Christmas party and autocross

[critter]

If you're coming to the Christmas party at my house on Saturday and you've not responded to myself or Tammy, you need to speak up now. We're in the final stages of planning.

I also would love to see a list of those who intend to autocross with the SCCA club on Sunday. So far I have:

Brian Ray
Dewayne Ford
Chris Ritter

[ArkGL01]

Just to let you know I am planning on attending!

[critter]

I do have you down for the party. Did you mean autocross as well?

[caramaro]

no!kelly won't let him out on sundays anymore!

[ArkGL01]

ya sunday is family day. I get saturdays most of the time. Now if I could make the autocross a family even...hhhmmm

[critter]

I fully understand but it's too bad. I'd love to see that bad boy in person (no, I've still not seen it) and especially on the autocross course.

[FrankieRider2]

Can't make it here, Chris.... wish I could. Maybe one of these years....

[raybs]

Actually, Eric will be at the autocross (weather permitting) and he is prodding his new club at the Cabot HS to come out. I still haven't decided if I will just double up on the Grand Prix or take one of the V8 cars...hammered the G8 tonight (this morning) getting onto Hwy 67. Cold weather is good for something

[Unclesams_G8]

I'll be at the Auto-X for sure.

[critter]

For those doing autocross, do we want to meet at War Memorial or somewhere else and drive in as a group? I'm all for simply driving to War Memriol and parking together over there. What time?

[Unclesams_G8]

I usually get there around 8 am, that gives me plenty of time to tech in, b.s. and walk to course a couple of times (racing starts at 10 am). But I'll meet up with anyone that wants to caravan down there from Cabot, J-ville or where ever.

[raybs]

I just sent out a note to the club to meet at Park Plaza parking lot (I hope that's right, I never go there) at 8:15 and drive over at 8:30. We can change it if need be - we did 8am last time, but I know Dewayne has a bit of a drive. The extra 30 minutes might help.

[critter]

Sounds like you have the plan to me. It's looking more and more like I'll be in the silver bullet. I don't trust the front end on the TA for hard turns right now. It's worn out.

[critter]

I just have to vent a little.

I drove the car in to work this morning just to see. First, I had to raise the hood and yank up on the ignition lock out rod because the shifter is still not right. I'm starting to regret this four speed ShiftWorks kit. I'm putting it in for the 4L80e swap I intend to do. I've been trying to get all this kind of stuff done before the swap.

Then I had to run it at about 2500 rpm for 10 minutes before it would idle on its own. We had a sub-freezing night last night. Even then it bucked and farted all the way in to the office. it seems the full on race Qjet is a warm weather only carb.

I already know the steering was sloppy due to the worn out suspension. Front end parts are already on the way. Then, as I drove, I noticed more and more pedal travel on the brakes. By the time I got to work it was downright scary. When I parked I pulled the cap on the brake reservoir. The front was half empty. Of course I managed to lock my keys in the car while I was checking all that out. Luckily, I can break into one of these cars in about 30 seconds so that wasn't a big deal.

So I went to the parts store and picked up another bottle of that stupid high priced silicon DOT5 brake fluid, another regret, that I use in my car. I topped it off at lunch. After work I went to fire it up. It would crank and try to start and then backfire. I had smoke through the shaker twice. I know it was me pumping it too much trying to get it fired. That carb was super in the summer but it is certainly not good in winter. Got it running and tried to shove it in reverse. The only problem was that I couldn't move it out of park. After much pushing, pulling and cussing it finally got past that first gate and into reverse. I've already had this shifter apart twice to grind it and adjust the detent plate. Looks like I'm going back in.

The good news was that it had brakes on the way home. The bad news is that I have no idea where the fluid went. Oh, and did I mention that the rear suspension is popping and groaning like an old man with arthritis? Son of a BIT#$!

So tonight I swapped the race Qjet for the SD Qjet and yanked the rear sway bar. The rear sway bar bushings were toast. While I was under there I found where one of the bands that holds the leaf springs together had come loose and was just hanging there. I repaired that as best I could by sliding it back in place and pounding it back on with the BFH. I'll get up tomorrow and check the brake fluid. I don't know if I have a slow leak or it's just dripping but there's been no evidence of a drip.

I'll test drive it but I strongly suspect I'll be in the Fiero on Sunday

[77TA]

That sucks about all the problems . I was sure hoping to se the SD on course still going to hope. Mine is running and seems good to go other then the usual worries. I hope I can make it by 8:30 . I'll be leaving about 6 hoping to make good time.

[Sam I Am]

Could the MC be leaking brake fluid into the vacuum booster and and then feeding brake fluid into the vacuum line?
Seems like that could make it run bad too, or did the carb change make it run better?

[77TA]

That sucks about all the problems . I was sure hoping to se the SD on course still going to hope. Mine is running and seems good to go other then the usual worries. I hope I can make it by 8:30 . I'll be leaving about 6 hoping to make good time.

[critter]

Sam, great minds think alike. I checked that vacuum line when I swapped carbs. It was dry. The swap did make a difference. I was in a pissy mood last night. I'll drive it today and see how it behaves. Dewayne, can't wait to see your bird and the differences on Sunday.

Now, I have a party to get ready for! Y'all have fun at the Toys For Tots run.

[77TA]

Well It's as ready as it going to get new tires and wheels along with a spring change tomorrow is test and tune to see how much of a difference it made. I did not get the braces installed I guess I'll get to see if they make a difference next time. Bandit one will be North bound and down by 6:00 am !




See Y'all in the morning.... yawn...

[critter]

Looking good. I'll see you tomorrow. I'll be the sleepy one.