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  1. MikeB

    Turbo350 w/shift kit slamming 2nd gear

    I once had a TH350 with a harsh 1-2 shift after I installed a B&M "Shift Improver" (ha!) kit. I called TransGo and their guy told me why the cheap B&M kit caused my problems. Ended up going with a TransGo 350-1&2 kit, which gave me firm but not harsh shifts. I've used two more of their kits...
  2. MikeB

    Factory charge wire gauge

    I don't know when GM went to metric wire sizes, but my 82 used metric wires with the size expressed in square millimeters. As I recall, the charging circuit wires were a 5, which is around 11 gauge. So you should use 10 gauge if replacing it. If you have a factory schematic, you will see the...
  3. MikeB

    Wiring Harness journal

    As for shrink tube, have you used the type that shrinks 3:1, or maybe 4:1? It's really nice. Also the type with glue inside.
  4. MikeB

    Wiring Harness journal

    I'm a little late to the game, but here's a good video (down the webpage a little) on how to crimp those Packard/Delphi terminals. Watch and listen to the do's and don'ts. https://americanautowire.com/products/double-and-single-crimper-set-510587 There a lots of less expensive crimping tools...
  5. MikeB

    how to hook up manual choke 1405

    What is your transmission type? If it's Turbo Hydro 350, then its "detent" cable will need to be attached to the bottom hole on your carb lever where a return spring is currently connected. Then it will need to be adjusted. Google "TH350 kickdown cable adjustment" and you'll probably find...
  6. MikeB

    Rear Brake Options 87

    Even the 2"x11" brakes with finned drums work very well. An optional brake package (JB5?) would have used 2-3/4" wide shoes. Keith would know for sure. Do use name brand shoes, and do not machine the drums. Problem with that is the shoe arc would be different than the drum arc, causing the...
  7. MikeB

    Do I need an Alternator upgrade?

    I think that 94-amp 12SI would be more than adequate for most applications. I've used 10SI (50-60 something amps) and 12SI 78-amp alternators in a few vehicles over the years. All had HEI, most had A/C, but no power windows, electric cooling fans, or high-powered sound systems. While GM was no...
  8. MikeB

    Water on drivers floor

    My 82 had that problem due to poorly applied seam sealer under the cowling. Over the years, the leaks rusted and ruined the fuse panel. I like SEM seam sealer. The nozzle screws on. One is included with the sealer, and you can buy a bag of new ones for cheap at Amazon. Water leak...
  9. MikeB

    Is there such a thing as Cams for Dummies

    Choose a modern cam with similar duration to stock, but with more valve lift. Of course you've got to find the stock cam's specs first. Also, forget "advertised duration", because it can be all over the map depending on how it's measured. Use duration @ .050" for comparisons. On another...
  10. MikeB

    10W-40 for Chevy 350

    https://www.compcams.com/11-32-umbrella-seal.html I had a self-inflicted problem where I pinched a couple valve stem o-rings many years ago, which let oil run off the retainers down the valve stems. These seals solved the "white smoke on startup" problem 100%. I think mine were Fel-Pro. They...
  11. MikeB

    Muncie 4 Speed In A Truck?

    There were 3 versions of the Saginaw 3-speed. The one with the lowest 1st gear (higher numerically) was sued in the smaller 6-cyl engines and couldn't handle very much torque. A version with 2.54 1st (less torque multiplication) gear was used with 305 and 350 trucks. As for Saginaw 4-speeds...
  12. MikeB

    What the He!! was I thinking?

    You're a brave man. I can't even begin to imagine the work required.:oops:
  13. MikeB

    Might have Over-torqued Rod Bolts 250 I6

    I seriously doubt 45 ft/lbs would have hurt the rods and required them to be resized. In fact, I'd say "no way". The only thing the little extra torque did was stretch the bolt some more. I'm surprised a bolt broke at only 5 ft/lbs over spec. It must have been over-torqued and stretched too...
  14. MikeB

    Exhaust single to dual on a tight budget - Then we get into some after issues

    We want photos!
  15. MikeB

    Wiring harness options

    Maybe less expensive, but keep in mind that it's another old truck which may have some issues with connectors, worn-through insulation, etc. And you'll find lots of different wiring schemes for the various instrument panel configurations. Also, engine compartment wiring will be different based...
  16. MikeB

    Wiring harness options

    Here is something you'll have to deal with if you use a universal kit. It's the instrument cluster connector. You can always splice into the old one, but then what's the point of installing a new harness? This connector and terminal kit is Ron Francis Wiring #PC18. .
  17. MikeB

    Wiring harness options

    Follow the AAW instructions, but you can use the Painless doc if you need more detailed information. I actually referred to it a lot when I installed the AAW universal kit on my 82. But in fairness to AAW, it was their universal kit. Check this out. 164 pages...
  18. MikeB

    Wiring harness options

    Having done four different brands of kits on several vehicles, I'd say Painless has the best documentation by far, but American Autowire has pretty good docs, tends to use larger gauge wire, and has fantastic tech support. I used an AAW Power Plus 20-circuit universal kit on my 82, but would go...
  19. MikeB

    Exhaust single to dual on a tight budget - Then we get into some after issues

    As I recall, Walker SoundFX mufflers are "necked down" internally, as much as 1/2". I would stick with the Thrush mufflers. I did my 82 C10 using a mandrel-bent kit from Heartthrob. Had to make a few mods, but I'd still recommenced it. I bought it from one of their dealers who had it on...
  20. MikeB

    1986 Engine Wiring Question

    An A.I.R system (Air Injection Reactor) used a belt driven pump that injected fresh air into the exhaust manifolds via tubes right next to the exhaust ports. The idea was to burn off any gases that are a product of internal combustion. I didn't know the pump had an interface to the...
  21. MikeB

    700 r4 trans pan ?

    These aluminum pans are awesome. In addition to having a drain plug, the thick rigid gasket rails prevent leaks. The pans also hold more fluid, which along with the aluminum's heat dissipation, keeps the fluid cooler. Win, win! You might be bale to find one for less money...
  22. MikeB

    350 TBI in California

    I feel so bad for you guys having to deal with bureaucratic nonsense that probably doesn't improve air quality by even .01%, due to the small number of older vehicles on the roads. Wouldn't surprise me if the state someday decides to limit the number of miles per year those vehicles can be driven.
  23. MikeB

    Question about headers

    I tried a pair of aftermarket 2.5" rams horns that dumped straight down. I couldn't see any way to make them clear the drivers side motor mount. However I did see a photo where somebody did it using a very tight pipe bend and some grinding on the manifold flange and/or the motor mount clam...
  24. MikeB

    Question about headers

    I would have been fine without seeing that image!
  25. MikeB

    Question about headers

    I bought those Hooker cast iron manifolds for a 69 C10, but they interfered with the motor mounts, AC compressor bracket, and alternator brackets. But they had a lot less restriction than stock manifolds, along with 2.5" outlets. Nicely made and I wish I could have used them. They may fit a...

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