Roadkill's 1983 Chevy Z28 - (Work Starts on Page 5)

[FUBAR]

Quoting: Roadkill

Now I'd like to think that neither myself, Ryan or Titsy are idiots but I did feel a little stupid when she fired up first time.

It certainly was a suprise thats for sure  I'm just really glad it worked, i'm equally glad that my Battery Charger has also paid for itself once again even if it did have to get a little hot under the collar to do so.

As you say, a snagging list to sort out now with a few bits on it then hopefully Happy days .

Link dump, this is the next one up from my charger which i'd recommend you get because of the heat generated by mine when hooked up to your Battery.  (this is the newer model, the older Multi XS10000 will also be fine if its a bit cheaper)
http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-mxs-10.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-mxs-10.php

[Roadkill]

Quoting: FUBAR

Link dump, this is the next one up from my charger which i'd recommend you get because of the heat generated by mine when hooked up to your Battery

Cheapest I've found is here :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121100147228?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121100147228?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Also thinking of getting this for a neat install on the rear panel - like what we discussed last night only this appears to be specifically designed for such an install.

http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-56380.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-56380.php

[Roadkill]

Quoting: Roadkill

Cheapest I've found is here :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121100147228?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121100147228?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Also thinking of getting this for a neat install on the rear panel - like what we discussed last night only this appears to be specifically designed for such an install.

http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-56380.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-56380.php

Both purchased.

That's my birthday prezzie sorted.

[Roadkill]

The Quick release hub is back in stock.  I ordered it immediately on Friday and it's now in the country and waiting for local delivery !

What could go wrong ??

[ianjpage]

lol lets hope it does actually arrive!!

[Roadkill]

Quick release hub is now all fitted !

Have also fitted the C-Tek plug-in panel, too.  

Pics to follow.

[ianjpage]

excellent news - few more jobs done means nearer to MOT and driving time

[Titsy]

Quoting: ianjpage

nearer to MOT and driving time

Not quite... You now don't have a horn button and so can't sound your horn!

[ianjpage]

Quoting: Titsy

Not quite... You now don't have a horn button and so can't sound your horn!

Pah 2 mins wiring and that's sorted - caddy style LOL!!

[Roadkill]

Quoting: Titsy

Not quite... You now don't have a horn button and so can't sound your horn!

The thought had occurred to me . . .

[Roadkill]

Quoting: Roadkill

The thought had occurred to me . . .

Just ordered a momentary button for the horn . . .

Need new wiper blades for the MoT, too . . . .

Update from the weekend :

We measured the minimum ground clearance at 2 3/4" (70mm).  Not sure what to make of that but I already have some unconventional plans if I'm stuck on getting her over speed-bumps . . . .



Base-line timing is currently @ 8-9*, full mech @ 30* and with vacuum @ 3,500RPM is 37*.

All of this is lower than I was aiming for so we'll be having another stab at that soon.



Still not happy with the steering.  The geometry doesn't seem right so need to compare it to another Third Gen - Ryan you've been texted !!

Also it's noticeably "notchy" where the new meets the old.  This is unavoidable and the worrying thing is it's probably 5 times better than if i'd used the Spohn supplied bar !.

I'm not happy though.  Need to do some head scratching.

[Roadkill]

Info dump.

Steering specifications of 3.75 turns lock-to-lock; rack travel 5.25"; overall length 45 1/2 inches.

[Roadkill]

Info dump :

Suggested Camber : 1* - 1/2* Negative L & R
Suggested Castor : 6* Positive
Tracking : 1/16" total Toe-in

[Roadkill]

This outlines the reasons why she'll be going back to Power Steering

http://www.mkb.cc/forum/index.php?action=vthread&forum=2&topic=11949\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.mkb.cc/forum/index.php?action=vthread&forum=2&topic=11949

Need to wait until payday as I can't burn money until I actually have it.  

[Roadkill]

Quoting: Roadkill

Base-line timing is currently @ 8-9*, full mech @ 30* and with vacuum @ 3,500RPM is 37*.

All of this is lower than I was aiming for so we'll be having another stab at that soon.

Re this, link dump :

http://ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt4-modifications/1561812-ignition-timing-lt1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt4-modifications/1561812-ignition-timing-lt1.html

[ianjpage]

Hows the battery ......

[Roadkill]

Hmm.  Ask me again tomorrow.  Hopefully I'll have better news.

[ianjpage]

Quoting: Roadkill

Hmm. Ask me again tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have better news.

Oh......

Quoting: ianjpage

Hows the battery ......

[Roadkill]

I had a suspicion that it might be the wrong battery somehow when I discovered this :

http://www.optimabatteries.co.uk/en/17-red-top-42-s.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.optimabatteries.co.uk/en/17-red-top-42-s.html

Especially the bit that says :

Quoting: OptimaBatteries

These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are not recommended or warranted for use in deep cycle applications.

But on further reading this is correct.

I left the battery overnight on charge on Tuesday night . . . Came down Wednesday morning to this :

http://s30.photobucket.com/user/Roadkill-Auto/media/IMAG2642_zpse0fde6fc.jpg.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c307/Roadkill-Auto/VIDEO0176_zps6b682550.mp4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">

Battery was literally cooking and bubbling liquid out the top.  Charger was on stage 7 which is charged but not enough to go into maintenance mode.

I checked the Voltage last night = 12.4V . . this morning it was 11.8V.



I've sent Optima's U.K distributors an email explaining it all and asking for their advice as I don't want to be spending more money if this will happen again !!!

Some good luck would be nice about now . . . .

[ianjpage]

Oh crap that's not good....

[Roadkill]

Quoting: Roadkill

I've sent Optima's U.K distributors an email explaining it all and asking for their advice

Their response (surprisingly) wasn't a sales pitch . . .

Quoting: OPTIMA UK

Hi Dean,
From what you say, it appears the battery has been left too long in a discharged state  and has become sulphated . This will happen to any battery that has been allowed to become flat for a period of time.
All I can suggest is that you put it on charge again until it gets warm then take it off charge for a day to rest then repeat this procedure several times and you may find the battery recovers .
I have one at the moment which a customer replaced which did not charge and by doing the above several times is now usable again. Good Luck
For future use , any battery must be maintained at at lease 12.5volts when not in use or they will sulphate up.
Hope this is useful.
Regards,
David

-- PS.The charger you are using is one of the best budget range charges for the job.

Ironic as part of the sales pitch for Optima's is how they do so well in long periods without use !



I'm going to leave it for another day or so and see what the voltage level is doing . . . if it's not holding I'll try what he says and go from there . . .

I suspect I know the outcome, though . . .

[ianjpage]

Hmm not good but least they were semi-helpful in giving you something to try rather than just "need to buy a new one".

Fingers crossed it does work.....

[ianjpage]

i assume the focus battery is OK in teh 'maro then??

[Roadkill]

Not checked it yet.  Thought I'd give it a good few days to drain if it's gonna . . . Will check tonight.

[Roadkill]

The Optima is now down to 11.75V ....... The one connected to the Camaro is 12.55V .....