madmatt9471

Lol - thank you. I can't wait to see your build come together! Thanks,Matt

It's easier to work on the Monte! But I'm working on it! Thank you very much - Lol Thanks, Matt

You all are making me jealous. In a few weeks I should, hopefully, be able to drive mine to PT for this right hip replacement. I can't wait just to drive again. At least I can buy parts and stuff until then - Lol 😁 Thanks, Matt

Thank you! Surgery was a success and Tina is taking me home now! New hip! Yay!😀 Thanks, Matt

Lol - excellent! Same stuff I use, stuff is worth it's weight in gold! Thanks,Matt

Is it possible that your valve covers are not true? If you are going to remove them, I would suggest taking a straight edge and seeing if they might be warped. I would do the same thing with the head surface ridge where it marries to the valve cover and make sure that it is true and straight. Any part that might be low, warped or untrue will let you know why it dribbling oil after being tightened down. Options would be to use RTV to help with the imperfections on the valve covers or a new set of covers if they are indeed warped or untrue. As far as the head edge goes,my suggestion would be, if low spot(s) is to try "Permatex Optimum Gray RTV" to take up some of the imperfections. Again that's if they are either warped (valve cover or low spot on head edge) I hope this helps, at least you will be able to rule it out should they end up being straight and true, and if not then you can try a fix listed above or something else. Now I have to head into go get my Right Hip replaced. Ughh! 10th surgery. 😷 Thanks, Matt

I agree 👍 Thanks,Matt

Really nice results Thanks, Matt

Yep, it's working and it looks great too 👍 Thanks,Matt

That I don't know, unless I was there and able to look when you are posting. Unless there are cookies that are interfering or something. Thanks,Matt

Thank you, very much appreciated Thanks, Matt

I also added last week and MSD Soft Touch Rev Limiter and MSD RPM Switch. Additionally, I added a new tachometer with a built-in shift light and installed a 52mm vacuum gauge in my gauge pod (where I had my previous tachometer, a 52mm tachometer which was too small) Thanks,Matt

Okay, a couple of weeks ago I finally yanked the undersized Edelbrock Performer (2101) manifold and installed a proper Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap (7501) on the 406 CID Small Block. Man did it make a big difference too. And yesterday (8/31/25) I installed a Holley 12-327-11 fuel pump (110 gph) to replace the stock Carter pump that was on there, both mechanical. That also made a difference, been wanting to do this for a while too now. Thanks,Matt Here are some pics:

Excellent pictures and thank you for sharing! Great looking Monte's Thanks,Matt

Completed Thank you for looking out! Thanks, Matt

That's pretty wild - looking forward to seeing the installed product 😀 Thanks, Matt

I don't want to go 700R4 or 2004R OD transmissions, so I have fully decided to go with the Gear Vendor OD. They are practically bullet proof and coupled with my already built TH350, stall and 3.08's I am really going to enjoy the performance and cruising. Thanks, Matt

Stuckin70's, Not sure if you were asking me, but if you are here it is: I recently had the peg leg 2.73 gears removed and a Posi unit installed along with 3.08 gears (12 bolt) My next project (after my Right Hip replacement) I am going to install a Gear Vendor Over Drive. Right now I love how improved the Monte is with the recent upgrades, 3.08 posi rear, stall converter, Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap manifold and 1/2" open spacer. Once the Gear Vendor OD is done I will be able to cruise on the highway with a OD of 2.40 final drive - that is going to be sweet! Thanks,Matt

Ok I did a couple things here recently: 1. Wednesday July 30th, I had a 2300-2400 RPM stall converter installed, flashes at 2700 RPM (no pictures of it, but what a difference, it sure needed it, the stock was way to tight) - huge difference, immediately! 2. Friday and Saturday, August 1st and 2nd, began and completed the intake manifold change out from a standard Edelbrock Performer 2101 to a Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap 7501 and 160 thermostat, new coolant etc. - man did this make a huge difference coupled with the new stall - other manifold was way too small for my 406 CID small block 3. Changed the vacuum secondary spring from the standard natural color to the next lightest Purple spring - it needed that too, now it's matched perfectly and opens up the secondaries when they are needed and not delayed 4. Installed a transmission cooler today, Sunday August 3rd, topped off the fluid accordingly - this will keep the tranny temps in good shape along with the new stall converter. Thanks, Matt Here's some pics:

That's pretty cool, I didn't know that Trickflow made one. Thanks,Matt

My new tool that I made today to clear headers and tight spaces: Hogged it out to 1/2" so the spark plug will pop through, cut it down just enough (little under 1") to grab the 5/8" spark plug hex, and I can put a 3/4" wrench on the shorty plug socket. The only caveat is that your spark plug socket needs to be one that has the hex go all the way down the socket shaft, some don't and only go about half way down the socket shaft (like my other one). Enjoy! Thanks,Matt

Thank you sir! I just put myself down for one Thanks,Matt

Which section and post for the core support cover? Thanks, Matt

Sway is great and I purchased mine from Original Parts Group (and it was in stock - LOL) I also believe that Gabriel makes air shocks for our Monte Carlos as well (Gabriel HiJackers) I need to find the number on mine for reference. Thanks, Matt

As far as our A bodies go and traction, I don't experience any wheel hop, if I did then I would look into a set to control the wheel hop. From a dead stop it will "Smoke 'em" At WOT everything is stable and no other traction arms etc. are needed, and much more stable than without the sway bar in the rear, that is what really solidified everything. I hope that this helped 😁 please feel free to hit me with more Q's anytime Thanks, Matt