Posted by q-ship331 (24.4.252.2) on January 17, 2001 at 00:50:34:
In Reply to: Attn; q-ship331 & Gypsy Jim... posted by John B. on January 15, 2001 at 19:09:32:
John, thanks for the kind words, I'm really trying here! The ball #C5AZ-7543-C is a '65 Mustang piece, although it's listed for a Mav also. The frame bracket should also cross over, although I don't have a 'stang bracket to compare to my Mav bracket. I can't say for sure, but I don't see why the frame/engine bushings wouldn't be the same for many different small block applications, even though the frame brackets may be slightly diferent. I'm going to check the Mav pieces against my Torino pieces this weekend to see if the bushings would interchange, and also try to take a peek at my guy's manuals to see how many numbers cross over.
I got a second commitment from the machine shop leader at work to make a new, stronger z-bar if I can get a sample to him. I ran a few ideas by him and he doesn't see any problems with my "severe-duty" design (although, of course he thinks I'm just a little nuts! Hey, he's a hot rodder too, but he favors bow-ties. Poor guy.)
Here's a question for everyone. Does anyone know of any kind of bearing that would operate similar to a heim joint/rod end? Here's the plan. Why not replace the factory bushings with these in each end of the z-bar? I know standard bearings wouldn't work due to engine torque & vibration. (when the engine moves, it would crack the bearings) However, rod ends/heim joints are made to work through multiple angles and thus, shouldn't be affected. All that would be necessary are a custom frame bracket (2x2x5/16? angle iron) with a shaft the same i.d as the bearing, and perhaps a modified ball socket for the engine side - turn down the ball to
form an axle for the bearing. If ANYONE has the bottom half of the z-bar (engine side) or a complete unit for a sample, I can get a new, stronger one made fairly quickly and post all measurements, angles strength mods etc. for everyone to copy. Guys, this is gonna be one stout piece when it's done!
: Jim; Good to see your name on the board again. You probably taught me more about Mav v8 stick conversions than anyone else. Thanks for that. I'd be interested in hearing more about how you fabricated that bushing from pvc. I bought the Perogie bushing, but I'm still a good year from getting it all together. In the meanwhile, I'm still scouting around for the best possible set-up for when the time comes. Do you have that Tilton set-up up and running? I've heard of others that have gone hydraulic, but I got the impression that you lost a lot of the clutch feel with it.
: Both of you; What do you think of my idea of manufacturing a z-bar that uses a Mustang set-up (bushings, ball, etc.) on the engine side?
: q-ship331; Thanks for the explanation and the numbers. Please keep us informed about your progress and if you go ahead with the "severe duty" z-bar. That would be my preferred way to go too, possibly with that Mustang bushing? I'd also be interested in those diagrams and measurements, if you were willing to share them. Look forward to hearing m