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Borgeson released a new PS box for our first gens in April 2018. Its a 12.7:1 ratio box that is a direct, bolt in replacement for the Saginaw boxes.

I had contemplated doing the IROC swap, as many have done. But it seemed like a lot of work chasing down small parts and getting the correct box. Instead, I took a chance on the new Borgeson box. It has made the Z much more enjoyable to drive. The feel is firm, the car doesn't wander as it did with the old PS unit. I feel more confident taking cloverleafs at speed.

It was an easy installation (did it when I had the engine out). Total cost was $600. $500 for the box and then $100 for the new rag joint. I reused the old PS Pump and lines, just had to flush it.

I have headers and this box clears them, as did the old Saginaw unit.

I've got about 200 miles on the new box. This is a must have if you drive your cars regularly. Thanks Borgeson!

http://www.borgeson.com/xcart/product.php?productid=1792&page=1

I purchased an NOS LT-1 short block. Upon inspection, I found a few items that need to be addressed. Was hoping you can provide some guidance.

1. The engine was wrapped in an oily wax paper, which disintegrated over the years and fell into the engine. I've pulled the engine apart and vacuumed much of it out. Would it be OK to power wash the block? If so, do I use soap? Do I need to worry about getting the cam bearings wet? If not power washing, what do you recommend?

2. The engine had been cranked over by hand. There are some oil marks on the rod bearings. Should I get new rod bearings? The main bearings look new.

3. I was given a set of head shims. Are they OK to use or should I get a modern head gasket?

This NOS engine is super cool to look at. It has all kinds of paint splatter and markings on it. I almost feel bad putting it to use. But I'm curious how a little torque is going to feel compared to my 302 

Thanks! Nick

I have two 1178 cranks that haven't been ground. Brought them to a crankshaft shop and they magged both of them and found many small hairline cracks. Is that normal for these particular cranks? Thanks.

Still haven't found our POP and other reciepts (which my dad swears are in their house somewhere), but did find this. Our car is an 01B, he said he didn't take delivery until early Feb. But he swears he ordered it in late Oct and paid for it in Dec (actually my grandpa paid for it because my dad was 15 at the time). But then the dealership 'screwed up' on the order (dad thinks they were selling above MSRP at the time, sold his car when it came in and reordered another).

Anyway, found this registration reciept. Kind of cool.

Nick

Yikes:

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Submerged-cars-found-in-Okla-may-solve-cold-cases-4824269.php#photo-5202469

I'm just curious, for each model year does CRG have record an instance where every exterior and interior color combination was used? For example, in 1967 a car having a Madeira Maroon with a Gold interior?

A simple 'yes' or 'no' will suffice, we don't need another 'rare' Camaro for sale on Ebay in 6 months...

If not, from the examples you've documented, whats the oddest combination you've seen?

Thanks,

Nick

Where did Chevrolet rank against Ford and Chrysler back in the late 60's/early 70's in terms of fit and finish, reliability, and overall quality? I've spent most my time reading books on Camaro's. Seems like fit and finish was OK, reliability was good and same with quality. Was there much variation in output from Norwood to Van Nuys to Janesville? I'd imagine many of the processes were identical.

I love hearing stories about these old cars, so if you have one by all means share. Otherwise if anyone is versed in Mustangs and Cuda's/Challengers/etc and could recommend a book that might capture some of this topic, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Nick

I find it tough to believe some of the stories on the following site, but this one about a 69 RS/Z is interesting:

http://www.carsinbarns.com/new170.html

Does the owner belong to this site or does someone know him? I'd like to hear more about it.

Thanks,

Nick

Is an in-dash fuel guage resistor different from the one on a console fuel guage?

Thanks,

Nick

Check these out. The car has been sitting since 87. The guy, Buzz, uncovered her recently and is working on getting it roadworthy.

Did anyone else happen to catch the American Muscle show titled 'Ford and GM Ponies'?

Essentially, the were detailing the "Pony" war between the Mustang and Camaro. They did a little segment on the 69 Z/28, then on the BB SS cars, and then the COPO's (and the Boss 302 & 429, Mustang GT, and the Shelby cars for those keeping score). FWIW, it was a decent 30 minute show.

It looked like they were in a car museum in FL. There was a Garnet Red 69 Z that was used in a segment. There was also a black 68 SS 396/375 used in a segment as well. They were both beautiful cars. The red Z had a crossram (yawn) and a black grille. But what got me was both had 'CAUTION FAN' stickers on their shrouds.

I don't expect producers from the show to know the details of the engine bays of the Camaro, but for crying out loud. Those stickers really ruined the beauty of those cars for me. I couldn't look past them.

Anyone else feel my pain?

Can someone tell me at what PSI does the 'Oil' light come on in the dash?

Thanks, Nick

Does anyone have advice on trying to straighten an engine fan? Its in tough shape, at least three blades are noticeably bent. Is it just a matter of a plastic mallet and some patience? Or am I better off buying a 'repop' or straight 772 replacement?

Thanks, Nick

I'd like to add an aftermarket tach that would be relatively visible (while going above posted speeds ). Where are guys placing aftermarket tach's in their 69's that have the rotating steering column? If you could, please post some pics and tell the size of the tach. I've read people have placed them either on the pillar or top of the dash. I'd like to see what that looks like.

Thanks in advance!

Nick

We've just installed some older tinted windows and they're pretty scratched up. Would it be okay to buff the inside and outside of the glass? Where exactly is the tint, is it in the interior portion of the glass or possibly sandwiched in the glass? Do I have to worry about effecting the tint?

Thanks,

Nick

Are there any known/documented 69's that had the HD Dual Disc Clutch? I've read Wayne Guinn's article on the RPO many times and am intrigued by it.

Thanks,

Nick

Wow, does someone on this site actually own that early build RS/Z28?? That is one beautiful car. Whats the story behind it?