Now I have a Valiant

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Never had a project fight me so much. The last week and a half have been as frustrating as I have ever experienced. Working on cars in general can test anyone's limits, but I have reached mine. While hanging the exhaust system, I pinched a nerve in my neck and lost feeling in hands & right foot. Fought through this to finish and continue to assemble the rest of the engine only to discover the air cleaner doesn't clear the hood. To top it off, I was a first responder to Columbine High School, and the 20th anniversary is hitting me harder than in past years. I feel like selling the f**king car, but just going to take a little time off now. Here are latest pics...
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bvt69dart said:
Never had a project fight me so much. The last week and a half have been as frustrating as I have ever experienced. Working on cars in general can test anyone's limits, but I have reached mine. While hanging the exhaust system, I pinched a nerve in my neck and lost feeling in hands & right foot. Fought through this to finish and continue to assemble the rest of the engine only to discover the air cleaner doesn't clear the hood. To top it off, I was a first responder to Columbine High School, and the 20th anniversary is hitting me harder than in past years. I feel like selling the f**king car, but just going to take a little time off now. Here are latest pics...View attachment 1715321520 View attachment 1715321521
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Take the time to relax and heal. It'll still be there when you get back to it. Remember it's just a hobby. I've always found that walking away and going back later with fresh eyes always brings my biggest Homer moments.
 
bvt69dart said:
Thank you for your prospective Rev. I'm so regretting taking the reliable slant out! Giving it a rest...
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I hear that. I'm working on my 69 Val off and on. It seems that every time I get to the point to do the V-8 swap, something comes up. The slant that's in it was supposed to be there for more than a few years, let alone the going on 15 years it has now.
 
Brock, don't give up on it yet. Check with Higgybaby, I think he has a torquer that may be a little lower.
 
I got another air cleaner that clears. I wish that was the only problem. Won't idle below 1300, runs hot and leaks oil from filter adapter. Trans shifted properly at first, now starts out and stays in second gear. Also leaking trans fluid which I guess is OK since I overfilled slightly! Also starter from slant quit working. Shiny F***ing Paper Weight...
 
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bvt69dart said:
I got another air cleaner that clears. I wish that was the only problem. Won't idle below 1300, overheats and leaks oil from filter adapter. Trans shifted properly at first, now starts out and stays in second gear. Also leaking trans fluid which I guess is OK since I overfilled slightly! Shiny F***ing Paper Weight...
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Hang in there ! I have been fighting oil leaks on my timing chain cover and / or valve covers for ever ! Got my cooling problems , and reversion problems fixed, engine is outa site now , but still leaks. I get so pissed off , I walk away from it for weeks some times ., of course "life" gets in the way too.
 
Revhendo said:
Wait, so y'all sayin they're not supposed to leak?

crap...:(
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I sure aint had much luck against leaks. The dam raised port heads put the 1and 2 header tubes almost up against the valve covers , haven`t found a gasket yet that don't leak or weep. I screwed my timing cover up ,once when I had it off, for a cam change, guess I`m going to have to replace it . I HAVE IT BEEFED UP TO CONTROL CAM THRUST , AND ABSOLUTLY HAVE TO DROPP THE OIL PAN TO REPLACE IT , "THATS HOW I SCREWED IT UP THE FIRST TIME!"

Think I`m gonna rip the caps button off this keyboard !
 
famous bob said:
I sure aint had much luck against leaks. The dam raised port heads put the 1and 2 header tubes almost up against the valve covers , haven`t found a gasket yet that don't leak or weep. I screwed my timing cover up ,once when I had it off, for a cam change, guess I`m going to have to replace it . I HAVE IT BEEFED UP TO CONTROL CAM THRUST , AND ABSOLUTLY HAVE TO DROPP THE OIL PAN TO REPLACE IT , "THATS HOW I SCREWED IT UP THE FIRST TIME!"
Think I`m gonna rip the caps button off this keyboard !
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I have from 10 to 20 inches of vacuum w/ this solid roller , running a hi volume pump , sure a lot of oil splashing around under the valley tray! Put full time oiling to the top end when I built it , think I went too far. Will have to pull the heads to correct it, the dam thing runs too good to pull down since I fixed my reversion problem----------hate to tear into an engine that runs this good !
 
bvt69dart said:
I got another air cleaner that clears. I wish that was the only problem. Won't idle below 1300, runs hot and leaks oil from filter adapter. Trans shifted properly at first, now starts out and stays in second gear. Also leaking trans fluid which I guess is OK since I overfilled slightly! Also starter from slant quit working. Shiny F***ing Paper Weight...
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Tell us how you really feel Brock, heh, incase you've forgotten, WELCOME TO HOT RODDING!

With that cam, and the the air here, about 1000, rpm for an idle is about the best your going to get.....everything just has to get dialed in now, air to fuel ratio, and jetting is going to be key. It took me about 3 months of constantly re-jetting and screwing w/the idle to get my dual quad set up to run properly. a vacuum gauge will help considerably...….patience my friend, glad to hear you've driven it, this is where the fun begins.
higgs
 
Made some progress today, no more exhaust leaks and idles around 900. Need to remove & reseal oil filter adapter and replace extension housing seal. Getting older and more prone to injuries has taken a lot of the fun out of HOT RODDING for me at least!
 
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Well, did it fix the oil leak at the adapter? Rest of it working good?
 
Oil leak is fixed, Trans shifts better! Higgs hooked me up with his trans guy and he gave me some tips. Now I'm working on carb and timing, and then the new ignition box crapped out already! Rather than getting MORE frustrated, I need to wash and detail it and then get some pictures posted. Road test impressed me, it's gonna be a beast!!! You done with the Barracuda?
 
Cleaning it up, gasket back in, still need to look at the steering box leak yet. What ignition box do you have?
 
Thanks Dave. I have a spare also, but I'm loosing faith in the mopar ecu. I think I'm going to change direction and go with an HEI set-up. Getting closer...
 
Great looking Valiant....love post cars..
I can relate to age related issues hampering the fun, take a break and then get back to it
 
How’s it going Brock? Getting things dialed in? Just three weeks till thunder mountain, but no pressure.:poke:
 
Any updates? running and shifting better? Putting miles on it? set it on fire?:poke::popcorn::thumbsup:
 
Working through the problems little by little. Kinda overwhelmed by latest school shooting, but I drove the Valiant to work this afternoon. Transmission still is giving me problems but overall outlook is improving. I promise a major update soon with pictures...
 
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