[TPR] Asa's vacation week May 14 to 20

[Asa Jay Laughton]

I scheduled vacation time to attend NORC, but as most of you know... I'm 
not there.  So what's any good Pantera guy to do?  Work on his Pantera 
of course.  :)

For those following along on facebook, I've been making daily updates there:
http://www.facebook.com/racingagainstautism

For those not... here is a quick rundown of what's been happening:
- Installed new Koni coilover shocks:
http://www.teampanteraracing.com/index.php?option=com_g2bridge&view=gallery&Itemid=57&g2_itemId=4779

- Replaced front wheel bearings and used new locking nuts ala Porsche 911:
http://www.teampanteraracing.com/index.php?option=com_g2bridge&view=gallery&Itemid=57&g2_itemId=4839

- Painted the brake calipers, re-installed, safety wired as necessary 
and pressure bled the system:
http://www.teampanteraracing.com/index.php?option=com_g2bridge&view=gallery&Itemid=57&g2_itemId=4809

- Installed new Pertronix Ignitor III ignition module:
http://www.teampanteraracing.com/index.php?option=com_g2bridge&view=gallery&Itemid=57&g2_itemId=4886

- Replaced the temp sending unit, tested the gauge, filled and bled 
system, adjusted timing and carb.

I have not as yet, swapped the engine out of the Mach I into the 
Pantera.  I have a car show I want to hit this Wednesday and doing the 
engine swap would have left me scrambling to get it all done -properly-, 
so I'm holding off for now.

Here's the thing, if I pull the engine from the Mach I so I can put it 
into the Pantera, I'd like to do a few things.
- Install the Armando oil pan
- Install the FPP 4145 dual plane aluminum intake
- Get a new Holley for the intake (the one on the Pantera is not very 
adjustable being an early Ford labeled energy conscious truck 
replacement LIST part number)
- Re-adjust the rockers
- Install a new pilot bearing in the crank (engine is currently mated to 
a C6 automatic transmission)

Acquiring a new Holley carb will be the most expensive part.  I already 
have the Armando pan and FPP intake.  Then it's just gaskets and time.  
Then I have to transfer the flywheel, clutch and transmission from the 
Pantera engine.  It's definitely a job lasting several days.

The car is now back on the ground.  My next anticipated purchase will be 
new tires once the new wheels get here.  If I have money left over 
(which is doubtful right now), then I may look into that new carb.

And hopefully, I can make Silver State this year,
Asa Jay

Asa Jay Laughton, MSgt, USAFR, Retired
&  Shelley Marie
Spokane, WA
******************************
http://www.racingagainstautism.com
http://www.teampanteraracing.com
http://facebook.com/racingagainstautism