My '79 project

[DaneKirk]

Another update-

Been a while... Just got the rear end built (Yukon LSD, 3.90 gears, and 30 spline axles) along with having the axle tubes welded and all by a local guy who has been doing it for years. Threw it back in and from what my buddy says it was worth the money. The brakes are still not quite right even though we changed out the MS with one that had a different bore size that people thought might work better. We are thinking that there might just be some stubborn air in the system and will have to take it somewhere that has something that can suck it all out. Other than that next on the list is a Proform 750 mech secondary which was recommended by a successful local race team owner given our setup and some aluminum heads. Not sure if we will go with Dart or Vortec but all I know is they must fit the long tube headers I already have.

After I get back from this current deployment I just left on we will also be swapping in the M21 I got a few months back. Got a deal on a nice Hurst shifter and all I need to buy are a clutch, flywheel, linkage and pedals. I was thinking about a hydraulic setup but it seems that people on here prefer the mechanical clutch...

[DaneKirk]

Yet another update-

We think that the problems we are having with the brakes not providing nearly enough stopping power will be solved by some brake residual valves. I ordered up some and they will be put on the car shortly.

Also, after consulting with CompCams and a few other trusted individuals I ordered up a set of Brodix IK 180 heads. Depending on the deck height we should be able to get anywhere from 9.5:1 to a little over 10:1 with the thinnest head gasket available as well as the obvious increases to be had with airflow and everything else. After that I should be able to throw in the M21.

[DaneKirk]

Tore into the motor in preparation for swapping out the heads and while doing so something interesting was discovered. After taking a look at all the lifters there were two that were not wearing correctly compared to all the others. Instead of a nice even circle that should be seen with my solid flat tappet cam the pattern was an obvious indicator that the cam lobe was not spinning the lifter at all. So needless to say it looks as if I can say that I am one of those people who have had a solid cam fail. This was of course despite following the cam break in procedure.

After taking out the radiator and everything needed in order to get the cam out I got to thinking about all I could do with everything in the engine bay torn apart. Long story short, I am planning on doing what I should have done when I first started this project and that involves swapping in a 383. I want the performance part of the car done already and I feel like another half inch of stroke might be able to help me out. More to come soon on what direction I end up going, still need to find a short block with a stroker kit that has no cheap ass chinese parts or half ass build quality etc.