Archive for September, 2008

Hurry up and wait.

It’s September and it’s starting to cool off outside.  Some of the leaves have already started to fall, and it’s getting to be time to put the cars to bed for the Winter.

Last night I had a happy and sad conversation with Brett.  I’m happy because we got the transmission figured out.  The trans is a GM 200R4 built by Vince Janis of Janis Transmissions of Akron OH.  A friend of Brett’s has this trans in his 78 TA, with a Buick 455 with 570HP and 565Ft lbs of torque.  Yes, it’s a racing transmission.  I am in serious serious trouble. 

Anyone who thinks this is a little trans and it won’t hold up to the abuse a 455 can dish out, that should about answer that question.  After all, this is a race transmission that COULD go into a 7 second car without a problem.

Now, for the not so happy news.  Brett has been watching Ebay and put out all kinds of feelers for a rear bumper cover.  The price he quoted in the estimate for the car is to find a used one in great shape and prep & paint it to match the car.  He says that the rear bumper cover should be a $60-$100 item.  So far, they’re scarce, and instead of going through YearOne their overpriced parts, I chose to wait.

When I say wait, I really mean wait.  Until next year wait.

This will give Brett all the time he needs to drive the car around and get all the bugs worked out.  I’ve asked him to put about 1000 miles on it to break in the engine.  This way, I can fly up to Cleaveland and drive the car back to St. Louis.  This should give me pleanty of time to “get to know” the car.

I’m disappointed that I missed every car show and cruise for 2008, but there’s really nothing we could do about it.  This was not a project that we were prepared to throw money at problems and there is no need for high-pressure dead lines.

So, we can both breathe a sigh of relief and I look forward to 2009.  Hell, maybe as I’m driving it home, I’ll be able to drive along side of a 2010 Camaro or two.

Scott