So, things are slowly getting
back up to speed on the project. I've drained my old fuel and
coolant, and started gathering things I'll need to finish up in the
next few weeks. I will have more time as of May 7th, as I'll be
laid off for the third time in a year. So much for cash flow, but I
don't think I have too many more things to purchase. Got lucky
there.
I've spent most of the last week on snipe hunts for various little
parts. First off, is the mufflers -- my current ones are just too
loud. I have a twin turbo, which uses these very tiny Walker 21959
mufflers. They are the standard oval types, 2" pipe, with a center
inlet and offset outlet. The catch is, they have a body which is
only 9" long. I -might- be able to squeeze a 10" body in there, but
it would be awfully tight. I have had very little luck finding a
suitable replacement, so I called up Walker's tech support line to
see if Walker offers a quiter version of these mufflers. The tech
assured me that these already -are- the QuietFlow model, the
quietest models they had. So much for that route, and I've pretty
much struck out on all of the other replacement mufflers I've looked
at. Dick Ryan gave me the name and number of a place in Ohio where
he had his custom built, so that may be an option, although a pricey
one. Matthew Olans suggested the Ford catalytic converter option
that Island now sells, but that's even pricier though, at around
$1000 -each- cat.
A lot of time on Google has steered me towards investigating
resonated exhaust tips. These tips have an internal baffle, not
unlike a glasspack muffler. They help reduce some of the 'brapping'
and droning noise in the cabin. I'll hate to loose my current tips,
as they look fantastic and are made from billet stainless. However,
I'd rather have a decent interior noise level over looks these
days. I've started searching for tips, but haven't found anything
that I've really liked yet. If anyone out there is using some nice
resonated tips and could point me in the right direction, I'd
appreciate it.
The last little time-consumer has been building my new Delco
alternator. I bought a used version of the CS130 Delco alternator
on eBay that is sold by a few of the vendors. It's the little 105
amp version, but it has the correct mounting ears that don't
necessitate any cutting of the brackets. I was going to build it up
into the 140 amp version, but after finding a brand new CS130 in a
box in my garage, I may just swap the new internals to the other
case and save the $$$. I honestly have no idea where this other new
alt came from, but if you've seen my garage, you know I have only a
rough idea of what is in there and where. Stuff just seems to
appear from nowhere (and unfortunately, disappear to from whence it
came). A 105 amp alternator should be plenty except when I'm
running the CSP12180, but that is only going to be for brief periods
I'm sure. Hopefully, that will be done soon and installed on the
car.
This weekend, weather
permitting, I hope to get the new driver's door installed and do a
bunch of the little things on my list. I'll keep y'all posted on
the progress.
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