I previously posted a thread asking for suggestions, thinking I had an oil leak spitting out from one or more locations along the bottom of P/S Head. It turned out, the valve cover was leaking. This accounted for the clean oil upon the garage floor and the header, later observed after things had cooled down. This was initially overlooked, given the more apparent fluid leaks, mistakenly thought to be a combination of oil and coolant, streaming from beneath the lower head bolts.
Well.., I tried my best to re-seal several leaking header flange bolts, but finally tossed in the towel.
I towed the 68 GTX to a master Mopar mechanic who determined all the header flange bolt holes on my original heads were toast. Several parts, were subsequently swapped out, to improve upon performance & reliability of my most recent build and setup. The following photographs illustrate some of the newest additions, and/or changes, making this old 440, an even wilder, yet much happier engine & transmission setup. I must thank Ray Miles – for his expertise, and professional installation of new Edelbrock E-Street heads and the new Locker cable systems.
A word for the wise... Professionally inspect and correct, valve guide clearance issues, potentially found on such heads - prior to installation. This, in all likelihood, will save you a lot of grief.
I have since tossed out my earlier beta test, shrouded, electrical push fan concept - in favor of a more conventional ‘mechanical’ Flex fan. A custom shroud - designed to ensure the fan is mounted ( 1/2 in and1/2 out) of the shroud will be added later, should road testing indicate this component is required.
This, in addition to: a recent (forward) adjustment of the radiator location; a relocation of the overflow tank and its newly designed mounting bracket; plus the removal of all unnecessary electronics, resulted in an estimated 40 percent increase in the cooling of this beast.
The bullet proof LOKAR cables – replacing the old (adjustment prone) kick down linkage, and old throttle setup - are totally awesome!
Unreliable fancy chrome coolant lines (that have failed me on no less than 3 occasions) have also been tossed in the garbage - in favor of installing traditional and reliable rubber coolant lines.
Last but not least, studded valve covers, are also on my ‘to-do’ list, in order to button up this job nicely.
This was, in part, a very expensive solution, BUT heh, no more coolant leaks !!!
Now, if we could only rid our province of forest fires & smoke - a little cruising time, would be a bonus.
Here’s Hoping: Our Local & International Fire Fighters, Volunteers & All Affected Residents - Stay Safe!
So far, road tests have been GREAT
