95 Chevy Astro Build

[M_a_t_t]

OK. I got the tank mounts fixed (welded in new capture nuts). First tank was mostly spent retrieving the 73 Fiat 124 special. So partially with an empty car trailer and partially with the car and trailer and the last 1/3 or so was just the van. 11.25 MPG. That almost makes me cringe after driving the Mercury for so long. I haven't gotten the trans setup to shift correctly yet either though so it's not so bad given I only have 2nd and 3rd. I did come across a DIY "manumatic" conversion for the 4L60e so I will try that. Given the poor mileage though I still won't be driving it too much. I think I will make it a habit of driving a different car on Fridays to work. Just to keep all vehicles driving every once in awhile. I did buy some new rims and tires for the van. The rims are on back order though so it might be a little while before I get to put them on.

[M_a_t_t]

I finally put an exhaust on the van (been running open headers ). It feels much faster now. Probably because the engine isn't roaring with any throttle input. Discovered a gas leak and possibly a rear brake line leak. There was fluid on the back of the gas tank right next to where the hard line meets the flexible one. I had assumed it was brake fluid, but once I jacked the rear of the van up to put the exhaust in gas was leaking off the front of the tank. Not sure which option I would rather have. It drives fine though for now and will be used as back up in case I have any more problems with the mercury. It is so much more enjoyable to drive now that I don't have the engine roaring in my ear. It's still pretty load outside the van, but it's pretty quiet inside the van. Once I get the drivetrain issues sorted I will be ready to do some modding. I was planning on wiring up the manumatic box, but was getting tired of messing with the exhaust so maybe next weekend I will get it done.