Grover

If I can get my hands on the right socket I'll check it later today or tomorrow and let you know. Also, I just read the post above mine about engine noise. Is the timing chain something that I may need to play with the tension on or should that be a non-issue?

CJ: I'm just double checking the valve clearances because the motor is clanking quite a bit since we put the new head on. If I didn't know better I'd say it was low on oil but that is definitely not the case. Wondering if perhaps one of valves is slightly out of adjustment. Any ideas what else it could be that I should check while in there?

I want to hand crank the motor for adjusting the valves but don't know what size this big bolt is. Also, is it okay to hand crank by turning the alternator pulley via its bolt?

I'm using an E12 head. Honestly I don't know anything about the 121 head so I'd hate to steer you wrong. Sorry to hear about your shoulder woes, at least it sounds like you have enough projects to keep you from getting bored during rehab. Definitely would be interested in seeing more about the body panels, sounds like a cool project. Best of luck with your car(s) and shoulder.

For those who have installed an MSD ignitor, where did you put the box? The PO of my car put it right in front of the washer fluid bottle but from an aesthetic standpoint, I hate seeing it in the engine bay. What discreet locations have worked well for folks?

For what it's worth, I'm running a 38/38, 292 cam, 10:1 piano top pistons, mildly ported head and a tii exhaust header. My car was dyno'd at 100hp at the wheels. Overall I'm very happy with the set-up although seriously considering moving to EFI in the not-too-distant future. On another note, are you still pursuing CF body parts? How is that coming along? tomandanja AT yahoo DOT com

In answer to your first question... I don't know. As for number 2: The tranny mount comes with the Aardvarc kit. Number 3: I did a dummy install of the tranny (MUCH easier with the clutch removed, just make sure you have the right tool to realign it if you chose to remove it) and then marked the area where reshaping of the tunnel needed to occur. Then I pulled the tranny out and went whacking. It's worth pointing out that I had to do more reshaping than anticipated to get enough clearance for the slave cylinder.

The 5-speed install is something I did late last year (with the Aardvarc kit) so it's still relatively fresh in my mind. Schedule permitting I'd be happy to pitch in.

My valve stem seals had been leaking so it was time for a head swap. Had the new one machined and then got together with cj and SteveJ this morning for the swap. All told it took us about 6 hours from start to finish. This was the first time for me on such a job and I realized the enormous value of the right tools, knowledge, and most of all, great folks who are willing to share their time and expertise. Huge thanks to cj and SteveJ, you guys are awesome.

I did actually call Moran Motorsport and there shop has moved temporarily so they don't know what's up. The reason I thought it might be something more than a vacation was that when you call it says the number has been disconnected. And Steve, I'm just looking for a couple of small parts: sun visor clip, the little plastic shield that the sunroof handle nestles into, and a CV joint bolt/nut from the wheel side of the axle for a '73, one of mine seems to have gone AWOL with Ed!

I've been by a couple of times recently and they've been closed during normal business hours. Also tried calling but get a disconnected message. Anybody know if Ed has closed-up shop or something?

Very nice. At least from the picture the flares look very subtle. What type are they?

Zane. I'll just be there on the 9th. Hope you can make it, would love to get some more pointers from you.

I'd love to join but have a feeling the only thing I'll be driving this weekend is a rototiller!!

I think BMWCCA is running that weekend along with NASA. Anybody else going up?

I have always used Bosch W7DC plugs. However, I just went to buy some today and was handed Bosch WR7DC+ plugs. Aparrantely Bosch has moved all of their plugs over to having some sort of resistor (hence the R). Is this going to have any effect, positive or negative? Thanks.

Steve. Sorry to see your car in such a state. I don't have many parts lying around but do have some spare hood trim in pretty good shape that you're welcome to. I also am available to pitch in on labor if needed, just drop me an email.

If you're running an MSD, or similar, ignitor, does the type of plug wires need to change?

I don't have flared fenders but run 195/55/15's on my car and have issues with inner fender rub when turning tight corners, especially if the suspension is under significant load. Next time around I'll get 195/50's.

For those who have relocated the battery to the trunk, where do you attach the negative jumper cable if having to jump start your car? I ended up just sticking it on the negative terminal because I didn't see a good unpainted surface to attach it to. Any better ideas?

Also check out Superlight wheels from Australia. In the US they are rep'd by Pack Racing Products. I think it's just packracingproducts.com. Similar style to the Konigs but a little more expensive, still quite a bit cheaper than Panasport's though.

CJ. Are you going no-spoiler or just a different style? Hope the car's coming along well. Drop me an update when you've got some time.

Just saw your post about working at an Audi dismantler. I need a part, could I ask you to email me offline? Thanks. tomandanja AT yahoo DOT com

I've seen the term stroker/stroked motor used but honestly don't know what it is. Can someone enlighten me? And please, at least one person needs to post the REAL answer before others chime in with smart-ass responses.

John. I don't have a guess as to what the clunking noise is. However, considering that you are moving to a much more powerful motor than stock, it would seem like now is the time to upgrade to a significantly beefier braking system. That hp won't do you much good if you can't slow it down quickly. Just a thought.