[Navy Lifer]

Neil, the bottom line is this--it's supposed to be a 1-3/8" front bar. If it isn't, I'd expect you to let me know. The bar kit you purchased is a private label item, not in the Hellwig standard offerings.

I'm passing along the information you mentioned about the fit of the rear bar.

 

[big lou]

Alot of work in that box. You should blackout the door window trim to give it the old skool hardtop effect. Get some black electrical tape and cover the trim to see how it`ll look first before doing the actually spraying.

 

[The Stickman]

Looky what I just got in the mail. It's a new MegaSquirt II v3.57 with wiring pigtail. I am so excited. I have been looking at their site and some of the info and videos and it seems like this will be a fairly easy conversion. Now I just need to clean up my intake to get it sent off to have the bungs welded on and drilled out for injectors and the fuel rails put on.

 

[pose_master]

Well here is an update. Some of you may know I am in the middle of an engine swap. Well the 350 is in. It's still not finished but it's in and taking shape. Here's some pics of it.

Stickman, that is genius!!!

Two questions: Is that just 2x3 steel channel, and have you had any strength issues with the crossmember?

Thanks,
Pose

 

[The Stickman]

Stickman, that is genius!!!

Two questions: Is that just 2x3 steel channel, and have you had any strength issues with the crossmember?

Thanks,
Pose

Not sure of the size. Just had it laying around. No problems with strength. It's been on for a few years now.

 

[killerzracing71]

Nice find on that shifter, I hope to own one in the future.

 

[The Stickman]

Nice find on that shifter, I hope to own one in the future.

Not that expensive. Search google for Kilduff shifters. He builds them to order.

 

[killerzracing71]

Not that expensive. Search google for Kilduff shifters. He builds them to order.

Yeah I found the site, prices are awesome especially for what you get.

 

[The Stickman]

Ok I was asked for an update. And looking thru my thread I have missed some. Firstly I added magnesium valve covers. They are much taller and lighter. ANd they look cool too.

Here they are after the wife painted them.

And most recently I started work on my rear diffuser. It should help with the aero if only to get the air out from under the car better. On these cars there is a good gap between the tank and rear bumper allowing air to pack up behind the bumper. This should allow it to get out better. I think it's going to look pretty cool too. Here is the stock bumper.

Here you can see the difference from one side to the other.

And here is both sides done.

I am trying to get alot of things done so I can do a track event at NJMP in April. I have to swap intakes and water pumps. I was to change out all the ball joints for better newer ones. Same for U joints. And I will be getting track pads atleast for the front brakes.

 

[Northern Classics]

Don't know how I missed this thread until now...

Awesome work, Sitckman!

... and you refered to my 89 Caprice as a "build", a mere engine swap compared with what you are doing.

I am interested in the kit you installed in your 200-4R. So far, nothing has been done to the transmission in the 403 wagon, even though it has 250,000+ km wear and tear. It isn't slipping or broken, but I figured the additional torque of the 403 over the 307 will push it to its limits. My thoughts are to use it until it needs a rebuild and then have it built strong. I like the idea of the manual shift kit you are using which allows full automatic operation in OD position. Does this also operate the lock up torque converter? This was an issue for me, since in '89 the torque converter is operated by the ECM, which no longer is being used with the 403. Right now I just have the clutch operated by a manifold vacuum switch, with a dashboard switch to override to unlock mode.


.

 

[fuzzcar]

Nice car and thread. When are you going to mount the dual .50 calibers?

That rear bar looks like it will drag every piece of roadkill you pass over!

 

[Squeek]

man i was wondering about this car recently... im finally getting ready to start working on mine. i have a 350 im about to pull out of my s10 blazer, and i'd like to mount up a 5 speed behind mine... any ways shes looking real good. i like your idea of the fan shroud.. got me thinking of one to cover the opening there

 

[Firewood]

Ah.... There it is. I love this wagon.

Man, those valve covers... Your wife painted the hell out of them.

And you keep improving it. I think the brakes are gonna be the hitch. The brake design is much different from our cars (like I still have one...) and the boxy's aren't much lighter. But then again, you've shed some weight on yours.

Keep it up!

 

[The Stickman]

Don't know how I missed this thread until now...

Awesome work, Sitckman!

... and you refered to my 89 Caprice as a "build", a mere engine swap compared with what you are doing.

I am interested in the kit you installed in your 200-4R. So far, nothing has been done to the transmission in the 403 wagon, even though it has 250,000+ km wear and tear. It isn't slipping or broken, but I figured the additional torque of the 403 over the 307 will push it to its limits. My thoughts are to use it until it needs a rebuild and then have it built strong. I like the idea of the manual shift kit you are using which allows full automatic operation in OD position. Does this also operate the lock up torque converter? This was an issue for me, since in '89 the torque converter is operated by the ECM, which no longer is being used with the 403. Right now I just have the clutch operated by a manifold vacuum switch, with a dashboard switch to override to unlock mode.


.

Your transmission was built after they fixed a few things. Like the early ones like mine like to blow out the front seals. Some people like them others think they can't handle it. I have yet to have any problems. But I do think the kit was installed somewhat wrong. It is supposed to be manual only in the first 3 gears and auto in OD. Well in OD it doesn't seem to shift where it does in drive. But if i use it manually it works great. I don't use the lock up but there are kits for that to do it automatically. But most I have seen require installing it with the pan off. Depending on how hard you want to drive it you can get better internal parts for them that make them even stronger. I was told I got the kevlar clutches installed.

 

[The Stickman]

Ah.... There it is. I love this wagon.

Man, those valve covers... Your wife painted the hell out of them.

And you keep improving it. I think the brakes are gonna be the hitch. The brake design is much different from our cars (like I still have one...) and the boxy's aren't much lighter. But then again, you've shed some weight on yours.

Keep it up!

It's getting there. I had hoped to have Vette brakes on by now but just bought a hauler that ate up a ton of cash. I should be losing more weight soon. I would love to get under the 4K mark.

 

[Squeek]

must be nice to be able to have an aluminum hood! how do you find a plastic tail gate? what did they mostly come on?

 

[The Stickman]

must be nice to be able to have an aluminum hood! how do you find a plastic tail gate? what did they mostly come on?

Truthfully I have no idea. Not sure if it's an Oldsmobile thing or all models. No idea even what years. Just know they exist. I know one guy with one and have had a line on a couple just not able to do the deal.

 

[shenny]

I think most of us a jealous. A wife that works on the car, welds and paints. I mean this in the nicess way. Do you rent her out?

Shenny

 

[flasheroo]

Evening Stickman I just finished reading all of your post.You do some incredible work along with a very talented wife.I guess I dont have to tell you how lucky you are.Now are you suffering from Cluster Headaches because a few of your comments leads me to believe you are.My father has suffered with them since 1978 and had to retire because of them on 79.I hope that you dont have them because they are a curse.If you are;let me know and I will PM some info that I found recently that has helped
my father.Keep up the incredible mods and you better be taking very good
care of that wife of yours you lucky bum.
Take Care
Flasheroo

 

[Moby Dick]

Cool thread. Thanks for posting up all the pics.