Or, why I am still pissed at Yoko!
From left to right: Poco, Jacque, Jake and Me
|
|
My name is Tim Meyer. I purchase this car in 1987, at Lauderbach's in Newton, Iowa. I saw it in the show room as I drove by and the color (midnight blue metallic) caught my eye. I was not looking for a new car at the time, but they gave me a good deal, $13,500 and took my '73 T/A and '85 Topaz as trades. The car had a 2.8 TPI V6 (173 ci), automatic, power brakes, windows and steering as well as A/C. It had an AM/FM with cassette, tilt wheel, remote mirrors and a gray/black interior. In 2001, I had the car painted to see if I wanted to keep it. I was thinking about a '72 Vette, but the paint job came out nice. I decided to keep the car. I replaced the stock computer PROM with a chip from HyperTech. Minor improvement in horse power, great improvements in transmission shift points. Also installed a K&N air filter and modified the air box to get rid of restrictions. I had a new stereo installed, Sony head unit with AM/FM and CD. Also replaced the speakers with Boston Acoustics and added a 100 watt sub woofer amp and a 12" Fosgate woofer. The system sounds great, with a total of 280 watts. In the fall of 2002, at 176,000 miles, I garaged the car and started tearing it down. I bought a 3.4 stroker short block with a self balanced flex plate, Crane cam & lifters, roller rockers and a double roller chain. I also had the heads rebuilt at a machine shop and the intake manifolds cleaned. I installed a remote oil filter so it is easier to change oil and I can use a bigger filter. I installed a pre-oiler/accumulator system that pressurizes the oil system before starting the engine. Replaced the stock crank and alternator drive pulleys with a set of under driven pulleys to re-coup some of the horse power used to drive accessories. A new water pump, starter and high flow oil pump round out the motor upgrades. I rebuilt the distributor with new electronic module and pick up coil. Also, new Accel wires and Bosch Platinum Plus 4 plugs. The transmission got a B&M Shift Kit, tranny cooler and B&M fluid. I also had to install an Energy Suspensions tranny mount, as the first time I took the car for a drive I broke the old stock mount. I installed an Edelbrok strut tower brace that really improved handling and keeps the front end level around corners. It also stops a lot of rattles when hitting pot holes. I replaced the old halogen headlights with Sylvania SilverStar units, a much brighter, whiter light. During the rebuild I cleaned and painted every component, so the engine compartment looks nice and detailed. My wife and I have been working on the upholstery. We have replaced the center console cover, sun shades and speaker covers with a flag theme (red, white and blue) material. We also removed the rear seats, built a platform and covered with a foam cushion in the same material. That's where our dog (Jake, he's the "true" blond one) rides. Since the rebuild, I have put 500 miles on it. I cannot believe the torque and extra power this upgrade has given me, I love the second gear shifts that squeaks those big Goodyears. Power braking can melt them to the ground. While this car is not anything like my '73 T/A with the 455, it is running very respectable for a small V6 (210 ci). Future upgrade to be performed this coming winter will include sub-frame connectors, new shocks and struts, and new bushings in the suspension. I may also add a stronger pan hard bar as well as trailing links. I also want to upgrade the brakes to dual calipers and better discs. It also needs a new head liner, carpet and front seats recovered. As far as looks goes, I have installed some neon lighting, but plan on doing a lot more and possibly some strobes. Just for fun when it's on display. I have built the car for weekend outings. Just a nice car to drive when the sun is shining. We plan on doing some cruises with some of the car clubs around as soon as we can find the time. Would love to do the HotRod Magazine cruise next year. |
|
|