57 Chevy Wagon - Californa Dreamin'

[Ol Blue K20]

I'm still crossing my fingers Vic.

[Low Elco]

I was wondering about you this morning. I hope all this works for you!

[Vic1947]

Today hasn't been my day. The fuel regulator won't go low enough to use with the existing setup, so I removed it to prepare for a replacement. I'm not sure if the in-tank pump will work either, although I'm hoping it will. The issue seems to be the return line size. If it's too restrictive, the regulator may limited as to how low you can adjust the pressure. The carbs call for 6.5psi. The pump is internally limited to somewhere close to 100 psi so the regulator has to do all the work. Edelbrock has one that will handle high flow pumps but makes no mention of the max pressure value. If the regulator won't play nice with the rest of the system, I'll have to change the pump and perhaps the lines as well.

I spent about 15 minutes on hold with Aeromotive in Lenexa this morning before giving up and leaving my number for a call back. Haven't heard from them all day. I'd like to get their opinion, but a new regulator will be required no matter what.

The wiring is almost finished. I've got the stereo / NAV enclosure back in place and all the new wiring for the bump (paddle) shifter feature in place. Also added a rocker switch in the console to toggle between street and performance calibrations for the trans.

As I was moping around the shop right before supper, Kathy let me know the next door neighbor was preparing to build a fence between our houses that would come right up to the end of our back driveway. I negotiated an extra 1.5 feet of room by offering to pay more than my share of that section. (In KCMO you have to pay half even if you don't want the fence.) Not what I needed right now.

[Vic1947]

Happy 4th of July, everyone! Fireworks started a few days ago around here and should build to a rousing finale tonight. We love sitting out on the deck and watching the neighbor's pyrotechnics. Cheap thrills.

I'm getting closer to the moment of truth. Wiring is complete, although I left the fuel pump wire disconnected so I can do the MSD ignition and Painless TCU calibrations without flooding the engine. The throttle and cruse control cables are in place as is the new fuel regulator. I'm not satisfied yet with the throttle cable. It's only opening the blades about 75%. There are a couple of adjustments I can make but it may require a modification to the pedal assembly. I can calibrate the throttle position sender by manually opening the throttle, but I'm not sure how that will affect the transmission shift points. Probably better to calibrate it with 100% travel than a partial amount. That way when I get the pedal issue sorted out, it will be ready to go.

[regan wilson]

That looks awesome Vic. You know I'm kinda fond of dual carbs.

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by regan wilson

That looks awesome Vic. You know I'm kinda fond of dual carbs.

Thanks, Regan, I think I'm gonna like them too.

IT'S ALIVE!!!!!! (Video link below)

Today I input all the parameters for the transmission and the ignition boxes, programmed the fan controller and the throttle position sensor. I also set the high and low fuel pressures and checked for leaks (just one fitting I'd failed to tighten fully). Then it was time to bust it off. Per the FST carb instructions, I gave the throttle two pumps and turned the key to start. Instant happiness. It fired up like it had been on the road for months. I let it warm up and adjusted the idle down then waited until the temp got high enough to trigger the low fan. Everything seems to be working. I ran the trans thru PRND and it felt good and solid. Trans pressure on the new gauge was reading around 250 psi. The AFR gauge was reading about 11 at idle. Once I get it on the road, I'll have a better idea of whether I need a jet change. Right now I'm pretty impressed with the way the carbs worked right out of the box. Also, the MSD, Painless and Dakota Digital electronics all worked great.

Tomorrow I plan to recalibrate the speedometer and check in with Hot Rod Express. Still need to get the A/C charged up and working. I'll sleep a lot better tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdHkGkoo_ws

[sduckworth13]

Woohoo! Sounds amazing Vic!

[mongocanfly]

Best thing I've heard all day..!!!!

[regan wilson]

that sounds sweet Vic.

[Ol Blue K20]

Congratulations Vic!!!

[jaros44sr]

Congratulations on your success engine and car look and sound amazing

You knocked another one out of the park you do great work and I always enjoy your write ups

Is there another build in the wings

[67C10Step]

IT"S ALIVE!!! Ha, ha, ha, ha!!

Sorry, just could not resist. Super good work and glad to see this fine project moving towards completion. Love those wagons.

[nsb29]

We all knew you could do it

[Vic1947]

Thanks everyone, glad you enjoyed the video tour!

The car is back at Hot Rod Express. They got the A/C charged today and worked on some issues that cropped up during the drive down there. Unfortunately, it's unlikely they'll have it done in time to make the cruise-in down at the lake on Friday. I took my laptop to them this morning that has the Painless and MSD software on it so they can fine tune the transmission line pressures, shift points and TCC lock up as well as the timing curve. The MSD has a couple of built in (read only) timing tables for a LS3, but also supports up to four custom tables as well. HRE has a lot of expertise where this is concerned, so I want them to do whatever it takes to make the powertrain reliable and easy to drive.

I mentioned the exhaust note was a bit obnoxious inside the car and they suggested a pair of high flow cats in front of the mufflers might be a better choice than resonators. If they have time to add those while it's there, I think it would help. (I know, I know - if it's too loud, you're too old.) If not, I'll bring it back when they have some space available.

That's all for now. It's weird having an empty workshop. I wasn't planning on another build, but I'm not sure if I can stand not staying busy.

[nsb29]

I had the same problem to loud and didn’t like the tone ether so I installed a pair of glass packs in front of the mufflers made a big difference. We will be driving across country in aug were going to our place in so-cal and I just didn’t want to listen to these crappy flomasters for 2500 miles! Maybe I’m too old as well LMAO

[JayMc46]

How is Hot Rod Express comeing along.

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by JayMc46

How is Hot Rod Express comeing along.

I've been down there the last two days and I'm headed back first thing in the morning. They convinced me to move the throttle brackets to the rear carb which has meant a ton of revisions. It will probably be for the best in the end, but right now it's a PITA.

I swapped in new plugs today and it looks like two cylinders weren't firing at all. Not sure if it was the plugs, the wires, the coils or a mix. Once we get it going again, I'll run some diagnostics to see if I can isolate the issue(s). I also pulled the carbs and put leaner jets in the primaries. However, while removing them, I found a major hiccup. Originally, I had everything hooked up and working, but then had to remove the intake to route some wiring. When I reassembled it all, I failed to plug the 12V lead into the electric choke. So all this time, the choke was fully closed on the primary carb while I was driving around. No wonder it ran like crap.

I think when all the bugs get sorted out, it should be a fun deal. But right now, it's giving me heartburn. HRE is going to build the throttle bracket, tune the carbs and progressive linkage and do a bit more work on the MSD timing curve. I hope to be able to pick it up next week. There's some cruise-in's I'd like to attend before we hit the road for the Tri-Five Nationals.

[jlsanborn]

Sounds like you're on the right track and it's going to run like a dream! I'm three years into a Holley TBI on the Dirty Girl and it still isn't just right

LOVE the car, Vic!

[Low Elco]

Congratulations, Vic! Finally (I hope) it runs as good as it looks!

[Ol Blue K20]

I'm glad you're making some progress. Awesome!

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by jlsanborn

Sounds like you're on the right track and it's going to run like a dream! I'm three years into a Holley TBI on the Dirty Girl and it still isn't just right

LOVE the car, Vic!

Thanks, John! I'm surprised we don't hear more about the issues with EFI. One of the guys at Hot Rod Express has had a local Holley certified tuner working on his setup for a couple of months now. He called the other day to say he'd given up and suggested upgrading to a newer version. Depending on the age and design of a system, it could be borderline impossible to get it to work right. I've heard stories of how a calibration file that works for a particular combination won't work on the same exact setup in another car. Makes you wonder how they expect anything to function out of the box.

Originally Posted by Low Elco

Congratulations, Vic! Finally (I hope) it runs as good as it looks!

Hey Chip, this coming week should tell us a lot. The throttle bracket and the cables are all done and the car is ready to fire up. I need to get some software down to HRE tomorrow so they can monitor the vitals while doing a test drive. Hopefully the changes we've made will help.

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

I'm glad you're making some progress. Awesome!

Thanks, Dale. Every time I think I'm moving forward, something crops up I hadn't planned for. We'll see this week if any bugs are still lurking around.

[Vic1947]

Some progress to report. This morning, the wagon moved from the trim shop area to the paint booth under its own power. When I left, Rick was working on the idle settings and planning for a test drive later on. The throttle bracket seems like it will work. To get the throttle blades to open fully, they adjusted the pedal stop which increased the angle inside the car a bit. Not sure how it will feel, but when I get it home, I can make another extension for the lever to increase the arc if I don't like the current setup.

I think I'm also going to ditch the stainless headers. They radiate a ton of heat and the spark plug boots barely fit. Had to buy the ceramic ones as I knew they'd be touching the tubes and regular silicone boots would never stand up. HRE has a couple of sets of LS3 crate motor take-offs so I may just have them install a set and revise the exhaust down pipes. Not sure when they can get to it, but I'd like for it to be done before the Tri-Five Nationals in August.

[jlsanborn]

I've used these with great success. Might not be the look your after though!

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/d...caAqoDEALw_wcB

[cornerstone]

Boy, have I been missing out! Just flat out amazing work Vic.

California Dreamin' is no dream my friend.... It's as real as Gavin Newsom's recall.

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by cornerstone

Boy, have I been missing out! Just flat out amazing work Vic.

California Dreaming... It's as real as Gavin Newsom's recall.