My "All About My Buick" Thread

[daveismissing]

Happy with your times?

[SuperSix]

Awesome!

[motorhead]

Happy with your times?

I was about 8 seconds off the FTD (fastest time of the day) which for this platform isn't bad considering the two quickest cars were a Nissan 240SX and C6 Vette on race spec tires. It was definitely the best event I ran this year; even if the throttle is a damn on/off switch.
 
The coolest thing about running this car at an Auto-X is the conversations it generates; most people can't comprehend it being out there.
 
However, for next season Natasha and I are thinking of doing a few mods (suspension and tires) to her Camaro and making it a real performer. I suppose I am getting tired of not being competitive; this could end badly.

[motorhead]

A few more...

[motorhead]

So yesterday I pulled the Buick out of the heated garage (steady 57*F) out into the Winter cold so that I could do a subwoofer install in our TrailBlazer SS.  When it came time to put the Buick back in the garage the air temp (with windchill) was -17*F!  Let's just say that even with a fully charged battery it reluctantly cranked over, eventually fired after 10 attempts, and sounded like banging pots and pans for a few moments until it started to idle... I am pretty sure the 20w50 in the crankcase had something to do with that.  Even after it was running and idling around 1200rpm you could feel the car fighting the near frozen fluids in the trans and diff... not to mention driving on ice with drag radials is always an adventure.

I think I am going to pick up some of this oil (better zinc levels and low temp start up) the next time it goes on sale: http://www.castrol.com/castrol/genericarticle.do?categoryId=82915470&contentId=7032644

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2365766

[motorhead]

I actually drove it for the first time this season today... feels pretty good at just 22psi!

[motorhead]

Well no project related movement is usually a good thing with this car... so look what I found today. That was a section of my -6 AN return line - not an awesome discovery. I made a new section of line and fixed a busted exhaust hanger.

Oh and I 'dipped the wheels...

[daveismissing]

Do you have a before and after of the wheels?
Where was the line to have that happen?
/

[motorhead]

Do you have a before and after of the wheels?
Where was the line to have that happen?
/

This thread is full of before pics.
 
As for the fuel line it was a poorly routed because it was made excessively long.  The builder (not I) sandwiched it between the rear shock/spring crossmember that runs between the frame rails.  From what I can tell it was left loose enough to rub against the frame over the years until it wore through.  I managed to make the line 2 feet shorter and run it more directly/safely to the tank.

Some people's children. 

[motorhead]

Well I waxed the car this weekend and it didn't make any difference in its appearance.  I suppose that is a good sign.

I also started tuning the car again.  I am maintaining a 10.8-11.2ish AFR under 26psi of boost (with both the alky and propane spraying; and 56% DC on the 83lb/hr injectors (LOL).

There is a problem in the software for the MAFT Pro as it is scaling my timing down.  I can't get more than 20* in 1st and 2nd at WOT, and that translates to a 1* reduction in 3rd.  The problem is there is supposed to be a 4* drop in 3rd, down from 24* at the top of 1st/2nd gear.

I had to keep pulling boost to control the KR.  So pissed... other than the fact the car runs great at 26psi @ 19* timing (with 1* KR I can't tune out right now).  Time to contact Bob Bailey, assuming I can pry him away from his SD II chip duties.

[phil_long]

You got a sweet car Mike.  I can't wait to get mine running half as good yours.  Looks great too!!!

[motorhead]

You got a sweet car Mike.  I can't wait to get mine running half as good yours.  Looks great too!!!

Thanks.  But, there are days when I am convinced this car is utter crap... I've had about my fill with the headaches of chasing the MAFT Pro around.

Maybe this is why I am shopping around for an LS2 GTO?

[Scoobum]

Mike, I have a FAST system coming out of a car in the next couple of days. It's gonna go cheap. I can send pics...just need your e-mail addy.

[motorhead]

Thanks for the offer Brad.  But, I am pretty much through sinking money into this car.  I am going to do a few cosmetic things and then list it for sale (again).

[motorhead]

Almost a year later - a wild update appears!

Just washed it, put a sticker on the plate, and went to get some fresh 91 octane (at a $1.50/L)...

As I was getting set to leave when this guy (plus the bonus sleeve of tattoos) had just pulled up in his new black 5.0 Mustang:


And he is doing his best to comprehend the awesomeness that is my Buick vice his "I just have 3000 more payments to go" new car...

Luckily my car started on the first try (LOL)... and as I was pulling away from the pump and heading out of the station as his surely vapid girlfriend almost broke her neck checking me... err... I mean the Buick... out.

It took everything in my power to not yell over my 4" exhaust "Hey, buddy! Your girl really likes my car!!!  Can she come for a ride?"

Ha. Good times.