| Trip Report [message #309048] |
Wed, 19 October 2016 15:07  |
Jon payne
Messages: 495
Registered: May 2008
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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This year was not the best for the GMC. Immediately after attending the work rally in Bainesbridge Indiana this past May, one of the head gaskets failed, fortunately just minuets from my house. So I removed both cylinder heads and had them rebuilt (per Dick Paterson's specifications) at a local machine shop. Reinstalled the heads then during the initial test drive I could hear what sounded like the transmission drive chain rubbing on the outer cover! So as I had other priorities to deal with the GMC sat all summer long until first week in October when I finally got to the transmission. During the time it was parked I did manage to replace the last two pieces in the steering system, the relay lever and Idler Arm, all from Dave Lenzi. Also during this time I installed a FiTech EFI and their fuel sump (aka "Command Center").
So needless to say last weekends camping trip, the first trip of the year, I was very excited to see how the GMC was going to run and drive. Our trip was only 230 miles round trip but went off without a hitch. The Manny Tranny worked flawlessly, the steering is now unbelievably good. Regarding the steering I didn't think it could get much better after replacing the steering box and upper control arms with ones from Dave Lenzi a few years ago. Many of you know that Dave's upper control arms allow for more caster and that combined with his steering box made for a great drive. So after replacing the relay lever and idler arm I was ecstatic to find the steering is even better. There is absolutely zero play in the system and she tracks straight as an arrow, and even during a heavy crosswinds the steering was very manageable and could drive with just two fingers.
So what about the FiTech EFI? One word....WOW! First thing I noticed during the test drive was the instantaneous throttle response. Prior to the EFI, when taking off from a stop it always seemed to labor to get going, now push down on the gas and she takes off immediately and even seems to have more power but I really think it is the excellent throttle response that gives that perception. The carb I removed was rebuilt 8 years ago by Jim Bounds and a very good rebuild for sure but I think after 8 years soaking in ethanol it was in need of another rebuild. In fact when I removed the carb there was a puddle of fuel in the intake so it had been leaking. Now with the FiTech ethanol is no longer a problem as it can handle E85.
Although we didn't get to enjoy our GMC this summer it did end on a good note. This weekend, sadly I will pack her away for winter hibernation.
Jon
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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