Above 1200 Sq/FT The Warthog Hidey Hole

[zmotorsports]

***** about the gauges JB, but daayyuuuummmm, that intake is bad ***...

 

[Finallygotit]

Godzilla is ALIVE!!

 

[jbmatth]

Just let us know when and if you want to meet.......

Time will tell, but I'll get a group of messages out when/if we make it down there.

Awesome!!!

I understand all too well the battery ****. The suburban we bought the battery was enough to start it and drive it home from the dealer, but I let it sit 2 days, and it was a block of ice!

I am making progress too, got the 350/60e mostly out. just need to disconnect the rear u-joint straps but couldnt't find my 11mm wrench, so i gave up for last night lol.

I was getting some parts for the Lemon yesterday and a guy came in with a battery he had that was 4 months old and a cell died, sadly sometimes these things just happen. The best part is I had a newish good one on the shelf ready to go on.

Those being 11 mm is still hilarious to me, it is one of the few applications for an 11 I've had, but done it a ton so just know I'll have to bring it with.

***** about the gauges JB, but daayyuuuummmm, that intake is bad ***...

Wow Mike, I don't ever think I've seen you get that excited before. Thank ya.

Godzilla is ALIVE!!

If I was good with GIFs or MEMEs I'd post one from the original Godzilla movies, but that is more work than I want to deal with. And this little thing is mean, a real fire breather!

JB

 

[MrPink]

Those being 11 mm is still hilarious to me, it is one of the few applications for an 11 I've had, but done it a ton so just know I'll have to bring it with.



JB

Come to find out, yeah they are not an 11mm lmao, they are 7/16". One of the only non-metric threaded bolts on the truck.

 

[jbmatth]

Come to find out, yeah they are not an 11mm lmao, they are 7/16". One of the only non-metric threaded bolts on the truck.

Interesting, I know on the GMT800 trucks they are 11mm, oh well, glad it worked out for ya, keep after it.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I did a little investigating yesterday on the oil pressure issue I've been having with Godzilla. Normally I'd be worried about low oil pressure, this time I'm worried about oil pressure that is too high. How high is too high, I'm not sure but the gauge in the car was maxed out at 80, the gauge on the computer was showing over 100. I put on a mechanical gauge and it was showing 125 psi (860kpa or 8.6 bar) at idle, yeah a little high. I've checked around and Mast is going to be sending me a pressure regulator to make it right. I will have to make some hoses and should have the right fittings left over from before so fingers crossed this will work out.

While waiting on those parts I tackled one of the items on my to do list I'd started last week. I want a way to prop the trunk open without having to use a broom stick. This is what I had to work with:


Inside view:


Here is what I came up with:


I made the little bracket and drilled a hole for a self locking index plunger pin and welded a nut on the inside so I can lock it in position. It works great and solves one more of the little problems I've had with the car for years. Now what do I do with the broom stick?

JB

 

[Trapps]

The fab on that intake is secksee!

Congrats!

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I like that JB, very creative!

 

[mybigwarwagon]

I hope you put a plunger lock on both sides of the trunk. Having it just on one side can put too much stress on it.

 

[drivesitfar]

I hope your oil pressure repair idea works like you hope. Good luck!!

 

[jbmatth]

The fab on that intake is secksee!

Congrats!

I thought the exact same thing, I was thrilled when it fired to life.

I like that JB, very creative!

Thank you, I saw someone else use one somewhere else and really liked the idea.

I hope you put a plunger lock on both sides of the trunk. Having it just on one side can put too much stress on it.

Thanks for pointing that out, I'll have a look at the substructure more when I get home, you might be saving me some broken or cracked fiberglass.

I hope your oil pressure repair idea works like you hope. Good luck!!

I think it will, but time will tell. What stinks is I have so little time left before this outage I may not get to drive it.

JB

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Thanks for pointing that out, I'll have a look at the substructure more when I get home, you might be saving me some broken or cracked fiberglass.

With just one side done a good gust of wind could be heartbreaking.

 

[Finallygotit]

JB, just letting you know right now that I'm going to plagiarize that idea. My last attempt at a boot holderupper crashed and burned. For now I have been using a custom pine 1x3 to use as a prop.

 

[jbmatth]

With just one side done a good gust of wind could be heartbreaking.

I'll have a look and see if there is more structure I'm not able to see in the area beside the mount, but you have a very good point and could be a bad day if it were to crack the fiberglass.

JB, just letting you know right now that I'm going to plagiarize that idea. My last attempt at a boot holderupper crashed and burned. For now I have been using a custom pine 1x3 to use as a prop.

You are more than welcome to, after finishing this I thought of a good way to use gas struts as well, the fun part will be determining sizing so they would have enough strength to hold it open.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I knocked out a few small projects around the house this weekend as well as on the cobra, to start off one of Alex's vehicles has a bad battery, while trying to deal with that the hood kept falling down because the struts were bad, ordered new parts and installed them Friday after work before being called back into work:


Saturday was a beautiful day with little to no wind so I did a little burning trying to get rid of some more of these stumps where the old concrete pile was, no after shot but it did a fantastic job of burning them down:


Also since getting the Lemon back from my brother the clutch was non-op, somehow the seal in the master cylinder and slave cylinder had given up so I replaced them both. Working on this car is always frustrating, odd size fasteners, strange location of parts, and limited access. In the end I got it done and bled, it works but needs more bleeding, there is still a bit of air in the lines:


I also replaced a broken lug stud, the first part didn't fit and that is all that was in the computer so I was stuck with searching through 100 boxes at the part store to find the right one, luckily I found one that would work and the car is back in daily driver status.

Now onto the cobra, new tach makes the old instruments look pretty rough, but they do need a good cleaning to be fair:


I made a relocation bracket for the rear drivers side coil as the plug wire couldn't fit in the original location:


I did a lot not photo worthy like new seal on the side pipe to header flange, pinion angle adjustment, verified all fluid levels, throttle body seal, and some I forgot about. I did install the hood and after adjusting the radiator height it fit perfect with nothing hitting:


The closest point of contact is the throttle body, it is very close but still has some room, with the poly motor mounts I should be good though:


I really needs a good cleaning but I'm relieved to have it back on the car. Now just to get the oil pressure regulator, air filter, and breather filters installed then it is time to mount the wheels and go for a drive. Sadly it doesn't look like I'll get to drive it before the outage due to weather coming in Wednesday and timing for deliveries on the parts. Here is to hoping the outage gets over early so I can drive it in May.

JB

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Well, if you just need someone to come drive it, I am available.

 

[Seagoon]

Well, if you just need someone to come drive it, I am available.

Isn't it amazing how generous our members are?

 

[drivesitfar]

Was the fire department alerted to you burning again or are you off probation now. Looks like it worked great this time. FYI I was torching weeds and had a few big flames to hose down (ran for hose and turned on) and thankfully no wind here yesterday either so just burnt a few of my brides flowers that should grow back.

happy to see the hood is on and not sure how you got that picture.

if you just need pictures of it driving down the road I’m sure more than a few of us would volunteer.

nice work on the others too.

best of luck with the outage and long hours at work and send us smoke signals or post on our threads if you can cause we’ll miss our regular JB infusions.

 

[jbmatth]

Well, if you just need someone to come drive it, I am available.

I'm afraid I'll have it tucked away in the garage, keys removed, computer pulled, booby trapped etc.

Isn't it amazing how generous our members are?

I know they are an amazing bunch aren't they.

Was the fire department alerted to you burning again or are you off probation now. Looks like it worked great this time. FYI I was torching weeds and had a few big flames to hose down (ran for hose and turned on) and thankfully no wind here yesterday either so just burnt a few of my brides flowers that should grow back.

happy to see the hood is on and not sure how you got that picture.

if you just need pictures of it driving down the road I’m sure more than a few of us would volunteer.

nice work on the others too.

best of luck with the outage and long hours at work and send us smoke signals or post on our threads if you can cause we’ll miss our regular JB infusions.

For this being such a little fire within easy reach of the water hose already hooked up I wasn't worried about it getting out of control so no they weren't notified.

To get that photo I went in from the wheel well, it was pretty easy to access with the inner fenders removed.

I'll try to drop a line from time to time while I'm away.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I made a little more progress on the cobra last night, checking a few things off of the to do list that somehow seems to grow slightly the more I work on it. To start off the new air filter showed up, I played with the 4" aluminum piping I had on hand and it just wasn't going to work without doing a pie cut intake tube, that will have to wait for future improvements. Not ideal but it does fit on the throttle body directly as so:


Next up was the 4 point harness mounts, specifically the shoulder mount. I noticed the "bolt" holding them in seemed small, I didn't realize they were just tech screws into the square tubing behind the fiberglass, partially removed to show size:


That wouldn't do so I through drilled the square tubing and installed 1/2" bolts, I only had grade 5 in the proper length on hand so I used those for now, I'll pick up some grade 8 bolts the next time I go to the store:


With those knocked off the punch list here is where it stands:


I hope to get the oil pressure regulator soon so I can install it, but if it doesn't arrive before I leave it'll have to wait until I'm done with the outage, I'm so close to being done I can almost feel the wind in my hair.

JB

 

[MrPink]

I made a little more progress on the cobra last night, checking a few things off of the to do list that somehow seems to grow slightly the more I work on it. To start off the new air filter showed up, I played with the 4" aluminum piping I had on hand and it just wasn't going to work without doing a pie cut intake tube, that will have to wait for future improvements. Not ideal but it does fit on the throttle body directly as so:


Next up was the 4 point harness mounts, specifically the shoulder mount. I noticed the "bolt" holding them in seemed small, I didn't realize they were just tech screws into the square tubing behind the fiberglass, partially removed to show size:


That wouldn't do so I through drilled the square tubing and installed 1/2" bolts, I only had grade 5 in the proper length on hand so I used those for now, I'll pick up some grade 8 bolts the next time I go to the store:


With those knocked off the punch list here is where it stands:


I hope to get the oil pressure regulator soon so I can install it, but if it doesn't arrive before I leave it'll have to wait until I'm done with the outage, I'm so close to being done I can almost feel the wind in my hair.

JB

Did you torque the wheels yet? It's one of 2 things not crossed off lol.

 

[jbmatth]

Did you torque the wheels yet? It's one of 2 things not crossed off lol.

I have not, I was going to wait to install the front wheels until after installing the inner fenders after doing the oil pressure regulator work. Not added to the list in the photo were breather vents and the horn button needs to be installed too. Should be a quick short amount of work left.

JB

 

[zmotorsports]

I love seeing the welds on that intake JB. I could drool over them all day long.

 

[drivesitfar]

To do list is really getting checked off nicely. I hope you don’t have to cut a hole in your hood too but I guess time and performance will let you know.

in case it matters to you your pics of your gauges on your dash board looked great to me.

 

[jbmatth]

I love seeing the welds on that intake JB. I could drool over them all day long.

You and me both, I've talked to the manufacturer about them but haven't heard back if they were done by a human or a robot, if a human, they are a machine!

To do list is really getting checked off nicely. I hope you don’t have to cut a hole in your hood too but I guess time and performance will let you know.

in case it matters to you your pics of your gauges on your dash board looked great to me.

I won't be cutting a hole in the hood of the car, worst case scenario is I trim the motor mounts down an 1/8" but don't really expect any contact.

I love the new gauge, kinda making me want to replace all of them with the same style, but just not in the cards right now. I think once I clean the entire car including them it'll make them pop again.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I love seeing the welds on that intake JB. I could drool over them all day long.

I just heard back from DCE, the intake was welded by hand, OMG, that is amazing. I told him to keep the welder happy if nothing else.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Well here we are, I installed the two breathers last night as they arrived, oddly the two vents on the valve covers are different from side to side, one has a spring like a little relief valve, the other is open port. The locations didn't work out due to hood clearance so I swapped them from side to side. I didn't think much of it last night but typing this makes me wonder if I need to pull them back out and verify I won't have excessive oil leaking out on that side. Anyway here is one installed:


I went ahead and installed the inner fenders and wheels so the absolute last thing to do is put the oil pressure regulator in when it shows up, I don't have a tracking number on it but will try to find it today.

Punch list, this feels good:


JB

 

[Grizz1963]

Just a big silly grin here for your success.

Nicely done.

 

[rattle_snake]

Does the completion of one list lead to another list? That seems how mine go.
New items I see;
-check fluids
-test drive
-cold beverage

 

[bowtiguy]

Do the inside of the valve covers have sufficient baffling? I had a loose ring LS7 and a vac pump ( bandaid) that filled a 1qt reservoir for every 20 minute track session once. I rebuilt the motor and vented both covers to the dry sump tank. Guess you will find out if you need a catch can soon enough.

 

[jbmatth]

Just a big silly grin here for your success.

Nicely done.

Mine as well

Does the completion of one list lead to another list? That seems how mine go.
New items I see;
-check fluids
-test drive
-cold beverage

Fluids have been checked multiple times now, test drive is a given, cold beverages were used a thinking fuel, could be why I had to redo a few items.

Do the inside of the valve covers have sufficient baffling? I had a loose ring LS7 and a vac pump ( bandaid) that filled a 1qt reservoir for every 20 minute track session once. I rebuilt the motor and vented both covers to the dry sump tank. Guess you will find out if you need a catch can soon enough.

I've only pulled off one of the valve covers and it looked okay at the time, but I was also planning to replace them with the CNC aluminum ones I have. I also picked up a catch can for use with them that I could use as well. time will tell if I need to go that route. Sadly I don't have the time to figure out the coil situation so the stock valve covers will stay on until next winter most likely.

JB

 

[drivesitfar]

JB: congrats on finishing up that long to do list!! I know with a family and a farm with several outbuildings and lots of vehicles you probably have other to do lists too plus that JOB that helps pay for some of this.

you’ve really done a great job so far with this Cobra engine swap and it’s been a pleasure following along. Best of luck with the outage and when you get back to this it should be hot and sunny and ready for a test drive.

 

[jbmatth]

JB: congrats on finishing up that long to do list!! I know with a family and a farm with several outbuildings and lots of vehicles you probably have other to do lists too plus that JOB that helps pay for some of this.

you’ve really done a great job so far with this Cobra engine swap and it’s been a pleasure following along. Best of luck with the outage and when you get back to this it should be hot and sunny and ready for a test drive.

I do appreciate the kudos, it does feel good to have knocked so much out and at the very least I'll get to pull it from the shop to the garage before I leave. I'm surely looking forward to driving it when I get back. The job does get in the way but sure helps with the fun money.

I'll try to check in from time to time while away, but will be working a ton of hours.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Sadly the oil pressure regulator arrived right after I made it to my temporary home for the next two months so I didn't get it installed. I did however knock a bunch off of the to do list, finished the punch list for the cobra and got it moved into the house garage. Staged a few pieces for making life a little easier while I'm away, all of my vehicle are under roof except lever action, it is hooked to the trailer hiding behind the lean to, it felt weird to mow the yard and not have to move a single thing around, I don't think I've ever had that experience before. 70 here today and 6" of snow and 20's next week, should be a good time.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Well I made it back from Montana, it was a long 2 months but had a great experience, learned a lot, got to see some cool stuff, meet some great people (including fellow GJ member Tom), and made a few extra dollars to boot. I only had 3 days total to explore while there and one of them was trying to get my laundry done on Easter Sunday. The other two I spent exploring a bit. One trip was to Bighorn Canyon, it was overcast but still cool:


I also went to Yellowstone and got to see some sites I hadn't seen before when I was there ~25 years ago. One of which were grizzly bears:

Some cool hot springs:



A few waterfalls:


Then one morning this truck was outside of the refinery and I thought it was too cool not to share:


Back in Oklahoma now, I was headed to town yesterday when a low flying pheasant decided to fly in front of my truck and take out part of the grill:


Surprisingly it was still alive but not doing well:


He managed to get out but I didn't see when or where but sadly I think a wing was broken so he probably doesn't have long.

Also when I returned I picked up a new mower, it should significantly reduce mowing time:


Old mower was great, but just a little rough on our place, the new one has an I beam front suspension, independent rear suspension, and a suspension seat. Old mower was a 54" cut, this one is 61", old mower would cut at 6.5 MPH, this one will cut at 13 MPH, I can't remember the HP of the old one, but this one is 35 HP, it is very fun and fast. More on the cobra shortly.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

I must have been excited to get to drive the cobra, I didn't get any photos of installing the oil pressure regulator, but I did get it installed and adjusted, photo of first test drive:


I did have to use a few zip ties to get the upper radiator hose off of the water pump pulley that works for now but will need some more thought and investigation sometime. More concerning was the clutch pedal started to stick to the floor when I got back from the first drive (which was to the gas station funny enough), and it had a weird take up point really high. That was an easy fix, I adjusted the threaded rod and done. I drove it to work this morning with no support vehicle if something went wrong, had a nice sunrise so I took a photo:


Then at work I snapped another just for fun:


I'm really digging it, it also runs like crazy, so much fun!

JB

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Looks like you had a good trip up north, always hard to be away from family though.

Cobra is looking choice!

 

[jbmatth]

One other thing I forgot to mention, our first calf was born last Saturday, perhaps not the most appealing photo:



Here is a slightly better one:


Okay, maybe not much better, Mama (longhorn) and Dad seem to be doing just fine. He is a little bull calf and will soon be a tasty steak when the time comes.

JB

 

[jbmatth]

Looks like you had a good trip up north, always hard to be away from family though.

Cobra is looking choice!

It was a good trip, but glad to be back home for sure. Cobra is certainly fun, it really needs a good cleaning though, I hosed it off at a car wash on the way to work today but needs some love.

JB

 

[XJSuperman]

But where are the burnout marks??? No videos from inside the car? You aren't really gonna just give us the ole "I fired up the Godzilla Cobra and drove to work today" are you???

Im dyin here Jb.