to get them to stop better but they just felt a little lacking. Normal street driving was mostly OK but slowing down at the track was a little scary. I had to really stand on the pedal and always ended up using the last turn off.
The second issue was creep at the starting line. When you brought the revs up, it wanted to roll. Some of the creep may have been due to the the converter but mostly it was the brakes not holding enough. This affected the launch RPM which obviously effects 60 ft times and ultimately ET. I wanted to be able to launch around 1,800-2,000 but it would start to creep just past idle. I believe it may have cost at least a hundredth at the line, maybe more.
The thing I kept coming back to was the idea that somehow the roll control was preventing the front brakes from getting full pressure because of all the extra plumbing and very tight bends involved in the lines. I never verified the pressure at the calipers but that was my gut feeling.
In addition, the release was slightly awkward with the button on the shifter knob. The few times I had it down the track, I never even used it. So the decision was made to take it out and re-do the front lines. As a result, there is less clutter in the corner of the engine bay where the master cylinder is and less wiring to contend with. The new lines have much gentler bends so hopefully the will be a difference. If not, its time for different brakes.
Line Loc parts and wiring removed from the car.
New front brake lines. The fronts are the most difficult to make yourself. because of where they are and how they are routed. What a P.I.T.A, even with the motor and trans out.
In light of how time-consuming it is to make brake lines, I used the factory original I had for the left front. I soaked it in Evaporust and wire wheeled it, looks brand new. Fits perfect ('natch) and looks good.
Sure seems like I like to make extra work for myself doing other stuff when I should be working on finishing the engine. This was bugging me though so while the engine is out, I took the opportunity to make the change. I didn't lose any extra time as I am waiting on a part and can't move forward without it. I'll explain in the next post.
More to come.
Wow, over a month since the last update. Finally got a new laptop so I have all my computer-related stuff back in one place. This new one is much better than the previous model, really disliked the touch screen. I am not a tablet type person. The screen is also bigger and the keyboard has a number pad. Plus it was under $300 which is a heaping helping of win.
So as far as the Duster, the transmission is done and the engine is almost there, just waiting on a specific main stud that works with the Kevko oil pump pickup. Will detail further down.
In other news, I decided to remove the Hurst Line-Loc and made new front brake lines. Frankly, I felt like the thing was never right. I don't believe it was the Line-Loc itself since it was brand new and installed correctly but rather the combination of parts - small caliper pistons and rotors combined with a lot of extra tubing with sharp bends.
Everything was put in new two years ago but the brakes were never that great. I did everything I could possibly do to get them to stop better but they just felt a little lacking. Normal street driving was mostly OK but slowing down at the track was a little scary. I had to really stand on the pedal and always ended up using the last turn off.
The second issue was creep at the starting line. When you brought the revs up, it wanted to roll. Some of the creep may have been due to the the converter but mostly it was the brakes not holding enough. This affected the launch RPM which obviously effects 60 ft times and ultimately ET. I wanted to be able to launch around 1,800-2,000 but it would start to creep just past idle. I believe it may have cost at least a hundredth at the line, maybe more.
The thing I kept coming back to was the idea that somehow the roll control was preventing the front brakes from getting full pressure because of all the extra plumbing and very tight bends involved in the lines. I never verified the pressure at the calipers but that was my gut feeling.
In addition, the release was slightly awkward with the button on the shifter knob. The few times I had it down the track, I never even used it. So the decision was made to take it out and re-do the front lines. As a result, there is less clutter in the corner of the engine bay where the master cylinder is and less wiring to contend with. The new lines have much gentler bends so hopefully the will be a difference. If not, its time for different brakes.
Line Loc parts and wiring removed from the car.
New front brake lines. The fronts are the most difficult to make yourself. because of where they are and how they are routed. What a P.I.T.A, even with the motor and trans out.
In light of how time-consuming it is to make brake lines, I used the factory original I had for the left front. I soaked it in Evaporust and wire wheeled it, looks brand new. Fits perfect ('natch) and looks good.
Sure seems like I like to make extra work for myself doing other stuff when I should be working on finishing the engine. This was bugging me though so while the engine is out, I took the opportunity to make the change. I didn't lose any extra time as I am waiting on a part and can't move forward without it. I'll explain in the next post.
More to come.