1989 CSX #68 rebuild

[Shadowjake]

Here are some pictures from tonight.







Getting ready to pull the crank.



Got 'er out.





The old pistons/rods.





Starting to disassemble the head ported by Steve Menogen I bought used from a user on the forums.



The cam has a rough spot on the third exhaust lobe. Not sure what caused it, but will this be a big deal? If they re-condition the cam to smooth this part out I might lose some lift.



I have the original that has been sitting for a while so it's rusted. Which would be better to rework? Here's the original. They are both the same ('89 roller cams).





Pulling the valves.



After a little simple green, the head cleaned up really nicely.


Here's a shot comparing the stock head ports (left) to the Steve head ports (right). Quite the difference!

[cordes]

I honestly wouldn't mess with the cams given how cheap they are in the JY. I would just go and pick another one up.

[Shadowjake]

But wouldn't the JY ones be just as rusty? Or is this an opportunity for me to upgrade? Is there anything better than the 89 stocker with my setup?

[cordes]

But wouldn't the JY ones be just as rusty? Or is this an opportunity for me to upgrade? Is there anything better than the 89 stocker with my setup?

My head is still spinning from the stock cam threads of last year. The second cam you posted a pic of looks like it would clean up without much pitting if any. Should that be the case you are good to go. Otherwise, you can find a much nicer cam in a decent JY for $20.

[Shadowjake]

Yeah, the second pic, although rusty, was the stock one that has just been in a humid garage for about 2 years. It ran great when it was in the CSX. It is mostly surface rust. I'll take it in to the shop with the head and have them use that one and hopefully it works out. Thanks Cordes.

Jake

[turbokid]

whats the plans for the car?

[Shadowjake]

forged wiseco pistons, +40 injectors, 3" JRB exhaust, ported head (obviously), better intercooler (thinking turbos unleashed), hybrid turbo, TU calibration, etc. That's all I can think of but I am pretty fluid. The ultimate goal is to restore the CSX's appearance but add a little more "oomph" than shelby did.

[omni_840]

Cool project!

Keep us updated on progress

[Shadowjake]

Will do and thanks! I just brought the block, rods, pistons, head, and other odds and ends into the shop to get reworked today. I'll be putting it all back together when the work is done.

Jake

[Shadowjake]

Block, head, and other random parts loaded up and on our way to the machine shop.

[CSX153]

looks good, keep us updated.

[MNmopar]

Where are you in Wisconsin?

[turbokid]

Awesome goal. That thing should be sick!

[Shadowjake]

Where are you in Wisconsin?

Eau Claire. Where are you in MN? Are you planning on going to Mopars in the Park this summer?

Jake

[MNmopar]

I'm in the Brainerd area, about 2 1/2 hours north of the twin cities.

I grew up in Wisconsin though, that's why I was asking. I thought maybe I'd know someone that knew you, but I lived by Green Bay. I was just in Eau Claire about a week and a half ago for work though.

I'm going to try to make it to mopars in the park, are you going to bring the csx?

[Shadowjake]

I would but it won't be rolling yet. I want to take time getting everything all cleaned up nicely. I'll be driving my SRT4 but it is nothing to see really; pretty much stock. My goal is to have the CSX on the road by the end of summer.

Jake

[Shadowjake]

I have an OBX on the shelf and want to get it installed in the A555 tranny but after doing some research, I think converting it to a hybrid tranny and installing the LSD is above my skill level. I think I am going to call Chris at TU and see how much he'd charge to hot tank, rebuild, convert to hybrid, install a molley support plate, install drain plug, QC the OBX, and install it. I have the tranny and OBX but no other parts. I wonder how much this would cost me.

Another thing I am debating with the car is the intercooler. I DO NOT want to have to cut any of the car to run the plumbing but would also like to keep the AC (condenser might be in the way). I just don't see where I can run this plumbing besides under the radiator support but will that be too low or restrictive from the 90 degree angles?

Anyone have any pics of FMIC plumbing in a P body that they installed without cutting the car or removing the A/C?

[WLKivett]

http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/sh...8&postcount=44

here is a post of mine with a MR2 intercooler installed. Works well for a nearly stock type install.

[Shadowjake]

http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/sh...8&postcount=44

here is a post of mine with a MR2 intercooler installed. Works well for a nearly stock type install.

Nice! Did you use the same mounts as the stock cooler uses? Is it the same height? How well does it flow and cool compared to a stocker? I will have to look into one of those.

[Shadowjake]

I just ordered the transmission rebuild and other odds and ends from TU. Today I got the tranny all degreased, drained, stripped, and cleaned up for shipping. Here are some pics.

I also decided to snap some pics of the interior and badges.