Rich-L79
Jun 3rd, 06, 8:19 PM
I think my frustration expressed in my thread from yesterday (http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132182) was fueled as much by the fact that I haven't been able to spend any quality time with my project like I've been wanting to. Well, I spent the entire day with "the other woman" today.
Things went pretty well though I did have to install the driver's side header twice because I got the gasket in wrong on the first try and I didn't notice until I went to install the spark plugs. Anyway, I got the headers on without too much struggle. The Hedman Elites which I bought fit well and no additional clearancing was needed though I may need to do some for the steering shaft. I won't know about that for sure until the body goes back on the frame.
The exhaust system parts I have so far (Pypes head pipes, no x-pipe, Magnaflow mufflers and Flowmaster tailpipes) will work well according to my mock up assuming I can get a local muffler shop to make some 18 inch long ball and socket header collectors which I can used to connect the headers to the head pipes. I'll also have to order a few more clamps and hangers from Pypes along with some 30 or 45 degree bends which I will use the modify the tailpipes. There is no way to use the exit-at-the-bumper tailpipes as they are since the wagon has a spare tire well which hangs between the quarter panel and the frame rail. I intend to cut the tails off just behind the wheels and weld or clamp on some elbow bends to make it exit behind the rear wheels.
I also installed the Currie rear control arms I got recently. They were NOT a drop in swap as I expected but they are in and look nice. I had to clearance one of the upper arms A LOT where it connects to the rear axle housing and the lower arms required some fancy footwork to get them in as the poly bushing ends are a VERY tight fit. They are about 1/4 inch shorter than my stock arms bolt hole to bolt hole and since they are wider than my stock arms I really had to work at it to wedge in my stock style rear sway bar.
The only real frustration of the day is that the local hardware store only had 3 of the 4 bolts I needed to install the rear sway bar. It sure is convenient to have a hardware store in my small home town and I patronize them every chance I get to make sure they stay in business, but it is frustrating when they can't supply me with 4 simple bolts (or whatever fastener I happen to be looking for that day). They have plenty of basic hardware, but they are always running short on grade 5 and grade 8 stuff and their selection of better than average fasteners is somewhat limited. All in all though, a good day. :)
Things went pretty well though I did have to install the driver's side header twice because I got the gasket in wrong on the first try and I didn't notice until I went to install the spark plugs. Anyway, I got the headers on without too much struggle. The Hedman Elites which I bought fit well and no additional clearancing was needed though I may need to do some for the steering shaft. I won't know about that for sure until the body goes back on the frame.
The exhaust system parts I have so far (Pypes head pipes, no x-pipe, Magnaflow mufflers and Flowmaster tailpipes) will work well according to my mock up assuming I can get a local muffler shop to make some 18 inch long ball and socket header collectors which I can used to connect the headers to the head pipes. I'll also have to order a few more clamps and hangers from Pypes along with some 30 or 45 degree bends which I will use the modify the tailpipes. There is no way to use the exit-at-the-bumper tailpipes as they are since the wagon has a spare tire well which hangs between the quarter panel and the frame rail. I intend to cut the tails off just behind the wheels and weld or clamp on some elbow bends to make it exit behind the rear wheels.
I also installed the Currie rear control arms I got recently. They were NOT a drop in swap as I expected but they are in and look nice. I had to clearance one of the upper arms A LOT where it connects to the rear axle housing and the lower arms required some fancy footwork to get them in as the poly bushing ends are a VERY tight fit. They are about 1/4 inch shorter than my stock arms bolt hole to bolt hole and since they are wider than my stock arms I really had to work at it to wedge in my stock style rear sway bar.
The only real frustration of the day is that the local hardware store only had 3 of the 4 bolts I needed to install the rear sway bar. It sure is convenient to have a hardware store in my small home town and I patronize them every chance I get to make sure they stay in business, but it is frustrating when they can't supply me with 4 simple bolts (or whatever fastener I happen to be looking for that day). They have plenty of basic hardware, but they are always running short on grade 5 and grade 8 stuff and their selection of better than average fasteners is somewhat limited. All in all though, a good day. :)