Imperial's Dead...

[Bryan M.]

The transmission, the supposedly built one from my '81 Mirada that I believe is an A904, is done. During a test session at Beech Bend, the transmission hung on the 1-2 shift for about two seconds before slamming second home like none other. At low speeds, the transmission works fine, but anything past "grandma" and the transmission starts to throw fits.

Couple this with the most underwhelming dyno result of all time (164hp/213tq at the wheels) and realizing that the engine/trans builder is a scam artist who has many people pissed off hasn't helped matters any.

So it's been decided that Stage II of the Imperial's build is going to happen. The 323ci small block is coming out for a major inspection. IF the block is salvageable, it might just get some goodies. If not, expect a 360 build that should put the motor well into the 400hp range. And the transmission choices are up in the air and wide open, including a manual trans conversion. Add in rear gears and a cleaned-up underhood wiring loom, and this should be one interesting finished product.

 

[Jack Meoff]

That bites man.....
Please keep us updated on the Imp.

 

[Monkeyed]

Couple this with the most underwhelming dyno result of all time (164hp/213tq at the wheels) and realizing that the engine/trans builder is a scam artist who has many people pissed off hasn't helped matters any.

I know advertisers and the magazine articles (which sometimes are more ad than content) make it seem like hp is hiding around every nook and cranny, waiting to be unleashed. what they generally fail to mention is how tricky it can be to coax those few extra ponies out, let alone setting a stampede in motion. was your 323 a basic rebuild, or were there go fast bits supposed to be attached to it?

 

[Mr.Lopar]

That does suck
But thats why we upgrade rather then just replace

 

[aspen77rt]

What is the engine combo?

 

[Bryan M.]

To the best of my knowledge, it's a .060 over 318. That's all I can guarantee about the engine at this point, because the builder is a shady MF who probably just did a hone job and slapped it back together.

 

[Jack Meoff]

Local dude?
Anyone we should know?

 

[brotherGood]

Its too bad my car isn't finished. If it were, I'd let you come up and thrash on mine for a bit.

Any updates on what direction you're going?

 

[Bryan M.]

Local dude?
Anyone we should know?

Builder is in Washington State. I'm sure he's being dealt with...I know of another customer who's '57 Chevy took a flame bath in the engine compartment.

 

[Bryan M.]

Ok, I've been gone a while...been busy with work. Finally yanked motor and trans. So far, the trans is severely roasted...the smell of the trans fluid coupled with what was found in the drain pan told that story. Engine looks alright for now, but I've only seen the top end so far.

 

[80 Aspen RT]

Hope that's not blood in the tranny fluid....lol

 

[Jack Meoff]

That's a Mopar horror movie pic right there.

 

[Bryan M.]

Hope that's not blood in the tranny fluid....lol

Nope. The blood was contained to the intake valley and the valve covers, and was cleaned before photos were taken.

 

[R/T Mirada]

Is it just me or is the Imp giving off a bit of The Car vibe

Don't piss it off, Blood has already been spilled

 

[Jack Meoff]

is it just me or is the imp giving off a bit of the car vibe

View attachment 8860

View attachment 8861

don't piss it off, blood has already been spilled

LMFAO!!!!!.....
Too funny!!

 

[Bryan M.]

Ok, I've done everything but pull the pistons out. Here's how bad things are:

1. Main caps 2,3, and 4 are worn to the copper.

2. The pistons look like hell. I can't see any crosshatching in the cylinders, but I also can't see any damage either.

3. After a half hour with foaming Gunk and a wire brush, I was able to determine that the engine I have is exactly what I thought I had up until my last conversation with the builder: a .030 over 318, for a displacement of 323ci.

I'm spending the rest of the year debating on where I want to go with this. I have to do a transmission regardless, but if I have the engine out now is the time to do something with it. Ideally I'd like to do a stroker small-block, but my budget is nonexistent. If I could locate a clean and complete LA 360 (non-Magnum to work with the car's accessories) then I'd be better off...the car needs torque badly.

 

[jasperjacko]

Did you have this engine built? How many miles?

 

[Bryan M.]

Had it built, might have 20-25,000 miles on the build.

 

[jasperjacko]

Wow, those bearings look like 200k.

 

[kkritsilas]

Just thinking out loud, but maybe they weren't changed (builder was not the most up and up guy, according to Bryan M). Either that, a severe oiling problem with the mains, or extremely tight tolerances are the only other explanations I can come up with. Wonder if the poor dyno results are an indication.

What do the journals on the crank, and the bearings on the connectring rods look like?

Kostas