Posted by Vaughn [172.71.154.215] on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 10:04:11 :
In Reply to: Re: Melling High Pressure or High Volume posted by Kaegi [172.71.147.192] on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 02:36:18 :
Good, been driving it as time and weather permits. Oil gauge goes way high on pressure, 150+, at first start up so I'm not sure what's going on, mechanical gauge. The first gauge got stuck at about 20 pounds, wouldn't return to zero so I installed a Bosch gauge and so far it's working ok. Engine has a little bottom knock, not sure if the guys that rebuilt it put the old crank/rod bearings back in thinking they were good, or they didn't check the clearance so I'm going to drop the pan, check the pump, bearing clearances to see what's going on. The engine was used as a racing engine so I'll be looking for mods in the rear-main bearing cap cavity where the pump bolts up and oil supply holes on the main/rod journals to see if they have been chamfered. Other than that lots of power and torque, tranny gear spacing is nice, it doesn't have that missing gear feel when going from 3rd to 4th. SM420 third gear is a 33 tooth, NP420 I believe is a 27 tooth. So far I very pleased, the hydraulic throw-out bearing it works really slick, and the MC and booster really made a big difference in braking, no issues their. I very impressed with the Edelbrock carb it's easy to rebuild and a very good design, no leaks on the body. Engine runs cold with a 180 degree thermo, around 160 - 170, and I have to get it on the road to get those temps, setting idling doesn't get there, so no issues with heating, but it's winter here. With the heavier engine the front springs/shocks work a little more due to more bounce, a way different feeling. The stock steering works good with the heavier engine, turning is easy, just can't turn the wheels when sitting still without straining things. Going down the road the engine pulls real easy and moves along with very little throttle at 45-50, holding it down until the engine breaks in. I do get a little whine from the tranny till it warms up, don't know if that's normal for the SM420, but syncro shift is nice. All the work in converting the engine and trans was well worth it, sound of the V8 takes me back to my younger days, I love it!
I need to put a 3rd member w/4.89 gears in the front and find a PTO with a gear adaptor to lower the PTO to get the shaft that drives the PTO under the filter cannister and exhaust, so I'll be looking for that. I have an image attached to give an idea. After this more cosmetic stuff to do, but the mechanical stuff will be done. Thanks Kaegi!
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