Thanks, Curtis - I can build the MS unit if I need it, but do they now have the model with ignition control included? I know they were going to introduce one, but I haven't kept up with what they're doing.

Frank

Hey Frank, if yours is the regular non-lockup KM148, you can have my old valve body for the cost of shipping. Just need to dig it out of the box in the basement. Better yet, swap me. I never got around to doing my rebuild, but was going to swap my non-lockup valve body with a lock-up model via Transtar rep in Chicago, so I don't care if it's in bad shape. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

As far as the supercharger goes - Congratulations! Awesome! ...and when will the kit be available? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hey, Doug.... where ya been?

My old (good) non-lockup KM148 is sitting in a corner of the garage... pulled it - bought a junkyard lockup unit... did a perfect job of replacing parts and setting clutch clearances, but evidently missed something in the valve body... dues are being paid right now. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I've learned the value of putting gauges on an A/T before the road test. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> Thanks for the offer, though.

As for a blower kit.... I could package the plenum, blower, air inlet pipe, injectors, pulleys, belt, nose brace and FP regulator, but there would still be a good deal of work to do... but nothing impossible. Before I even considered it, I'd want to play with my setup some more to make sure it'll work as intended..... it's expensive, though - at least as I built it. Maybe those with welding/fabricating skills can make something cheaper that works as well. As an example, there's no reason why the plenum has to be machined in one piece - the box could be welded... it just looks better this way and uses fewer gaskets.

I posted all the pictures to give others a road map to build their own (if interested and if mine works as planned). It's the only blower package I've seen on a longitudinally mounted Gen1 3.0L, so hopefully someone will take the idea and make it better.... if not, maybe I will. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Frank

the latest MS unit runs spark, either a dizzy type or a ford EDIS with wheel and crank sensor, and is fully programmable as to advance vs MAP boost and rpm. Under $400 assembled. However, I don't like 8.9 with more boost than 6psi. 3000TT pistons fit nice, though, with 8.0:1.

Bummer about the Trans Frank! Hopefully you get that thing out on the streets again soon! I love the way it looks!

btw.. we just installed that torque converter off your old trans.. Wish me luck after the rest of the engine is in. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

B.

The transmission has been resuscitated, but I have no idea if I've yet heard the truth. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> When I picked it up, I asked one of the techs what they found.... his answer was that the tech that did the rebuild found about 10 check balls in the valve body where there should only have been about 6. Needless to say, I was a little concerned to hear that answer since I took pictures of the valve body on disassembly and (I think) put everything back just as it was. Not satisfied, I called the shop owner who told me that they found that there was a missing ball and spring. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> Huh? Same concern. He suggested that maybe someone had assembled the transmission incorrectly before I did the rebuild and I copied their mistakes? Since that transmission looked untouched when I got it from the junkyard, I doubt that as well. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> He said he couldn't find a manual on that transmission anywhere, but was confident they had it working correctly.... Really? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> He also said I had hooked up the vent line incorrectly... that it shouldn't go directly to the t-case (the tranny had built a vacuum and sucked t-case gear oil into the transmission).... he just cut the hose in the middle. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> I explained that was the OE method.... he said it didn't matter, they should be separate.... so I said, I agreed it would be better, but asked how I should keep water out of either in a submerged crossing.... he then volunteered to run longer vent lines to a higher point. There's an issue with the shift linkage - don't think it's installed right, but I'll straighten that out. At least it seems to be shifting ok and has a warranty. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Meanwhile, I'm not sure what the Hell happened. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Cruise rpms have dropped about 200, so maybe it was slipping before.

Back to the blower...... installed the new double bearing pulleys and test drove it.... that took care of the serpentine belt issue..... the belt is now running perfectly with no wobbles.... I think I'll install another one of those 90mm aluminum double bearing pulleys as the blower idler to get more wrap on the alternator and blower pulleys - don't really need it, but I like the way they look <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />:


Made some adjustments on the fuel pressure and eliminated the lean flat spot at boost transition <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />..... still playing with the rate-of-gain to find the sweet spot on full throttle. It's showing a solid 5psi of boost now and I can't seem to hold it under 75mph on the highway.... it's where it wants to cruise. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Before I go any higher, I want to drive it and get really familiar with cause and effect on the regulator/mixture combinations.

Frank

Just as I read the part about not being able to keep it under 75, the Frank Zappa song, "Montana" started playing in my head... I've followed your work on this from the start, and all I can say is, "amazing..." <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Running on the experimental edge has its price. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> Noticed some detonation at highway speed under load, which is dang hard to hear in this truck.... dropped the ignition timing back to 0 BTDC base and drove some more.... noticed idle manifold vacuum dropped to 12 and disappeared on throttle application, but steady, so attributed it to retarded ignition timing.... concerned about elevated CHT, but didn't notice any temperature rise... however, power loss w/o boost was noticeable.

Checked the engine bay and found spit marks around the oil filler neck and stains on the dipstick tube. Pulled the oil filler cap and found a milk shake on the oil filler cap.... checked the dipstick and no water... checked the radiator and found no oil.... expansion tank down slightly.

Exhaust on cold start smells normal, but the crankcase pressure is excessive.... slight pressure through the PCV hose (normal with the restriction), but major pressure through the passenger side cross vent that plumbs into the inlet air duct and the driver side oil fill..... oil in the throttle body and more milkshake in the air inlet hose that came from the passenger side valve cover cross vent.

Bottom line - worst case is cracked rings/busted piston ring lands/holed or cracked piston on the passenger side... blown head gasket at a minimum. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />

Idle is normal... steady vacuum.... no rattles or knocks. Has anyone ever seen a blown head gasket pressurize the sump? Could I be so lucky? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, the rebirth will include:

this

and

that

Frank <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Sorry to hear, but i'm looking forward to round two <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />Sorry to hear this.