Thread: For Don Shilady

Tweet

It has been a while since I was here last. Time has passed because of problems with my transmission. Due to my GM700R4 only having low gear and third gear a series of tests at a local Transmission shop determined that I had left the trans dry for about five years during my build and the main valves in the transmission had rusted shut. Phil of a local Mr. Transmission shop first rebuilt the existing transmission and then talked me into scrapping my Zip Riser water pump set up for an electric water pump. He also talked me into purchasing a higher grade Monster 700R4 in case other parts of my previous low level street grade Monster had accumulated additional rust (even though he put it through a complete strip down wash and added new clutches). Phil is locally regarded as an innovative mechanic and he improved my car several ways but the car was in the shop over a five month period first checking the 700R4, rebuilding the rusty trans and then replacing the transmission with a new higher level Monster 700R4 along with a complicated modification of the water pump and installation of two cooling fans. I was not keen on going to an electric water pump (Meziere 35 Gallons/min) and I am still worried that the new 90 amp alternator will be able to supply the water pump, headlights and TWO 8" 1600 CFM fans but in recent tests in 95 F July traffic jam idling heat the car has not overheated. One fan comes on when the ignition key is on while the second fan is controlled by a thermostat set to 185 F. The combined 3200 CFM of the two fans is greater than any single electric fan we could find and the nose of the Meziere pump is too long for a single fan as well. I still want further summer heat tests before I plan any trips longer than a quick jaunt through areas with plenty of back up stopping points for cooling but it looks like Phil and his crew did solve the heating problem. I still like the Zip set up and can sell my unit to any interested party but I note some of the other successful installations were on small motors like a 283 SBC and others run without a hood or hood sides. So far I am able to keep the full hood look that my wife wants for a "cute" Model A and cross my fingers regarding an electric water pump. At present most of my summer time is spent working/teaching to pay for the new replacement Monster transmission. I will say that 700R4 low gear is a lot of fun even with my rather high ratio 3.55 rear and the sudden shift to second is a real kick in the pants. I picked the 3.55 rear gear so that even if I am not running in OD I may get reasonable mpg. So far I have to restrain myself at a light since that low gear is a real Jack Rabbit! Now can anyone tell me how to insulate the alternator wire from the front of the SBC left head? The wire fits in a narrow space that can't be more than a 1/4" wide between the back of the alternator and the front of the 882 head. I am thinking of trying a piece of electronic circuit board between the head and the back of the alternator but have not completely figured it out yet. Does anyone make a small fiberglass sleeve for this situation?

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/Teen Rodder