Recent Posts

1

Mechanical / Re: Coolant leak how to fix

« Last post by b_hill_86 on Today at 08:19:40 AM »

You’ll want to replace the intake gaskets too of course and a little RTV can help with the o ring too

2

Mechanical / Re: Coolant leak how to fix

« Last post by formula46two on Today at 07:14:49 AM »

First thing I would try is loosen the intake bolts then snug the bolt that draws the intake toward the timing cover. Then properly torque the intake bolts. Can’t hurt to try. If you try that and it doesn’t work or skip it, I’d remove the intake, replace the o-ring and reinstall following the same procedure of drawing the intake forward first then tighten the intake bolts.

Thanks, I'll try that. Now I know why some separate the coolant intake and the intake

3

Interior / Re: Interior progress.

« Last post by rkellerjr on Today at 06:18:12 AM »

Good to see progress, very nice!

If you ever need more criticism post some progress pics on fbook!

hahahaha!

4

Number Crunching / Re: 400 casting code

« Last post by rkellerjr on Today at 06:15:10 AM »

I think the 557 block has a much worse reputation than it deserves. Buttler Performance uses the 557 block in builds up to 450 or 500 HP, I don’t remember which. Obviously there a lot of variables that come into play when building an engine other than just the block. Probably just as important to have it done by a competent shop.

The shop that did my motor work was aware of the 557 reputation. He said yes, it is a weaker motor but, he said, done right, he could push that block to run 600hp without issue. He said while you don't want to build a quarter mile beast with it, you can build a very nice street machine.

5

Mechanical / Re: Boosting a 301 (for fun)

« Last post by roadking77 on Today at 05:50:05 AM »

I think it sounds like fun. I am not mechanically inclined but I am pretty good at figuring things out. I would be up to the challenge for fun and entertainment! You are pretty good with this kind of stuff and I am sure you can do something crazy with it.

6

Exterior / Re: Hood alignment. My next impossible mission.

« Last post by FormTA on Today at 05:40:26 AM »

I thought the same thing! I bought some parts from Pete back in the day but I thought they were gone now.

7

Exterior / Re: Hood alignment. My next impossible mission.

« Last post by Wallington on Today at 04:57:19 AM »

Oh, hinges are new? They do have some play but shouldn't be too much. Can you hold the end of the door and lift up and down and feel movement? Otherwise, even new hinges with a striker sitting higher than the latch will lift to close. Do the doors line up when shut? Sounds like striker is close to position but hinges are set too low for door hang. Loosen bolts on cowl side, try to lift door up past the striker until it hangs down buy higher than now. Or, to re-explain that, if you remove the striker you'll find door shuts too low.

I thought FBW may have faded away to nothing by now. When Pete left, there was no one left with knowledge or interest in the hobby, just his Mrs trying to make a quick buck. Their website hadn't been updated in years, when I checked. And corrections went ignored and not replied to. I don't like when shops have blatantly incorrect and misleading information. And when they ignore corrections because they'd rather sell items at any cost, I avoid at all costs. Very different to 10-15 years ago.

8

Exterior / Re: Hood alignment. My next impossible mission.

« Last post by 5th T/A on Today at 03:59:26 AM »

I agree with Ben and Luke, remove the striker pin while adjusting the hinge. I would probably mark where it was with a sharpie so you have a rough starting position when you reinstall it. Get your FIL to come over and give you a hand aligning the door. With his years of experience and a second set of eyes you should be able to get the door properly aligned.

9

Mechanical / Boosting a 301 (for fun)

« Last post by FormTA on Today at 03:58:01 AM »

So, I have always wanted to mess around with boost be it a turbo or a supercharger... I know the 301 is not a good option but I have a couple of them. The ones I have are the weak ones too so that makes it an even worse idea but I have back ups. So, hear me out an just remember it's just an air pump so we could be talking about a chevy 305...

The 301 is 150hp give or take. I was thinking about installing a Holley sniper efi system on one here recently but then noticed they are capable of blow through boost. So, let's say I pick up a cheap Chinese turbo for cheap and fined somewhere to cram it in (even if it has to be under or at the rear of the car) and blow through the sniper efi. I am not trying to make big power here just add a bit to the car. It will be a 4 speed stick, so that should help maintain the happy spot. I would be fine if all it safely could do is 3 lbs of boost.  It's just for a tiny bit more fun.

The thing is I know nothing about boosting an engine or tuning so I thought maybe this would be possible if I used a self learning efi like Holley and because there are no efi intakes for the 301 just go with throttle body injection. Also trying to do it cheaply and for fun.

I don't know enough yet about the Holly Sniper setup to understand it's ability to connect and control spark though. I have heard there are electronic 301 distributors from 81 out there. I just don't know if it could control it and would I even need it to or could I just run the old stock vacuum advance unit. I would lean towards the electronic distributor so the ecm can tune it, not me though... or, could I take some other distributor and combine it with the 301 housing and make an electronic distributor that it could control.

And if it all goes sideways I have backup engines.

Any input or ideas on this would be helpful.

 

10

Number Crunching / Re: 400 casting code

« Last post by b_hill_86 on May 02, 2024, 10:02:56 PM »

Yea, I’m no engine guru but if butler comfortably builds a 557 to even 450hp I’d have to imagine they leave room for error to speak meaning those blocks will probably handle a little bit more. They wouldn’t build one to its absolute limit. Most street builds are less than that.