Topics

31

Mild Modifications / Air Shocks...

« on: October 18, 2008, 01:25:06 PM »

   From a thread and discussion quite a while back about air shock selection and my ongoing search for a pair, I just wanted anyone who is or was interested that I finally did get and install a set of shocks - Monroe's - for my '68 Z.
   Contrary to Monroe's tech people who advised me that the reason they had no listing for an air shock to fit '68 Camaros (or possibly any first gen) with multileaf springs was because they didn't make one??? - the MA 711 model they stock works perfectly.
   The MA711's install with no problems aside from a slight change to a bracket on the passenger side frame rail for which Monroe also includes a notice and picture of how the bracket should be modified, in with the shock kit.
   I would like to thank all of those who offered part numbers or advice back when I was searching for some... - Randy

32

General Discussion / 400 block...

« on: October 07, 2008, 06:12:28 AM »

Hi all:
  I've got a chance to pick up a 400 block (a #509 casting but I still have to confirm that) which I'm told is a 2 bolt version and out of a '72 pickup truck for my '68.
   Can anyone share their impressions as to how good a street engine this could be made into with a bore clean up and new pistons /heads and whether it could be a good purchase for that intended useage - assuming it checks out OK?.
  In a first quick look it appeared to have some cylinder ridge but decent bores which means it probably would end up as a 406 - but would this be a good candidate for splayed main caps / roller cam and decent heads to expect a reasonable 425hp - 450 ft lb  street engine to replace my 302 which resides on an engine stand now anyway. Does the 400+ small block version really require 5.7" rods to make it work better or will the stock rotating assembly, assuming it checks out OK, cut it?
   Can a 400 block be easily (and reasonably cheaply) built up to be as good or better than a 383 stroker using the many kits available for both of them or should I pass on it and jusy look for a good 350 4 bold block and do the same 383 thing as everyone else these days.
  The going price for me is in the $150 - $200 range and if anyone has input and experience as to which small block variant works better operation and cost-wise for a somewhat hot street engine I would appreciate hearing the feedback. - Randy

33

Maintenance / Surging...

« on: August 19, 2008, 12:15:28 PM »

Hope you guys can lead me some here so I don't spend a lot of time wasted...
My '68 suddenly developed a surging or jerkiness when driving and I would like to have some input to where anyone (everyone) thinks I should look for a cure. The car suddenly lately seems to require a lot more cranking over to get it to catch than previously after it sits for a few days and seems a bit rougher until it warms up some. It does still drive normally until I either let it cruise under 2000 rpms at a steady throttle or take my foot off the pedal slightly to decellerate some - then it starts to buck in any gear. It gets progressively worse to the point where I either have to stick in the clutch when approaching a light (much sooner than I would normally) or drop it down a gear or two to get the revs up but it is only a cure until it slows and starts it again.
I'm not lugging it as this occurs between 1200 and 2000 rpm and it never did this previously - just started the other day and seems to be getting a bit worse and somewhat harder to start after it sits for a while (hour or more) where it started great previously in that timeframe. It still idles great and has good pull through the gears.
My thoughts were in some order of importance and effort (a) float level issues which I haven't checked yet (b) carb issues with needle and seats being the prime area to look at after a general clean out (c) I've got a new set of plugs ready to go in (delco R45's) but these characteristics don't really make me believe that they would fix a surging problem (d) changing the inline fuel filters to try and get any type of fuel flow improvements that might bring - but the ones I have in now don't appear to have any crap in them and my tank was lined a few years back and never has shown any junk in the fuel (e) I am runing 100LL aviation fuel and it seems to work great - this is the only thing new to the set up and operation of the car in the past year or two prior to the surging issues lately which appear to be getting slowly worse as I mentioned.
Any ideas as to where I should best aim my efforts so I don't head off on a tangent here. Specs - 350  / 9:75 cr / Holley double pumper 650 / '68 Z28 intake & heads / mild cam 232 - 238 degree @.050" / headers / timing 14 degees initial - 34 total @ 2600 rpm...
Thanks for any comments or suggestions so I don't spend a lot of time endlessly wandering through this...  Randy
   

34

Mild Modifications / Mufflers....

« on: June 03, 2008, 05:05:30 PM »

    I have a 68 Z from which the original 302 has been removed (stored on an engine stand in the workshop) and replaced with a 350. This 'replacement' engine has ported fuelie heads, Z manifold, 650 double pumper, 1 5/8 headers, and a 332/338 degree @.050" hydraulic cam (and Yes I am sorry that I didn't throw in the mechanical Z 28 replacement version) and approximately 9.5 : 1 compression ratio.
    I built the engine to enable me to get better mileage, use mostly available pump gas, and be a bit more driveable on the street (all of which the 302 obviously wasn't that good at) but it doesn't sound as good as I would like in comparison obviously. The car now has what appears to be a pair of turbo (no name brand) mufflers with a full original-style exhaust system - 2 1/4" in size less the transverse muffler....

    I would like to replace my mufflers and without starting a real poll, would like some suggestions as to what any of you would consider to be a good for such a set up. I don't want to end up with a race type deal where I can't hear myself think or carry on a conversation in the car when driving, but the ones on the car now are a little too quiet for my taste. I do realize that this is a very subjective and personal thing but I thought it might help me weed through the multitude of choices and narrow it down somewhat.

    I appreciate any and all comments and suggestions with this.  - Randy

       

35

Mild Modifications / Air Shocks

« on: July 13, 2007, 11:35:05 AM »

Has anyone found a set of air shocks that will fit the rear of a '68 with multi leaf springs? I tried listings and tech lines for Gabrille and Monroe and all said they had models for '68 single leaf versions - but none for the multi leaf variety - due to clearance issues???
Anyone found a set for a multi leaf application from any other supplier? Nova models apparently have some available but they appear to be different length and mounting brackets although I don't know why, as they were chassis-wise supposed to be the same from what I knew,,,  Thanks - Randy

36

General Discussion / Kerosene washing???

« on: January 16, 2007, 04:05:49 AM »

I know to many this may seem to be an odd topic and a series of questions which have literally nothing to do with Camaros directly, first gens or otherwise, but my Z is hibernating away for the next 5 months or so and I have too much time on my hands obviously!!
Do any of you recall stories of washing vehicles in years past with kerosene or by adding it to the water bucket when washing a vehicle?
I recall many years back seeing a few older gentlemen who had cars that were 20 and more years old and still in perfect condition due to the fact that they (apparently) regularly washed their cars with at least some kerosene added to the water. It apparently got under and behind the chrome bits and into body seams where it slowed the rust and seemingly made a great difference to vehicles that normally would have rotted away many years earlier in most cases, due to heavy salting of our roads in the winter months.
The topic come up on another board briefly and it brought back memories of cars I saw that were immaculate back in the sixties and early seventies. The cars I recall seeing were then 15 to 20 years old and the paint and chrome was perfect - the reason I was given was the use of the kerosene...
The link that I read lately mentioned it was an old-timer's cure for keeping paint from oxidizing and the chrome bright and it got me wondering if it would still work as well today. I'm curious if it would or not be compatible with the current base/clear paints and all the plastic bits on vehicles today depending on the amount used.
Anyone know if this is more fiction than fact from years past or if it did work, would it still in this day and age? If yes then how much would or should be added to the water to help produce the desired effect without going overboard and creating environmental problems and a smelly mess?
I just bought a new Sierrra Z71 and driving it tonight through all the salty road slush really made me cringe and got me thinking about trying it if I can get some feedback that is positive...
Odd topic and questions I know, but I realize there are many oldtimers on this board (besides myself) who may be able to recall if this was a common and beneficial practice in years gone by.  Thanks - Randy   

37

General Discussion / New Forum...

« on: October 17, 2005, 11:31:32 PM »

   Great new look - some of it will take some getting used to - but refreahing to say the least... 

                                                                         --Randy--