Project "Payback"

[89 RS]

Those wheels are freakin' awesome.
Can't wait to see the new look!

[Vegas69]

A big part of no mechanical failures is due to preventitive maintenence. The decision I made to check the valve springs saved me a costly unneeded rebuild. While I had the engine apart to swap out the valve springs and rebuild the lifters with the superior NO needle bushings, it was time for a good inspection and tune up. A consistent compression balance and clean plugs showed me the combustion chamber is happy. I replaced the cap, rotor, plugs, and distributor gear along with inspecting the wires and blowing out the distributor housing. I looked the carb over and checked all the fasteners. I replaced the K&N with a fresh element. They are inexpensive enough that I decided to replace it vs. clean an reoil it. I dropped the visclosity in the engine to 10w40 to drop the cold oil pressure and reduce distributor gear wear.

I picked up another trick tool from LSM racing to do the valve spring change. It was a back breaker but I knocked them all out in a couple hours. Now I have a real baseline for fresh valve springs with my on engine valve spring tester. It turns out that only two of the old valve springs had really lost any significant pressure. The intakes measure 230 and exhaust 210 on the seat.(The values are different than they would measure off the engine) The exhaust lifter I nearly lost was only down to 180 seat. They will be getting checked at every valve lash adjustment.

She's running great and ready for a couple more years of raising hell before similar maintenence.

Up next is a trip down to Best of Show on July 23rd to have Dick and the crew freshen up the paint. Cut and buff and touch up some blemishes.

[Nessumsar]

Dang Todd, new shoes and a cut-n-buff; she's gunna be real purdy. Just in time to get some rock chips at Buttonwillow too!

How many miles did you have on the engine when you checked the spring preasures? You've got me wondering about my engine now, granted its not as high-strung as yours.

[Vegas69]

It only has 3500-4000. Remember, I'm turning it close to 7k and that takes some higher valve spring rates on a big block. Sitting is hard on them as well. I'd still check them if I was you. You may not have a spec but you could see if you have some week springs. I'd let you borrow mine.

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

It only has 3500-4000. Remember, I'm turning it close to 7k and that takes some higher valve spring rates on a big block. Sitting is hard on them as well. I'd still check them if I was you. You may not have a spec but you could see if you have some week springs. I'd let you borrow mine.

Todd

Thanks for the posting on your thread about the lifters. I looked into the no needle rollers and swapped them on the advice of Crower prior to installing the ones I had so it only cost me the difference.

Now maybe a belt drive to isolate your springs from engine harmonics would be a good idea. I know they are expensive but they have some advantages, one being the isolation piece one being the adjustability and then there is the trueness of timing and ease of maintenance.

The new shoes looks sweet

[Vegas69]

Guys, it's been one hell of a fun ride building Payback. I've made some great friends, learned some lessons, and had some lifetime experiences. I hate to see her go but it's time to move on and apply my knowledge and skills to a new build. Payback is ready for a new home and adventure.

At this time, I have some ideas floating around my head but nothing is set in stone. I'm going to take a little breather and really formulate a plan for my next hot rod.

I can promise you one thing, it will be interesting and really FAST.

[Spiffav8]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

Guys, it's been one hell of a fun ride building Payback. I've made some great friends, learned some lessons, and had some lifetime experiences. I hate to see her go but it's time to move on and apply my knowledge and skills to a new build. Payback is ready for a new home and adventure.

At this time, I have some ideas floating around my head but nothing is set in stone. I'm going to take a little breather and really formulate a plan for my next hot rod.

I can promise you one thing, it will be interesting and really FAST.

Looking forward to the next chapter. It's sure to be even more fun than Payback was.

[67zo6Camaro]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

Guys, it's been one hell of a fun ride building Payback. I've made some great friends, learned some lessons, and had some lifetime experiences. I hate to see her go but it's time to move on and apply my knowledge and skills to a new build. Payback is ready for a new home and adventure.

At this time, I have some ideas floating around my head but nothing is set in stone. I'm going to take a little breather and really formulate a plan for my next hot rod.

I can promise you one thing, it will be interesting and really FAST.

Wow, wow wow! I had heard a rumor and now it's true. As some may say "All good things must come to an end"

I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Good luck with finding her a new home, she has been good to you.