'72 Duster "AERO DUSTER"

[wellis77]

Nice.

[Bjkadron]

Nice.

Thanks! Sorry for the cruddy pictures... The USB's on my computer wacked out and the only way I can post pics is from my ipod.

[Bjkadron]

So today I finally got my engine up on stand so I can work on it now.



It is always interesting opening up engines with unknown backgrounds. This 360 ran really strong when we took it out of the van so I was really wondering what was in it. Well, it turns out it has been over bored and I'm pretty sure it has some sort of cam in it. I'll know more when I take it the rest of the way apart. Which I can't do (on fear of my life) until I get a tote or something to let it drip oil and coolant in. My grandparents would kill me if I got any of it on the floor.

The overbore is really handy and will save me a good bit of money. All I need to do is touch it with a light hone and I already found a good deal on some better pistons. Once I measure the bearings I should be able to order the last of the parts and I'll be set. This should be fun. Here is where I am now:

[Bjkadron]

More Parts... I now have Two-piece 11.75" x 1.25" brakes for the front(so I can run 15" wheels. I also got my brake prop. valve, a bunch of aluminum rod-ends (I decided to upgrade to Aluminum and save some weight) and threaded rods for the suspension and my axle mount parts for my Watts link. I'll get pictures soon.

[Bjkadron]

So... My Duster pretty much stalled when school started. I have been doing good to even have time to order a few more parts. And I have yet to put the engine back together. I'll be doing that soon, and hopefully get it swapped in over winter break. We'll see.

[SVTforme]

Lookin good. Nice seeing your "parts bin" build where you take parts of all kinds of makes and models. Honestly for me... hunting these things down is a lot of fun. It also helps keep things on a budget as most of these items from the dealer cost a fortune otherwise. School definitely puts a damper on things (both time and $$).. but it is definitely worth it in the end .

[Bjkadron]

Lookin good. Nice seeing your "parts bin" build where you take parts of all kinds of makes and models. Honestly for me... hunting these things down is a lot of fun. It also helps keep things on a budget as most of these items from the dealer cost a fortune otherwise. School definitely puts a damper on things (both time and $$).. but it is definitely worth it in the end .

Thanks! My main problem is scope creep... But who doesn't have that? Right now I'm trying to get it running so I can drive it... Because I like driving a lot too...

[Bryce]

Thanks! My main problem is scope creep... But who doesn't have that? Right now I'm trying to get it running so I can drive it... Because I like driving a lot too...

I have that same issue. Whenever I get to a driveable car I take it back apart, because I already know what the next weak link is or a better way to do something.

Now, I am concerned with a locker diff and steering. more money!

[wellis77]

Thanks! My main problem is scope creep... But who doesn't have that?

Can totally relate to that Benjamin.

[Bjkadron]

I have that same issue. Whenever I get to a driveable car I take it back apart, because I already know what the next weak link is or a better way to do something.

Now, I am concerned with a locker diff and steering. more money!

Can totally relate to that Benjamin.

Well, at least I have a support group already in place... ;)

[Bryce]

Well, at least I have a support group already in place... ;)

HAHA! We are here for you bud!

[wellis77]

Well, at least I have a support group already in place... ;)

Done and done!

[dusterbd13]

and i di believe that im a member of the group.

"hi, my names michael, and i suffer from scope creep."

yup, im looking at custom efi and a 5 speed right now.
as well as ginormus hollow sway bars.

michael

[SVTforme]

Scope creep.. whats that . I remember I started with a quick engine swap (390) and convert to a manual trans (4 speed). Kinda went outside those bounds since then..

[wellis77]

Scope creep.. whats that . I remember I started with a quick engine swap (390) and convert to a manual trans (4 speed). Kinda went outside those bounds since then..

That's funny, mine started 8 or 9 years ago as a swap to buckets and an engine top half swap. I put my hand through the floor during the bucket swap and now my car is cut to all kinds of pieces and hasn't been on it's own wheels in I have no idea how long...

[Bjkadron]

and i di believe that im a member of the group.

"hi, my names michael, and i suffer from scope creep."

yup, im looking at custom efi and a 5 speed right now.
as well as ginormus hollow sway bars.

michael

The giant hollow swaybars... How were you thinking of doing those? I have some ideas bouncing around in my head but nothing perfected yet...

And as for the scope creep thing... I'm now considering making something like these while I still have access to cnc machines...

[Bjkadron]

So, I know it has been quite a while since I have had an update... I have been really busy with school. I don't have much money because I'm not working a lot, and I still don't have a place I can really work on it. However, I am making progress! I got two of the big items I need and now just a couple more things to find.

First off: When I decided to go with the three link suspension I needed coil-overs as well. Unfortunately they weren't in my budget. So after much research and planning I have decided to go with inboard mounted coil-overs and pushrod suspension. Believe it or not, that is cheaper than just the "normal" way. I found two nice (low mileage) GSXR 600 shocks on ebay and got a good deal on them. The springs are 9.1kg/mm which, with my planned 2.025:1 ratio pushrod setup it will give me 225lb/in wheel rate with 5.9" of travel, but I'm going to restrict travel to 2.75" each way. I'm also planning on making it slightly rising rate which is actually a benefit over doing a standard coil-over setup. Total cost for the two double adjustable KYB made shocks: $50 including shipping.





I also have been working on my three-link packaging issues and figured out a way to incorporate the upper link mount with my swaybar mount.


Then today I found a Corbeau Forza seat which will solve my current "slippery bench seat syndrome" problems. It is really comfortable and should hold me quite well. it also has provisions for up to 5-pt harnesses. Two issues I have noticed: 1. is that with the bottom seat pad in My shoulders are higher then safe for the harness straps (they angle down a lot) so I will either have to make a thinner pad or just take it out when I go racing. 2. the seat sliders are ridiculously heavy, like twice the weight of the whole seat by themselves. So I will likely just sell them to try and recoup my investment and solid mount the seat. This shouldn't be a problem since I'll be the only one driving it anyway. I got a good deal on the seat too! $120 which is less than half what it would cost new.




The last few parts I need are:

The rear-end - I found a place I can get it $250 with 3.73 gears, a limited slip and disc brakes. All I'd need is some redline synthetic gear oil and to adapt the brake lines and parking brake cables.

An intake manifold and carb set-up. all I have is the stock two-barrel and stuff for the 318.

An AN fitting to hose for the radiator to hook up to the thermostat housing. One of the downsides of using NASCAR stuff..

Obviously I am going to have to make the three-link and pushrod setup. Also it is looking like I'll have to take out the dash to do my pedal set-up... Then the engine and transmission swap and that is about it. Aside from plumbing everything and the exhaust. Which reminds me... I need Mufflers too..

I guess that is about it... I won't bore you anymore with my lack of progress.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Cool new parts, cant wait to see how your rear suspension setup looks/works..progress will come soon enough (even if it doesnt feel like it haha)

[dusterbd13]

if you buy me a 4bbl throttle body, ill trade you a dual plane and 750 eddy carb.

assuming i ever get my dang maniofold back from the machine shop.

id also consider a modded magnum 2bbl throttle body.
so, decided nopt to run the spax now?

and good luck on the three link. looking forward to that.
what rear are you looking at using? if its an 8.8, ive got access to a few for about 150ish. just require a trip to somewhere in the middle to put it from my truck to yours.

michael

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Makes me want to pull my duster out of the field and start working on it.