It’s been about a month since I updated my thread so this is what I’ve been up to…
Following the Baer brake upgrade, I installed an Aeromotive fuel system that consisted of a Phantom in-tank pump, filter, and regulator.
I need to finish the wiring for the sender and pump but for the most part, it’s good to go.
Next up are the headers. The first set I bought were Doug’s (D3336-B) and they seemed to fit pretty good until I raised the back of the engine into position. That's when the collectors came in contact with the floorboards. So back to Summit they went.
After some internet research, I settled on a set of American Racing Headers (ABLS-64178300HR) in stainless. These headers cleared the floorboards with plenty of room.
The passenger side slid into place easily and cleared everything. The driver side went in with some fidgeting and once in place the #7 primary tube contacted the lower control arm rear mount.
In hind sight, I probably should have sent them back but I made the driver side fit by trimming off the back side of the control arm mount. Once I’m done with fitment, I’ll weld in a new back piece.
I think this may be a case of “one size fits all – we hope” for the older applications. At the very least, I have my doubts that ARH trial fit this model in an early A-body. There was plenty of room to position the #7 tube to clear the control arm mount but for whatever reason they didn’t do it. Aside from that, they clear everything else and look like a good quality header.
Next on the list was to modify the trans cross member for the exhaust.
I got the ball rolling by mounting the cross member to the work bench.
I cut out the offending sections and welded in the tubes.
Since the tubing I used was a thinner wall then I would have preferred, I cut the bottom of the tubes off and welded the cut off sections to the back side of the other tube halves for reinforcement. I also added a pair of gussets to each tube section. It feels pretty solid and gets the job done. I may do something different down the road, but until then, this works.
Now it's time for some engine work. So yesterday I swapped out the stock LS3 cam for a custom Comp grind. I also replaced the stock single row chain with a Comp double roller set, replaced the LS3 chain tensioner with a LS2 version, and upgraded the trunnions.
Comp Cam on the left, stocker on the right.
I still need to check valve to piston clearance and install the new springs, retainers, and pushrods.
Slowly but surely Yelcamino 2.0 is moving forward.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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