Leaderboard

Finally got the heated part of my garage, my winter shop space, cleaned up and organized enough to pull out the 1988 block I got from Daves89. I have mentioned this future project before, but to synopsize: The block had very low miles, ~5k, but it had severe internal rust damage to the heads and block, which was seized up. I couldn't leave well enough alone and had the block bored .030" oversize, and the worst cylinder was offset bored to save it for a future supercharged project, which has been languishing for years now. I intended to buy the parts from an s/c engine but as luck would have it I acquired and entire complete 1995 s/c engine in which I detailed the teardown in a previous thread on this forum. If I had purchased the s/c engine prior to the work I had done to the 88 block, I would have abandoned the 88 and put the money into the s/c engine, but that's water over the dam now. I intend to go ahead with the transplant supercharger on the 1988 block, a true winter project. My intention is to use up leftover parts and parts from other engines to wind up with something that works. The last full day was looking for bearings, freeze plugs, measuring the crank journals etc. I found two half sets of King brand main bearings, one set standard and one set .001" under. I had used the other half of the two sets on a previous engine for the purpose of tightening up the clearance by a half thousandth. In this case, the crank, which I think may be Daves from his 89, is almost spot on spec, even after polishing, so it is hard to say if the slight undersize will work out or not. I found a complete set of what looks like ACL rod bearings but they are made in China so they are probably clones. I still have the box for the bearings I actually used on the last engine which are genuine ACL made in Australia. Also I had a previously installed but never used Enginetech cam bearings. I don't remember why I removed them after installation but they are now installed in the 88 block and I also trial fit the new Clevite 1988 spec camshaft, which turns freely. Feels pretty good to be finally moving forward.

Too bad Ship. We have been getting bitter cold and numerous less then 1" snows. I'm sure we will get hit with a big storm before the season is out.

It's now been a week and we have had subzero temperatures and the Black sits outside. Starts right up and runs great. Still seems a bit harder on gas, but I do idle it more as I want it to warm up before driving it. Also have been doing some hard acceleration to see if there is any kicking or bucking [there isn't]. I know I was "done" with the car, but I am not. I actually think so much about the car that I bought a set of struts [front and back] and will hopefully get them installed soon.

Nor'easter snowstorm is heading up the coast, expected to hit the Boston area by late Friday (1/28) and last all day Saturday. We are expecting a foot+ of fluffy, 50 to 60 mph winds with possible power outages. Oh yippie, I just love dealing with this stuff....where the @#*& is April?