Camaro update: 1/30/2014

Just placed an order with Summit Racing. I have my Wilwood brake proportioning valve/distribution block, TH400 rebuild book, and 5 point racing harness on the way. I also talked to my engine shop today, my engine should be assembled and ready by next week. Also gave Coan Converters a call regarding sending them my torque converter. I hope to have that shipped withing the next few weeks. I will make a trip to National Parts Depot soon to pick up my correct big block chevy frame engine mounts as well as some carpet. I've really been dragging my feet this month, aside from getting the engine inspected and taken to the shop. I need to pick up the pace if I still want to have the car ready early this year. I've got the bug, that's for sure, so my procrastination has not been due to lack of motivation.

Online… and On Radio

If you follow me on Twitter, many of you know that I do several radio spots a week. From Tom Barnard Podcast to Metro News Hotline with Dave Weekley, I dish the dirt from Hollywood. If you miss some of them live, you can always find the archives on their respective sites.

Here's an updated list of some of the radio shows I've been joining during awards show season. Let me know which one is your favorite to listen to. I always love to hear feedback from you guys. 

Mondays:
Metro News Hotline with Dave Weekley

Driving with Gass

Tuesdays 

Tom Barnard Podcast

Weekends

The Radio Dish

Some other fun award show season spots:
Amy Beth Arkway (Grammys roundup)
Dara On Radio (SAG, Golden Globes, Critics' Choice)

If you would like to book me for your show, please contact me here. 

Roadkill: Episode 24

The latest Roadkill episode.

Tim's Ride - 1967 Ford Fairlane S 427 Stroker

Tim, from Tico Race Engines, picked up this wicked 1967 Ford Fairlane 427 a few years ago.  The 427 is stroked to a 451, topped off with 2 4 barrels, and backed by a 4 speed top loader.  With some monster meats out back, this car has some serious attitude.  Tim's plan is to turn it into a pro-touring style car and hit the road, perhaps the Hot Rod Power Tour.  I wasn't a fan of too many 1960's Fords, but I also dug these Fairlanes.

Camaro Engine Update - 1-23-2014

Today, I loaded up my engine and took it to Tico Race Engines, in Moscow, MI.  I am happy to say, we discovered no major damage.  I actually discovered the source of metal in the oil myself upon tear down at their shop.  As I removed the timing cover, I inspected the back side, and saw 3 equally placed grooves where the double roller timing chain was interfering with the factory stock cover.  The front main bearing had some obvious debris get in it, but the journal was fine, as were all the others and the rod bearings.  That said, the rods weren't as tight in the caps as a stock set would be, so both rod and main bearings will be replaced.

Other than a wash, aftermarket timing cover, new gaskets and oil pump are in order as well.  After that, it should be good to go.  Thankfully, the minimal damages will still permit me to get my car back on the road, and thankfully, it appears I should make the track this year.  The engine will be done sooner than later, as I was told it should be ready for pickup within a couple of weeks.  Hey, I can't argue with that!

Engine lifted.

Engine cradle installed.

In the truck and ready to go.

Cylinder heads off, no trouble.

Shortblock ready to come apart.

You can see the groves in this photo.  Look at the three small indentations in the inner radius and you can see where the chain was hitting.

Roller lifters all looked good, as did the cam lobes. The valve lash all checked out prior to disassembly so I didn't suspect any valvetrain issues.

Disassembled shortblock.

Factory GM forged steel nitrated crank.  Seems to be handling around 700 hp without a problem.

Pan and pump. The pump looks like it may have taken a little abuse, perhaps even from running 20w 50 oil.  My builder told me that that heavy oil is sometimes rough on the pumps, and its cheap insurance to simply replace it.

INTERVIEW with Jenna Elfman: Will she be back on SYTYCD for Season 11?

I know the So You Think You Can Dance season premiere is still months away, but I tried to get a little bit of information for you when I sat down to interview Jenna Elfman for her new NBC series, Growing Up Fisher.

Here what she had to say about her possible involvement with Season 11 of the FOX show. Will she be there as a judge? Will she be at any of the audition rounds? If you want to skip to the whole SYTYCD section, start at the 6:20 mark.

Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.

My Camshaft seems ok

Thankfully, a check of my valve lash proved that whatever my metal in the oil is, it doesn't seem to be cam/lifter related.  All but two of the rocker arms were exactly what they were set at last summer.  Two, were within .001-.002, which I would speculate is likely just a variation in adjustment when I set them.  That's great news if you ask me!  Next up, a trip to Tico Race Engines on Thursday, where I will tear the engine down the rest of the way and see what I can find. Thankfully, there haven't been any signs that it's anything major.

Camaro Update: 1/18/2014

 It's been awhile since I updated my progress, but it hasn't been due to lack of work.  I got back at it a few days ago, and with a new year upon us, the clock is ticking to get my Camaro back on the road.  As is most always the case, it hasn't exactly been uneventful, and I'm hoping for some positive new this week.

Here is my 10" Coan Converter which will be sent out to Coan, cut open, and inspected.  I haven't had any issues, this is simply precautionary.

 The flexplate wanted to be stubborn, as two of the six bolt heads rounded out and refused to come out.

 The two stubborn bastards.

 I initially tried a sawzall.  After wearing the teeth off of two blades with minimal progress, I decided on another course of action.

 Next up, the cutting wheel, which got the job done.

 Bolt heads gone!  Since I had already planned on a new flexplate, I wasn't worried about damaging it.

 Flexplate off, two bolt studs still remain.

 Flexplate removed.

 Next up, I decided to start removing the interior, in preparation of sound deadener installation.

 The garage had also become a disaster.  Tools and parts everywhere, it was time to tidy things up a bit.

 Nothing cooler than two Big Blocks...except maybe 3 Big Blocks.

 Cheap-o engine stand.  I swear, this IS the last time I will use this one.

 Front seats removed.

 Time to drain the oil, and trouble begins.  Last year, I had oil pressure fluctuations I was concerned about.  The magnetic oil drain plug showed signs of dull gray metal.  No shavings or anything of substance, but of concern just the same.

 See that light colored curve to the left in the oil?  Yeah, that's not a reflection, that's some sort of metallic substance.

 Engine on the stand, ready for further inspection.

 Time to get the pan off, see if there are any surprises.

 Pan off, nothing obvious popped up.

 Back seat removed, ready to quiet things down!

 I pulled the valve covers, will check valve lash soon, make sure its not a cam issue.

Work bench semi-organized.

Next stop, the engine shop, hopefully this week.  There doesn't seem to be any major damage, but I want to make sure we know where this metal is/was coming from, as well as resolve the oil pressure issue, which may be one in the same.  I'm wondering if the troubles didn't start from my transmission, as I recently read that if a certain lock ring or clip of some sort broke, it could cause my occasional 1-2 shift problems, as well as take out the rear thrust bearing in the engine.  That could likely be responsible for the metal in my oil, as well as my oil pressure fluctuation issues.  Hopefully, an engine wash, near bearings, and perhaps a turned crank will be all I need.  I really want to be racing this year, but depending upon the damage, this could be a deal breaker.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed!