IHADAV8.com - Turbo Buick Tech, and Nonsense

Tech Area => General Buick Tech => Topic started by: good2win22 on January 18 2015, 09:02:51 PM

Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 18 2015, 09:02:51 PM
As some of you guys know, I sold my white TR and picked up this gray TR Limited.  It's a very low optioned Limited.  Only 67 codes on the RPO label.  No special lights, manual seats and a hard top.  If I had to guess, and I'll get it on the scales soon, I would bet this car weighs between 3500 and 3600 with me in it and a half bag of gas.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 18 2015, 09:06:53 PM
Dash insert was cracked and previous owner left a new insert in the trunk.  So I used some washers to set the dash speakers flush and installed the new insert
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 18 2015, 09:14:07 PM
Not sure of the brand of these rear shocks but they rode like shit.  Pulled them and installed a set of Bilstiens that I had laying around
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Charlief1 on January 18 2015, 09:24:52 PM
Those are Gabriel over load shocks Jason. I think we need to start talking about some suspension work already.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 18 2015, 09:28:20 PM
The rest of the day was spent on basic maintenance.  Diff fluid, tranny fluid and filter, air filter, plugs, greased the front steering components, engine oil and filter.


Purchased a used scanmaster and powerlogger and should be here later this week.  I'll clean up the rest of the engine when I can see some data. 


ECM has a TT 5.7 chip burned for 91 and everything else stock. Previous owner left me the invoice.


Also will be looking for another turbo or rebuild the stocker. Have some oil in the throttle body.  She smokes a slight bit at startup and I haven't made a WOT pull on her yet.  Will be pulling the drivers side header to fix the crack as well.  Lots to do on the car.


I think the plan for this car will be getting it reliable as a driver until I can get the barn motor put together and the barn transmission up to jake for a complete overhaul with all the goodies. Most likely will be doing the same suspension setup on the rear as I had on my white TR.  Not dead set on the front suspension just yet
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Charlief1 on January 18 2015, 09:59:50 PM
If you want to try boxed stock rear uppers and lowers you can borrow mine, and they've got new rubber bushings in them.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on January 19 2015, 12:18:56 AM
Bilsteins at all four corners offer the firmest ride and will yield 1.7 launches all day. UMI makes inexpensive rear upper and lower control arms. Rear bar is up to you...several good ones out there.

If it only smokes at startup...or when you take your foot off the gas...then I'd suspect valve guides/seals. Valve springs are prolly shot...so you mite as well go with a set of 981's. Run a compression check first...and see what you're dealing with;

Jakes a heckuva a trans builder...get him to build it for low 10's.

You've got a sleeper there...you can really mess with the big tire cars. 6262 billet JB matched with a real AC 16930 convertor or a 9.5" PTC spec'd by Dusty. 80 LB injectors and a 116 chip from Eric. 340 LPH pump...you may or may not need a larger return line. 2 steel main caps for that barn engine and forged pistons...pref erably no larger than .020 over...and Champion or Joebuick irons.

Grab an extra pair of stock rims and mount 9" slicks on 'em....with the white lettering in. Head fakes 'em every time.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 19 2015, 06:55:55 AM
Charlie, thanks for the offer but I'm gonna hold off for now.  I've got a spare set of stock rear control arms in the barn that I can box.


My father in law said they were over load shocks as well.  Only marking on them is "made in Mexico"


Brad, definately the turbo leaking oil.  Pulled the up pipe from the inter cooler to the throttle body and it is covered with oil.  Pulled the intake hose from the MAF and the turbo and there was an oil film on the bell.  Gonna repair/replace the turbo, clean the inter cooler before moving on.  Also, I am thinking the same thing on the wheels and tire.  I am really liking the T rims with the gray paint and I have a spare complete set of the T rims that I've been polishing on.


Forgot to mention that I got some new shoes for GG too.  Here's how she looks now
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on January 19 2015, 09:29:46 AM
Lovin the chrome. Looking good!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 19 2015, 09:48:46 AM
I assume the hose from the end of the valve cover to the turbo bell has been removed and replaced with a filter in the cover?

Car looks really nice...but I would not put money on your bet :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 19 2015, 10:09:22 AM
I assume the hose from the end of the valve cover to the turbo bell has been removed and replaced with a filter in the cover?

Car looks really nice...but I would not put money on your bet :)
No the hose is still installed. Will work that one today.


You think it will be heavier?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 19 2015, 10:19:44 AM
so the oil in the bell and inlet pipe may well  be from the vapor in the valve cover.

I think heavier
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on January 19 2015, 11:05:08 AM
I bet it is closer to 3800 than 3700 with you in it. Mine is 3600 with me in without all the power options and heavy interior stuff.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 19 2015, 07:43:45 PM
Pulled the breather line and capped the fitting at the turbo.  Nothing coming out the breather. We'll see. 


This limited has 9 less options than my white TR.  Here are the differences:
This one has power windows
No console
Manual seats
Column shift
Bench seats
Rear defogger
Plush carpet
No concert sound speakers in the door


The rest of any more weight, if there is, could be attributed to acoustical sound proofing.  Which must be under the carpet cause there ain't any under coating.
All the other light weight items are there.  Bumper supports, T rims, hard top. 


Found another problem today. Looks like I'll be changing out a heater core.  Any tricks yall can share would be greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 20 2015, 09:50:31 AM
http://www.vortexbuicks-etc.com/heater_core_replacement.htm (http://www.vortexbuicks-etc.com/heater_core_replacement.htm)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 20 2015, 12:51:32 PM
http://www.vortexbuicks-etc.com/heater_core_replacement.htm (http://www.vortexbuicks-etc.com/heater_core_replacement.htm)
Thanks Steve!  Read it last night.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 20 2015, 08:33:59 PM
Got the heater core out...  That wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be.  Looks like the foam on the evaporator has disentigrated.  Letting things dry out for now and will clean up tomorrow.  Previous owner installed a new compressor but never charged the system due to not being able to find a dryer.  It's all apart so parts are ordered and I'm going back with a new heater core, new evaporator, new dryer and new orifice tube. 
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 22 2015, 11:43:48 AM
it's sure an easy job on these cars...long as the glue has not welded the top on anyway.  Be sure to seal it well so water cannot run into the box off the windshield
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 23 2015, 06:26:09 PM
Got a couple of packages today and all the replacement parts to put the HVAC back together.  Hopefully by the end of the weekend I'll have a leak free cooling system and be able to see some data to know where to begin getting GG running top notch.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on January 23 2015, 08:46:00 PM
Get that PL hooked up! :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on January 24 2015, 12:07:05 AM
I'm glad you are making progress.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 24 2015, 10:58:27 PM
HVAC is back together.  Got the scan master and powerlogger installed.  Fired her up, leak check complete.  Little bummed with the scan master.  No signal from the powerlogger to the SM but the USB for the laptop is functional.


Going to replace the cable from the PL to the little block as soon as I find one. 


ECM has a 5.7 TT burned for stock injectors with 91 octane for 15-16 #'s of boost


Numbers luck good on the TPS, MAF, IAC ECM voltage is more steady than the white TR.  Still has the original fuel pressure regulator and it shows.  BLM at idle was 138 and O2s were in the 550's.  Idle was smooth though. Car came with a hot wire kit and a Walbro 255 that the guy had put in the same time he got the chip from Eric.  It has to be the noisiest fuel pump I've ever heard.  He forgot to add an adjustable FPR.  That will be next on the list.  Never seen lean cruise at 115 before but what do I know.


Something I'm going to look at in the morning is that the PL showed no park or 3rd gear for the tranny when I went for a drive.  Going to look at the connector on the upper left side of the tranny.  VSS appears to be working on the PL.  However, it did display 4th and TC lock up at the appropriate shift.  A little confused with that one...


I was hoping to drive it to work this week since it's suppose to be nice
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on January 25 2015, 06:00:45 AM
Good progress Jason. DS header cracked?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on January 25 2015, 08:24:58 AM
I just "crushed" a stock regulator to get the pressure. It took a couple tries but I figure it stays put easier. The first thing we noticed about the dw pump is how quiet it is.

Have you dropped the pan on the trans yet? Id goof with the connector to see but someone might have swapped in a "lesser" vb that doesn't have the 3rd gear switch. or the switch might have quit working. Never know why you will find on these "old" cars.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 25 2015, 09:26:44 AM
Yes the header is cracked. Was going to save that fix for another time due to the fact that the current exhaust system is a complete hack job.  To repair it properly, I'll need to get a test pipe, new hanger mount, crossover pipe and either repair the down pipe or put on one of the aftermarket pipes that I have.  Then have to make a flange to bolt up to the test pipe and weld it to the existing pipes.


My preferred fix is to rip out the current mufflers and go with an RJC down pipe with the big pick, test pipe, new hanger, and RJC's single to dual muffler set up along with a set of those TA headers.  I really like there crossover pipe and clamp set up.


Rich, I dropped the pan when changing the filter.  Nothing out of the ordinary and the VB appeared to be a BRF, had the right marking any way. It is definately in need of an overhaul.  Shifts ok when cold but after she warms up, the shifts come early and the TC has stayed locked up when coming to a stop a couple of times
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on January 25 2015, 09:43:38 AM
Jason, if you stick with the stock headers...be very careful where you buy a new crossover pipe from. I have a new one here from Kirbans...and it's nowhere near close to fitting. Not sure where Kirbans sources them from.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 27 2015, 09:47:56 AM
Drove GG to work yesterday.  Was not happy with the amount of oil markings she was leaving behind every time I parked somewhere. 
Got home and pulled the crossover pipe, starter, dust shield for the tranny and then dropped the pan. Looks pretty clean inside but much to my dismay, looks like someone has been inside the engine.  Rods were marked for their location.
 
Does Felpro really think that blue rubber gasket will seal the pan or is it just the installation technique?  Man that oil pan gasket had squeezed out at every bolt. Oh and the rear main was sticking out past the pan rail about a 1/16th.  Not my install, by the way.
 
Anyway, she's on the stands till I get another gasket.  Going to repair the header crack as well.  Thinking of pulling the valve covers to have a look as she is still smoking at start up.  When I get home I'll post up a pic of the crossover pipe that I removed.  It's kind of funny looking, maybe there is some performance gains to it....
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 27 2015, 10:18:09 AM
Gasket should work fine but it has to be torqued correctly..... sounds like yours was way over torqued
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on January 27 2015, 03:59:47 PM
I've used the blue pan gasket exclusively on my engines...with no leaks. Like Steve says...prolly over torqued.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 27 2015, 10:43:43 PM
Picked up the gasket and got the pan back on.  88 inch pounds is kind of hard to do between that crossmember, LOL!  Starter is back in. Pulled the driver side header and will repair tomorrow as well as pick up the header gaskets.  Scrounged around in the barn and found an old crossover pipe.  Gonna try and fit it after getting the header repaired and installed.


As promised here is the crossover that I removed....
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: GavinHunyady on January 28 2015, 07:12:13 AM
what the crap is going on with that thing? is it a cut up FWD crossover?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 28 2015, 07:55:03 AM
Not sure what happened here or why this was repaired the way it was.  I can only guess as to the competence of the muffler man up there in Oklahoma...
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on January 28 2015, 09:29:21 AM
Might have been cut up to put a waste gate on it in an earlier life.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 29 2015, 03:20:02 PM
Repaired the driver's side header and picked up the gaskets.  Intalled the repaired header and a crossover that I had taken off the white TR. 
 
Installed a drain plug in the transmission pan.  Also removed the TC lock up soleniod and did my best to clean it up which means I just wiped it down and looked for trash.  Didn't find any trash inside the hole that it slides up in. The o-ring looked good.  Reinstalled the TC soleniod.  Played with the terminals that go on 3rd and 4th gear switches with hopes of removing any tarnish that may be preventing a signal to the ECM.  Reinstalled the tranny pan.
 
Removed, cleaned, lubed and reassembled the neutral safe switch/reverse light switch and then reinstalled.  YEAH! The reverse lights actually come on when in reverse and not in drive!
 
While at the parts house, I picked up a new Denso O2 sensor and intalled it.  CC's went way up on the SM.  I bit confused on a couple of readings now.  Hot idle O2's are in the 880 range but BLM's at 138.  Wouldn't the idle BLM be trying to pull fuel out?  I'll have to get an adjustable FPR before working on that issue and I haven't hooked up my fuel pressure guage to see what the stock regulator is regulating...
 
Haven't plugged in the laptop to see if I'm getting a park and 3rd gear signal at the ECM yet.
 
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 29 2015, 07:27:56 PM
what is the maf reading at idle?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 29 2015, 07:33:11 PM
MAF at idle is 4. Programmed idle is set at 725.  She purrs too
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 29 2015, 11:02:28 PM
confusing me....ecm sets a fuel curve and then it is trimmed by input from the O2 sensor.  O2 is claiming it's rich but the ecm is asking for more fuel as evidenced by the blms...Did you drive it a few miles to get the ecm to learn?

It may be that the fuel pressure is low as compared to the 43 that Eric's chip is looking for so I would expect the blms to initially be high but I would think they would settle down fairly quickly after a few miles.  I would guess it to be about 6% lean to begin with.   If it is rich up in first gear at higher rpm, I would normally call that typical of his chips, but, in this case, I would think the lower fuel pressure would make the o2s about normal on the default setting

Best course would be to get the fuel pressure to 43 and then see how it settles out.  It's usually an air leak making the O2 sensor read low...and not high
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on January 30 2015, 06:01:36 AM
Like Steve says...check for an air leak. 02 is seeing lean...so the ECM is throwing fuel at it. Put an AFPR on it and set it to 43 line off. Let's see what it says then. I use gaskets on the headers and turbo flange...but that's just me. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 30 2015, 07:00:55 AM
Rain moving in this weekend.  Not sure how much testing I can get done.  Waiting on the FPR as well.  I'll  get a bottle of sea foam and do a smoke test for leaks.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 04 2015, 03:10:14 PM
Still waiting on the FPR to get here. 
 
In the meanwhile, weather is suppose to be nice this weekend so I'm heading to the junkyard.  Looking for some aluminum drums, CS144 alternator, F body sway bar, frame braces, jeep steering shaft, stay down license plate holder, and hopefully a power antenna.  Wish me luck!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 08 2015, 06:39:39 AM
Made it to the junkyard.  Didn't get the sway bar or antenna.  Out the door for $99.30
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on February 08 2015, 07:54:42 AM
That was a great deal!! How much meat left on the drums?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 08 2015, 08:40:45 PM
That was a great deal!! How much meat left on the drums?


Cleaned up the drums today.  Max diameter is 243.5 mm.  After turning them, one measured 239.8 and the other was 239.6
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on February 09 2015, 10:13:25 AM
Glad you found a good pair.  Looks like that yard is a treasure trove!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 09 2015, 11:27:56 AM
Got the junkyard parts cleaned up and what could be blasted was blasted. 
Removed the old intake valve stem seals and replaced with new ones. On a side note... Need to make that little plastic sleeve in a different color besides clear.  3 different times I went to install the locks with that thing still sitting on the valve.  980 springs installed. 
Blasted and painted the valve covers traditional black with the ridges sanded smooth. Cork Felpro gaskets on the valve covers. 
Installed a fresh set of AC42 plugs gapped at .032.  Surprisingly, the plugs removed were pretty clean minus all the oil that accumulated around the head from the valve covers leaking. 
Removed the EGR and installed a homemade block off plate. 
Installed the braces that mount under the engine crossmember to the frame that I picked from a cutlass at the junkyard.  Jounce bars is that what they are called?
Still waiting on the FPR... Anyone have an Accufab that they wanna get rid of?
Ordered 2 sets of rear shoes and wheel cylinders to go on with the aluminum drums that I picked up.
 
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 09 2015, 07:26:41 PM
Drove the ghost to work today 58 miles round trip and smoke out the tail pipe at start up when coming home. Pics below.  Throttle body was spotless before the drive as was the compressor outlet and up pipe.  Throttle body is covered in oil and the compressor outlet is still spotless.  Oil inside the inter cooler?  I've got the inter cooler out and soaking in some gas
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 13 2015, 09:27:30 AM
FPR arrived yesterday.  Did get it installed but ran out of time to get some testing done.  Going to play with it today and I drove it to work this morning. I can tell you this already, with pressure set at 43 line off, hot idle BLM's still at 142 and hot idle O2's are a steady 823.  I did reset the ECM. 
Knock on wood... haven't had any smoke at start up since cleaning the intercooler, up pipe and throttle body.  Let's hope it stays that way.
Was thinking of testing some theories.  Make a 3rd gear pull and log with pressure set at 43 to see what o2's show.  Then up the pressure to say 46.  Reset ECM, see what idle BLM's are doing.  Make another 3rd gear pull to confirm that she fatten's up during the pull. 
Another thought was that I have a spare MAF I could throw in. 
Something I hadn't noticed before on the PLC is that you can manipulate the voltage readings it receives from various sensors.  I know that the MAP is getting about .14 volts higher than it should as I probed the plug at the sensor  I threw a vacuum guage on one of the vacuum lines and confirmed that idle vacuum was 17/18ish and not 12.  Then adjusted the voltage so that powerlogger displays correctly.  Beats tapping into a wire and running a wire to the sensor.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on February 13 2015, 09:57:22 AM
Eric's chips are often a bit on the rich side.  As far as O2's go, the chip runs open loop in idle BUT it has learning capability so it will correct itself with time meaning that the initial readings will probably change as the ecm gets some experience.

You don't have to run a wire to the sensor.  You can tap in under the dash as I show on my site.  The voltage trimming adjustments often are useful when connecting or correcting various things.  I guess you click on the auto calibrate for the map sensor.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on February 13 2015, 04:56:42 PM
Something's up if the BLM's are at 142 after driving around for awhile.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 13 2015, 07:32:11 PM
Something's up if the BLM's are at 142 after driving around for awhile.


I agree. That's why I'm thinking something is still going on that I haven't figured out yet. MAF is one idea and I have another ECM I could throw in I could try


Steve are you saying to tune for idle O2's and let the ECM learn?   

Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on February 13 2015, 08:16:24 PM
I am saying run the chip on the defaults and let it learn.  Give it some time and then adjust it if it still seems out of whack...as Brad suggested, it sounds like an air leak somewhere...ex haust leak could do it, or a leak on the intake side
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 15 2015, 06:57:20 PM
Installed the 7/8ths wheel cylinders, new long shoes on both sides and aluminum drums.

Unplugged the fan and smoke tested with sea foam.  Crawled under while father in law added the sea foam and nothing leaking on the crossover.  No smoke at the turbo flange, elbow, O2 bung, nothing on the intake or the PCV valve.  Only smoke that I could see was coming out the tail pipes.  Sprayed some soapy water at every conceivable spot that air could get into the intake side and got no sputter at all.
Replaced every rubber vacuum line and zip tied every connection.  Sprayed the soap water again and nothing.
Installed a solid pipe from the MAF to the turbo.
Same results at idle.  Normal O2 readings at idle and idle BLM is at 142.  I guess this will be my normal, all other numbers look good.

Two files below.  One driving around town for a bit and one idling in the barn
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on February 15 2015, 07:52:11 PM
It seems to get closer to 128 as the blm cells increment.  That often happens if there is an exhaust leak because it will suck in more air thru the leak at idle than it will as the rpm goes up.

As you can find no leak, it could be something like a fuel pressure gauge that is not as accurate as it could be, or a maf sensor that is not quite on.  I don't remember if you have a translator, or a factory maf.  Neither can I remember at the moment what a maf will normally read at 2000 rpm in park.

Basically, the ecm is still within its correctional range so its really a more theoretical problem at the moment.  Performance is not being affected.

As I am the curious sort, I would raise the idle pressure from 43 to 45 psi which is about a 2% increase in flow and see where the idle blms settle out after a few miles of driving.  I would also check to see where the cruise blms are after doing so.

Don't let those wheel cylinders kill you on damp pavement
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 15 2015, 09:38:46 PM
Too easy.  I'll change the pressure and see what happens.

Factory MAF still on the car

I can't for the life of me see where it's leaking at. Maybe use a different light source for looking for smoke.



I hope to not ever be on wet pavement unless I'm getting ready to do a burnout
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on February 15 2015, 10:44:14 PM
Throttle body seals could be leaking...or the intake gasket could have 'moved' between the cylinders. Seen both...with the latter making it toss the head gaskets from leaning out at WOT. Warned the guy...but he wouldn't listen. New 02 sensor? Check the o ring seal where it screws into the bottom of the AFPR.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 20 2015, 10:21:38 PM
Here's log at idle with 45 psi line off.  Anybody else have there pressure drop about 10 psi when you put the vacuum line back on?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on February 21 2015, 10:53:57 AM
How many miles did drive it before taking the log?

The higher your vacuum, the more the pressure will drop when you connect the hose.  Sounds okay to me.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on February 21 2015, 10:56:57 AM
Mine drops to 38.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: 278CIKILLER on February 21 2015, 11:59:43 AM
Like Brad said look at the O ring at the bottom of the FPR, i had the same thing on a customers car and chase it for a while.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 21 2015, 07:16:46 PM
Steve, drove it to work and then reset it before the trip back home. 29.2 miles. Lots of curves and hills.  Got home and grabbed the laptop and went back out on the town to get everything warmed up.  Then I took the log at idle back at the house.


O- ring where the return line connects to the bottom of the FPR?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on February 21 2015, 07:22:10 PM
Unscrew it...and there's an o-ring. Has cracks or it's shrunk...it'll cause a high BLM.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 21 2015, 07:27:06 PM
Brad, pressure drops from 45 to almost 35
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on February 21 2015, 08:35:18 PM
Brad, pressure drops from 45 to almost 35

I likely have more cam duration...so I`d have less vacuum...and slightly higher pressure.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 22 2015, 05:39:11 PM
Brad, pressure drops from 45 to almost 35

I likely have more cam duration...so I`d have less vacuum...and slightly higher pressure.


On the white T, pressure would drop 4-5 with the vacuum line on a stock cam. 


Changed the fuel return o-ring at the FPR but weather is nasty.  I'll post up a log when the weather clears.  On the bright side, pressure is only dropping 4-5 psi now with the vacuum line on... We'll see
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on February 22 2015, 05:48:04 PM
Hopefully the BLM's fall into line. Mine typically run around 118 on my engines.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on February 25 2015, 04:33:12 PM
A part off the Ghost showed up at the house today - which was sent unsolicited and without a single fee (from Texas!).  It is reassuring and humbling to see that there are still generous and thoughtful people in the world.  Thanks again!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 25 2015, 07:49:54 PM
No worries... Oh and the fuel rail is from the barn motor but the regulator is off the ghost!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 25 2015, 07:55:19 PM
Had all the weather you could think of today.  Went to work in the rain at 34 degrees.  Halfway to work, it turned to sleet and by the time I was at the office it turned to huge snow flakes.  Sun was out by noon and on the drive home it was 57 degrees.  Roads dried up, so the ghost came out of the barn to let the ECM learn.  I am pleased to have a starting point now although I don't plan on running her hard.... yet!  Getting things and ideas together for the barn motor build. 

Here's the latest log at idle.  Thanks for the help fellas!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 01 2015, 06:43:01 AM
Cold and damp yesterday.  Got a fire going in the old stove in the barn and after it warmed up a bit in there, started work on the antenna.  Tore the antenna down and replaced the broken cable. Cleaned out the old grease and sealant.  Lubed it all back up and then sealed it.  Installed bolts in place of the rivets and then checked functionality before reinstalling in the fender.  For the first time since owning 2 turbo Buicks, I have an operational power antenna... Now let's see how long it lasts!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on March 01 2015, 06:57:44 AM
Removed my antenna for weight reduction and less wind resistance. :icon_lol:
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 01 2015, 10:28:55 AM
Removed my antenna for weight reduction and less wind resistance. :icon_lol:


I understand that!



The ghost is more of a daily driver than a strip vehicle.  I enjoy listening to WBAP while driving to and from work and jamming to some classic rock when cruising the streets.



Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on March 01 2015, 10:36:06 AM
I've got the 2 gauge panel TR Custom face plate where the stereo use to be. Trans temp...and something else beside it. Can't remember what. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 01 2015, 01:42:45 PM
I've got the 2 gauge panel TR Custom face plate where the stereo use to be. Trans temp...and something else beside it. Can't remember what. :)


That reminds me... Someone posted a video of a guy showing off his cars acceleration and the other guy was like " ok that's enough!"  Anyway, in the video you can see he has 4 gauges across the top of the radio along with a huge tach. Also has 2 guage pod on the pillar.  I've been looking around for a something like what I saw in the video for the 4 guage pod and can't seem to find anything like it.  It may be custom
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on March 01 2015, 01:58:26 PM
I've seen a vertical 3 gauge pod in that location. Some guy had them for sale a while back on TB.COM. I've got the 3 gauge A pillar...two in the console...and two in the custom radio face plate. Can't here anything in my car with the T-Tops rattling...win d noise...and the ATR exhaust...so no sense having a radio. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Charlief1 on March 01 2015, 03:33:24 PM
I've got the 2 gauge panel TR Custom face plate where the stereo use to be. Trans temp...and something else beside it. Can't remember what. :)


That reminds me... Someone posted a video of a guy showing off his cars acceleration and the other guy was like " ok that's enough!"  Anyway, in the video you can see he has 4 gauges across the top of the radio along with a huge tach. Also has 2 guage pod on the pillar.  I've been looking around for a something like what I saw in the video for the 4 guage pod and can't seem to find anything like it.  It may be custom
Evil on the big board was making them Jason. If you feel like trying to make one I have one you can copy. :D
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on March 02 2015, 01:44:59 PM
I've got the 2 gauge panel TR Custom face plate where the stereo use to be. Trans temp...and something else beside it. Can't remember what. :)


That reminds me... Someone posted a video of a guy showing off his cars acceleration and the other guy was like " ok that's enough!"  Anyway, in the video you can see he has 4 gauges across the top of the radio along with a huge tach. Also has 2 guage pod on the pillar.  I've been looking around for a something like what I saw in the video for the 4 guage pod and can't seem to find anything like it.  It may be custom
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Nasty Wendy on March 02 2015, 02:41:49 PM
4 gauge pod.  Available at GNS Performance.
http://www.gnsperformance.com/# (http://www.gnsperformance.com/#)!Gauge cluster Installed/zoom/c1snv/i1pzl
(http://static.wixstatic.com/media/75765c_ec5e7ef4e2434f55b1218259dad97fd5.jpg_srz_p_1014_760_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 02 2015, 03:22:44 PM
Motorhead, that's just too busy for me.
 
No console in the ghost but I like the idea. 
 
 
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 11 2015, 11:41:51 AM
Found a coolant leak.  Turned out to be from the weep hole at the bottom of the water pump.  Had another water pump from the barn motor but then decided to have a look at the timing chain. Factory gears and chain were installed. Found a deal from Cloyes on their true street roller and figured on replacing the timing set while I was in there as well as cleaning things up a bit.  Also installed a roller thrust button.  Was a bit concerned with setting the cam sensor with a volt meter but all went well and she's back up and running.


Also found a deal on some flow matched 42's with a 5.7 street chip without alky. Since the ghost will be a driver till the barn motor is done, I snatched them up. Should be here Friday.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on March 11 2015, 11:53:59 AM
Does not look like you soaked the roller chain for an hour or so in warm oil before install so I am guessing it will stretch even more than double rollers normally do?  Maybe the oil is just tooclean to see :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 11 2015, 03:59:03 PM
Does not look like you soaked the roller chain for an hour or so in warm oil before install so I am guessing it will stretch even more than double rollers normally do?  Maybe the oil is just tooclean to see :)
Soaked in a pot on the cast iron stove for more than a few hours on 2 seperate days. I had one quart of VR1 20/50 left so that's what it was treated with.  Didn't soak the gears and I wiped it down pretty clean with a towel.  I was half expecting it to turn an oil color but it didn't
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on March 11 2015, 05:20:39 PM
That should get oil penetration everywhere.

I won't use a roller unless the valve springs are about 135# or higher...or using a roller cam which has springs like that.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on March 11 2015, 11:19:43 PM
Jason...ya' got a part number for that timing chain set?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 12 2015, 08:03:52 AM
Jason...ya' got a part number for that timing chain set?
Cloyes part number 9-1134
 
Not the top of the line but not at the bottom either
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on March 12 2015, 04:45:14 PM
Thanks Jason. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on April 15 2015, 05:45:52 PM
Beautiful weather today so I drove GG to work
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on April 15 2015, 07:09:13 PM
The white letter tires set it off nicely. :)
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on April 15 2015, 07:38:28 PM
Nice!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on April 16 2015, 12:15:37 PM
Does not look like you soaked the roller chain for an hour or so in warm oil before install so I am guessing it will stretch even more than double rollers normally do?  Maybe the oil is just tooclean to see :)

That's a thing, eh?  I never did that when I stuck a SpeedPro double roller in my engine 10+ years ago. Go figure.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: earlbrown on April 17 2015, 02:57:20 AM
I lube the shit out of the inside of my chains with chain wax.



It seems to work well with my motorcycle chains and they don't ride in an oil bath.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on April 17 2015, 02:22:08 PM
Does this cloyes cam button #95189 qualify as a roller unit? Does it fit the tr engine?

There is also this one.
 PIONEER - Cam Button (http://www.northernautoparts.com/part/pp-839008)
 KIT - HI-PERF - OE REPLACEMENT
 Part Number: 839008

I was going to order a cloyes set 9-1134 from rock auto but didn't know which thrust button thing to order. And a timing gasket set.

Thanks.

Also found this but it just sez it is good for 84-85. Not sure how those differ from the 86-87 though it isn't a double roller.

 #C3018K







Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on April 17 2015, 02:56:23 PM
Does this cloyes cam button #95189 qualify as a roller unit? Does it fit the tr engine?

There is also this one.
 PIONEER - Cam Button (http://www.northernautoparts.com/part/pp-839008)
 KIT - HI-PERF - OE REPLACEMENT
 Part Number: 839008

I was going to order a cloyes set 9-1134 from rock auto but didn't know which thrust button thing to order. And a timing gasket set.

Thanks.
Looks as if they are the same part dimension wise and both appear to be rollers.  Cloyes looks to be cheaper.  I've installed 3 of the  Cloyes buttons on stock engines.  One is on the white T with over 10k miles and about 50 passes at the track.  One on GG now going on about 700 miles and the other we installed on a friends burgandy limited with maybe 50 miles since installing
 
I have yet to find a timing gasket set that has the correct oil pan gasket.  You know the little piece on the front of the pan below the timing cover that will get messed when removing the timing cover.  I have gone back with the right stuff gasket maker for the oil pan.  As for a gasket set, I like the Felpro set.  You can either use TCS45006, rope seal for the balancer, or you can use TCS45930 and it comes with a rubber seal.
 
One thing to note... You will notice a bit more pressure from the cam button spring when reinstalling the cover.  Take your time and don't forget the oil slinger
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on April 18 2015, 10:03:33 PM
Had two 87 Limiteds and an 87 GN at the house today.  Gonna have to change the name to "the salty Buick farm."
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 16 2015, 10:03:50 PM
I washed and waxed GG on the the 3rd of May. She's been under a car cover ever since due to the rain. When the Texas Nats was rescheduled to the end of the month, I pulled the turbo from GG and put it on the burgundy limited.  The stock turbo on the burgundy limited decided that it wanted to let the compressor wheel rub on the housing and the owner was coming to pick it up.


Anyway, I had another turbo, maybe 3 more turbos, and I didn't know what one of them was.  It was smaller but not as small as a stock turbo and with the help of Bryan we got it identified.  TA49. Also got it shipped out for him to overhaul with the hopes it will be back before the 30th. 



Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 16 2015, 10:05:36 PM
This morning the rain had stopped.  Got the yard work caught up and even shredded some of the pasture around the tank. But since all the rain has ceased to stop to let the streets dry up, I've been back at the polish wheel. Finished up two of my old T rims.  Not show quality but certainly presentable. I plan on using these to mount some slicks on someday. That way I'll have matching rims on the car all the time.

Even made an attempt at polishing a stock up pipe although it would probably be best to start with a decent up pipe first
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Charlief1 on May 17 2015, 01:05:05 AM
And you didn't check the side/end play Jason? :O Shame on you junior birdman. :icon_fU: :tongue
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on May 17 2015, 09:02:38 AM
Wind that 49 out to 30 PSI and let me know what it runs. :rock: Rims look good. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 17 2015, 09:35:30 AM
Wind that 49 out to 30 PSI and let me know what it runs. :rock: Rims look good. :)
Not sure that the current tranny can handle that
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on May 17 2015, 12:41:42 PM
If the trans doesn't handle it a short trip to see Jake should remedy it in short order. Then you can make a habit of high 20 psi runs.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 17 2015, 01:55:55 PM
If the trans doesn't handle it a short trip to see Jake should remedy it in short order. Then you can make a habit of high 20 psi runs.
I have been debating on sending him the barn tranny.  Just haven't had the time with everything else going on. Heading to Bryan this Friday for a ceremony for my boy.  Evidently he's pretty smart for a 7th grader.  Took the ACT and made a 23.  Wife tells me most high school kids don't score that high. 


Here's a look at the up pipe that I tried polishing
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on May 17 2015, 11:31:59 PM
Sounds like a sharp one. Keep him away from the girls. On second thought, he needs to be well rounded.

Polish looks good.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 23 2015, 05:26:48 PM
Fed ex showed this morning with the freshly overhauled TA49.  Got it installed but don't have the weather for testing. No leaks so far... We'll see
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Charlief1 on May 23 2015, 06:32:06 PM
You could always put pontoons and props on it with the rain we're having. :rofl:
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 26 2015, 11:04:36 PM
Got a present in the mail today... Ok ok. Yes, I did buy it for myself.  Now just have to save up for another alky kit.  Thanks Brad for a great deal!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on May 29 2015, 09:10:33 PM
Be prepared to pull fuel out of them...especia lly low gear fuel with a smaller turbo. The 5.7 alky chip has aggressive mode. Don't be a sissy. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on May 30 2015, 03:08:13 PM
Very good deal... well bought!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 31 2015, 10:20:44 AM
Mad it it out to little River last night to watch my old white T and the burgundy limited that I worked on make a few passes.  Even ran GG once down the track.


White T with its new 6262 and slicks made a new best of 7.32 at 96. 
Burgundy limited ran a 1.72 60 ft at 8.4 and I don't remember the mph
GG ran a 8.20 with a 1.70 60 ft.  Still running the 42# injectors at 18# boost


All in, it was a good night and a good start with GG.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on May 31 2015, 08:00:47 PM
Nice!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on May 31 2015, 08:20:26 PM
Cool!
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on May 31 2015, 09:26:09 PM
Nice! I got 2 months till my race....
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 17 2015, 01:44:22 PM
Installed the brand new second hand alky kit that I picked up from Lance at little river last weekend. 
I didn't realize how far off the voltage was coming from the dash to the map sensor.  5.20 was going in and 2.18 coming out of the gray wire.  I followed Steve's how to section with the 3 bar map sensor install and ended up with 4.99 going in and 1.6 going out.  No need to run any additional wires that way.  Gatesville is about 900 feet above sea level.   
Hopefully I'll get the 60# injectors in this evening.  I need to go get some meth too.  Maybe do that Friday or Saturday.  Wife, kids and in-laws are headed to New Mexico this Thursday for her dad's side of the family's reunion.  I ain't gonna miss that.... Anyway, I'll have the house and all the animals to myself so I'm not sure how much I'll get done this weekend
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on June 17 2015, 06:41:25 PM
SMC progressive... or Julios?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 17 2015, 11:02:34 PM
SMC progressive... or Julios?
Julios
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 17 2015, 11:11:16 PM
Put the 60's in this evening along with the alky chip that I got from Brad. Just need to pick up some meth and I'll do that Friday evening.  New o-rings and packed with Vaseline. Went for a short drive around town and BLM's settled on 130 with O2's at 784 at idle in gear. I'll take that
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on June 18 2015, 07:55:31 PM
Do I see an RJC race pulley? And bump the low gear timing to 129 on the alky chip. :rock: If you're pocketbook can afford it...get a hotwire injector kit from Caspers. Important that the injectors get a strong/clean signal. That injector harness is prolly original.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 18 2015, 10:45:10 PM
Do I see an RJC race pulley? And bump the low gear timing to 129 on the alky chip. :rock: If you're pocketbook can afford it...get a hotwire injector kit from Caspers. Important that the injectors get a strong/clean signal. That injector harness is prolly original.
Your vision does not fail you.  Yes that is an rjc race pulley.  I have quite a bit of cool guy stuff just waiting for, I don't know just waiting.  I'll check on the caspers site for the harness and hot wire kit. 


I'm headed to El Paso for work next week so I'll have a few extra dollars in the bank when I get back
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on June 18 2015, 11:00:19 PM
Get that stock boat anchor off the front of the engine when you get the time. I have a few of Jasons pulleys on my car. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 19 2015, 05:58:20 AM
That particular pulley does not have the provisions for a stock inter cooler fan.  I would already have installed it if I had a front mount.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on June 19 2015, 03:56:15 PM
That fan is useless... dump it, and use nothing or an electric fan or spray water on it or rub a dead cat on it or... well anything else really.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on June 19 2015, 04:45:33 PM
That particular pulley does not have the provisions for a stock inter cooler fan.  I would already have installed it if I had a front mount.

Give it to the kids next door as a Frisbee...cuz that's all it's good for. Remember Oddjob from the James Bond movie...he went around killing people with his hat. When he ran out of hats he used IC fans. :)
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on June 19 2015, 07:05:05 PM
True that!

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 19 2015, 10:00:44 PM
Wow! I didn't realize the IC fan was so hated.... I laughed out loud with the James Bond movie image
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 21 2015, 10:43:12 PM
Fan and stock crank pulley is gone.  RJC crank pulley installed
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on June 21 2015, 10:50:33 PM
Tossed the oil cooler on mine a long time ago.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on June 22 2015, 06:44:51 AM
It is hot in Texas and it isn't just in the summer time. I still run the oil cooler and trans cooler and two more aux trans coolers .

See the link in this post.
http://www.ihadav8.com/forum/index.php?topic=5032.msg71500;topicseen#new (http://www.ihadav8.com/forum/index.php?topic=5032.msg71500;topicseen#new)
Not sure the engine oil has similar effects but I do know the oil does a lot of engine cooling.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 22 2015, 07:30:04 AM
I'll be keeping the oil cooler.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on June 22 2015, 10:19:30 AM
Oil coolers are fine when actually necessary. However, remember why our cars were equipped with oil coolers in the first place: because the oil in 1986-7 sucked something horrible.  Contemporary synthetics will far exceed the performance of the needs of the engine (extreme heat and pressure) sans oil cooler.  My personal vehicle has been without one for over a decade without issue.  Plus, IIRC that particular oil cooler has a cold flow bypass in it that sends unfiltered oil into the engine.  If you insist on running an oil cooler get a modern adapter and run it outside of the radiator; unless you live in really cold climates and need to warm up your coolant/oil faster to get it to flow better... which is another good reason to use a quality synthetic oil.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 30 2015, 03:38:10 PM
Looking for a vendor that sells a reproduction limited plush carpet.  Is there one out there?  Been looking for a good bit today and even made some calls but it doesn't appear to exist.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on June 30 2015, 06:05:45 PM
Looking for a vendor that sells a reproduction limited plush carpet.  Is there one out there?  Been looking for a good bit today and even made some calls but it doesn't appear to exist.

GBODYPARTS sells the interior carpets in most colours...but prolly not the exact stuff you're looking for.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 30 2015, 06:14:20 PM
Looking for a vendor that sells a reproduction limited plush carpet.  Is there one out there?  Been looking for a good bit today and even made some calls but it doesn't appear to exist.

GBODYPARTS sells the interior carpets in most colours...but prolly not the exact stuff you're looking for.
I used gbody when I did the white T's interior and I didn't know any better. Highway stars sells the same carpet from the same vendor for about $70 less. Gbody sells the same stuff for exactly what you would pay the vendor for it. Haven't figured out how highway stars can sell it for less but they do.  Spoke with them both today. Was hoping one of you gurus knew something else
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 30 2015, 06:18:42 PM
Also got burned on an accufab regulator from the other site. Paid $80 for it shipped. Install it and have an accufab fuel sprinkler.  Ordered a new diaphragm this morning.  Those guys at accufab are real cool. Offered to rebuild the regulator and test it for just buying the diaphragm.  Would have to pay shipping both ways but hey, I thought was some decent customer service for folks from Cali
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on June 30 2015, 06:28:08 PM
I'll trade you a Kirbans crossover pipe that fits...ah hell I don't know what it fits.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on June 30 2015, 08:10:43 PM
Jason...when you swap to the vacuum setup...go with the Russel SS braided brake lines. The 3 lines that replace the 3 flex hoses will stiffen the brake pedal up considerably.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on June 30 2015, 08:32:12 PM
Jason...when you swap to the vacuum setup...go with the Russel SS braided brake lines. The 3 lines that replace the 3 flex hoses will stiffen the brake pedal up considerably.
I'll have to check out the Russels. Had some braided stainless lines on the white T and as Charlie will attest too, they weren't so Bueno...


I'm saving my dimes for another set of those TA performance race headers. I really like their crossover design with the band clamps and gaskets
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on June 30 2015, 08:54:16 PM
Tried a pair of ATR headers on my car...wouldn't fit with the RJC downpipe. Port your stockers. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Charlief1 on June 30 2015, 10:21:23 PM
I'll have to check out the Russels. Had some braided stainless lines on the white T and as Charlie will attest too, they weren't so Bueno...

I'm saving my dimes for another set of those TA performance race headers. I really like their crossover design with the band clamps and gaskets
Those hoses you had on the T were 100% crap. The Russell's that I have look just like the stock but with the stainless lines and fittings. Part # 692100 and I got them off amazon at a really good price.

As far as the carpet goes, have you tried JC Whitney? They used to sell the plush carpet so they still may. Not my favorite place to order but if they've got them it will be priced decently.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 01 2015, 10:02:41 AM
Those hoses you had on the T were 100% crap. The Russell's that I have look just like the stock but with the stainless lines and fittings. Part # 692100 and I got them off amazon at a really good price.

As far as the carpet goes, have you tried JC Whitney? They used to sell the plush carpet so they still may. Not my favorite place to order but if they've got them it will be priced decently.
Just checked jcwhitney, they have the same stuff that everyone else has and about $20 cheaper.  Beginning to feel that the days of plush carpet are coming to an end...
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on July 01 2015, 10:47:10 AM
Just think of the weight savings without the carpeting and sound deadener. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: xpander343 on July 01 2015, 12:38:22 PM
if you ever find a place that sells plush carpet post it up.  I miss having the plush carpet in mine
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 01 2015, 12:53:56 PM
if you ever find a place that sells plush carpet post it up.  I miss having the plush carpet in mine
I most definately will
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on July 01 2015, 02:04:35 PM
if you ever find a place that sells plush carpet post it up.  I miss having the plush carpet in mine

Steve you sissy!!!!!!!! :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: xpander343 on July 02 2015, 12:10:40 PM
if you ever find a place that sells plush carpet post it up.  I miss having the plush carpet in mine

Steve you sissy!!!!!!!! :)

if you can't be fast might as well be umm fluffy and soft?  :D
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 02 2015, 12:20:52 PM
if you ever find a place that sells plush carpet post it up.  I miss having the plush carpet in mine

Steve you sissy!!!!!!!! :)

if you can't be fast might as well be umm fluffy and soft?  :D
Gentleman...
Some folks prefer grass on the infield and some like playing ball in the dirt.  It's all about preference
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: daveismissing on July 02 2015, 05:48:26 PM
Looking for a vendor that sells a reproduction limited plush carpet.  Is there one out there?  Been looking for a good bit today and even made some calls but it doesn't appear to exist.

GBODYPARTS sells the interior carpets in most colours...but prolly not the exact stuff you're looking for.
I used gbody when I did the white T's interior and I didn't know any better. Highway stars sells the same carpet from the same vendor for about $70 less. Gbody sells the same stuff for exactly what you would pay the vendor for it. Haven't figured out how highway stars can sell it for less but they do.  Spoke with them both today. Was hoping one of you gurus knew something else

I would call Glen/Leslie @ highway and ask specifically, those folks are pretty up front on what matches exactly.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 02 2015, 11:07:55 PM
Looking for a vendor that sells a reproduction limited plush carpet.  Is there one out there?  Been looking for a good bit today and even made some calls but it doesn't appear to exist.

GBODYPARTS sells the interior carpets in most colours...but prolly not the exact stuff you're looking for.
I used gbody when I did the white T's interior and I didn't know any better. Highway stars sells the same carpet from the same vendor for about $70 less. Gbody sells the same stuff for exactly what you would pay the vendor for it. Haven't figured out how highway stars can sell it for less but they do.  Spoke with them both today. Was hoping one of you gurus knew something else

I would call Glen/Leslie @ highway and ask specifically, those folks are pretty up front on what matches exactly.
I spoke with Leslie at length about carpet and seat Upholstry.  They really do have the better prices if they have they stuff you're looking for.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 02 2015, 11:10:32 PM
Got the diaphragm from accufab today.  Rebuilt complete. Got a three day weekend so I'll get it on sometime this weekend as well as install the DW300.  Hoping I don't have to mess with any Saginaw fittings....
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 05 2015, 11:09:46 PM
Got the DW installed as well as accufab regulator.  No issues with the stock fuel lines.  It took a good while to get the pressure set properly.  I will attribute that to the new diaphragm.  Had more of an issue with the racetronix sender.  When I was splicing in the wires for the new pump, both the ground and the positive feed conveniently removed themselves from the plug.  Had to disassemble the plug and solder the wires back to the terminals.  It looked to me that when they assembled the plug, some of the wire strands were removed before they crimped the terminal so the wire would fit in the crimp.  Anyway, I was a bit pissed off.  I've run this sender in two cars.  I may have had alternator voltage at the tank but not at the pump.  I can guarantee you it's getting alternator voltage now though
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on July 05 2015, 11:14:38 PM
You were ahead of me...one of the wires fell out of the connector after the tank was bolted back in....pulled it out, looked at the connector and only one leg of the connector had been crimped....wir e walked out the other side because the other tang was not crimped over the wire.

Of course, Racetronix only produces mil-spec products and their qc would not let such a thing out the door....

Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 06 2015, 11:12:39 AM
This is the first thing I bought from racetronix a few years back.  I think it's a bit on the sorry side of craftmanship to use a nice size wire only to remove over half of the wire strands so you can get it in the crimp of the terminal.  I'm not the best at soldering but my big glub of solder fit in the connector just fine.  What's the point of having the big guage wire if it's not completely connected to the terminal.  I got it, even I've used this trick but not on something that's important... like fuel pressure on a forced induction engine
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on July 06 2015, 11:21:15 AM
That is Accufabulous!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 18 2015, 07:46:39 AM
Got a hood mount fuel pressure kit from TR customs.  Finally a decent guage.  Also installed a vacuum brake booster and pedal that I got from m233roller aka Mike. Mark from TR customs has great communication and Mike's stuff is always quality at a great price
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on July 18 2015, 08:53:22 AM
Can't beat Mike Dopkins for parts and shipping.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 28 2015, 05:11:48 PM
Found a brand new second hand set of TA race headers.  Should be here this Friday
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Pyro6 on July 28 2015, 06:03:27 PM
Got a hood mount fuel pressure kit from TR customs.  Finally a decent guage.  Also installed a vacuum brake booster and pedal that I got from m233roller aka Mike. Mark from TR customs has great communication and Mike's stuff is always quality at a great price
Look into edging the pressure up a bit.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 28 2015, 07:05:33 PM
I had just turned off the engine when that pic was taken. That's static pressure in the line
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on July 28 2015, 09:35:29 PM
Found a brand new second hand set of TA race headers.  Should be here this Friday

Hopefully there's no interference with your DP. The ATR's I had wouldn't clear my RJC DP.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 28 2015, 10:28:06 PM
I ran the same headers on the white T with no issues using the Gbody 3" down pipe.  I still have the stock down pipe on GG. The headers will wait to be installed until I can get the external gated downpipe that I have to work or get another internally gated 3" inch down pipe as well as Jason's single to dual crossover exhaust. 


Gavin have you got your exhaust from Jason yet?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on August 19 2015, 06:01:23 PM
Been busy working some additional pilot ratings the last few weeks so not much going on with the ghost.  Mostly stock piling parts


TA headers came in. Also was able to ship kirbans two power masters and a stock turbo for a $300 credit.  I had them ship me a front frame connecting brace, a few books ,drive shaft loop and a truck carpet. Picked up a second hand journal bearing PT6262 with an s cover. It'll be here in a few days. 


Need to call jake and set up a time to get the barn tranny to him for rebuild.



Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 09 2015, 10:34:28 PM
Had some time so I decided to paint the center section and turbine housing on the brand new second hand 6262.  Man was I pleasantly pleased... It's more brand new than second hand. Still has assembly lubricant on the o-ring and the turbine wheel looks like it's never seen any exhaust gas.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on September 11 2015, 08:17:06 AM
That thing should howl at 25 psi with those aluminum heads. Easy 6's. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 29 2015, 09:02:52 PM
Got this little treat in the mail today... Brand new second hand and it's never been installed before
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on September 29 2015, 09:11:28 PM
Jack even numbers them. Wait...how would I know that. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on October 20 2015, 03:04:44 PM
Just picked up an AEM wideband.  Part #30-4110 for $158 shipped off of amazon.  Another education in store for me with this little do-hickey...  I am hoping some of you smart guys who are running this same set up can learn me on it.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 25 2016, 10:45:09 PM
Brand new second hand.... To paint or not to paint... Stealth or show off?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on January 26 2016, 10:12:29 AM
I painted my TBSS's end tanks with POR-15 and the core with Eastwood radiator black.  This was for protection from the Winter elements and salt.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 31 2016, 09:46:20 PM
I went for stealth...  Can you see it? The second pic is a close up between the slits in the grill
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on February 01 2016, 12:22:01 AM
Nice work
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: GavinHunyady on February 06 2016, 08:03:34 PM
that IC looks really good stealthed out... I would have done the same if I could have found a used precsion FMIC. My RJC is a little too pretty.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 07 2016, 11:05:06 AM
The precision was second hand. Has a serial number of 016 stamped on it and the pipes are pretty beat up.


Eric hooked me up and the power logger is working again.  Also got the 80's and the chips. Now if I can just get jake finish that tranny...  Going to call again this week.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on February 07 2016, 12:55:05 PM
so what was the PL problem?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 07 2016, 01:29:08 PM
That powerlogger was picked up second hand.  It had a manufacturing date of 2006. Worked great with Windows 7, 8 and even 10.  Something updated with Windows 10 home edition and my pl didn't like it.  He reprogrammed the pl and flashed it with 1.4.4. I still had to do this for it to work:  http://turbotweak.com/forum/index.php?threads/windows-10-powerlogger-install.2582/ (http://turbotweak.com/forum/index.php?threads/windows-10-powerlogger-install.2582/)


Eric is an awesome dude with great service.  Let him know you appreciate him when you can
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 19 2016, 08:57:52 PM
Got to the new carpet today.  Repaired a few pin holes, removed some surface rust, treated the metal, cleaned the rest of the floor pans, sprayed some self etching primer to seal the bare metal and installed the new carpet along with new floor mats.  Feel like I got something accomplished today
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on March 19 2016, 09:34:07 PM
Nice work floor looks very sound.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on March 19 2016, 10:54:00 PM
Yes. Looking VERY good!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Pyro6 on March 20 2016, 10:21:47 AM
Looking good!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on March 20 2016, 12:41:34 PM
Nioce!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Forzfed on March 20 2016, 03:38:57 PM
Nice job, car looks greee-ATE!!! :cheers:
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 20 2016, 09:30:36 PM
Thanks fellas. Found this when I was cleaning up this afternoon.  On the bottom of the front drivers side. January 19, 1987
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 20 2016, 09:32:41 PM
Nice work floor looks very sound.
They are pretty solid
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 20 2016, 09:34:06 PM
It was nice not having to deal with the center console and the floor mount shifter
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on March 25 2016, 09:45:32 AM
Looks sharp! Trans and convertor ready?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 25 2016, 10:29:48 AM
Looks sharp! Trans and convertor ready?

I wish.  Got an email this morning from Jake saying that it's about halfway there.  Hoping to be done next week. 

I've been hearing the same song and dance for about 6 weeks now.  To be honest it really bugs me but it's my decision to have him build it.  Could I have gone elsewhere? Sure. But I beat on the 1st tranny that he built me pretty hard and then sold it and it got beat pretty hard after that as well and is still together.  Got other activities taking my time right now so even if I had it, I would be waiting to put it in when I had the time.  You know the deal.... Got the time but no money or got the money but no time.  One way or another it will get done and installed. 

That gets me to thinking.... Have we seen video of Steve's Mopar tearing up the roads yet?
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on March 25 2016, 12:22:53 PM
What converter do you plan on using?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: daveismissing on March 25 2016, 01:01:51 PM
I hear interesting stories about ALL the trans builders, no exceptions.
What matters is they backup their work. Don't sweat the decision.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on March 25 2016, 05:32:06 PM
I hear interesting stories about ALL the trans builders, no exceptions.
What matters is they backup their work. Don't sweat the decision.

Was talking to Jason this morning...and Jakes convertor can be locked at WOT. I suspect its a large single disc like the 911. Jake sent along a whack of questions to be filled out and I went over them with Jason. Im excited about this convertor...an d those TA heads will have this car run a silly number at low boost with a mild tune.
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on March 25 2016, 06:18:06 PM

I hear interesting stories about ALL the trans builders, no exceptions.
What matters is they backup their work. Don't sweat the decision.

Was talking to Jason this morning...and Jakes convertor can be locked at WOT. I suspect its a large single disc like the 911. Jake sent along a whack of questions to be filled out and I went over them with Jason. Im excited about this convertor...an d those TA heads will have this car run a silly number at low boost with a mild tune.
Sweet look forward to the results!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 25 2016, 11:07:26 PM
What converter do you plan on using?


It's a jake performance converter. He's building his own now. It's a 9.5 inch lock up with 3k stall
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on March 26 2016, 12:02:06 AM
Ah nice curious to here how it performs there is always such a controversy on the other board when the discussion about converters is brought up. 
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 19 2016, 10:35:48 PM
Revving this thread with some updates.


Barn motor is installed.  Tranny has been overhauled by jakes performance with one of his own 9.5 inch 3k stall lock up converter. Due to my lack of due diligence, the 6262 had to be sent to Bison for overhaul. Got it back but it still leaked oil so it's back at Bison's. Have a TA49 installed at the moment.  Had some issues with the TR6 unit popping code 16 via the tachometer. Sent it to Bob and he couldn't find anything wrong it. My troubleshootin g revealed nothing wrong with GG, so off with the TR6 and back went on the stock ignition module and coil pack.


Went to the track last weekend for some shake down runs.  Pleasantly pleased with everything except that I have a 49 on there instead of the 6262.


Ordered some 30 spline moser axles, eaton posi with bearings and a set of Mickey thompson pro bracket radial slicks in 28x9. Should be an anxious week of waiting for things to come in....
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 25 2016, 10:20:32 PM
Got a some goodies today!  On the downside, finally started the repaint of my house today.  All the goodies will stay in their boxes for a while
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 28 2016, 10:26:44 PM
More goodies arrived today
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on July 28 2016, 11:40:41 PM
Are you going to sell the 28 spline carrier?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 29 2016, 07:39:45 AM
Are you going to sell the 28 spline carrier?
Haven't thought about it. You need it?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on July 29 2016, 08:16:05 AM
Nothing like having confidence in your rearend.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on July 29 2016, 11:13:11 AM
I want to put a posi in the 8.5 for my Gs. I believe it will go in there.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on July 30 2016, 07:53:33 AM
Girdle? :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 30 2016, 09:12:10 AM
Girdle? :)
Already have the girdle. Not much room back there with the RJC 3 inch single to dual muffler in between the diff and the gas tank but it fits
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 31 2016, 11:38:14 PM
Picked up these race stars today.   15x6 fronts and 15x8 rears with lugs.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on August 01 2016, 01:52:11 AM
nice!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on August 01 2016, 09:51:47 AM
Look good!!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on August 01 2016, 08:36:00 PM
Pics of 'em on the car. :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on August 02 2016, 06:58:37 AM
Pics of 'em on the car. :)
It'll be a while before they are on the car.  Tires haven't even shipped yet. In the middle of some house maintenance and a repaint and I'm headed to St. Louis on Sunday for about 3 weeks
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on August 02 2016, 10:31:13 AM
Welcome to the Racestar club!  They are surprisingly light for a Chinese wheel.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on August 31 2016, 08:49:43 PM
Made it back from new employee training in St. Louis late Monday evening.  Been busy catching up on chores with all this rain they had while I was gone. I did manage to get my slicks mounted and balanced today.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on August 31 2016, 09:29:17 PM
Glad you made it back. Got green while you were gone!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on August 31 2016, 09:29:47 PM
Those look nice. I've been running 11.2-11.4 PSI. I'm gonna get a heat gun and start taking notes on track temps. Car sways like a whore at times...and I'm sawing on the steering wheel from the 330 mark...and I'll have to up the pressure.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 09 2016, 11:34:04 PM
More goodies arrived this week.  I am hoping to have a week off after the 15th.
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on September 10 2016, 12:40:35 AM
 If you don't like the chip you can send it my way! 😆


Mobile larrym
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: nocooler on September 10 2016, 10:44:00 AM
I love when boxes of parts show up it's like christmas!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 15 2016, 10:47:02 PM
Eaton tru-trac is almost ready to go in.  Rich, let me know when you wanna meet up for the auburn diff
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 18 2016, 10:20:23 AM
Axles are in. If anyone is interested in seeing the difference in a stock axle verses a moser 30 spline here's a pic
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on September 18 2016, 10:24:52 AM
I used them when I went to the Eaton HD.  Gotta be better.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Shimy87 on September 18 2016, 10:30:37 AM
Beefy :rock:
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on September 18 2016, 10:32:33 AM
Auburn Pro Series and Moser axles in mine...28 spline. All I could get up here at the time.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 20 2016, 02:41:44 PM
Well...  I just don't like the clearances with the RJC dual muffler, gas tank, diff girdle and sway bar.  I'm thinking of going with a pypes dual set up.  Anybody on here running it?


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pye-sgg50r/overview/year/1987/make/buick/model/regal (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pye-sgg50r/overview/year/1987/make/buick/model/regal)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: daveismissing on September 20 2016, 04:07:07 PM
Many I think- here's one I know of :
http://www.ihadav8.com/forum/index.php?topic=2488 (http://www.ihadav8.com/forum/index.php?topic=2488)

Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 20 2016, 06:12:25 PM
Many I think- here's one I know of :
http://www.ihadav8.com/forum/index.php?topic=2488 (http://www.ihadav8.com/forum/index.php?topic=2488)
Thanks Dave. I pulled the trigger on it. Prices seem to be the same everywhere I checked but summit has the free-est shipping
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on September 20 2016, 11:56:56 PM
Some tests show the pypes mufflers to be on the restrictive side, I believe
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 21 2016, 06:18:13 AM
Some tests show the pypes mufflers to be on the restrictive side, I believe
I have a dump on the test pipe for those special moments
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on September 21 2016, 11:33:42 AM
Some tests show the pypes mufflers to be on the restrictive side, I believe
I have a dump on the test pipe for those special moments

Ditto. 

Also depends on which mufflers you choose: http://pypesexhaust.com/c-702451-mufflers-cats-mufflers.html (http://pypesexhaust.com/c-702451-mufflers-cats-mufflers.html)  The Race Pro mufflers are most like those classic turbo mufflers we all love and cherish.  I used the 2nd worst possible flowing option in the Violators.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Shimy87 on September 21 2016, 11:49:25 AM
Well...  I just don't like the clearances with the RJC dual muffler, gas tank, diff girdle and sway bar.  I'm thinking of going with a pypes dual set up.  Anybody on here running it?


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pye-sgg50r/overview/year/1987/make/buick/model/regal (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pye-sgg50r/overview/year/1987/make/buick/model/regal)

That what I have on mine, really like the sound a lot, wife thinks its a tad loud :rolleyes; install was smooth, I also took an hour and polished the ends from the mounting tabs out. Sanded with 350,600,800,1500 and then some chrome polish and they look like chrome  :rock:
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on September 21 2016, 12:35:52 PM
Well...  I just don't like the clearances with the RJC dual muffler, gas tank, diff girdle and sway bar.  I'm thinking of going with a pypes dual set up.  Anybody on here running it?


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pye-sgg50r/overview/year/1987/make/buick/model/regal (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pye-sgg50r/overview/year/1987/make/buick/model/regal)

That what I have on mine, really like the sound a lot, wife thinks its a tad loud :rolleyes; install was smooth, I also took an hour and polished the ends from the mounting tabs out. Sanded with 350,600,800,1500 and then some chrome polish and they look like chrome  :rock:

Oh no.  Don't tell me that... I don't need another project.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on September 21 2016, 08:49:34 PM
I went the old skool route. ATR 3" dual SS with Pitbulls.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 22 2016, 02:34:04 AM
Well...  I just don't like the clearances with the RJC dual muffler, gas tank, diff girdle and sway bar.  I'm thinking of going with a pypes dual set up.  Anybody on here running it?


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pye-sgg50r/overview/year/1987/make/buick/model/regal (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pye-sgg50r/overview/year/1987/make/buick/model/regal)

That what I have on mine, really like the sound a lot, wife thinks its a tad loud :rolleyes; install was smooth, I also took an hour and polished the ends from the mounting tabs out. Sanded with 350,600,800,1500 and then some chrome polish and they look like chrome  :rock:
I'll take a look at them when they get here to see if it's needed. I do like the look of the polished RJC system. It was sexy and sounded great just not enough real estate with that big flow thru muffler
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Be4u on September 22 2016, 10:06:37 AM
not enough real estate with that big flow thru muffler
Could you elaborate?
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on September 22 2016, 02:20:38 PM
Its transverse mounted like the stock system makes everything a little tighter.



Mobile larrym
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 22 2016, 02:41:38 PM
not enough real estate with that big flow thru muffler
Could you elaborate?
The RJC muffler sits in the stock hanger between the gas tank and the rear axle. The muffler has a 3 inch inlet and two 3 inch outlets. With the TA girdle on the differential and the Helwig sway bar which rotates when the rear suspension moves up and down, the fat muffler was just too fat for my liking.  If the rear suspension completely bottoms out, the sway bar hits the muffler.  The sway bar has to clear the girdle during its travel as well.  Not many options without removing the girdle so I decided to go with the pypes exhaust which has the mufflers in front of the differential and the two exit pipes go over the axle by the tires. This frees up the room between the diff girdle, sway bar and gas tank
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Be4u on September 22 2016, 03:47:27 PM
Thanks for that.
I wonder if you'd have that problem with a HR parts swaybar or is the girdle the issue?
I think this thread is hijacked.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Be4u on September 22 2016, 03:48:32 PM
Nevermind about the hijacking, I got confused.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 28 2016, 11:01:42 PM
Inner fender wasn't that bad.  Take your time if you have to remove it.  Anyway, out with the old engine harness and in with the new one.  Anyone need a harness? I now have two spares.
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on September 29 2016, 12:51:43 AM
I'm nauseous just looking at that god how I hate wiring.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on September 29 2016, 09:36:55 AM
At least he didn't have to build the harness. LOL.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Shimy87 on September 29 2016, 10:33:06 AM
Wow....your committed to tackle that job!!!  Good luck :cheers:
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on September 29 2016, 11:01:15 AM
I need to do this I just don't want to.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 29 2016, 01:27:40 PM
At least he didn't have to build the harness. LOL.
Although it's pricey, there's no cost effective way for me to build this myself.  Just sourcing all the appropriate connectors would've been a nightmare.  Not saying it couldn't be done, I just respect the work that's already been put forth at caspers.  The worst part was figuring out how to get to the last two bolts on the inner fender and then pulling the wiper motor to get at the fuse block. After that it was a piece of cake.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 29 2016, 11:20:33 PM
GG is back up and running with the 5.7 chip installed and the RJC exhaust is on as well.  Went to look for my tap die set to install the IAT sensor in the doghouse and couldn't find it.  I think my father in law may have ran off with it. Going to see him tomorrow morning to straighten that out.  Summit says Pypes changed shipping date to middle of the month.  Can't really argue that since they're the cheapest vendor around with that product. So the RJC exhaust went back on. I added a 3 inch length of tubing in between the muffler and the connection at the test pipe.  Was able to mount the muffler at a slight angle back towards the gas tank. The muffler just barely clears the girdle on the diff.  No fatty's around to help fully compress the rear suspension.  I guess I can look for some marks on the muffler to see if it's rubbing after a test drive.


Hoping to get that SD2 chip in tomorrow, get some initial tuning done for drivability and head up to Dallas on Saturday to meet a couple of fellow buick guys at some parking lot car show. 


The big test is coming mid month at the ford vs buick event in noble Oklahoma. I hope to make a few decent passes there.  At least what I consider decent. Going to take it slow.  This SD is another huge learning curve for me.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on September 30 2016, 12:05:49 AM
I thought Chuck had said Caspers was not building harnesses anymore..but, it sure looks nice and it may eliminate some future problems.  Nice job  :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on September 30 2016, 07:49:19 AM
When you are done fighting that RJC system send it my way. ;)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: daveismissing on September 30 2016, 08:22:38 AM
I thought Chuck had said Caspers was not building harnesses anymore..but, it sure looks nice and it may eliminate some future problems.  Nice job  :)

 I had a long chat with John at TBNats. Beryllium copper is on the environmental list now  so some of the old mfgs are discontinuing the contacts instead of fighting. The coloured connector housings are special order 10,000pcs too. He is being careful with his remaining stock.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on September 30 2016, 09:58:13 AM
The more you know: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryllium_copper

There are always alternatives.. . but that 10,000 piece special order thing is a killer especially when there were only about 35,000 (gum pack estimate) of these cars ever made.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on November 16 2016, 07:47:18 AM
Pypes exhaust is on. Sounds almost the same as the RJC system but with mufflers in front of the axle instead of behind it. Pulled the scanmaster G to send back to Bob. I have never been able to pair it with my laptop, screen has gone dim, shows the radiator fan all the time and has about 1500 logs that can't be downloaded or cleared from the power logger console. Temporarily installed my old scan master and it still works like a champ.


Now that I have the boost under control I made a few tests runs at 14 psi. Had the afr set at 10.7, chip was pulling over 12% and WB was at 10.1. Hmmm. Tune it? Turn down alky? Turn up boost?


I think I'll turn up the boost and tune from there. I'm wanting to tune it around 17-18 for street driving. Save that tune and then turn up the wick to 23-24 for the strip and then save that tune. It's nice having that capability without having to purchase another chip.


RJC exhaust anyone? 
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on December 12 2016, 06:01:51 PM
Weighed GG today.  9 gallons of gas and me in the seat 3525 lbs. Time for a diet
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on December 12 2016, 07:02:14 PM
Fatty.

Start with the hood and deck lid.  From there pennies make a pound...
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on December 13 2016, 09:25:01 AM
fairly lightweight as it is...good base
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Forzfed on December 13 2016, 03:08:31 PM
Weighed GG today.  9 gallons of gas and me in the seat 3525 lbs. Time for a diet

I wished my T-Top car weighed that!  Then people wouldn't keep saying how slow my 4050 lb car is.  My other car is really light in comparison.  It went 12.3 basically stock compared to 12.7 in the other car. 
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 04 2017, 09:21:31 PM
Off for seven days. Supposed to be in the 20's with a chance of some flurries on Friday. Have a fire going in the stove in the barn. The to do list:


Install line lock. Bleed brakes and test.
Remove the stock upper bushings from the diff and install the new poly bushings. Got the neat tool so hoping to not have to beat them out.
Clean up the intake pipe and route the filter behind the driver side headlight.


I'm sure something will steer me away while all this is in progress. Like trying to remember where I left my tools at and keeping the fire going as well as the honey do's
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 05 2017, 07:56:49 PM
Line lock is installed and functioning. Put it in front of the prop valve. Get the brake light when the lock is energized but after releasing the lock the light goes out. I've read of folks installing it after the prop valve and folks installing it before the prop valve. I haven't read of any folks destroying the prop valve with the lock installed before the prop valve. They just get the brake light illuminated when using the lock.


I took a 12 inch brake line and bent it for installation , cut it to length and made a double flare. Nothing to it. I have one of the mounting tabs for the solenoid on the bolt for the wiper fluid tank and drilled a hole in the power steering tank bracket for the other mounting tab. Bent the original brake line to reach the solenoid and then put a couple of zip ties to keep the two lines from rubbing. 


For the moment, I have the switch laying in the ashtray.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on January 05 2017, 08:43:47 PM
Ooooh... now I want one.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 05 2017, 11:08:19 PM
Nice job
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: nocooler on January 06 2017, 11:31:20 AM
Fwiw - I have a momentary button inline with mine. It's more of a safety item. I turn the switch on and hold the button for the line lock. That way bad things don't happen if someone plays with the switch.



Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 06 2017, 09:24:42 PM
Fwiw - I have a momentary button inline with mine. It's more of a safety item. I turn the switch on and hold the button for the line lock. That way bad things don't happen if someone plays with the switch.
I only used a momentary button switch. Have to hold the button to activate the solenoid. Here's how I wired it up.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 06 2017, 09:27:12 PM
Changed the upper bushings in the rear diff housing. Love this little tool. If anyone would like to borrow it, just say the word and I'll box it up and ship it out
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 19 2017, 06:50:04 PM
Line lock works...
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 19 2017, 06:51:18 PM
Line lock works... Double post. My apologies
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: gusszgs on January 19 2017, 07:22:51 PM
fairly lightweight as it is...good base


I'll say.......mine was 3800 with me on the truck scale  :O
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on January 19 2017, 10:06:30 PM
There is not enough ice on that road for January for it to be legit.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 06 2017, 08:08:46 AM
Valve spring swap. Also wrapped the downpipe and coverd the turbine housing with a Thermal zero cover. Completely impressed with the turbine cover.  Can set your palm on the cover after a test drive
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on March 06 2017, 09:20:09 AM
Lotsa work!  Looks good.

In theory, one would like the down pipe to throw off heat as fast as it can for best turbo performance.  In practice, I guess it depends on how much under hood warming is considered a problem.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on March 06 2017, 10:13:44 AM
Pretty!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 06 2017, 01:08:49 PM
Lotsa work!  Looks good.

In theory, one would like the down pipe to throw off heat as fast as it can for best turbo performance.  In practice, I guess it depends on how much under hood warming is considered a problem.
I pulled the heat shield from the side of the HVAC and didn't put it back on during the engine swap. Sure does make getting the passenger side valve cover on and off a lot easier. Anyways, that's why I wrapped the down pipe.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on March 06 2017, 02:51:35 PM
I think I should do that on mine...that damn shield makes it hard to get to the rear plug and the valve cover.  That's and outstanding reason to do it.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 29 2017, 10:53:50 PM
Got some cool guy stuff to put on the Limited. Main reason for going this route was for clearance on the passenger side header.  UMI sure does have some make some quality parts.  Bonus was loosing almost 8 pounds per side. On a side note, probably the toughest coil spring install I've done with their spring pockets. Even with the spring compressor tool.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on May 29 2017, 10:58:01 PM
Do you have the spring compressor tool that goes up through the shock hole?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 29 2017, 11:02:28 PM
Do you have the spring compressor tool that goes up through the shock hole?
Yes sir.  Spring pockets are pretty deep. I was having trouble getting the spring compressed enough without the threads of the tool hitting the top of the shock mount and then the bottom of the tool hitting the lip of the pocket.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on May 30 2017, 08:39:14 AM
Yeah, I had a bear of a time getting the springs into the wagon.  Used the compressor and weight of the car (wish it had an engine) to bring it all together.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 26 2017, 11:33:10 PM
Finally found and ordered seat covers for the pillow back seats. Pulled the back seats today and found a little surprise. Why was I surprised you ask? Because I already found a build sheet in one of the doors. Didn't realize they put a couple of them in there. This one is in way better shape. By the way, I found out who the manufacturer of the seat covers are and ordered them at about a $260 savings from our beloved vendors.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on July 27 2017, 01:05:28 AM
Jason...what's the one to the right of PWR/DRIVER. I can't quite read it. Saved the pic and blew it up. Looks like it might be PWRPASS. Both seats are manual in your car.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 27 2017, 07:50:55 AM
Here's another pic of the sheet. PWR/PASS. You are correct both seats are manual
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on July 27 2017, 08:09:04 AM
Jason, if you get a moment can you post a pic of the door build sheet?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 27 2017, 10:42:20 AM
Hers the one I found in the door
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on July 27 2017, 01:26:45 PM
Man...what a find. Mine has none. Power locks and windows. No door speakers or courtesy light. Can you break down the BS1 for the stereo and what is the Special W05.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: xpander343 on July 27 2017, 09:00:21 PM
Hey Jason, where did you get the seat covers from?  I'd love to redo my pillow top seat covers in my limited.



Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on July 27 2017, 10:22:47 PM
By the way, I found out who the manufacturer of the seat covers are and ordered them at about a $260 savings from our beloved vendors.

Go on.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on July 28 2017, 04:46:02 AM
Man...what a find. Mine has none. Power locks and windows. No door speakers or courtesy light. Can you break down the BS1 for the stereo and what is the Special W05.


W05 denotes the limited.  Even has it's own "M" in the VIN
BS1 insulation, acoustical package


If anyone would like more info on getting limited seat covers, PM me.  Already tried getting some help on the limited facebook page and the gbody man had some comments for me seeing how I didn't purchase from him.  Not going to do that again.  Nobody knows where the nose goes
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on July 28 2017, 05:50:57 AM
Man...what a find. Mine has none. Power locks and windows. No door speakers or courtesy light. Can you break down the BS1 for the stereo and what is the Special W05.


W05 denotes the limited.  Even has it's own "M" in the VIN
BS1 insulation, acoustical package




If anyone would like more info on getting limited seat covers, PM me.  Already tried getting some help on the limited facebook page and the gbody man had some comments for me seeing how I didn't purchase from him.  Not going to do that again.  Nobody knows where the nose goes
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on July 28 2017, 05:52:33 AM
If it was Brian whining...ask him if he's squared up with Nasty Wendy.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on August 04 2017, 10:03:23 PM
Finished the recover job. I have to say that I am pleased with the covers. Not so much with all the different colors of grey. I ordered the seat covers in 82D dark grey, which is what is on the RPO sticker. You can only order 1589 grey color carpet and the floor mats are licensed reproductions of the originals in their own color of grey. The seat covers do match closer to the floor mats but not to the carpet.


 On a side note, I ordered upper door panel replacements in the limited scheme of course only to receive upper panels in the regular TR scheme. Not happy about that either
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on August 05 2017, 07:04:37 AM
Looks good Jason!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on August 05 2017, 08:41:14 AM
Those upper door panels with the grey insert are an 87 only deal. The other years have a plastic wood grain looking insert. Even harder to find when I have hand crank windows.

Looking real good.like a mobile sofa for the road
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on August 05 2017, 09:22:16 AM
The gray carpets in my T are well worn, but they were much lighter than the seats when I got it long ago.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on August 05 2017, 11:54:20 AM
Looks great! But, this is why I don't try to restore cars... too much room for interpretation or error.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on August 05 2017, 12:30:33 PM
Looks pretty restored to me. Most couldn't tell the difference or are too old to remember what it looked like when new anyway. I will  say when I took mine down for the annual safety inspection the other day the inspector was extremely excited and wondered if I had added the intercooler to get the extra four lbs of boost. I told him it was just a cruiser and I didn't want to hurt the engine. Not worth getting into an extended conversation . I just wanted a pass so I could buy the tags. Gone are the days of skipping a month or two and saving the money.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on August 05 2017, 02:42:43 PM
Looks great! But, this is why I don't try to restore cars... too much room for interpretation or error.

Exactly...and I don't go to car shows. One moron started telling me I didn't have the correct OEM bolts/nuts etc here and there..and it wasn't an authentic GN anymore cuz I modded it. Jason...if anyone at the car shows says anything...tel l 'em to fuck off. You've done a great job on it...period.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: xpander343 on August 05 2017, 06:23:18 PM
Seat covers look good to me.  I'd be happy if mine weren't faded pink. 
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on August 05 2017, 07:09:53 PM
Thanks fellas.  I don't go to car shows. I just like driving my vehicles the way I like them to be. Get lots of comments but never any invites to car shows.


I did a friends burgundy limited seat covers this morning. Rich knows Ken. Came out better than mine. I guess you get better with repetition.


Xpander343 - pm me and I'll tell you where I ordered the covers. If your close by, I'll even help you install them
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on August 05 2017, 08:10:02 PM
He's up here with me. Dan and I have an upholstery guy up here we use. Hand stuff to him and pick it up in a couple of days.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on August 05 2017, 09:15:03 PM
He's up here with me. Dan and I have an upholstery guy up here we use. Hand stuff to him and pick it up in a couple of days.
The guy I used here local to do the custom seats in the Wagoneer quoted me $400 to install the covers in the limited. As I see it, I saved $400.  Ken wanted to pay me for installing his covers but I wouldn't take his money.  One thing I learned years ago, once somebody pays you, then they can tell what and how to do stuff. Do stuff for free and nobody complains because you didn't have to do it.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: xpander343 on August 05 2017, 11:50:50 PM
jason, don't worry you already told me where to get them.   I'm thrilled to see the savings in buying them.   If I was within 10 hours drive I'd definitely come and visit, but I'm up in Scoobs part of the world.   
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on August 06 2017, 07:41:31 AM
jason, don't worry you already told me where to get them.   I'm thrilled to see the savings in buying them.   If I was within 10 hours drive I'd definitely come and visit, but I'm up in Scoobs part of the world.
That just goes to show that I can't remember anything
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on August 06 2017, 11:02:37 PM
Finally got around to driving the limited a little today. Cruised around town to evaluate the new seat covers. Seems to me that the there is a little more pillow back cushionthan I'm used to.  I expect with time that the cushion will relax a bit at least I hope it does. Non reclining bench seat sitting almost vertically upright feels more like I'm sitting in a classroom. Maybe I'll just pretend that I'm teaching a class called " I'm about to smack that ass!"
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on August 06 2017, 11:13:04 PM
Some 1.5 launches shoving your ass into will relax it.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 29 2017, 11:28:57 PM
Dropped off the converter and tranny at Jakes today.  I decided to have him put in the non lock up kit as well as loosen the converter and make it a non lock up as well. I'm slowly headed to the dark side
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on September 30 2017, 08:21:22 AM
What's the core size? 9.5...10 or 12 inch.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 30 2017, 08:31:22 AM
What's the core size? 9.5...10 or 12 inch.
9.5
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on October 05 2017, 03:02:10 PM
https://www.diyautotune.com/product/performance-fuel-injection-systems-hp-books/ (https://www.diyautotune.com/product/performance-fuel-injection-systems-hp-books/)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: nocooler on October 05 2017, 03:21:10 PM
This one really helped me getting started with hptuners http://www.masterenginetuner.com/ (http://www.masterenginetuner.com/)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on October 05 2017, 04:34:17 PM
Thanks fellas.  Going to get the one from steve mentioned on the way and then try to figure out how to download the other one since I'm at work
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: nocooler on October 05 2017, 08:28:52 PM
https://calibratedsuccess.com
The stuff from Greg Banish is supposed to be good as well
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on October 19 2017, 12:04:35 PM
Tranny and converter are ready to be picked up.  Just my luck I'm at work this week. Told him I'd get it next Thursday. He said the overdrive clutches were a bit on the burnt side. I'll get more details when I pick it up.


If you guys are looking for a pretty rewarding career, become a helicopter pilot. My company has 55 pilot positions open. Since oil and gas started hiring again, lots of fella's went back to good money but it won't last. The EMS side seems to be recession proof but not oil and gas. I've been covering a lot of shifts to keep the bases in service and provide the access to the communities that the aircraft serve but damn I need some time off. Told the powers that be that I needed the week off after this hitch to get ready for the ford vs buick event.  Thankfully they obliged.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on October 25 2017, 09:53:30 PM
Tranny and converter are back in and road tested. WOW! What a difference!  Boost is almost instant. A whole new driving experience. Now to hope that the suspension is set well enough and tires hold.


Ford vs Buick is Nov 4th.  Will get some track time there
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on October 26 2017, 10:56:06 AM
Jason...the car's gonna react quicker. You'll have to leave a tad later.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on October 26 2017, 05:05:16 PM
I'm not surprised, but, I am happy that turned out to be the case. Should be fun!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: daveismissing on October 26 2017, 05:21:49 PM
How much looser is the converter?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on October 26 2017, 07:21:57 PM
I have come to the conclusion that stall speeds and other attempts to quantify torque converter performance are pretty much meaningless when it gets down to the the fine details.  Either the converter works with your combination, or it does not.  Loose, tight, etc. are pretty much useless other than in describing the converter in your combination.

The best converter is the one that works with your car and the best manufacturer is the one that makes a good guess at your needs and then is willing to alter it so it does what you expect if it is not right.

You probably will not be dealing with the vendor/builder that is the internet flavor of the month with the kids on the forum that form his posse and it won't be cheap but it will be worth it.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on October 26 2017, 07:43:22 PM
I sat down with the fella that makes the converters and told him to make me feel good about spending my money.


This is a 10inch non lock up. He explained straightening of the stator vanes and then explained the the milling off of .050 of vanes on the -91? pump. Said it would be looser but wouldn't give me a number.


I'll get a better idea at the trackage for performance. So far I'm pleased with this $300 converter
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on October 26 2017, 09:36:53 PM
Jason...bring it up to 2800 on the first launch...and see where it 'flashes' to. Go from there.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on October 26 2017, 10:54:53 PM
I think that the science of building converters is an art.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on October 27 2017, 07:22:00 AM
Always fun seeing success.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on October 27 2017, 07:31:08 AM
I'm betting if you sent along a 1/4 or 1/8th mile PL file to Dusty he'd have the stall spot on when you got the convertor back from him. If this AC convertor ever bites the dust...then that's what I'll be doing.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on October 30 2017, 02:59:12 PM
I had some long-winded response about understanding how to drive a car with a big converter... but, then I found this: https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic-transmission/1634398-sticky-worthy-torque-converter-stall-torque-ratio-str-guide.html

I'll see myself out.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: reality on October 30 2017, 03:32:59 PM
http://www.converter.cc/FAQ_s/45.htm (http://www.converter.cc/FAQ_s/45.htm)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: motorhead on October 30 2017, 08:22:12 PM
http://www.converter.cc/FAQ_s/45.htm (http://www.converter.cc/FAQ_s/45.htm)

Funny... Dave from Yank called me tonight to discuss what happened to the TBSS' converter.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on October 30 2017, 11:35:24 PM
I had some long-winded response about understanding how to drive a car with a big converter... but, then I found this: https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic-transmission/1634398-sticky-worthy-torque-converter-stall-torque-ratio-str-guide.html (https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic-transmission/1634398-sticky-worthy-torque-converter-stall-torque-ratio-str-guide.html)

I'll see myself out.
thats a good read
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on October 30 2017, 11:36:51 PM
http://www.converter.cc/FAQ_s/45.htm (http://www.converter.cc/FAQ_s/45.htm)
Good info there as well
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 07 2018, 07:43:54 PM
Been slowly getting ready for the ford vs buick race and bowling green. Won a waffle on some Rc comp wheels 17's up front and 15x8 in the back. Along with the wheels I went with disc brakes all around.  Really not needed but hey it's my hobby and my money
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on September 07 2018, 08:05:23 PM
That is the right attitude!  Nothing like being able to stop in a short distance coming down from 140 mph...unless you are in a helicopter and then you might wanta get the speedometer checked!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on September 07 2018, 10:12:27 PM
Those wheels are SEXY!


Looking real good!


Get the trans under control?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: nocooler on September 08 2018, 08:03:07 AM
Those wheels look great!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 08 2018, 10:53:38 PM
Still tweaking the tranny shift points Rich
Title: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: larrym on September 09 2018, 05:58:35 PM
Been slowly getting ready for the ford vs buick race and bowling green. Won a waffle on some Rc comp wheels 17's up front and 15x8 in the back. Along with the wheels I went with disc brakes all around.  Really not needed but hey it's my hobby and my money
Them are nice!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on September 10 2018, 10:38:26 PM
Dropped the pan on the tranny.  Pulled the governor and swapped in a new blue spring I got from summit and my "middle" light weight on the governor. Back together and tranny is shifting between 5500 and 5700 now. Thank you baby Jesus!  Now onto some "serious" tuning!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 21 2019, 09:25:42 AM
The GSXtra has some pics of my limited in it. Pretty cool
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 21 2019, 09:34:02 AM
Nice!  :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: gusszgs on January 21 2019, 11:48:06 AM
VERY 👍👍
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: nocooler on January 21 2019, 01:26:26 PM
looks awesome!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on January 22 2019, 08:26:31 AM
Cool!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 23 2019, 08:53:41 PM
Got a bracket from Brad Lay at boostcrew motor sports to facilitate mounting of the individual coils. Just an experimental piece and had to make some adjustments to clear the stock fuel rail.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 23 2019, 10:19:06 PM
that looks like something with six front legs crawling out of the firewall!  :D  I like it
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: daveismissing on January 24 2019, 02:40:53 PM
That is a nice piece. Musing:How much taller are the coils turned 90 deg? If the bolts were horizontal they would be individually accessible.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 25 2019, 06:56:37 AM
The bolt is 4 3/4 inch long and is flush on the bottom of the mounting plate that is tapped for the bolt. No clearance issues with the stock fuel rail or the rear coil bracket.  Tried mounting them on a stock bracket with them stacked in pairs facing forward kind of like the original coil pack but the coils still need to be raised so the plug wires clear the back of the upper plenum.  RJC has a bracket that has the coils mounted side by side facing to the outside.  It looked to have difficult access to the back of the coils. With this mount, I can loosen two bolts and have access to 3 coils in just under a minute.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on January 25 2019, 08:35:26 AM
Firecore wires a shelf item or custom order? I guess with a coil for each cylinder this does away with the "wasted spark" ? And I'm guessing you can control the timing for each cylinder or is it just one "number" and the computer handles the firing?

It does look cool.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on January 26 2019, 01:43:37 PM
Fire cores are not a shelf item. Need to contact Jack Laswell as he set up the wires with firecore. You can check the fire ore website but I believe it will direct you to JL Enterprises which is Jack. He’s in Royce City.


Correct, no more wasted spark for this guy. ECU-GN handles all things ignition now. Was using the TR6 before with individual coils which was not using wasted spark either. Just a few switch changes inside the box.


With the TR6 removed, one less box, I am finding the engine starts quicker and seems to idle more contently. Also when verifying timing after install, there was less correction needed to get the timing marks to line up.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on January 26 2019, 07:23:49 PM
it always bothers me when there seems to be a bit of magic involved....bu t, then, I have never been quite sold on the TR6
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: TexasT on January 27 2019, 12:23:14 PM
Some background on the wires
https://realtuners.com/realtuners-radio-episode-57-rick-gorski-firecore/
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 24 2019, 10:41:03 PM
Beautiful day so I headed to the track. When I got there, it was packed. Waited in the lanes for over an hour. Managed to get in 3 passes. Had installed a used set of QA1 rear single adjustable shocks along with other enhancements which I’ll keep to myself for now. Best pass of the night 6.90@104.77
I wish I was more consistent at the launch but that takes practice and I have a life.  I’m happy with the mph but there’s more in it. Stay tuned...
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on February 24 2019, 11:44:43 PM
It was a good day!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on February 25 2019, 09:03:18 AM
Jason...forget about the other lane. When the other car leaves...do your thing. If your leaving on boost...then it's incredibly inaccurate for consistency as the gauge is small and tough to see. Melissa and myself both leave on RPM. That 5 inch monster tach isn't there to look cool. The numbers are large...so I bring it up to 2800...and leave on the last yellow when bracket racing. That's a serious looking car in front of you...and if you wanna go heads up with him...then you have to know when to leave on the last yellow...that's where practice comes in...cuz those guys cut damn near perfect lites.

Rear single adjustable QA1's. Some idiot in Canada uses those. Start at 5 at the same RPM each time and watch your 60 foot time on your slip and keep adjusting. More RPM and you'll have to run them harder as the car will want to hit the tires harder. Or better yet...have a buddy come out and vid your car at launch from the rear corner to see what it's doing like I did. Get a heat gun to read the track temp...as it makes a difference on what tire pressure to run. Throw a towel over the rear tires between rounds...the sun will make the tire pressure rise. I have no life...

Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 25 2019, 10:45:53 AM
Jason...forget about the other lane. When the other car leaves...do your thing. If your leaving on boost...then it's incredibly inaccurate for consistency as the gauge is small and tough to see. Melissa and myself both leave on RPM. That 5 inch monster tach isn't there to look cool. The numbers are large...so I bring it up to 2800...and leave on the last yellow when bracket racing. That's a serious looking car in front of you...and if you wanna go heads up with him...then you have to know when to leave on the last yellow...that's where practice comes in...cuz those guys cut damn near perfect lites.

Rear single adjustable QA1's. Some idiot in Canada uses those. Start at 5 at the same RPM each time and watch your 60 foot time on your slip and keep adjusting. More RPM and you'll have to run them harder as the car will want to hit the tires harder. Or better yet...have a buddy come out and vid your car at launch from the rear corner to see what it's doing like I did. Get a heat gun to read the track temp...as it makes a difference on what tire pressure to run. Throw a towel over the rear tires between rounds...the sun will make the tire pressure rise. I have no life...
Brad your always good for a sensible tech tip and a good laugh! Thanks brother!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: nocooler on February 25 2019, 01:36:49 PM
10 second car all day!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Forzfed on February 25 2019, 03:12:50 PM
Great time! :cheers:   How much boost were you running?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 25 2019, 09:44:05 PM
Great time! :cheers:   How much boost were you running?
That 104.77 pass was at 21psi.  I’m not one to go all in at the track and see what happens. I have a good idea how much money and time has been invested so far on this car while it’s been in my possession and I would like to learn from it and have fun with it as long as possible. Another thing is that I don’t have anyone tuning my car but me so I can only hope I make a few good decisions on the computer. I still have know idea what my combo actually wants for timing or AFR for max effort, so I’m trying to play it safe as to not grenade the thing.... just yet
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on February 25 2019, 09:53:21 PM
I know I have said it before, but, the more alky you spray, the less sensitive to A/F the tuning becomes.  Getting it to leave hard is the most tedious part.

Having a cage in the car makes it easier to leave consistently.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: wmsonta on February 25 2019, 10:48:36 PM
There is good advise in this thread. I will add a couple of observations.

If you are going to leave on yellow, it will be necessary to stage shallow. the quickest the car will be is staged as shallow as possible and a 0.0x RT. Easier said than done for some. Like me, for instance.

Like Scoobum, I am a big fan of video when tuning the chassis. I want a white line on the rear tire or big white letters (think Hoosier). I prefer the pass side from the side and lasting for 60+ft. Cell phone video is almost instant feedback.

In this thread there is a picture shortly after the hit and a picture of the car at rest in the staging lanes. From these two pictures I believe your car has oem control arm location with negative rear body separation. It is also possible the front shocks are able to hit their extension limit. Standard G-body stuff. The drag performance could be improved w/time-money, but all street strip cars are a compromise. Guess who decides how much.

The car is certainly capable of running well into the 6's (10's) now. Depending on the weight, it is making some steam. Looks do not hurt either.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Scoobum on February 26 2019, 10:38:44 AM
I've been pushing Jason to turn the wick up to 23 PSI. Why...because the CEA high flow turbos come on like a freight train from 23 on up. When he gets the suspension dialed in...the car will run 6.7 all day long on a fat tune and an easy launch. Get quick on the tree...and you ain't gonna lose many races at 6.7.


Jason...keep an eye on the rear view...and ease off on the loud pedal coming up to the traps...and let them get close to you...but get to the line first. Most can't correlate ET/MPH...and everyone will think they're as fast as you. Most only look at ET...and can't relate MPH to it. Watch my vid/listen to me get out of it at the 1/8th...and coast for the wins. I let them catch up to me at the 1/4...but win by a car length or so. They honestly believe they're reeling me in. Run it all in at the traps...and you won't get any races.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Grumpy on February 26 2019, 10:47:58 AM
Tuning 101... Creap up on it.  :rock:
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Pyro6 on February 26 2019, 06:15:08 PM
You've come a long way since the White T at the Buick race with Charlie. Hopefully I at least taught you how to warm the tires!!!! I can't wait to see what you do not only with the GN but getting the most out of these things with a common sense approach.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: nocooler on February 26 2019, 08:13:44 PM
Time for the 2-step!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 26 2019, 09:36:07 PM
You've come a long way since the White T at the Buick race with Charlie. Hopefully I at least taught you how to warm the tires!!!! I can't wait to see what you do not only with the GN but getting the most out of these things with a common sense approach.
Yesterday would’ve been Charlie’s birthday...  I thought about our time at little river. I really enjoyed you taking me under your wing. I really get into folks when they are teaching what I’m wanting to learn. You should’ve been a teacher or instructor Gary.  You’re good at it
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 26 2019, 09:37:05 PM
Time for the 2-step!
I’m ready for it but I need to do some reading before setting it up
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Pyro6 on February 27 2019, 06:56:13 AM
You know theres one in the GN?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Forzfed on February 27 2019, 10:26:00 AM
Yesterday would’ve been Charlie’s birthday...  I thought about our time at little river. I really enjoyed you taking me under your wing. I really get into folks when they are teaching what I’m wanting to learn. You should’ve been a teacher or instructor Gary.  You’re good at it
Charlie was a good guy always willing to help people.  It is definitely missed!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on February 27 2019, 02:33:15 PM
You know theres one in the GN?
Yes sir
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on March 12 2019, 06:43:55 PM
Pulled the original bushings. They did a good job. New rubber went back in
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Pyro6 on March 13 2019, 06:11:53 PM
You've come a long way since the White T at the Buick race with Charlie. Hopefully I at least taught you how to warm the tires!!!! I can't wait to see what you do not only with the GN but getting the most out of these things with a common sense approach.
Yesterday would’ve been Charlie’s birthday...  I thought about our time at little river. I really enjoyed you taking me under your wing. I really get into folks when they are teaching what I’m wanting to learn. You should’ve been a teacher or instructor Gary.  You’re good at it
Just saw this, means more than you know
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 02 2019, 11:39:50 PM
Been a while since I updated this thread. So here you go. Not much new happening with the limited. More testing is needed as is time.  I can probably get some testing done but I can’t make any time.


Mostly been analyzing data and adjusting things here and there. Learned a real good lesson about fluid dynamics in regards to a pressure regulator. Just can’t throw in a better pump and drive on thinking your fuel system is up to snuff.


Have an all Buick test and tune day at XRP in Ferris, TX on May 11th, 10 AM - 4 PM. 1/8th mile track. Hope to make a few passes and get some more data. Maybe even make some new PB’s.


Personal best so far in the limited:


60 foot. 1.501
1/8 ET. 6.75
1/8 MPH 104.77
1/4 ET 10.98
1/4 MPH 125.98
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Forzfed on May 03 2019, 10:30:00 AM
Welcome to the 10's club! :cheers:   Nice run!  What boost and timing were you running?
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on May 03 2019, 01:28:50 PM
Next time you swap bushings on a Regal, take some pictures along the way and describe how you lifted the body, etc.  I have not seen a good write up on doing it and it would be nice to put a page on my site.  I suspect most cars out there would benefit from it.

Nice times!  You have come a long way and had a few trials and tribulations along the way!
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 03 2019, 10:55:59 PM
Welcome to the 10's club! :cheers:   Nice run!  What boost and timing were you running?
Thanks!  The 10.98 @ 125.98 mph was at BG 2017. 93 and alky 21 psi locking the converter at 90 mph. I’d have to look but I think I had 20-21 in the timing. I still had the SD2 in the car then.


The 1.501 60 foot, 104.77 mph @ 6.75 was at XRP a few months back maybe 6 months. Rich was there. Same night that somebody blew a head gasket. I’m always working the tune and learning while keeping the boost at somewhat performance levels. I hope to have a few more of my obstacles tackled and will be able to lay down some better numbers next weekend at XRP.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: good2win22 on May 03 2019, 11:09:18 PM
Next time you swap bushings on a Regal, take some pictures along the way and describe how you lifted the body, etc.  I have not seen a good write up on doing it and it would be nice to put a page on my site.  I suspect most cars out there would benefit from it.

Nice times!  You have come a long way and had a few trials and tribulations along the way!
Those bushings were supposed to be for the Phoenix but plans changed. I will definitely do pics and a write up on the next one. I will say this, body rose almost 1/2 inch with the new bushings. Where there was almost no gap between the body and the frame at the rear tire well, now you can almost fit a finger in between. Doors seem to close better too.


Yes sir we’ve come along nicely. Been fun for the most part. Been educational. Been burned with vendors and individuals but found some really decent business folks too. Met some really nice folks and one complete jerk. Overall, I wouldn’t change a thing and going to keep doing it till I know longer can or just stop finding joy in doing it.
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Steve Wood on May 03 2019, 11:50:15 PM
I think once one realizes that we are not dealing with magic and that logic and commonsense are what drives the process, it starts coming to us and things get easier.

The Buick world has always been a small pond with some really nice guys in it, but, it seems as soon as we get rid of one jackass, another arises to take his place.  Guys seem to proclaim themselves gurus and begin to turn into said jackasses with success.  Internet marketing has created a lot of the problem.  Given the smallness of the market, the Highlander mentality drives some and as a result they do their best to slander every other competitor because it's hard to make a living fishing a small pond.  I think some of these guys are borderline psychopaths and I wonder what pills they are taking them that causes this :D

There are still a few guys active that are from the old days.  I saw you mention Ken White somewhere.  I never met him but I recall him as a really nice guy.  We need more like him.

Body bushings can really make a difference and they do stiffen up the frame by allowing less flex.  Probably easier than boxing it :)
Title: Re: All about the Gray Ghost
Post by: Pyro6 on May 05 2019, 06:44:38 PM
Been a while since I updated this thread. So here you go. Not much new happening with the limited. More testing is needed as is time.  I can probably get some testing done but I can’t make any time.


Mostly been analyzing data and adjusting things here and there. Learned a real good lesson about fluid dynamics in regards to a pressure regulator. Just can’t throw in a better pump and drive on thinking your fuel system is up to snuff.


Have an all Buick test and tune day at XRP in Ferris, TX on May 11th, 10 AM - 4 PM. 1/8th mile track. Hope to make a few passes and get some more data. Maybe even make some new PB’s.


Personal best so far in the limited:


60 foot. 1.501
1/8 ET. 6.75
1/8 MPH 104.77
1/4 ET 10.98
1/4 MPH 125.98
Nice, good job!
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