'83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes

[economiser]

There are 2 ways of doing a Watt's link behind the axle. Either center pivot on the chassis, outer ends on the axle, or center pivot on the axle, outer ends on the chassis. These cars came with the latter, while I've been working toward the former. Now that I've made a bunch of brackets and done many mockups, I've learned a few things.

Assuming keeping the stock fuel tank, If you're going to do a panhard, the chassis end will need to be on the right, putting the axle end to the left, much like an '82-'02 Camaro. If you insist on Watt's link, as I do, then the center pivot must be mounted to the axle. It just can't be packaged any other way with the stock tank.

Pics to follow very soon.

[economiser]

I realize my progress isn't pretty yet, but very little is finalized, either. Anyway,...







Sorry the flash isn't working, and that's an '86 Camaro driveshaft shortened 5.25 inches and re-balanced.

[economiser]

[economiser]

Ordered a Summit radiator, 2 row, 2.5" thick, 19" x 27". It's all I think I can fit, and probably overkill. Now to mount it and adapt the hoses.
Also trying to splice the GM single-outlet p/s hose to Mazda's dual-inlet p/s rack. I'm using a y-block, all -6 AN, with 2 different adapter fittings, and 3 identical 13-inch lengths of PTFE-lined braided stainless steel hose.
For anyone who may ever try this with any GM engine that uses a metric pump, and an FC steering rack, you need a -6 AN / 16 mm x 1.5 o-ring style male adapter, for the GM pump, and a pair of -6 AN / 16 mm x 1.5 inverted flare style male adapters, for the Mazda rack. I used a Fragola brand 491963, and 2 Fragola 460616s. I'll report back if I ordered anything that proves to not work. So if you try to copy this part, keep reading to see if I later correct myself.

[economiser]

Also, now the alternator is relocated and mounted, I had to find a belt. I used the Napa website to search by length and number of rows, the first thing I tried fits great! I'm putting an identical spare in the car, just in case.

[economiser]

[economiser]

just a general mockup there



PCM mounted



How I did it, with 1/4-inch panhead bolts, lockwashers, and double nuts.



Made the p/s bracket by cutting and welding what it had, then drilling the car.

[economiser]

Mods for fitting under stock hood.



Mockup showing p/s reservoir



Progress on keeping it Watt's link rather than a Panhard bar.

[economiser]

Hello?
Anyone there?
Anyone learning anything from this thread?
Or at least getting ideas?
I see the uninteresting builds getting replies, but not this one, why not?
If noone cares, then I'll stop posting here.
Let me know, one way or the other.

[A7RXY]

Hi, I find your build very interesting but because what you are doing all prototype work and you are not really asking for advise as you go along, most members including myself are not commenting on your build. I'm sure we would all agree that it is good to have a record of your build on this forum thou'.

Good luck and please keep posting.

Dibs