Project: AeroTank

[svt98t]

Getting stuff done!!!
I also installed a slightly smaller torque converter from a Crown Vic LX sport. They as 3/4" less diameter than the stock units. This resulted in a 1.4 lbs reduction. I almost forgot to weigh it until I remembered that it was smaller.
It might be close to starting by next week.

All that needs to be done is:
-finish hooked up everything
-connect new wiring harness
-convert the PCM from EEC-IV to ODB II
-Make it all work
-Install 80mm Maf and upgraded airbox/instake
-Weld on exhaust tips
-Pass inspection.
-Race the GGP





-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Yup. Big time.
When I torn down my donor motor, I marked the timing chains, crank, and cam gears with corresponding marks with my paint pen. I did this when I put the new motor in my Town Car and it came out flawless.
Well, apparently this wasn't timed correctly. By me.
It's an interference engine, and I must have been off by more than a tooth, because:


Yeah, it was turning over fine by hand. I but battery power on to prime oil pump and it made a metallic noise and then stopped.
I found that three of the eight valve springs were raised, and that I could push them back down with my hand. I shouldn't be able to do that.




So I F'd three valves. Fortunately, I still had an entire set of valves hanging around that had been ultrasound cleaned and were ready for installation.

So I put everything back together AND turned it over by hand and by battery and it all went swimmingly.

I'm stoked that I figured out that issue and with minimal damage to the heads and pistons. It might be running my Monday evening!!!

To efficiency, and beyond!


-ryan s.

[MetroMPG]

Half way through your post: Nooooo!!!

Story ended well though.

[Daox]

Wow, I did the same thing as Darin. Glad it turned out well enough though.

[svt98t]

Well, I'm back.
I became frustrated at this car and had run out of patience and time. I put the front end and hood on and literally kicked it out of my garage.
I brought my Marauder in, and replaced the blown factory transmission with a built-capable-of-600hp transmission. I have maybe 300hp in that car for now.
I proceeded to break the new "built" transmission, 191 miles after install.
I was very upset and angry, however, the shop is taking care of the issue and sending me a new unit for free. we handled it like adults, and will work together to find out why it failed.

Onwards!
The Tank is in the garage now. I put a new dipstick and tube in, along with the proper oil filter adapter (in grabber green), power steering pump is reinstalled, along with the belt, starter hardware in on, and newish grey injectors are installed.

I'm going to grab new spark plugs at lunch and this hooker will be running tonight!


-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Tank is running, but very rough. There's a bit of a misfire, but I'm tracking that down now.
It does move forward and back under it's own power, which is a win.
Well. back out to the garage!


-ryan s.

[svt98t]

RIP Tank of Justice II.
There was too much rust to try and save it. I really wish it could have made it to 300k, but 225k is still respectable.
However, the ecomodding does not end.

Welcome to the Party, TANK OF JUSTICE III!!!

Yes, the new ride is here. It's a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria HPP with 165k on it. Rust-free, from Arizona, and it has a bad rod knock. It's supper clean. All for the princely sum of $400. So it's really hard to turn down that, especially since it was dropped in my lap.
And I just so happen to have a zero-mile, all aluminum engine that's ready for installation.
hmmm....

Interesting facts about the new Tank:
-HPP (Handling Performance Package), it has bigger sway bars, 3.27:1, dual exhaust, better suspension, sweet rims.
- it's a P73 variant. And it's apparently rare. Most all of the HPPs come in P74, which has power anything, auto everything, blah. My car doesn't even have ABS.
Which leads to:
Base weight of 3617 lbs.
Yes. This car is stock, what my goal was for the TOJ2. It's an amazing starting point. I still need to get it to the scales to verify. Essentially, I didn't know that this variant of the platform existed, and how light it truly was.

I removed the steel drive shaft which was 27 lbs. I'm installed my MMC (Metal Matrix Alcoa) drive shaft which weighs in at 17 lbs. So there's a 38% reduction in rotational mass, and a 10 lbs overall reduction.
I like it!
I also removed the cruise control box and cable, since it's useless and I don't care for it. -2.4 lbs

So my new goal is to have the TOJ3 at 3400 lbs, I'm sure I can remove 217 lbs out of this one. Which will make it 800 lbs lighter than my Marauder.

Pics to follow.
Also, I WILL be in the GGP this year. Mark my words. Third time's a charm.


-ryan s.

[freebeard]

HPP/P73

That's a very interesting vehicle. Any chance it's black with four white doors? Between it and your hoard of parts, your in pretty good shape.

[svt98t]

It is silver. And the new total weight removed is 18 lbs. Which includes the drive shaft swap, removal of the cruise control and mechanical fan. The weight should be 3599 lbs now.
Also, pics.















More updates soon.


-ryan s.