So it's been awhile since I updated here, just been real busy at work and only a few hours here & there to get things done. Last place I left off was the arrival of the ARH headers that were mentioned in Mark's post here: (plus a couple of posts down with starter pics). (I also added this link mainly for me to find related info quickly.)
Since then it's been small stuff, but things I wanted to do before wiring the car. First was finishing the trans related stuff like making a plate for the torque converter. The cast piece GM makes for the 4L85 has no provision to cover the big hole up, basically leaving the flexplate very exposed, so I made a cover real quick with 1/8" aluminum plate.
- Next up was making a stainless manifold for oil pressure sensors. The Holley EFI and Dakota RTX dash both take a pressure sensor. In theory, the Dakota interface module for the Holley EFI is supposed to send its oil pressure signal to the ECM. Everything I've read on the Holley forum seems to suggest otherwise, so I figured pipe it up for both now & play around later. Plus, I didn't want to split the signal like some people were thinking. That's just not a good practice in my mind. There won't be any room after the headers are in to play around much, so now's a good time. Just a block of SS, drilled and tapped for sensors and TIG welded a short 3/8" SS pipe on the back to mate with the engine oil port. (Started out with fittings & tee's, but didn't like it, too much of a Frankenstein).
- Next was figuring out the fan belt situation for the Alt, WP & A/C. I have the mid-80's GM 454 pulleys that are a combination "V" and Ribbed (serpentine) belt. I have these pulleys on my Camaro and they stopped the tossed alternator belt problem dead in it's tracks. Also have the "Classic Auto Air" stage 3 A/C system so needed to figure that all out as far as belts. Went with the Dayco 'Top Cog' belts as they seemed to work good in the past to keep belts on, when others wouldn't stay put. The GM part numbers for the crank & WP pulleys are: 14087537 & 14087536 if anyone is interested. Hard to find though, ebay is the best bet.
- Put DynaMat on the interior, package tray underside and trunk floors for heat & sound proofing. Then spatter painted the trunk with Eastwood Aqua paint plus a few coats of satin clear over that.
- Also put the interior firewall mat & upper insulation in, and started to put the interior HVAC unit in place.
Lots of other little things here & there were done as well, but now I can at least finish the rest of the engine side HVAC box installation and get cracking on the wiring. Full harness from AAW, plus the Holley EFI/Transmission harnesses, Dakota RTX wiring, not to mention the stereo, alarm and power locks for the remote entry that'll be tied to the alarm. Plenty to do...