BUILD THREAD 81 Buick/Olds Turbo Wagon 02/15/2024 More Parts!

[liquidh8]

Hey Jim,
Sounds like the family has been driving your wheels off...geez! I hope you can catch a break soon..

sh*t Jack, you aren't kidding!

Well, I got the 3400 replacement engine re-gasketed and installed in the Minivan (Venture). Along with a new radiator, trans lines (rusted and broke when I removed them), RR wheel hub assembly, front brakes and rotors, and wiper blades. I need to get it inspected since inspection is due. The nice thing is the odometer just hit 268000 as I drove it down the street for the road test, a nice even number to remember when the engine was replaced.

I now have my Son's 3800 to inspect for the rod knock. I have to see what I need to replace and get that car up and running.

 

[liquidh8]

Just a few pictures of the transmission cooler and power steering/Hydroboost cooler. The transmission cooler is mounted to a bracket I fabricated, mad out of aluminum. Then the little round zip tie things are mounted to it. I didn't want the cooler mounted to the AC condenser. The steering cooler is mounted to the cross braces with Adel clamps.



The transmission lines run through the radiator first, then the aux cooler. All the lines are stainless.

Other than that, no real progress.

 

[Longroof79]

Nice plumbing job, Jim. What's the steering cooler from...and did you bend your own hard lines?
I think I'll also make mounting brackets, or tabs for my transmission cooler. I don't think I want to use those zip tie things on a new condenser. Did you weld the tabs onto your core support?

I hope things are looking better for you today. It sounded like you were at wits end with the family cars.

 

[liquidh8]

Nice plumbing job, Jim. What's the steering cooler from...and did you bend your own hard lines?
I think I'll also make mounting brackets, or tabs for my transmission cooler. I don't think I want to use those zip tie things on a new condenser. Did you weld the tabs onto your core support?

I hope things are looking better for you today. It sounded like you were at wits end with the family cars.

Thanks Jack! The steering cooler is a Derale 13310 with the -6 AN ends. I used to have some factory coolers laying around, but I liked the AN ends on this one.

I did bend all the hardlines all over the car except for the trans cooler lines going from the trans to the unions you see in the picture. I have a collection of Imperial Eastman tubing benders up to 1/2" in size, the best benders out there IMO.

I didn't want to put the zip tie things through the new condenser either. The tabs on the core support were there already, and actually the bracket for the header panel goes to those tabs. So it all gets bolted together.

The weather was nicer, and it will be today too. I had to give the minivan a thorough douching, that things was DIRTY!

Tonight I'll tear into my Sons engine to see what rod bearing is toast.

 

[Longroof79]

It does look nice and sanitary. If I'm not mistaken, some older Caddy's and GM land yachts, used steering coolers, but I'm sure they weren't connected with AN fittings. I suppose when I get my new condenser, I'll figure out a new method of mounting the trans cooler when I take it all apart.

I hope the crank on your son's car is still in good shape.

 

[Longroof79]

It does look nice and sanitary. If I'm not mistaken, some older Caddy's and GM land yachts, used steering coolers, but I'm sure they weren't connected with AN fittings. I suppose when I get my new condenser, I'll figure out a new method of mounting the trans cooler when I take it all apart.

 

[88hurstolds]

Never heard of anyone using a steering/hydroboost cooler.
I know G-body diesels didn't use them, is it really necessary for a car with this much weight?
Or do you plan on road racing and doing some hefty steering and braking?

 

[liquidh8]

Never heard of anyone using a steering/hydroboost cooler.
I know G-body diesels didn't use them, is it really necessary for a car with this much weight?
Or do you plan on road racing and doing some hefty steering and braking?

I don't think for a daily it is necessary. My Denali and 3/4 ton Chevy have them, and they are heavier trucks. But, my daughters 03 Monte SS also has a steering cooler, which is really just the return line running a huge loop around the perimeter of the subframe, and this car has vacuum brakes.

But, you hit the nail on the head, I plan on auto-x and road racing the car (jersey motorsports park), and it was just a little effort to install it while the front end all off, and I am a guy who goes a little overboard sometimes.

 

[liquidh8]

Well, I finally got the engine in my sons 96 regal. So all the engine jobs are done on the family fleet. My father just did a bunch of work to his 50 Plymouth, so that can get off the lift. I have the rear brakes to do, and 2 front lower control arm bushings to do tonight/tomorrow on the 01 Venture so I can get it re-aligned.

I hope to get back on the wagon in the next 2 weeks. 🙄

 

[Blake442]

Keep truckin!