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Oh also, why not pull the guts out of those CTS keys and stick em in the non-shattered shell so you can be driver 1 and use auto seat memory? It shouldn’t take more than an hour or so, and could probably be done while ignoring something on TV
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Jan 6, 2024 02:46
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Dr. Lunchables posted:God drat I love the G Marquis. What a beautiful two tone. The full size fords of that era are a fun mix. I've had two galaxies and they drove so differently than the Marquis, yet when you get under them they all look identical. It's not like the suspension changed a whole lot over twenty years with this platform, hell even the panther cars were effectively the same. It does mean the spare tire is still in the most annoying spot outside of being under it like in a truck. Although if we're being honest, I have no intention of ever using the Merc's spare. It's original and looks to never have been touched. I've basically got AAA for this car specifically. If there's interest I can do a walk around type video with these cars, kind of like what Doug DeMuro used to do where he got into the stuff I want to know about such as the rear arm rest and how the glovebox works. Sir Tonk fucked around with this message at 19:07 on Jan 6, 2024 |
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Jan 6, 2024 18:57
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Dr. Lunchables posted:Oh also, why not pull the guts out of those CTS keys and stick em in the non-shattered shell so you can be driver 1 and use auto seat memory? It shouldn’t take more than an hour or so, and could probably be done while ignoring something on TV Oh I've done that. Had both cases apart and was using the newer one for a while. It stopped responding and I'm back to the original again which still takes some finesse to get to behave. I have no idea what's going on with them and have accepted that I have to go to a dealership to get them to do the reprogramming. The CTS has significant HVAC issues that I need addressed anyway. It's now blowing cold on the drive side and hot on the passenger even when it's in the 50's outside. I'm sure the issue is fairly simple, some relay or solenoid, but it's beyond my capabilities and as long as the repair cost isn't outrageous I'll let the experts fix it. Or perhaps if I can find a thread on one of the Cadillac forums discussing a similar problem, but that hasn't been the case yet and those forums are mostly worthless anyway. This would have been addressed months ago. I've decided to focus on getting the Bronco and Merc dependable enough to be my primaries and we're pretty much there assuming the running cold and low oil pressure issues in the Bronco are diagnosed this month. The Merc is basically fine and one really needs to have the AC converted once it gets hot again. There's a new noise in the engine though, which is always a fun development especially when it isn't on my list of noises and smells I can immediately diagnose.
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Jan 6, 2024 19:05
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Typing this all up again after the browser decided to reload randomly so might be more visibly annoyed in the text. Actually going to just do the basic version and I'll come back later to fill in the nuanced part I don't feel like dealing with again. Volvo Parts Update Got everything out of the car and on the ground to assess what is left. Kept most things in these large rubbermaid things to keep the critters from making nests from it all.  And a few more items.  And then we empty the containers.   *Synposis of parts situation will go here* With this all out I grabbed the Volvo's fan shroud to compare with the Mustang/Mark electric fan setup. Looks like the larger one will fit just fine so that's a relief. Also the Volvo had an electric fan setup so I'll have to determine if the stock temp sensor and relay will talk to the control box for the newer setup or not. I've still got the temp unit for the new one, but would be nice to not have to use it if possible. 
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Jan 7, 2024 00:22
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I spy a 2814 cassette there! Man, back before HKE went nuts and ruined Dream Catalogue.
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Jan 7, 2024 00:23
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Last day before going back to work from a few weeks off. Mostly just cleaned parts and put them back into the plastic cases. Cleaned up the intake, mass air, intake tubes, some old Volvo body parts that live around the front end, and tried to see if I could get the old silicone hoses from the Mustang cleaned up as well.  Got them to a much better state and the intake also looks pretty nice now.  These are the original blue silicone hoses Ford used on the interceptor Mustangs and they ended up being a hot mod for fashion conscience racers in the 90's. LMR sells something similar and they look pretty close. (link) Summit also has their own as do a few other suppliers, but the color is never right. This might all be for naught though if I don't find a radiator that has similar dimensions to the fox body though. Also learned that the Volvo's transmission is red.   Tasks for this week after work: - Measure the distance from the motor mount bolts to the shifter on the Volvo and Mustang's drivestrains. - Update parts on-hand list in spreadsheet with part numbers, when relevant - Inquire about having metal cut for the motor mount plates so I can add to the budget I'd like to get the engine and transmission test-fitted as soon as possible. The motor mount plates don't have to be in there and I want to confirm the dimensions I got from Test Point anyway. I think I'll do a test run lowering just the motor into the Volvo, then if that goes well I'll add the bellhousing and transmission to see how it all gets along. Hopefully the weather cooperates and we can do this in January one of these weekends coming up. Should be a fairly quick process and I found the other engine hoist eyelet thing for the 302 so it'll be easier next time. Going to do it without the starter or accessories at first. Probably not the upper intake either, or I'll just set it on top since it still has the old gasket stuck to it then we can lay the hood down to confirm clearances. Speaking of motor mounts, I saw this adjustable trans mount that summit sells and it could be useful in getting the T5 to connect to the Volvo's crossmember. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-770596/make/ford/model/mustang/year/1989
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Jan 8, 2024 04:54
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Just wrapped up the weighing of the engines and transmissions from both the Volvo and Mustang. Anyone want to guess the combined weight of each? This includes bellhousing and an unknown amount of fluid in each.
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Jan 13, 2024 21:10
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Today was, as referenced above, weighing and fitting day. Got both engines/transmssions up on the hoist and then test fit the 302 in the Volvo. All cleaned up and ready for another project.  Hit both of them with the pressure washer to get some of the gunk off. The 302 will definitely need to be blasted by the machine shop and then painted, it looks like hell.  The scale. It's cheap, but seems to have worked well enough.  Weight of the leveler by itself, so this is subtracted from each of the ones that use it (not the trans)  Volvo Time    And now for the 302  Had to put it on the ground to zero out the scale and take off the stand bracket   With the upper intake  And without it  Transmission   And with the bellhousing   Test Fit Time    Perfect Fit!  This thing will have to move, the back of the motor is already banging into it and that'll only get worse when the headers are installed.  Already pulled the cruise control, it was extremely in the way and it's busted anyway. Going to determine if the Mustang's cruise unit will work, or I'll have to figure out a way to hookup the Volvo's and replace the blown out spring unit. I couldn't get it all the way in there without banging into things. Still need to pull stuff off the firewall and take off the crank pulley to get past the front crossmember where the radiator sits. I'm sure this will be even more fun with the transmission attached. That's about it for today. Cleaned up some stuff and put most of the parts I don't need back in the Volvo to keep them safe. I'm beginning the parts ordering pretty soon here, just need to get through tax season to confirm I have some money left for this. And the final numbers: Volvo engine and transmission total weight: 507 lbs Mustang engine and transmission total weight: 560 lbs Mustang engine: 426 lbs transmission: 80 lbs bellhousing: 11 lbs clutch and flywheel: 43 lbs That's no accessories on the 302, while the PRV still has the power steering pump on it. So basically around sixty pounds if we're subtracting the PS pump, which is conveniently the weight savings you would get from aluminum heads. Once I get the motor torn down and figure out what cam is in there I'll decide if it's worth the extra money to get aluminum heads or not.
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Jan 13, 2024 22:55
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i was going to guess 450 for a dressed 302 and 150 for a T5. i think the 302 is about accurate since you don't have any accessories on there, but i was pretty far off on the trans.
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Jan 14, 2024 05:24
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The transmission difference is interesting, I would have guessed the Ford was more as well. I guess if you count the clutch then it's another twenty pounds or so and that pushes it up well beyond the Volvo's and with the flywheel plus bellhousing you're real close to 150lbs. I'll definitely do another weighing right before we install the engine and transmission when they're both put together, plus gonna weigh the Volvo trans once I pull it off the engine. That'll be a true 1:1 comparison and I would guess it'll be 60-80 pounds heavier if not more. That is, assuming I don't find $1500 lying around for aluminum heads.
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Jan 15, 2024 21:42
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Sir Tonk posted:
 For real though, this looks like a fun project! Good luck.
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Jan 15, 2024 22:52
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Bronco Update Those bolts that broke off in the block were described as "not too hard" to get figured out by the shop, maybe a couple hundred for the job. Then later that day I get a call and they want to pull the valve covers and both halves of the intake off because there isn't much room and they're concerned about shavings getting into the valley under the intake. It's going to be closer to $2000 now. I don't really have much choice beyond dragging it around town trying to find a shop that'll do it for less and it's outside of my capabilities so had them go ahead with it. Got it back on Tuesday and it seemed fine. Temp was rising again (I think I might have figured the previous issue out) and the heater worked well on the drive home. Next morning I take the Bronco to work and notice a familiar smell, then this in the passenger footwell.  Also the windows are fogging up real bad, like all of them.  So yep, it's the heater core. And just a few weeks since I replaced the one in the Merc. I drive it home and park it in the garage then start looking around for decent quality replacements and get a new one ordered, plus a vapor canister just in case the original has worn out by now. It'll be here in a week or so and it's back to the CTS for the time being. Oh and I was droppoing off the Merc when I picked up the Bronco. The horn relay was buzzing again and they fixed it once so was going to have them check it out for no cost when, of course, the horn started working fine again. Either way, I needed to get it inspected so just left it there and asked them to check on the relay and also the u-joints to help determine why it's shaking on the highway. I'll be dropping by tomorrow on the way to work to see what the situation is. In more positive news, I got a new spring compressor that should work a bit better with the coilovers in the CTS and the Volvo. I'd love to get one of those large ones that looks like a drill press, but they're a bit much and I don't do this kind of work often enough to justify it. Hopefully this thing works out well. It's the one harbor freight's is based on and its quite heavy for its size. Can't possibly be as annoying to deal with as those cheap compressors that you can get for no money at any parts shop. They're ok with older cars where the springs are next to the shocks, but they're useless with coilovers.  Got it because I'm going to try again with the CTS front end. Found the next step up front struts from GM and also the bump stops, the ones in there are chewed up and probably contributing to the problem. Once it warms up a bit I'll tear into the front end hopefully for the last time.
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Jan 19, 2024 04:07
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It's been a while and not a whole lot has happened. Work continues to drain my energy and new small problems keep popping up in the cars that siphon funds from the larger project goals. Bronco Update: Oil pressure is still an issue at idle while in gear and it's also having trouble idling in general at times. Pulled it out of the garage to drive it around a bit last weekend and found a small pool of transmission fluid under it by the typical oil. That's interesting. There's still a clunk in the front left suspension that needs to be diagnosed by someone withe a lift and I want to have the 4WD system looked at before I do anything much with it anyway so looking for a decent shop in town that has worked on these before. I'll be dropping this one off at my friend's shop in June to have them go through it and figure out what is up with the oil and idle. The pinstriping also flew off around the fender so need to have that fixed as well. Mercury Update: Not much going on here. The vibration at speed is slowly going away so maybe it was the tires being out of round after all. Depending on how much the Bronco repairs are I'll see about getting the AC converted to R134 for the summer. After that it's just body work to tackle the handful of rust spots and that dent on the fender. Once all the other cars are where I want them I'll decide if doing the EFI conversion is still worth it, or if I should just sell this one. Alot will depend on parts availability. We're probably already past the point where it's tough to daily a classic car if it isn't one of the big models everyone cares about. At least the insurance is cheap! Cadillac Update: So I'm getting tired of the annoying little problems with this one. If that shop does well with the Bronco then I'll let them have a crack at the Cadillac's front end. I've also had front strut bump stops on backorder for like six months, which is why this one hasn't gone in yet. Already got new ACDelco struts ready to go, but one of the bump stops is shredded and need those to be in good shape. Anyway, other issues are HVAC still acting weird, tons of clicking/relay noises in the dash when the HVAC is on, the drat rear hatch is falling down again, and the keyfobs are still being inconsistent. After I get the major faults fixed I'm probably just going to sell the Cadillac to help fund the other projects and get the Volvo moving along. I've already bought a bunch of parts for the Volvo and just need to move forward on the engine/trans rebuilds plus fabricate the new mounts. And that brings up the other item. I've been looking at Mark VIII's again and might pick one up soon. I've wanted one for quite a long time now and specifically the first iteration. Love the neon taillight on the facelift, but the front end looks silly. Would love to get a '96 just to have OBDII, but these things aren't exactly popping up on used car sites all that often. The ones currently out there all are from dealers that want like $15k for a car that is at $4k on KBB. These dealers just can't accept that it isn't 2020 anymore and the desire for weird thirty year old domestics isn't up there with German sedans. Like, yeah, a CRX is going to be worth something just like a Grand National, but a luxury coupe that can't compare to an 8 series just isn't worth that kind of money. That's it for now! Got a bunch of pictures sitting on the hard drive that I need to sort through and hopefully some progress as work finally calms down in July.
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May 29, 2024 01:00
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Sir Tonk posted:Mercury Update: do people still do r152a? seemed like the hot ticket a decade ago. easy to diy, easy to get, and performance doesnt take a dump like r134a in an r12 system does Sir Tonk posted:And that brings up the other item. I've been looking at Mark VIII's again and might pick one up soon. I've wanted one for quite a long time now and specifically the first iteration. Love the neon taillight on the facelift, but the front end looks silly. Would love to get a '96 just to have OBDII, but these things aren't exactly popping up on used car sites all that often. The ones currently out there all are from dealers that want like $15k for a car that is at $4k on KBB. These dealers just can't accept that it isn't 2020 anymore and the desire for weird thirty year old domestics isn't up there with German sedans. Like, yeah, a CRX is going to be worth something just like a Grand National, but a luxury coupe that can't compare to an 8 series just isn't worth that kind of money. idk, theres a couple around here (sfbay) on craigslist for ~$2k, seems like a fly and drive would be worth it if you're looking at $15k cars locally
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May 29, 2024 04:57
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For mark viii, is it possible to do a fascia swap to the gen you like?
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May 30, 2024 04:29
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Dr. Lunchables posted:For mark viii, is it possible to do a fascia swap to the gen you like? Yeah they're identical underneath, but the combined cost would just be ridiculous if I want to keep total cost under ten grand. I would rather just wait out another one that I like now that I'm looking for something different. And really, as much as I want a Mark VIII there is basically zero aftermarket support and parts are not easy to find for the body and interior. I should probably wait until I figure out how to get a warehouse to store these all in before investing in another car with limited support. At least I gave up on buying an Allante, that would have been a terrible idea. Raluek posted:do people still do r152a? seemed like the hot ticket a decade ago. easy to diy, easy to get, and performance doesnt take a dump like r134a in an r12 system does I haven't read anything recent on it, but I'll talk to the shop and see what they think. Raluek posted:idk, theres a couple around here (sfbay) on craigslist for ~$2k, seems like a fly and drive would be worth it if you're looking at $15k cars locally The Marks seem to fall into that same category of "old car so it's worth something" that everything is in these days. Long gone are the days of Mustang II's being the joke car you couldn't sell for more than scrap value. Now I'm not sure if these things are selling at these costs at a high enough rate to justify their continued perceived value, but sites like ebay "suggesting" the amount you should list for certainly aren't helping with prices settling back down. And that gets to the next option since the Mark market is pretty bad nationwide for anyone without enough disposable income that they don't care what they spend. The next car is a Saab 9-3 convertible. A car I've always appreciated, as an owner of many Volvos, but didn't take too seriously due to them being FWD. I was targeting 900's at first, but noticed that they're often more expensive than the 9-3's and man I really like that Night Mode the next gens have. Also don't have to worry about them converting from R12 as well and I get OBDII so some good reasons to go with the newer models. I really like the look of the 99-02 ones and it seems like the buttons wear down quite easily on the last generation which drives me crazy. There are quite a few that fit under my $10k range, but I'll be damned if they all aren't either in the northeast, or out west. There isn't a single decent one in Texas and there's like two in Georgia. Everything else is near Pennsylvania, or on the west coast. It's been interesting reading all the forums and getting into the known issues with these. Getting some fascinating info such as the steering rack being mounted the firewall and the tie rods being behind the motor. I've never seen that before and it looks crazy in the photos I've seen. Also re-watched Top Gear's video they did when Saab shut down. What a great segment. Anyway, hope to have this purchase wrapped up by the end of June. Depending on where it is, I'll probably fly up to get it the first week of July. June is completely nuts at work and I doubt I'll be able to get any days off.
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Jun 1, 2024 03:41
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Here are a handful of the current Saabs I'm looking at. I'm really hoping to find a green one to match the other cars, but a blue one would be acceptable. Also would much prefer the tan interior just to keep the heat down in the summer. And as far as models go, looking for the mid-range so the SE, Arc, or Comfort depending on the year. The roads down here suck, don't need another car with tight suspension. Also would prefer to avoid the navigation system and just have the basic radio if possible. 2002 SE (light green!)  2003 SE (red  ) 2009 Comfort (blue  ) There's also a silver one that the head mechanic at a shop I was talking to in LA has that he's looking to sell. Should be getting photos and basic info on it this weekend. He was working on a white 2002 9-3 that I was considering, but after talking to him that one is out of the picture. Too many lingering issues and an owner that doesn't like spending money.
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Jun 1, 2024 03:51
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Just bite the bullet and pursue the Turbo X (and subsequent model year 9-3 Aero XWD). It’s the top end of the entire Saab marque.
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Jun 1, 2024 05:21
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If they made a convertible I would. Already got a wagon and a sedan and I miss my Miata.
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Jun 1, 2024 13:28
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Leaning towards the red one currently. It's two grand less, has less miles, and I don't really want to deal with the early touch screen cars if I can avoid it. I also prefer the general interior aesthetics of the pre-2007 9-3's, they're still a bit quirky. Just wish it wasn't red. Better than black on black on black though. The blue one does have a six speed though, that extra gear might be nice to have. Fortunately both the red and blue ones are guys that have owned at least six Saabs. So they're either very good at maintenance, or just crazy. Either way it looks like there will be another 1500+ mile trip with an unknown car in my future. The red one is close to Niagra Falls and that would be fun. Never been up there before. The red one does *not* have an aux jack or bluetooth though, which sucks. Hopefully the cigarette adapter thing I've got fits in there unlike in the Bronco.
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Jun 2, 2024 01:05
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As long as they have Night Mode you’re in the good. There’s a guy in Dearborn MI who’s a Saab nut and has bought/fixed/sold dozens of 9-3s named Mo (Mohammed) that might be worth looking up. He’s got a euro shop in metro Detroit, but I can’t remember the specifics to point you toward him. Anyway, his whole jam is keeping Saabs on the road, so he’s a handy resource for repairs and parts even if you don’t buy a car off him.
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Jun 2, 2024 02:56
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Michigan is a hell of a state to keep a car running in. I'll see if i can track him down.
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Jun 2, 2024 03:57
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Some photos of the red one. I'll decide on it tomorrow evening I think. Being that close to Niagra might have been the real selling point here. Cannot believe the trunk is this clean at over a hundred thousand miles and living between Ohio and upstate New York. There is no wearing at all under the carpet and spare and certainly no rust. It's got over forty services in the carfax, which I never see. Usually there's like one, but I have no idea how that stuff even gets in there.      
Sir Tonk fucked around with this message at 18:49 on Jun 2, 2024 |
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Jun 2, 2024 14:56
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Just to be fair, here is the blue one.     
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Jun 2, 2024 18:49
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Man, Saab interiors are so loving good. They just look so classy
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Jun 2, 2024 21:10
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Mo’s shop in Detroit is called EuroKrew https://eurokrew.com Worth keeping in your back pocket for Saab stuff.
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Jun 2, 2024 22:13
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