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Christ
Crazy Horse
USA
1295 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Mar 2010 : 5:53:19 PM
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| Those gaskets look pretty think. How thick are they? |
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torqueymonster
Cochise
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2010 : 10:46:02 AM
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Seals Warped Flanges:
Remflex exhaust gaskets come in a standard 1/8-inch thickness and are designed to crush 50%. This allows them to fill gaps in the flange surface up to 1/16-inch!
Wont Burn Out:
100% flexible graphite construction means Remflex gaskets are good for up to 3,000 degrees Ffar exceeding that of any vehicles exhaust system temperature!
No Re-Torquing Necessary:
Remflex exhaust gaskets rebound 30%, creating an optimum seal that eliminates the need to re-torque!
About Remflex
Remflexs unique flexible graphite material has been proven for more than 30 years in industrial applications, where temperatures routinely exceed 2,000 degreesday after day, week after week, year after year. Now, were bringing this technology to enthusiasts of all kinds to eliminate exhaust leaks for good! Whether you have an old pick-up that needs a manifold gasket, or a race car with custom-built headers, you can be assured that Remflex exhaust gaskets will work properly the first time, every time.
The Science
Remflex gaskets work because they solve the two main problems associated with sealing an exhaust flange: Warping, and gasket failure.
Warped Reality
A common misconception is that, if you spend a lot of money for high-quality headers with thick flanges, leaks will not be an issue. In truth, a thicker flange does help, but it cant solve the problem of warping altogether. Constant thermal cycling, especially in high performance and/or high-load environments, causes warping of header flanges and cast iron exhaust manifolds--even the exhaust flange of the cylinder head itself.
Once the sealing surface is warped, leaks are imminentand once there is a leak, pitting of the exhaust port sealing surface usually follows. A new set of average gaskets wont fix the problembut Remflex gaskets, with a 50% crush built incan seal gaps as large as 1/16-inch. And unlike traditional gaskets, they wont shrink, so they never require re-torquing.
If you cant take the heat
Curiously, the number one cause of exhaust gasket failure is heatthe very thing exhaust gaskets are supposed to withstand. Thats because traditional exhaust gaskets are made of composite materialsblends of natural fibers and synthetic compounds that are bound together using rubber. Simply put, its only a matter of time until the extreme temperature in the vehicles exhaust system burns the gaskets composite materials away, resulting in an exhaust leak.
Youve no doubt experienced the pungent odor that arises from the engine compartment after you install a new set of the top-brand exhaust gaskets. Thats the smell of the rubber binders in the composite materials that begin to burn out almost immediately. And once the rubber overheats, it begins to shrink, as well has harden. Thats why you are instructed to re-torque the gaskets regularly, and why an exhaust leak will develop if you dont. Remflex exhaust gaskets are made from 100% flexible graphite and can withstand up to 3,000 degrees Fso they are not affected by exhaust system, and wont burn out, shrink, or leak. Not now, not ever!
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2010 : 1:46:42 PM
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This photo was take a couple days ago. After doing some filing on the welds and cutting of the flange. The header was bolted to a head to see if the mods worked. They didn't. More filing was performed on the welds to even them out. 
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"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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rad400
Cochise
USA
633 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2010 : 3:53:33 PM
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Bill if you screw up a remflex gasket they will replace it for free. Ask me how I know  |
Conrad
79 Trans Am 400 auto Crower 60210 Torker II Holley 750 vac sec. #12 heads,3500 stall. |
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Admin
Ye Olde Webmaster
306 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2010 : 7:45:53 PM
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Oh hum...still waiting for the gaskets to arrive. UPS indicates a delivery Tuesday. Yawn.... This is like watching grass grow in the winter.  Boring.
I guess it's "Dancing with the Stars" tonight (I'd rather be mocking up the header again with the new Remflex gasket). Yawn.
Bill |
"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive." |
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torqueymonster
Cochise
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2010 : 8:39:00 PM
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Gee, Bill-- guess you didn't see my hail mary attempt to get you after we spoke-- there are several local speed shops in FL... (see dealer locator on the REMFLEX site...) that stock the gaskets. Not sure how close you are to them, but I guess what's done is done... SORRY!!
And don't bother mocking the gasket up with the head on the table again... It'll work, I swear. The next video clip I want to see, Bill, is going to be you with your head out the d/s window watching yourself do a burnout in front of your house. With no exhaust leak. Then you can back it sedately up the drive, get out, wave to the camera, and say, "Good call, Jonathan!"
J |
Edited by - torqueymonster on 22 Mar 2010 8:46:04 PM |
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Vid
Cochise
USA
581 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2010 : 01:11:41 AM
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Bill, this may be a moot point by now, but did you take a straight edge to the header flanges AND the head ports? I am just wondering if maybe the ports on the head are wonky and not the header flanges.
Anyway, oh... wait! Is that the UPS truck I hear with a carton full of REMFLEX header gaskets rolling through Florida?!  |
""I'll get around to that NEXT weekend..."
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Phil
Great White Buffalo
3181 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2010 : 10:32:58 AM
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| To me the header flange is suspect as he tried the header on his 62's and a 6x head with the same fitment problem. |
Bowties are for Peewee Herman |
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rad400
Cochise
USA
633 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2010 : 10:33:52 AM
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| Bill I think it takes 7-10 days to get them Washington State. |
Conrad
79 Trans Am 400 auto Crower 60210 Torker II Holley 750 vac sec. #12 heads,3500 stall. |
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2010 : 12:05:20 PM
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Yawn! UPS indicates delivery will be made today. Yawn! I ordered them a week ago, so, if they arrive today, it's a week. Yawn!. Where the heck is the UPS guy?
Notwithstanding what Remflex claims, I'll match everything up ahead of time with the 6X heads again. If they are tight (no feeler gauge penetration) I'll reinstall. I hope to have it all buttoned up this weekend. More video to follow.  |
"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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Brian R
Cochise
USA
862 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2010 : 3:25:41 PM
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Bill,
Maybe this has been asked, but who made the headers and why is the mating surface so damned poor? |
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torqueymonster
Cochise
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2010 : 3:52:56 PM
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Focusing on the passenger side header right now.
Using a feeler gauge the rear exhaust port is tight--no gaps; the center permits a .024" feeler to be inserted; the front iallows .008" . All the header bolts are tight.
When under the car, I looked to see if the header was touching anything that would cause this gap. I saw nothing.
"My guess is the flange is not flat or true which is not permitting the flange to flatten the Fel-Pro exhaust gasket tightly against the head. I've never experienced this problem before.
As these were purchased 5 years ago I have no remedy from the seller or from Hedman.
Does anyone know of a thicker exhaust gasket that might work? I'm open to suggestions." |
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torqueymonster
Cochise
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2010 : 3:54:29 PM
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| This WEEKEND??? NOW!! Go ahead and leave work, Bill-- I give you permission! |
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2010 : 4:40:11 PM
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Tick, ......tick, tick, tick, tick....
Where is that UPS delivery truck?  |
"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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Phil
Great White Buffalo
3181 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2010 : 7:46:19 PM
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| Relax Bill and don't get "Fed UPS". |
Bowties are for Peewee Herman |
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Vid
Cochise
USA
581 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2010 : 9:49:22 PM
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| Maybe the UPS truck broke down from a leaky header flange, LOL |
""I'll get around to that NEXT weekend..."
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Kiwi Mal
Cochise
New Zealand
551 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2010 : 12:55:53 AM
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| I sympathise completly. It is frustrating to say the least to be so close, after so long, for such a small thing. I hope it turns up before the weekend for you. |
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2010 : 06:21:48 AM
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| Gasket arrived. Hooray! |
"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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Phil
Great White Buffalo
3181 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2010 : 07:35:29 AM
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| Great, now don't mix them up left to right ;) |
Bowties are for Peewee Herman |
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rad400
Cochise
USA
633 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2010 : 09:29:23 AM
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| O.K. Bill lets get these installed and get the t/a running. |
Conrad
79 Trans Am 400 auto Crower 60210 Torker II Holley 750 vac sec. #12 heads,3500 stall. |
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torqueymonster
Cochise
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2010 : 12:22:35 PM
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| I second! |
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Phil
Great White Buffalo
3181 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2010 : 2:56:11 PM
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| Bill's still trying to open the Remflex packaging without tearing the gaskets! |
Bowties are for Peewee Herman |
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torqueymonster
Cochise
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2010 : 4:58:03 PM
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| Punch the damn timeclock, Bill-- we're all waiting... |
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Vid
Cochise
USA
581 Posts |
Posted - 24 Mar 2010 : 10:46:58 PM
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LOL Phil, how many things we have bought that we nearly destroyed before we even got it out of the damned packaging. Small consumer electronics seem to be the worst with that "bulletproof" clear plastic. I mean, all they have to do is protect it well enough to get it from China to the USA, hahahaha
Right on Bill! Get that puppy fired up! |
""I'll get around to that NEXT weekend..."
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Phil
Great White Buffalo
3181 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2010 : 07:06:00 AM
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According to Emergency Room Doctors modern packaging is responsible for many of the cuts and lacerations that come through their doors. If Bill starts posting with alot of typos we can safely assume his hands are bandaged. ;)
Oh crap, did I just give him ANOTHER excuse for delays??! |
Bowties are for Peewee Herman |
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2010 : 08:13:16 AM
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Everything is looking good. Mock up on the 6X head revealed a tight seal. So I started the reinstallation. Today looks like the day all of it will be back together and the engine will be started to check for "no" leaks.
My son Brian is out of town for several days so I can't do justice to the video footage until he gets back and can edit the video. In the meantime, here are a few photos.
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"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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torqueymonster
Cochise
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2010 : 09:11:40 AM
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| Woo-hoo! You can ship my "Remflex referral reward" beer via UPS... oh, wait. I think I'd rather have it before Autumn... |
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PontiacMatt
Cochise
USA
659 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2010 : 09:12:10 AM
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Those dudes (gaskets) don't look much thinner than the header flange!?! thick for sure!
Good luck Bill. |
*72' Pontiac Lemans* - Work in Progress |
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2010 : 7:08:09 PM
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All done. Tomorrow it's off the jack stands and out into the open. Vrrroooommmm! 
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"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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Vid
Cochise
USA
581 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2010 : 10:47:33 PM
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| Hooray Bill!! |
""I'll get around to that NEXT weekend..."
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torqueymonster
Cochise
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2010 : 07:34:47 AM
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| And--- no leaks!! |
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Phil
Great White Buffalo
3181 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2010 : 11:27:57 AM
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| Dang, do you need a bolt stretcher for those? |
Bowties are for Peewee Herman |
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2010 : 8:24:51 PM
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OH YEAH, very cool!
Started right up and after burning off the oil that spilled on the header (remember the video) I went for a spin around the block. OH YEAH...there's a difference in torque. The engine sounds really strong. The Scorpion RRs are quiet. I like that.
The gas is not free of water, but is getting better. That may be causing my erratic idle. Once the gas is good, I'll focus on tuning the engine.
The exhaust note is 77 decibels at 10 feet from the rear bumper according to my decibel meter. Inside the car it is 74 decibels at idle. Still a little louder than I preferred but for now it will have to do.
More video was taken so...wait for the full length feature film coming out NEXT week.
Jonathan--thanks for putting me on to the REMFLEX exhaust header gaskets. The leak is gone. Now the test is how long they last. My bet is they will not need to be replaced until the Edelbrock heads are installed and need a new set of round port headers and matching REMFLEX gaskets to make it work.  [Another project in the making???--Maybe.]
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"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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Kiwi Mal
Cochise
New Zealand
551 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2010 : 11:41:56 PM
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| At last a HAPPY man |
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torqueymonster
Cochise
USA
288 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2010 : 6:53:42 PM
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| Least I could do, Bill! Happy motoring!! |
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rad400
Cochise
USA
633 Posts |
Posted - 29 Mar 2010 : 09:10:37 AM
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| Yeah Bill's T/A is running and driving whoo hoo! |
Conrad
79 Trans Am 400 auto Crower 60210 Torker II Holley 750 vac sec. #12 heads,3500 stall. |
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2010 : 10:40:38 AM
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Update: 30 March 2010--Back to the Pypes Exhaust System
Presently, with the TA sitting on the ground there is only a little over 4" of clearance between the ground and the pipe coming from the X pipe that runs over the axle. This is with nearly an empty tank and without any passengers. To me this is not enough clearance to safely drive around town. Man hole covers, pot holes, speed bumps and debris are potential hazards. My antiquated (and removed system) provided lots more ground clearance.
To fix this condition will require cutting a 1" section of pipe from each of the axle pipes (not seen in photo) and weld them together thereby shortening the drop. Shortening the drop should pull the pipes up 1" .
[It takes time and effort to get things right, doesn't it.]
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"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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Edited by - Bill Boyle on 30 Mar 2010 10:42:25 AM |
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sixt8bird
Chief Many Horses
USA
426 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2010 : 11:39:50 AM
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| Bill, I had the same problem so if you put a jack under the exhaust and jack it up till its against the floor, then heat up the tubes one by one, it will fix it. I have a lift so it was easier but my Hooker Super comps were worse than that on my first gens. If you push the exhaust against the floor and heat, they will come back down about 1/2" after relaxing the pipe. |
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sixt8bird
Chief Many Horses
USA
426 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2010 : 11:42:08 AM
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| Oops I thought it was from the collector, not the back of the car. |
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2010 : 07:44:12 AM
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Backtracking a bit, below is Part 2 video footage taken involving the removal and refitting of the Hedman header to the passenger side of the car to remedy the exhaust leak.
This footage was edited last night and is presented in widescreen--actually too widescreen--and as a result is not as clear as it should be. The actual footage is very sharp. We'll keep working out the bugs to provide the best and clearest presentation for viewers.
Click on the this link: http://pontiacstreetperformance.com/videos/BoyleTA_Headers02.html
Bill
[The video was changed in file size to improve clarity; it still is a large file and takes time to fully load. This is a problem that I'm working on to fix. Please bare with me as efforts are made to perfect a seamless and smooth video. There has to be a happy medium between running without interruption and a sharp, clear picture.--Bill] |
"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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Edited by - Bill Boyle on 01 Apr 2010 08:29:48 AM |
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Phil
Great White Buffalo
3181 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2010 : 08:58:03 AM
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| She sounds so good I had to get a cold shower! |
Bowties are for Peewee Herman |
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PontiacMatt
Cochise
USA
659 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2010 : 12:48:37 PM
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| Good Work Bill!!! |
*72' Pontiac Lemans* - Work in Progress |
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Vid
Cochise
USA
581 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2010 : 03:36:51 AM
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| Sounds fanTAStic!! Great job! |
""I'll get around to that NEXT weekend..."
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 01 Apr 2010 : 8:13:46 PM
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My son Brian was able to figure the video imaging out and replaced all video recently taken and presented with a faster version. Anybody that tried to view it and had to wait for the thing to load (like we did) will not have to do that now. It loads quickly and plays without interruption. Nice job Brian. We'll do all videos like thist from now on. Very cool. Check it out again if you'd like.
http://pontiacstreetperformance.com/videos/BoyleTA_Headers02.html |
"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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Kiwi Mal
Cochise
New Zealand
551 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2010 : 3:31:30 PM
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Bill.
How much ground clearance do you have at the collectors. Thats usually the closest point to the road. I have only 60mm. |
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2010 : 4:21:22 PM
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Mal, I have plenty of clearance at the collectors. From the collectors back it drops an inch or more as seen in the photo.
Today I drove in a parking lot that would have taken out that exhaust system. So, it definitely needs to be moved up closer to the undercarriage. A little more tweaking is in store. |
"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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Edited by - Bill Boyle on 02 Apr 2010 6:15:22 PM |
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Bob Kaplan
Cochise
USA
204 Posts |
Posted - 02 Apr 2010 : 8:50:18 PM
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Bill,
What's your vaccume with that cam. It sounds fantastic! |
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sixt8bird
Chief Many Horses
USA
426 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2010 : 12:52:32 AM
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| Wholy crap, 161 posts on installing an exhaust system, talk about a drag out!! LOL! |
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Bill Boyle
Horse Feathers (Charter Member)
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2010 : 09:57:51 AM
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Steve, it's pure drama.....
Bob--
I'll check the vacuum and report back. The engine does sound healthy. No noise complaints yet.
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Vacuum at 750 rpm is pretty erratic with that cam. It bounces all over. Once the idle is brought to 1000 or thereabouts its 14. The idle has been bumped up a little but still not enough to make things smooth out. More tweaking necessary. During this process I noticed a leak around the base of the water inlet on the water crossover and also spotted some radiator fluid on a ridge between the passenger side head and block. I'll need to locate my torque wrench and go through the heads to be certain they are both torqued down to specs . With the Fel-Pro head gaskets one shouldn't have to re-torque them. However, it's possible I goofed in the torquing of the ARP head bolts. |
"Dedicated to keeping the classic Pontiac engine alive."
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Edited by - Bill Boyle on 03 Apr 2010 1:09:19 PM |
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Exhausting Update: The last act (sort of)
