I wish it was the cool kind of blown engine with big wide cogged belts or a big turbo sticking through the roof.  But no, with about 75,000 miles on the clock, the engine is checking out.  According to Ford, the heads have a design defect in them so the head gaskets are slowly going which is why I get a random check-engine and cylinder mis-fire.  TSB's are out there for the repair, and other vehicles with the same engine have been recalled - but not the lowly Fusion Sport.    Feedback from Ford Corporate was we can take, $1,000 off the $8,500 dollar bill to replace both heads and all the gaskets (25 hour job) but not much else.

I have to say I'm torn - I know its out of warranty but its a known design flaw that forced recalls on other vehicles with the 2.7L.  Really gives me pause whether or not to buy another Ford.  All services were done by Ford as well.  My old fusion went over 210,000 miles and never missed a beat.

I guess buyer beware next time to spring for the extended warranty.  Its too bad too - this car was an absolute dream to drive.

Joe

Howdy all,

A buddy has an old trailer and it has 15" split rims, 5x8" bolt pattern, 3/4" lug. He wants to dump the split rims but he's having a heck of a time finding anything with that lug spacing. My thought is to find some used wheels but I dont know where to look. Any suggestions? He's located in the Sacramento Area.

Did anything factory come with that lug spacing?

Thanks in advance
Joe

Well the time has come for an upgrade to the '09 Fusion. I was flipping through different car options and ran across the 2017 Fusion Sport with 325hp and 380 ft-lb torque.  That would be just over twice the hp I have in my current model.  I'm real interested to see what 325hp feels like in an all wheel drive variant.  I'll let you know how fun it is

Joe

So I've been kicking around a couple of cam selections for the 390, but am concerned that too big of a cam will negate the factory vacuum assisted power brakes.  I dont know enough about cams to balance out all the different variables and end up with enough vacuum to operate the brakes. 

Car is a 1967 Cyclone convertible, factory Kelsey Hayes power disc's up front.  It appears the factory GT cam was borderline too big (possibly) to warrant a vacuum reservoir (at least thats all we could figure out what the rectangular container was on the drivers side of the engine bay)?

I bought the 2.20/1.65 valved BBM heads, and have been looking at a couple of Bullet hydraulic roller cams.  My concern is that the cam wont allow for enough engine vacuum to operate the power brakes. 

From Bullet's website I was looking at:
HR297/3334:
Cam details: 297 adv duration, 240@.050, 154@.200, lift is .587"

What are your thoughts, is this just way too much cam to end up with any vacuum for the brakes?

Joe

So, due to the sale price, I ordered my BBM bare heads last Friday the 18th, and they just showed up a few minutes ago.  They're not kidding when they say they ship the same day; they mean it.  Looks to be a good product! 

Joe

Howdy everyone,

I'm prepping to sell a 1974 el camino.  About a year ago my dad was moving a 351C, lost control of it on the engine hoist, and dropped it through the drivers side window and down the outside of the door.  I was able to find original glass and door felt, but I've been skunked finding an outside mirror for it.  Its a chrome, manual type, not the adjustable or body color 'bullet' type.

I've tried all the pick-n-pulls in northern California and they simply dont have anything that old anymore (although maybe there is hope in Redding, 2 hours away).  None of the wrecker yards or local Chevy parts stores have anything, nor does the El Camino store or OPGI.  If anybody knows of an independent parts shop or wrecking yard that has older cars still, could you help me out and leave a note here?

FYI, here are a few shots of the old elky.

I was hoping to see a DW 2015 board show up soon.....Jay any chance of that?

Joe

I have a question about a transmission that has sat for the last 10 years. Its the love/hate TH350 transmission that had worked flawlessly, then the car was parked. Now the car will be driven again, so is there anything I should do to see if the seals are good and if the transmission will hold up? 

I've heard that seals will dry out after extended periods of sitting, so other than a fluid change, any other recommendations or additive recommendations?