vinntagejoe

I’m not a fan of lengthy posts, but, since I am fairly new to this site (but long time 02 owner / enthusiast) I will make this my only lengthy post. I do not have anything profound to state here, nor do I have any mechanical hot rod experience to give any worthwhile advice; you won’t see me blog a “transformational” journey – there are just too many of you doing a great job with your own anyway. I have had many cars along the way, but deep down, I have shared your “enthusiast” passion for the 2002 since I was in high school. That being said, I was fortunate enough to pick up my 1975 NOS 2002 ride this past August. (“New Off the Shelf” to me anyway) Over the last few weeks I’ve combed through the somewhat extensive owner records (dating back to the mid 1980’s), finding the original “sticker” for the car amongst other tasty entries. The car was maintained feverishly over the years but owner, David Grant, who I’ll give props to, had the work you see below commissioned and appeared to truly love his car. Now, some background on my ride – re-sprayed to its Polaris Silver in the 90’s the car had a full engine rebuild and 5 speed transmission conversion (respectively) from Top End Performance - in 1997 and 1998, as follows: • Complete engine: o 91MM bore 9.6:1 JE Pistons o Total seal rings – balance and blueprint (what does this mean) o Lightened flywheel (what does this mean) o New clutch assembly o R & R engine (what does this mean) edit: should have said R & R to begin with. • Induction: o Prep and re-jet 32/36 o K&N filter o Open manifold for 38/38 (thanks to this board, I have an idea of what this means) • Ignition: o Tii distributor o Red coil o Pertronix unit o 8MM wire set o NGK plugs • Exhaust System o Stock non—smog exhaust manifold o 2” system with Dynomax and turbo tube, center exit o Emissions – car has been completely de-smogged • Cooling system o Radiator upgrade kit o All new hoses • Additional: o Rear strut brace / battery relocated to the trunk o Battery cut off switch on brace o Speedo was rebuilt o Bottle cap rims bought new from Aardvark in 1997. Since the engine rebuild and transmission upgrade dates, the car has put on about 40K miles. There has been no notable suspension or exhaust work completed, interior is 7.5 out of 10 but will be replaced; exterior - body has some minor rust spots but is very clean and straight; Procar seats came with the car HOWEVER, I picked up and installed some original 1976 blue seats. I’m pretty sure I will be re-installing the Procar seats and selling the 76 seats soon (if anyone is interested). Radio is nothing to write home about; alarm system does not work is still connected and makes a “tweet” power down noise. Up to this posting, I’ve been busy cleaning the engine compartment and undercarriage, biding my time in the garage and on this forum for my next steps. Q1 - So, here’s the question, what do some of the engine upgrades mean and what tasteful / necessary things can be put on my “to do” list? Reading through many, many posts, it seems as though I can “finish off” the work done by Mr. Grant with, but not limited to: Cam, 38/38 weber, tii exhaust manifold and re-pipe the exhaust, strut tower brace, need bigger sway bars, swap out the rims – but I’m looking for some good, worthwhile recommendations from you all; give me some direction. Q2 - What things should I be looking out for? I realize the rebuild was completed more than 10 years ago but given the amount of miles put on since then, just over 40K, the car has been driven just enough. Me, I get my ride out a couple of items a week right now, 45 miles roundtrip in to downtown Santa Ana. Q3 – Should I consider getting the car to a reputable shop (CMW / Black Forest / Eurotech) for an inspection? Right now there is some noticeable play in the steering that I’d like to eliminate. I’d even consider dropping my ride off back at Top End for a week and let them evaluate the condition of the car, now 13 years later. From jrhone’s blog and eurotrash’s insight (to name a few) and comments , this site has been a joy to watch, study and learn from. All of your comments are appreciated and thanks in advance. So, to all you long timer’s / old timer's, thanks for continuing to pave the way here and to any of you newcomers (johnny come lately's) – enjoy the ride.

pierre, do you still make / sell those mounting brackets?

I'm interested in one set or the other. email some photos.

.................so you happened upon this beauty on an early morning stroll?

what's the exchange rate like these days? I thought the US dollar wasn't in too good shape over there.

time? place?