Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


Topics - ~JM~

Pages: [1]
1
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/AFCO-30271-1978-88-GM-Metric-Improved-Geometry-Steering-Center-Link,48370.html

Anyone familiar with this part?

How does it compare to using the original center link & an aftermarket tie rod bump steer kit?

Will it perform as well or better with a tie rod that has a ball joint at each end, vs. a Heim joint? Does the spindle end of the tie rod still need to be mounted lower?

I'm thinking a ball joint would be preferable to a Heim joint for street driver longevity.

2
General Buick Tech / ATTN: Steve, RE: Alternator Rebuild Kit
« on: November 04 2021, 01:32:40 PM »
Steve,

 Will this rebuild kit work with the CS144 typically found in '87 Turbo Regal?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/142984342064

I see mention of an "early" & "later" model CS144. Haven't found an explanation of the differences.

Thank you.

3
General Buick Tech / PCV Valves, Vacuum Brakes & Forced Induction
« on: October 03 2021, 07:00:56 PM »
...Or a Tale of Two PCV Valves.

Drove the car yesterday after a top-end overhaul. My vacuum assist brakes performed poorly. Car has been down for several months. Ran a few vacuum tests today. With the new PCV valve installed (pictured left) I have 10" of vacuum at brake booster. With the old PCV (pictured right) I have 16" of vacuum.

I applied 20-30# of pressure to the opposite end. Here are my findings. The valve on the left prevents the boost pressure from entering the block/crankcase. The valve on the right reduces flow into crankcase, but does not prevent pressurizing the engine block.

I need a PCV valve that has the proper sized orifice to provide enough vacuum to operate the brakes & still blocks boost pressure from entering the engine block.

Any recommendation s?

Thanks.

4
General Buick Tech / Anyone Running Powermaster Alternator?
« on: September 25 2021, 10:35:44 AM »
I have used Powermaster starters & alternators in the past with good success, so I ordered a new 170a alternator intended for the Grand National.

It just arrived & I noticed the drive pulley is smaller diameter than the OEM pulley. Concerned this may negatively affect the serpentine belt tension. Haven't looked into it well enough to see if the pulleys can be swapped. The alternator has a performance test card that shows 130+ amps @ idle, but I suspect that is with the smaller pulley.

Anyone have any feedback on this?

Thanks.

5
General Buick Tech / First Fire & MAL #34
« on: September 18 2021, 09:17:35 PM »
First fire on newish top end. A couple of problems I need to resolve pasted below.

Problem #1: I replaced the driver side header with one from TA Performance. The OEM crossover pipe does not mate up well between the two headers now. I think the outlet flange on the TA header is larger diameter & taller. I have an exhaust leak on the D-side that I'm assuming is coming from there. Suppose I must now order the TA crossover to make it work. Sure wish these companies would either QC or communicate better. I'm trying to remain grateful that parts are even available.

Problem #2: When I bring RPM up to about 2K & release the throttle, the engine almost returns to idle, but then sputters & dies. Re-starts just fine. On initial start the Scanmaster displayed MAL #34 MAF Low Signal, but it cleared upon re-start & has not reappeared. I have a 3.5" LS1 MAF (plastic housing by Standard) & a MAF Translator. This is new equipment for me. The dip switches are On-On-On-Off. I have not attempted any adjustments yet.

Today was initial start, run a minute or two & shut-down, check levels & look for leaks. Engine started on first attempt, no drama. Re-start & increase run time, vary RPM & heat cycle several times.

6
Recently installed a rebuilt Steve Monroe 62mm Throttle Body. Not the original TB, but I am using the original TPS. Battery has been in storage & is reading 11.9-12V. Battery Tender is bringing it back up to charge. Attempted to set TPS with Scanmaster. Numbers are very low. 30 is the best low setting so far.

How much, if any, does battery voltage affect setting the TPS?

While operating the throttle linkage by hand to full throttle, it appears that the throttle blade may not be quite a full 90 degrees open. May be an illusion, can't tell for sure. Appears that the lever contacting the throttle body casting would require relieving to open any further. Lever & linkage from original TB & swapped over to rebuilt TB.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you.

7
General Buick Tech / Proper Vacuum/Boost Hoses?
« on: September 08 2021, 04:12:35 PM »
Need to replace the vacuum hoses & seeking recommendation s on proper tubing. I have some of Kirban's tubing but it is rated to 1 Bar. I'm thinking 3 Bar or better would be a wiser choice. I bought some silicone tubing but the wall thickness will not allow installation at the throttle body vacuum block, plus it breaks fairly easy.

Thanks

8
General Buick Tech / Exhaust Header Gaskets? Yea, or Nay?
« on: September 01 2021, 08:07:38 PM »
Thoughts on the use of a gasket between exhaust header flange & the head?

No gasket?

Copper gasket?

High-temp RTV?

9
General Buick Tech / 3-Way Plastic Vacuum Fitting?
« on: August 29 2021, 05:05:29 PM »
Is this part available through local auto parts stores or vendors?

What is the part name & function?

Thanks

10
General Buick Tech / Cylinder Head Porting
« on: July 12 2021, 01:50:14 PM »
Thought I should start a new thread with a better title.

Any advise would be appreciated.

https://www.turbobuick.com/threads/head-porting.471750/#post-3952001

11
General Buick Tech / New Int/Exh Valves & Over-Sized Valves?
« on: July 09 2021, 04:14:28 PM »
136K miles & the heads are off. Thinking about replacing the valves while I have it apart. Seeking advice on make, material & type of valves to use.

Is there much of an option for larger valves? Doesn't look like there is much room between them.

How often are valve stem seals installed on the exhaust valves?

12
General Buick Tech / OEM Headers: Crack & O2 Bung Repairs?
« on: June 26 2021, 11:51:30 AM »
Removed my headers & see the crack on the rear tube on the driver side header. Haven't really examined both very closely yet. What should I be looking for? I've heard mention of cutting the mounting flange & creating clearance for expansion & contraction. Also heard of an additional brace welded in. Are the heat shields typically cut off & then tacked back on after repairs/modifications? I have a spare set of heads to bolt up to.

O2 sensor bung repair? My O2 sensor has been cross threaded. I chased the threads, but I believe it has probably been done before. The O2 sensor will not thread in & seat flush. Any reason a new bung couldn't be positioned about 90 degrees away from the original one? I need to mock it up before selecting a final position, but I'm thinking there should be a spot available with better access for sensor replacement.

Thank you.

13
For Sale/Trade/Want To Buy / WTB: OEM Valve Stem Locks Needed
« on: June 24 2021, 11:33:11 PM »
I need 1 or a couple of OEM valve stem locks. Lost one off one of my exhaust valves & cannot find it. If you know the correct size & a source, I'd really appreciate the info.

Thank you.

14
General Buick Tech / 3" Down Pipes?
« on: June 16 2021, 03:48:57 PM »
Who makes a 3" DP (internal waste-gate) that provides clearance between top of pipe & the bottom of the A/C heater box?

Pages: [1]
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal