Looking to Get Started...

Both of the chokes in my 97’s on my V8 are locked open. Never use them.

 

I drilled the ball on this one, oblong, so the cable could be slipped through and a cable stop attached to pull it on and off.

 

Should I consider a new cam while I am this far in? What all would be involved? I should be getting my FSI2 distributor and Snyder 5.5 head within the next few days. I discovered don’t have adjustable lifters. Here is a pic of my mock up so far.


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Any recommendations for removing carbon build up?


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D

Drill mounted wire brush

 

Thanks Dick. I did use a wire brush on my drill along with an array of sprays and scouring pads.


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Wire brush on a drill along with an array of spray cleaners and scouring pads. Easy?


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Ok. Let’s talk about this hole. Is this okay?


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Thanks Joey. I already ordered this one. I get a four seasons here in MD.


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Comparison between stock head and Snyder’s 5.5:1.

Premium head gasket B-60551-M



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be careful torquing the front two bolts. the water necks tend to crack.

 

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/broken-model-a-water-neck.1069367/

 

How dare you build a hot rod while enjoying it.
That’s impossible

 

We’ll see. I’m trying to get my manifold studs out without breaking them. So pause the fun for a bit. Haha!


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Getting there.


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More progress made this evening. Hard to tell from the pic but I installed the FSI 2 distributor and coil. I also did the first mock up of the fuel line from the firewall to the carb. Began work on the ‘behind the scenes’ fuel line and pump placement. I’m enjoying the fuel line work. It’s a bit of creative fabrication.


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Quick question - While I had my valve cover off I cleaned everything including removing and cleaning the oil pump gear. After I buttoned everything up and adding the new FSI distributor I am questioning whether I screwed up the ‘clocking’ of the distributor shaft. Is it possible that I put the oil pump gear back in 180 out? I am still working on the fuel lines and fuel pump placement... so I haven’t attempted to start it yet. How can I be sure my distributor clocking is set correct?

 

A few pics of the distro at TDC.



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I called FSI and got my questions answered. First we identified that I had my firing order incorrect. I had 1,2,3,4. Should be 1,2,4,3. Other than that I could run the distributor how it’s positioned but I can also pull the rotor and reposition the ‘T’ 180 degrees to get my wires closer to their associated plugs. I plan to do this. I’m still finalizing the fuel lines and fuel pump installation so I’m not ready to try to start and set the timing and carb yet. However, I am getting close!


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Tonight I flipped the FSI distributor cam 180 degrees, corrected my plug firing order, installed the Holley electric fuel pump and Holley fuel pressure regulator. I used more rubber hose than I initially planned. I still plan to replace some of the rubber with steel line at some point in the future. I also ended up placing the regulator on the outside of the firewall. That seemed to be the best set up even though my original plan was to keep the pump and regulator completely hidden. I also installed a kinetic/inertia switch for the fuel pump. I soldered and put heat shrink on all the connections. I installed a new manual choke cable and Edmunds choke bracket. I still need to install the original glass fuel filter bowl. I need to get one of my boys to help me since I need to tighten that fitting from inside the firewall while holding a wrench on the outside firewall side. I now need to find a muffler. I looked at tractor supply again but the ones they had in the diameter I needed were too big for my liking. I’m gonna keep looking. Maybe a glass pack.


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Last night I finished up the last few tasks, doubled checked everything, added a few gals of gas, and Pappy fired right up. Very satisfying considering all the removed/replaced and new parts. I thought for sure I would have some issues. Idle was steady and low. I messed a bit with the timing and air/fuel mix screws on the carb to try to get things dialed in a bit. I’m sure I will need to do more of that. I didn’t take him out for a drive yet. I’m trying to follow the break in procedure for the Snyder’s head. I only had a length of exhaust pipe bolted to the header. I actually like the way it sounded. I think I may just go a straight pipe to the back. The only issue I ran across was with the fuel regulator. It’s a Holley (12-804) 1.5-4 psi. My gauge was showing 1.5 psi. I could not get it to go up or down with the adjustment. That is pretty frustrating considering that 80% of the fuel line work was trying to find a good fit and placement for that regulator. I’m open to any recommendations to get the regulator working as expected. My target fuel pressure is 2.5 psi per Stromberg technician.



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I just spoke with a Holley technician. He believes I have a fuel pump pressure issue and recommended I check the pressure coming out of the pump by deadheading the pump with a gauge to see what I get there. I guess that is the plan for this evening.


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This evening I double checked the timing per Shawn at FSI’s advance setting recommendations for my head. I messed with the fuel pressure regulator but could only get 2 psi on the gauge. I went through the Stromberg 81 adjustments, re torqued all my head and manifold nuts and then went out for a cruise with my 13 year old boy.
He said, “Dad now it looks and sounds like a hot rod.” It ran great and stopped great. I could certainly tell a difference in the power. Much more lively. I tack welded my exhaust pipe extension in place.

Phase III complete.

(Phase I was getting it running and stopping, Phase II was pulling the fenders and ‘trying’ to lower it, new wheels and tires, Phase III was Hop Up)

My wife asked how many phases will there be. I said, good question. [emoji2]


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Went for an evening cruise. Runs great!


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Now I’m thinking about what I should do next. Interior? I already have a drop axle in the works with Okie Joe.


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