stage20

iTrader: (3)

everything is so clean! are those the hawks 2" headers? was thinking about emailing you the other day.

jbenge

iTrader: (2)

I never put it on a dyno but it did run a 10.5 @ 127mph with the problems. It was kind of funny because it would run a 10.5 is 90 degree heat then get slower as it would get cooler outside because it was so lean. Luckily I didn't hurt anything, at least that I know of.

I still think Circle D is a pretty good company especially for a more mild street strip combination. I don't think they had done many converters for a carbed application like this. When I talked to them about it being too loose they were willing to restall it but they seemed surprised it was so loose and they said"I guess we can tighten it a little" and didn't seem too interested in any additional data. When I called UCC, they were a lot more responsive and wanted all the data I could give them. The AFR meter I have records RPM and AFR so I had some pretty good data showing shift points and how much the rpm would fall between shifts.

jbenge

iTrader: (2)

Yea those are the hawks 2in headers. I should have already had this car put together already, the track opens in a couple weeks. I wasn't modivated when it was cold outside, then I bought the 91 and got busy with it for awhile.

jbenge

iTrader: (2)

Here are couple of pics showing how the CSR shield fits the new trans. I was never happy with how the csr shield fit the th-350 trans. It required a lot of grinding including the indentations right below where the bolts holes are. I always felt it would weaken the case a lot.

The th-400 shield seems to fit much better than the th-350 one did. There was very little grinding required on the th-400 for the shield to fit, just a few raised areas on the top side of the case. I'm very happy with how the th-400shield fits.

jbenge

iTrader: (2)

It took me longer than it should have, had too much other stuff to do lately but I did finish the engine/trans installation. With the shield I have to install the engine and trans at the same time. I was worried the extra length of the th-400 would create problems during installation but it didn't. It dropped right in. No clearance issues on the top side of the trans either. I think the th-400 was an easier installation than the th-350. The th-400 crossmember sits back further giving more room to angle it in before the rear of the trans gets caught on the trans crossmember. I started it up to check for leaks and took it around the block. No leaks and everything worked. I wanted to drive it further but I was almost out of gas, not sure I even had enough to make it to the gas station. Just have to get the hood on now. New converter feels good but I didn't drive enough to get any real data. I can tell its not so loose now. The car felt like a rocket...but it always does after driving not driving it all winter.

I also made some braided lines for the trans cooler. The hard lines I was using made installing the headers a real pain. With the new lines they went in perfect, no cursing required. I used lined hose for the highest heat resistance. In case anyone needs the info, the fittings for the trans are a special thread 1/4 in. NPSM Male to 6AN male ATI Part# 925137.

I measured this week and had my driveshaft lengthened. The driveshaft company said I need to push the yoke all the way in, then back it out 1 inch to find where the yoke should sit. Then measure at the center of each u-joint for the drive shaft length. I did that and somehow I'm off 1/2in, so I have 1 1/2 inches of yoke shaft exposed with it installed instead of 1. So I may have to get the driveshaft redone again. Is that close enough or should I have another one made? Any opinions?

camarozz383

iTrader: (2)

what heaers are you using?

jbenge

iTrader: (2)

Hawks 2in headers

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

nice, how much did that CSR trans shield set you back? this is something i still have to do to my car...but i'm avoiding it cause i know how tight it is in there

stage20

iTrader: (3)

always super clean. hurry up to the track before the heat sets in.

jbenge

iTrader: (2)

The shield was $315. It does make things a bit tighter but its worth it for the safety factor. I can honestly say though the th-400 shield fits very well and didn't get in the way at all, unlike the th-350 shield. The only real disadvantage I can see is you have to pull the engine and trans together.

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

hmmm, so the whole thing would have to come out if you wanted to do a converter change?

also, i've never heard of a shop that can lengthen a driveshaft....everyone around here will either build a new one, or shorten what you have. i'd be afraid of vibrations or extra failure points.

i bought a PST shaft for my car. guaranteed to balance cleanly to 8000 rpm

jbenge

iTrader: (2)

The shield adds extra thickness behind the trans which puts the bell housing bolt heads right against the firewall. The bolts are also longer than stock making it impossible to get them out. The only option might be to make a hole in the firewall where each bolt is for access that way. If you have a full interior and stock dash I think its easier to pull the engine/trans together anyway.

jbenge

iTrader: (2)

To clarify what I meant by lengthen the driveshaft, they cut the ends off and weld them onto a new tube. There wouldn't be any welded in sections of tube. I'm just not sure its worth it being 1/2in short.

stage20

iTrader: (3)

why is your driveshaft a 1/2 short? the th400 should require a shorter driveshaft than your 350 anyway. maybe i missed it. beware!!! of local shops doing anything to a performance oriented driveshaft. i have seen numerous ones come apart because they are build the backyard way from the old days and not out of the required thickness and diameter needed for your hp, load and rpm you will be turning.

jbenge

iTrader: (2)

The th-350 yoke I was using was slightly longer than the th-400 yoke. Maybe I had the wrong yoke with the th-350 and I think that driveshaft was also too short. That driveshaft and yoke was originally one I bought from Spohn when I did the th-350 converson many years ago. I do know I have the correct yoke for the th-400 though, I confirmed that. So I took my driveshaft to a local shop and they cut the ends off and welded them to a new tube the length of the measurement I took. Somehow I was off by a 1/2in when I took the measurement, not sure why other than it was hard to do laying on my back holding both ends of the tape. I took the measurement 3 times and got the same number each time but I messed up lol . The shop I'm using is good, most of the local racers use them, no worries there.

stage20

iTrader: (3)

if its cost effective, you can get a long yoke for a 400 too. whatever you do im sure it wont be half assed. your stuff is nice man.