Last year we built a 408 stroker for our 1970 Cougar; replaced the entire fuel system and almost everything under the hood. Unfortunately we got excited to drive it and delayed some steering work and a trans build. Fast forward to now: sent the car to a respected transmission shop. My own fault for driving it with 2nd gear slipping - apparently took out the forward drum, some bushings, and the pump.
anyway, after the trans build, the shop owner took the car on a few test runs. after numerous adjustments, he was happy with the results - and was just pulling the car back into the shop when he heard a power steering line blow. then saw flames dancing up from the gap between the hood and the cowl.
That was a very unique phone call that I received:
The transmission is back together; shifting very well; I replaced the shift bushings like you asked and adjusted the exhaust - it was rubbing on the transmission. (I could tell from the tone of his voice that there was some bad news coming....) There was a fire.... lucky I was back at the shop and not driving it or you wouldn't have a car. the car isn't too bad....
anyway, other than extinguisher powder everywhere and PS fluid everywhere - there is no damage to the car. We have all 5 of the old lines out and the bottom of the car cleaned up. just need to get the rest of the powder off the engine and install the new lines.
There are more than a few lessons learned here.
Don't get excited and drive the car before it's completely finished. Carry a fire extinguisher when driving a highly modified car. (actually, I already had one in the car)
anyway, after the trans build, the shop owner took the car on a few test runs. after numerous adjustments, he was happy with the results - and was just pulling the car back into the shop when he heard a power steering line blow. then saw flames dancing up from the gap between the hood and the cowl.
That was a very unique phone call that I received:
The transmission is back together; shifting very well; I replaced the shift bushings like you asked and adjusted the exhaust - it was rubbing on the transmission. (I could tell from the tone of his voice that there was some bad news coming....) There was a fire.... lucky I was back at the shop and not driving it or you wouldn't have a car. the car isn't too bad....
anyway, other than extinguisher powder everywhere and PS fluid everywhere - there is no damage to the car. We have all 5 of the old lines out and the bottom of the car cleaned up. just need to get the rest of the powder off the engine and install the new lines.
There are more than a few lessons learned here.
Don't get excited and drive the car before it's completely finished. Carry a fire extinguisher when driving a highly modified car. (actually, I already had one in the car)