The Vista Diary from 12-01 to .....
12-11-01 .. The roof glass that runs side to side has been removed. It had the corner crack
syndrome and it leaked. On the bright side since it was cracked already I didn't have to be nice with the removal. :-) I have
a replacement from a Sportwagon that I got for $15
The driver front floor pan will need to be replaced as a result
of the window leak. But now my baby is a garage at least. The cargo area has a hole that needs attention as well. Mostly minor
stuff little welding here and there . I will put up pictures when I can (mostly to make others feel better about their cars,I
guess)
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Glass removed |
2-2-02... I picked up the 461 Olds today. I scored a awesome deal from my uncle/godfather
on a freshly rebuilt .030 over 455. So the one I was building is getting sold off piece by piece. One decision to make is
whether or not to put on the O4B intake I have in placce of the stock intake. Rumor has it that it won't work with H.E.I..
I'll have to see if it will work with a little clearance grinding, otherwise I'll either have to put in a smaller diam. dist.
OR trade off the manifold for a torker or performer.
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My O4B manifold |
2-17-02... Wow! You would almost think I was actually working on my car. I drained the coolant
in preparation of the engine swap. Still don't know if the O4B will work (can you say lazy?). But at least I've done SOMETHING
to it. I DID have to clean my one car garage up just to see my car (One Vista, 3 motorcycles, 455 on wheels, engine hoist,
toolbox, etc. - talk about 10lbs of stuff in a 2lb bag !!)
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This is the 350 that's coming out |
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10 lbs of stuff in a 2lb bag :) |
2-19-02... Well the O4B will DEFINATLY not fit with H.E.I.. I may
leave the stock intake on for a little while unless some one would want to trade me for a Performer or Torker
03-08-02...I am 8 bolts away from the old engine coming out. The torque conv.
is unbolted and all that's left is the 6 bellhousing bolts and the 2 motor mounts through bolts. Then comes the painting of
the engine compartment. I still am not sure where I'm putting the old engine,refer to pic of garage :)
4-11-02.....FINALLY THE OLD ENGINE IS OUT !!!!!!!!!!
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Here it is on it's way out |
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EMPTY !!!!!! |
4-22-02 ....The new engine is in !!!
I still need to finish bolting up accessories and tranny and rebuild the Q-jet that's going on.
4-27-02.... Scored a set of 3.73 gears at the Jefferson swapmeet for $50. When
the car is drivable I'll take it to Rocket Racing and have them installed
3-15-03 --- THE VISTA IS ALIVE !!!! The motor was broke in today and
soon the Vista will be reassembled to prowl the streets and Great Lakes Dragaway once again .
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