1987 Corvette Z52

[Basement Paul]

We got the new hose installed last weekend and put it all back together. After a trip around the block we checked and there was oil coming from what looked like both fittings where they threaded into the cooler. So yesterday we set out to figure out the problem. We took all the shrouding back off and checked the leak while it was running and it was only the passenger's side, but we decided to pull them both. It appeared that I only put a couple wraps of teflon tape on there, so this time I put at least four rounds on there and was sure to tighten them more than I had previously. I was a little cautious cuz the fittings and the cooler are made from aluminum, but I made sure they were solidly tight this time.
After the same drive and at least one 100mph blast, we came back to dry fittings, so I think we're good to go. If the weather holds I'll be at the drags with it on Wednesday night. The only thing I would like to do before we hit a road course is to get a switch on the front electric fan. I don't remember ever seeing it work, but it's "designed" to come on at like 225 degrees. Jeezus, what were they thinking?? The fan on the backside of the radiator is on with the motor, so for all normal driving and even dragstrip/autocross, I've barely seen it go over 170, but it might like a little extra on a track day. And the wiring is simple enough to get to under the hood.

-BP

[MostMint]

It's nice to have the fan override if you want it, but I doubt you will need it while you are on track. One thing about going fast is there is a lot of air flow. The only time I've found it handy is if you want to cool it down faster at the end of the session after you stop moving.

[Basement Paul]

I agree. Since it's there, I figured it couldn't hurt to have the option. Probably just going to put the switch under the hood.

-BP

[Basement Paul]

Last night coming home from the track was the first time I've driven at night with the new headlights. They are definitely an improvement, and since it was fresh in my head, and the car was in my garage, I took the chance to adjust them a little better. The right light was pointed forward correctly IMO, but was a little low, so I turned it up just a little bit. The left light was pointing way left and a little low. So I cranked it up and back towards the center more. The next trip in the dark will tell me more. It's pouring rain right now so no night drive tonight. It's super easy to adjust them so I'll stay after it, but I think if they're adjusted right, they'll do a real nice job.

-BP

[Basement Paul]

So my headlight adjustment in the garage was pretty unsuccessful in the dark so last night I went out with a screwdriver at dusk and drove around making several adjustments, each one a little better, but I'm pretty happy how they turned out compared to what I had.
With last Wed being a little crazy, and a threat of bad weather, I skipped going to KMP with the quad as I wasn't ready. This morning was nice out so I drug the trailer out of the shed and hooked it up to Vette. All the lights function as designed and no weird flashing speeds or anything since all the trailer lights are LED. I found out my hazards don't work on the Vette, but I'm not going out of my way to fix that. All the other lights and directionals work as designed, so I'm good with it. I loaded up the quad (that has a small learning curve), tied it down, and went for about a 30 mile drive all over. From normal two lanes, to 70+ mph freeway runs. It's pretty warm out already and the car didn't go over 181 degrees, and that was following a pickup reasonably closely at 68mph. It does better in fresh air. I do want to run a switch so I can manually lock up the torque converter. It works a little harder at speed with the trailer and I think if it were locking, that would calm down a little, and it would run cooler too. It doesn't need that around town though.
The towing experience was good. Everything was straight and smooth. The brakes stop this rig with no issues, there's plenty of power, and handling is not a problem at all. I'm thinking I can tow with the big tires on it as there is very little tongue weight. My first dirt drag will have the big tires already on the car, but if it rubs too much, I should be able to carry them as necessary.
I immediately got one thumbs up from a Harley guy and caught a guy behind me on the freeway taking a picture. I guess it's not something you see every day.
Also, the blue markers I put on the trailer work perfectly. I see them both easily in the tiny mirrors making lane changing and backing up a breeze.

-BP

[wxo]

BP, you just inspired me. Your post on C4 headlight aiming triggered a memory. Decades ago, I bought a headlight aiming tool. (actually it only assists in adjusting in the vertical plane) I've been meaning to get Silvia's headlights aimed correctly for a long time now. Your post caused me to dig out this tool and use it. First you calibrate it to the floor at the front wheels, then you set it on the aiming pads of the headlight and adjust to get the bubble within the target area on the tool. Easy peasy! It took all of 10 minutes to get them adjusted. They were way out.

Now I have to wait 'til it gets dark to see if there's a noticeable improvement.

BTW: I read a good tip. To turn off the headlights when they are rotated up, just set the switch back to parking position.

[Basement Paul]

I did know the headlight off trick. A headlight aiming tool would be handy. Might worth doing it with a full tank of gas since these hold so much fuel.
Definitely needs to be DARK to know if it worked.

-BP