"JGrabowMSt" (jgrabowmst)
05/05/2014 at 18:01 • Filed to: HEMIWAGON
1
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"JGrabowMSt" (jgrabowmst)
05/05/2014 at 18:01 • Filed to: HEMIWAGON | 1
| 14 |
Some of you had the chance to see the Magnum up in New Canaan, and for those who haven't, here are some pictures. I just haven't gotten around to taking it somewhere for better pictures yet. Once finals are over, you can bet I'll take some time to do that. Also, I'm using a spreadsheet to track several things. I'm tracking mileage and maintenance/fill ups, as well as keeping a to-do list handy, which I'm updating and tweaking as I'm becoming more aware of how things work, and what improvements I can make. I'm hoping that I can modify the car tastefully, avoid the rice, but spruce things up nicely.
For example, I've been advised to get an oil catch can. After looking under the hood, I have a hose that's a little wonky. It's not stiff, and it looks like it's the victim of some vacuum pressure, as it's lost it's shape a bit, but it happens to be right where the catch can would go. Do I get a black one, or do I get a red one? I'm leaning towards putting just a little color under the hood with a red one, as another highly recommended mod is shorty spark plug wires, which I've found in red. I don't want to go out and replace ever fitting with an anodized red one, I'm just looking to break up the engine bay a little in terms of color. Also, in terms of fluids, because I'm looking at a trans fluid change in the near future (which I'll have a reputable local shop handle first, as I know the tolerance for a screwup are nonexistent), I'm thinking about going to Royal Purple fluids. All the cars in my house have traditionally gotten Mobil 1 fluids, and I have no complaints, I'm wondering if moving to something else will be worth it, or if I just keep doing what I'm doing.
^The cheapo HID kit (you can't really see it) and incompatible LED turn signal. HIDs weren't installed right, so one fog and one lo-beam were not sealed. Not that I care, they're in the back now. I'll try selling them to someone who wants the trouble of figuring which is what.
^Looking better already. Back to stock Low-Beams and turn signals. Stock fogs went back in, but one is bad. I'll replace it eventually. I don't use them much, so I'm not concerned right now.
^The HEMI, as nature intended, visible to the world. I'll be putting in a shorty wire set for the spark plugs to get rid of that octopus. A catch can will also be going in, then I decide what I want to do about the intake.
^After a good washing, it's starting to look really good. I'll get better pictures soon enough as I really get things cleaned up.
^Yes, that's one ballast that's screwed in with deck screws into the brake ducts. Damnit. There was another one with self-tapping screws right on the inner fender. Some JB weld will fix that.
Here's my To Do List, updated with some "wants" in the mix. Roughly ordered by importance, but I'm going through things as I have both the time, and money. The car is in great shape, and since I'm not 100% relying on it for a DD, I can get away with pushing certain things off for a little while.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
So here are the real important questions for you Oppo:
I'm looking at a Catch Can and Shorty wires. Do I get red ones, black ones, or what? I'm thinking that since I really like red, get the red shorty wires and a red catch can, but I also don't want to go the way of the rice, I want it to be tasteful.
Consider this a hive minded effort Oppo. I may think your ideas are bad, but I'll still listen. I want it to look good because it will go to shows, but I also don't want to sink my life savings in it, I want it to be budget friendly. I'm not opposed to eBay parts, but only if they're at least halfway decent and worth my time to install.
Possible catch can idea:
So there you go. I'm tackling the extra coolant tonight before I head home, as I'll be taking it out tomorrow again. I'll try to document the process as best as I can, but sometimes I just tackle the problem without pictures first.
Keep an eye on the spreadsheet, as it will change, and I'll be working on things constantly. If you have thoughts or suggestions, I'm all ears!
crowmolly
> JGrabowMSt
05/05/2014 at 18:05 |
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I would keep everything black and accessorize with aluminum or stainless. Except for maybe the valve covers. Those would look awesome in red IMO. And if you go with synthetic fluids I'd think twice about using them in your transmission.
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JGrabowMSt
> crowmolly
05/05/2014 at 18:10 |
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Any reasoning? I'm thinking about going with Royal Purple transmission fluid, if there is any. I'm not looking to do stupid fluid changes with motor oil in the trans or anything. I can't tell if the MDS is working, so it may require a full oil change to make sure the correct weight is in it.
It has a hard shift from 4 to 3, but is otherwise very smooth and quiet. With 143k, fluid is on the to-do list, but I'd be having a shop do it the first time. I don't want to screw that up. If they screw it up, it's on them.
So black plug wires, and a black or brushed catch can? I can do that, I just need to find it. Some mopar guys have said just go to Billet Tech, but $100? I'm not so sure.
BigBlock440
> JGrabowMSt
05/05/2014 at 19:28 |
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I can't tell if the MDS is working,
I thought that was the point of the system, so you couldn't tell? That's why they added lights to the later models with MDS, people thinking it wasn't working because they couldn't feel it change.
ShiftyMcGrifty
> JGrabowMSt
05/05/2014 at 19:33 |
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I'd keep everything black/colorless. It's just more classy IMO, and it'll look really clean when done well.
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JGrabowMSt
> BigBlock440
05/05/2014 at 19:51 |
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Well, considering the current mileage (14mpg) I think the system is not working, which means it's likely got the wrong weight oil in it. Since getting better gas in it, I think it's getting better. I'm having trouble getting it on my school parking pass, so I'll have to keep checking it. I need to top off the oil as well, I'm not sure if I just wasn't in good enough light to tell, but the catch can is a need. I finally found one that I like the look of, I'll add it to the pictures above..
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JGrabowMSt
> ShiftyMcGrifty
05/05/2014 at 19:58 |
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So black spark plug wires? I'm going to order them tonight/tomorrow. There's blue and red as other options. I'm tempted to put some color, but I can just put in black, I'm okay with that.
How about catch can, black and silver okay? I can't find any solid black ones that i like the look of. I'm trying to avoid the weird looking sight that sticks off with two fittings.
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BigBlock440
> JGrabowMSt
05/05/2014 at 20:19 |
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Yeah, at 14, I'd say it's probably not working. Especially considering that's what Ram 2500's get and HDs didn't get MDS.
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crowmolly
> JGrabowMSt
05/05/2014 at 20:54 |
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Every high performance trans builder I've bought from (or hell, even talked to) told me exactly what to run and it was never synthetic. The consensus was to always run what is spec'd in the trans. If it's built for synthetic, fine, but if the trans isn't built for it there can be slippage and issues that were not there in the first place.
In your case you have 143k and what may be the original fluid. At this point I wouldn't even flush it, I'd do a pan drop and a filter change. Past a certain age/mileage an auto trans like that hits the "don't fuck with it" point where you can "maintenance" yourself right into a new trans.
And black wires and a black or brushed can sounds great. I really think red valve covers would make it pop.
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JGrabowMSt
> crowmolly
05/05/2014 at 21:35 |
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The valve covers are in need of some sprucing up. As you can see from the picture, it's a little rough around the edges. Red though? I guess I need to stare at it more.
I definitely get what you're saying about the trans, and I do agree. Once finals are over I'll be able to tackle these things easier.
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crowmolly
> JGrabowMSt
05/05/2014 at 22:35 |
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Kind of a hack job but you get the idea
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JGrabowMSt
> crowmolly
05/05/2014 at 23:21 |
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I can see that working. I need to seriously wash the engine...I need to clean all those black parts so they are more black than dusty. I think thursday I'm going to do a lot of general cleaning, and most of the tiny parts. I want to check the plugs and gaps and top off the oil, take it for a spin, etc. I hate having to find the tools for everything.
Throttle body will need to be cleaned, and I really do need to go for a catch can to keep it clean.
One problem I've encountered is the lack of a pressure test fitting on the fuel rail. Can't do the fuel pump with a lot of gas in the tank, so meh. It's going to be a long next couple weeks to get through finals, and not be completely distracted by this.
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crowmolly
> JGrabowMSt
05/05/2014 at 23:28 |
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And get all of the Jersey salt off of the aluminum stuff. Inspect the brake lines, too!
Aaron Brown
> JGrabowMSt
05/06/2014 at 23:11 |
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JGrabowMSt
> Aaron Brown
05/06/2014 at 23:40 |
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I'm honestly thinking about it. The wheels are almost a definite. I've found a place where I can get a full set for under $400. The problem is the pushbar. Because of where it bolts on, actually having any form of accident could seriously FUBAR the frame rails. It would also make getting the bumper off a nightmare for changing light bulbs. Decisions, decisions.
I'll do plugs + plug wires, catch can and maybe CAI first for mods. Then general cleaning, and fluid changes. The CAI wont happen for a while though, not until I sort out the catch can and clean the throttle body and all the plumbing for it.
I need enough plugs to last your 944 for the next 8-12 years. Just have to decide what plugs to use. I'm leaning towards platinum.
Just these mods will be enough to buy Mathias a second 924 just for parts.