TBucket Engine Project (Dart SHP)

btw, what rear differential are you currently using, do you know what, make,model and year, car it came from originally
 
Grumpy said:
what was your impression of the cars engine and power on the trip?
Click to expand...
Can't complain too much, most my driving on the cruises was 30-60 mph, at one section
for about a mile long I was in 2nd gear coming down a hill and turns didn't allow going any
faster. So most of the driving was low speed, no I didn't get to go full throttle except once
when trying to catch the group when I got separated from the group at a stop light. hehehe !!!

Grumpy said:
any over heating issues on the engine or transmission?
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For the engine it was just the opposite. I changed to a 195°F thermostat several month ago
and I still have trouble getting to 195°. There are times when it will hit 215°, but I figure it's
the thermostat because it will cool down and sit at 180°-190° for a long time.

The trans seem to run in the 190° to 215° range with the highest temps coming after extended
climb for several minutes. Not idea, but I can live with that. On the highway with the TCC
locked up, the trans temp would run about 175° all day long. Ambient temperature was 93°
to 97°.

Grumpy said:
did you get to open the t-bucket up and run it at triple digit speed at any point in the trip?
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No, but I did hear some stories about such events and the sheriff had to step in to get the guy
out of a very expensive ticket! :) Not the first impression I want to leave with the group.

Grumpy said:
If your going to change axles , be sure to change differential bearings.
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Is there a specific reason why you say that or just a good idea while you are in there.

Grumpy said:
btw, what rear differential are you currently using, do you know what, make,model and year, car it came from originally
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It's a Ford 9 inch, but the model or make car I have no info on . The TBucket got the axle in
1979, so it would have to be older than that.

I did notice the traction lock giving problems. The car would want to push going into a corner,
then when the clutches broke loose the car would snap sideways. Not enough that most people
would even notice, but it's annoying for me.

I would like to hear what GTR would say, can it be adjusted or rebuilt to cure this problem. I
figure it has something to do with the car being so light. Will be looking to cure this problem
at the same time I change axles this winter.

I'm liking my 3.7 rear gear better now that I've spent hours on the highway. I'm turning about
1800-1900 rpm on the Interstate highways when the speed limit is 75 mph
 
any time you have a part like that bearing sleeve fail its potentially going to leave micro metallic trash in the differential, that may cause future durability issues so it makes sense to clean out and replace the bearings and seals and gear lubricant if your changing both axles, and adding a big magnet to the drain plug or if your differential doesn,t have a decent drain plug adding one with a magnet makes sense.
BTW this won,t apply to you with that ford 9" in the light t-bucket application, but on many rear differentials adding a deeper and more rigid rear cover with heat dissipation fins or in some cases a differential cooler helps durability
danacov.jpg

most guys never even consider that a rear differential takes a great deal of abuse and adding cooling capacity helps durability,
(one reason I prefer the DANA 60 rear differential in my serious horse power,performance cars, is that in 46 years Ive yet to break one, or have to replace any parts other than brakes)
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/til-40-527
diffpumpb.jpg

diffpumpa.jpg

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/der-51008
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/rear-differential-cooler.10005/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/dana-60-all-the-same.12306/
 
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The Same thing happened on my 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix Rick.
But the Drivers side axle came out 2 Feet.
I was going 110 mph prior.
Speeding my way through Chicago Traffic on Route 80.
The Axle Bearing locked up blew up.
 
I recall you had the Axles out of the T-bucket 2 years ago.

Gary GRR1999 Does not rebuild solid axles.
He won't touch them.
He left them for me to do.
And 1980-82 C3 Dana 44 IRS Rears on Digital Corvette.
 
The Pushing feeling you felt is the Nature of The Detroit Locker unit you have.
 
When we were dirt Track racing we used a Ford 9 inch.
Driveshaft speeds of 8,000-9000 rpms steady.
6.38 & 7.17 gears used.
I built the 9 inch diffs.
 
The Ford 9 inch has a Nasty habit of having the Wedding band lock ring coming loose with Wide Rubber rear tires.
And dirt track racing.
Nothing new to me here.
 
I tack welded the Lock rings intentionally .
Full Hot Heat 220 VAC Miller MIG WELDS BY.ME.
 
The best way is to Full Float the 9 Inch.
I did that eventually on the old Race car.
 
9 Inch housing is like butter.
Needs to be backbraced.
Your Hp is causing it to move around.
 
Best axles for 9 inch semi float like factory is Mark Williams Super Speedway layout.
Lock rings are Spanner Nuts.
 
To overcome Fear after close call.
Go out and Race again immediately .
If course after repairs done Correct.
After fixing the 1963 Grand Prix off the side of the highway in the dark.
I hit 120 mph on the Speedo.
A-Ok Here.
 
I am The Maniac Mechanic.
Street Racing I specialize in.
Not BS Talk.
 
Does this look like too much oil in the cylinder???

I might be hearing some detonation although it doesn't sound exactly like detonation to
me. It happens cruising down the highway at 1800 RPM when I gently try to increase speed.
It sounds more like the baffle in the exhaust rattling, but I can't say for sure ..... it's close.

FP01_SparkPlugs1357_6308.jpg
FP01_SparkPlugs2468_6310.jpg
 
I am seeing Oil Ash Burn Deposits Rick.

Maybe from the Royal Purple Oil if your still using.
Last I knew you were & liked it alot.
XPR Racing Royal Purple has high Zinc in it....Maybe a high ash oil style.

I think we are looking at a valve stem seal issue.
It has become an issue in the Pontiac V8 world recent on Max Pontiac.
Wont mention names.
Supplier of valve stem seals I think issue really ( China).
 
The ash buildup is very conductive to an ignition spark.
Instead of jumping across the J- electrode as normal,
the High KV spark jumps across the ash on the combustion chamber side porcelain tip.
Cause erratic engine misfire at light loads and low engine speeds.
 
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