'74 Argosy engine build

[cwf]

Hot motor! She sounds sweet!

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

A fellow Argosy owner uploaded the videos to youtube. Thanks Joseph!

very entertaining, lol. Did you just walk away to celebrate and let the wires burn ?

[Kota]

Originally Posted by bkahler

A fellow Argosy owner uploaded the videos to youtube. Thanks Joseph!

Ya gotta love it when a plan comes together!

Here's a link to project I did a few years ago transporting a computer controlled drivetrain into a classic vehicle.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/sho...47#post1259047

You should be very comfortable keeping it running on the road with the intimate relationship you've developed!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

very entertaining, lol. Did you just walk away to celebrate and let the wires burn ?

Naa, had to track down my wire cutters so I cut cut the burning spark plug wires off The darn things just kept burning. Once the one burning wire reached the tie wrap where I had them bundled together the other three started on fire.

I still haven't found anything definitive as to what could have caused it to burst into flame.

Annoying to say the least

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Ya gotta love it when a plan comes together!

Here's a link to project I did a few years ago transporting a computer controlled drivetrain into a classic vehicle.

OBD II Engine/Transmission Swap - The Next Generation - Page 5 - ClassicBroncos.com Forums

You should be very comfortable keeping it running on the road with the intimate relationship you've developed!

Dakota,

That's an interesting radiator you used on your test stand I don't think I've ever seen anything like that arrangement before.

Between dismantling the 345 and scrapping it out and pretty much rebuilding this Argosy from the ground up, I feel pretty confident that I'll be able to fix anything in it if I need to

[Kota]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Dakota,

That's an interesting radiator you used on your test stand I don't think I've ever seen anything like that arrangement before.

It's good for about 10 minutes and doesn't get in the way. Easy to flush out an engine to. I use it mostly to check out engines from wrecks for transplant into classics. I look for the most modern version of the engine with electronic controls and transplant the entire system. I look for 98 to 2000 5.0L Ford explorers when I have an application for a 302. You get a dry runner sequential port fuel infected engine with roller cam, serpentine belt system, and all the advancements in economy, emissions, and performance. Usually for a fraction of the cost a bolt on TBI system.

That was my plan for the AS until I found the diesel pusher. However, I am keeping my eyes open for a Ford diesel organ donor! A 2112 F350 Super Duty would be nice.

[bkahler]

I'm finally getting back to my motor that's been sitting on the test stand for way to long

Last night I did a test fit of the new Thorley headers and I really like the way they fit. However nothing ever seems to go quite as planned. On my last test run I was using an old set of headers and new spark plug cables. At the time one of the a spark plug cables was either to close or touching the header and caught on fire which quickly put a stop to any testing until I could get new headers and cables.

While searching for replacement spark plug cables they seem to sell two types, over the valve cover (straight) and under the headers (90 degree). The Thorley headers need the over the valve cover style so that's what I bought. Unfortunately I'm still not happy with the routing of the cables. If you look at the pictures below you'll see how close the plug ends come to the headers.


Thorley recommends a minimum of 1" clearance to any cable or plug.

I've installed the GM sheet metal plug guards which helps but the length of the straight plug end is to long and hangs out over the header pipes.

The problem I have is if I order the 90 degree style which would point the wires up and away from the headers the cables will be way to long because they are designed for running under the headers.

My issue just might be in the brand/type of cables I bought that seem to have the extra long spark plug end. I guess I have two choices, find over the valve cover style cables that have shorter ends or buy a universal 90 degree set and cut to fit.

I'm not thrilled about the universal fit idea but will do so if that's the best option.

Any suggestions?!

Brad

[chiefair]

I installed Banks headers and did not have your clearance issues with my spark plug wires. I did use this GM wire loom kit I got from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o05_s00

I was really impressed with this. Bolts on using valve cover bolts and gives a nice neat installation. Lots cheaper than the fancy billet aftermarket wire loom setups.

Keith

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by chiefair

I installed Banks headers and did not have your clearance issues with my spark plug wires. I did use this GM wire loom kit I got from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o05_s00

I was really impressed with this. Bolts on using valve cover bolts and gives a nice neat installation. Lots cheaper than the fancy billet aftermarket wire loom setups.

Keith

Keith, any chance you can post a picture or two showing your installation?

Thanks!

Brad

[chiefair]

Left side:


Right side:




1982 310 motorhome 454
Henniker New Hampshire

[bkahler]

They certainly did dress out nicely. The Banks headers definitely made the transitions down the the spark plugs easier.

I think I'll go ahead and order one of the wiring loom kits.

Thanks!

Brad

[bkahler]

Getting closer to the next engine restart. It's been way to long since I ran it last but to many things kept getting in the way of progress

I pretty much finished up the exhaust system installation. Just one a large worm gear hose clamp to hold the muffler to the upright and add water and it should be ready.


I might try and add a 45 or 90 off the top of the muffler but I won't hold off starting the engine just for that. Hopefully a local muffler shop can bend one for a reasonable price.

Brad

[shepherd57]

Don't forget the fire extinguisher

That is a pretty impressive looking motor stand good luck with the test run

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by shepherd57

Don't forget the fire extinguisher

Oh....that's cold

That is a pretty impressive looking motor stand good luck with the test run

I've probably spent way to much time and money on the stand but its been kinda fun

[bkahler]

The 30 minute break-in run is now complete! Took a few minutes to get the engine started again but a little gas down the carburetor and it fired and stayed running! Best part is there was no drama with the spark plug cables so I didn't need the fire extinguisher that I had handy

2000 rpm break in run

900 rpm idle run

After taking a break I set the timing and tightened the alternator belt. Tightening the alternator belt got rid of a weird harmonic knocking sound that I heard during the break in period. The alternator is charging at a nice 14.2 volts. It starts right up but and sounds good although it does have a very mild loping at idle. Not sure if that's the cam or carburetor adjustment.

I have a wide band O2 sensor in the exhaust and at higher rpms it drops down to 13.0 to 13.5. At idle it stays around 14.4 and 15.0. Never used a wide band sensor before so I'm not sure how much it should bounce around while running.

Needless to say I'm so glad to have the break in period completed

Next step is to start installing the TBI components and do another test run. That's going to take a month or two.


Brad

[rmkrum]

Nice. I bet the lack of drama was quite satisfying. Sounds healthy!


Sent from my pocket Internet using Airstream Forums

[bkahler]

It was definitely anticlimactic

[shepherd57]

Sounds great you should bring it to Pen Wood and more test runs

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by shepherd57

Sounds great you should bring it to Pen Wood and more test runs

It's tempting but I've got enough other stuff to haul I doubt that I'll have room

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

The 30 minute break-in run is now complete! Took a few minutes to get the engine started again but a little gas down the carburetor and it fired and stayed running! Best part is there was no drama with the spark plug cables so I didn't need the fire extinguisher that I had handy

2000 rpm break in run

900 rpm idle run

After taking a break I set the timing and tightened the alternator belt. Tightening the alternator belt got rid of a weird harmonic knocking sound that I heard during the break in period. The alternator is charging at a nice 14.2 volts. It starts right up but and sounds good although it does have a very mild loping at idle. Not sure if that's the cam or carburetor adjustment.

I have a wide band O2 sensor in the exhaust and at higher rpms it drops down to 13.0 to 13.5. At idle it stays around 14.4 and 15.0. Never used a wide band sensor before so I'm not sure how much it should bounce around while running.

Needless to say I'm so glad to have the break in period completed

Next step is to start installing the TBI components and do another test run. That's going to take a month or two.


Brad

sounds real nice. The 900 rpm video is private, who knows what really happened