Jim:
Sounds like you're having fun!
If you decide to keep the HD8's, you should be aware that BJ8's sometimes
did not idle all that smoothly - the engine was always considered to be
slightly over carburetted with the 2 inch carbs, and the cam profile used -
the air velocity through the carbs is marginal at idle. Of course, all
these years later, there will be huge variations on this from car to car.
Remember also that the Healey HD8 carb has a teflon bush between the carb
body and the shaft - it is likely that the bush is whats worn - one can't
tell until the thing is apart. (this assumes that the bodies have not been
rebushed and reshafted in the usual way at some point.) It's a relatively
simple matter to replace the bushes if the shafts are okay. I have some
literature that will help.
I would make absolutely certain that the tuning is spot on first, especially
if you are going to do the cold airbox mod, so at least you have a known
starting point for tuning.
As another lister suggested, I would make sure that tires, wheels,
driveline, etc. is all correct - you may not really need scuttle stiffening
measures. Both my Healeys are dead smooth at speed with rear drums
balanced, and near perfect wheels/tires installed. In my experience,
assuming that the driveline is okay and the suspension is to spec and in
good condition, a vibrating Healey can usually be traced to a wheel problem,
and sometimes it can be difficult to diagnose.
You will love the 3:545 rear gearing with the Toyota gearbox. If you
haven't already had the rear drums checked for balance, do it then - they'll
be off the car to do the diff.
Earl Kagna
Victoria, B.C.
BT7 tri-carb
BJ8
----- Original Message -----
From: "James Sailer" <heliskier@direcway.com>
To: "Healey List" <healeys@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2004 7:17 AM
Subject: BJ8 Projects
Hi folks ...
The driving of my fresh BJ8 has been fun this summer .. but ... I am
getting antzy and am trying to plan projects for this winter (can't wait) ..
on tap ..
1. fix my front main seal once and for all ... and likely add a DW aluminum
sump at the same time ... anyone used the DW sump ? Am also going to add a
DW oil pump .... also looking into a PCV valve setup David Nock threw past
me one day in conversation ....
2. Am considering adding DW headers and 2 inch pipes .. keeping my SUs ..
I would love feedback from anyone who has done this .. also feedback on
keeping my SUs with the headers ...
3. will be adding my mike Lempert diff gears ....
4. am plannng a remote cd changer ... I have gone back and forth between
under the dash behind the console or in the boot but still have not decided
...
5. am contriving a brace system of my own to stiffen up the scuttle .....
6. new throttle shaffts for my carbs ... although I thought they were pretty
good my slow idle adjustment is just not as advertised ...
7. Cold air box
Thoughts on any of these would be welcome ...
Cheers.
Jim Sailer
66 BJ8
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