TireSmoke.org

I'll be happy to install anything you wish. I'd be comfortable with the 180, but I'm not too sure, though, that a 160 degree is the way to go. I've heard (but don't know for sure) that modern engines like higher running temps. I'm not sure what trade-offs there are between higher and lower temps and...

Hey Tim, it's good to hear from you. I'm glad you haven't forgotten us back here in the lower 48. It does my heart good to see you traded up for more pedals. Bet you couldn't wait to find some dry pavement to put that turbo to work. Randi and I still haven't gotten over our trip to Alaska. We would ...

I talked to Patrick today and got the history of the cooling system on the Firebird. It is mostly good news. A couple of years ago, the radiator split and started to leak. He dumped some stopleak into it, but it didn't help the situation. He then installed a new radiator and flushed the system. Some...

I took her out again this morning to get some antifreeze and a fillup. I splurged on a car wash with Rookie's money. Water pours in behind the front seats. I wonder if the replacement hatch is not installed correctly. The hot start problem seems to be gone. Her manners continue to please me. I notic...

After cogitating on this change of behavior where the hot start problem seems to be fixing itself, I wonder if the ECM on this 'bird has a learning system built in and it is adjusting the running parameters as it is driven.

My test drive to church tonight proved interesting. After my arrival there I was able to restart it with only a slight hesitation. Then when I got home I tried it again and it restarted again. Hmmm...maybe she just needs some miles to clear out the cob webs. She's idling like a sewing machine (with ...

With only a couple of days left on the temporary tag, I wanted to get as much done as possible so that I would have the ability to road test. The new battery is installed. The TPS is back on and set precisely (.54 volts). I drilled and tapped the top adjustment screw to 10-32. I left the bottom scre...

I visited the junk yard yesterday and got a headlight motor for $30. I jumpered 12 volts to it and it moves so I assume it's good. I picked up a new battery today. The neighbors have reimbursed me for it already. I haven't installed anything yet. I will charge the battery before I install it. I'm al...

Fun's almost over for now. I gotta get back to the sunroom and the spacklin' and wirin' and cuttin' and screwin' and paintin' and ....

I think I'll do just that, Dave! The threads in the TB are messed up a little and a new aluminum screw won't survive if the female threads are not good.
Tapping it out to a new common size is a good, practical solution.

Today I went out and checked the TPS adjustment and found it wrong (.45 volts vs .54 closed). When I went to adjust it, I found that the upper screw was stripped out. Both the torx head and the threads were gone. Note that this is an aluminum screw with special M5 x 75 threads. (I couldn't find one ...

I didn't replace the battery yet because I used a de-sulfating charger on it for several weeks and it appears to be nicely rejuvenated. It has plenty of power for starting etc. There is no problem with powering the fuel pump. I still plan to replace the battery, but have no sense of urgency since it...

OK, now that we've gotten this far, there's still more to do. 1) Starting problem needs attention. 2) Passenger side door handle has now given up the ghost. I'll get a new one on order. 3) Driver's side headlight is just hanging in there by a thread. Need to see about getting a rebuilt one. (not che...

I got the MAF sensor today and installed it. Matt, I was able to buy it through your AutoZone card and the warranty is assigned to you. Here are the results... http://youtube.com/watch?v=WUOQIcVe14E I took it up the road for a short spin and it ran great! This is quite encouraging! When I got back I...

In case you haven't seen this yet:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,327447,00.html