Considering it's been over a year since I last posted, I thought I should provide an update. In 2009 I swapped the rear axle for one that wasn't broken, after trying twice to weld the hollow tube back in place in the old one. As you can see in the photo I put on a set of 15" Chevy Beretta GT wheels and some slightly larger than stock 215-60/15 tires. To use the Beretta wheels I needed to use 3mm spacers in the front, otherwise the back of the spoked section rubbed on the brake calipers. I resolved the overboost cut-out problem by removing most of the factory vacuum/boost lines and replacing them with a CNC machined aluminum vacuum block, and adding a manual boost controller. I also swapped in an intercooler/radiator from a Shelby Daytona and the stock intercooled (Turbo II) airbox setup from a different Shelby Daytona. I added a first-generation Talon blow-off valve since the Turbo II airbox does not contain one like the Turbo I airbox does.The performance upgrades (intercooler, keeping boost under control) worked very well for a couple of weeks, then I noticed things weren't as fun as they once were. Now that I can hold high boost levels without hitting cut-out for extended periods of time, the stock clutch is giving up.
I also have some dash wiring issues to check out as the Traveler (trip computer) lost its memory a few times, and I've seen the airbag light flicker. Both indicate to me I might have a bad ground.
Finally, the drivers side top latch broke apart and won't re-latch securely, and the part that needs to be replaced requires removal of the top fabric so it looks like I need to replace the top sooner rather than later. I also need to hunt down the complete front header and both latches as an assembly which sounds easier than it is because hardly anyone sends convertibles to the junkyard around here.
3 comments:
Hey, congratulations on your restoration/modification! The car and engine look fantastic. I plan to do nearly the exact same thing to my 1988 LeBaron in the near future. I've owned it since December of 2000. It was my first car. I was hoping you might be willing to offer me your email address or friend me on Facebook if you have an account? I have a feeling you might prove to be an invaluable resource of advice for a project like this.
I saw you mention the rear axle. I am having trouble finding that piece for my 1989 LeBaron. Can you provide info on where you found it?
Josh: check your Facebook messages.
Anonymous: I used one from a 1988 LeBaron GTS I found at a local wrecker. All the rear axles for the K-car derivatives are the pretty much the same. You may find differences in overall width (by 1/2") or with a solid bar (more desirable) instead of a pipe, but if the mounts look the same, it'll fit. They changed mounting brackets around 1991, I think. The early style has round bushings and the later style has oval bushings. Hope this helps!
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