I finally got my new motor fired up today, and it sounds really good. I do have a couple of questions though.

First, my guages aren't working correctly. I did a swap into my 1992 RS which was a 305TBI from the factory. The new motor is a Speed Density 350. I tried 2 guage clusters with the same results, netiher of them are registering. What could possibly be the problem here or what should I be looking for. I don't know if maybe some of the pins aren't in the correct places from the firewall connector?

Second, I got the motor up to temp. and then disconnected the EST wire to set base timing. I should be pretty close but it jumps around some even when the hold down clamp is tight. Could this be because I haven't set the IAC sensor yet? I want to set that sensor but without a working tach I don't know how to do that.

Third, for some reason I have a coolant leak where the water pump meets the block. I installed the gaskets dry and used bolts with lock washers, but its leaking. Are you supposed to use RTV or something on the gaskets?

Fourth, I don't know if this would matter or not, but I have a full MSD ignition system. I wanted to get the motor running first so I haven't hooked up my 6AL ignition box yet. I did however already gap the plugs to .045 so they are ready when I install the box. Could this cause any problems?

Other than those things it seems to run very well, and sounds great. Any help or suggestions to get this car going fully operational would be great.

 

I can't believe no one's responded to you yet. I'll try, and if I'm incorrect about something, I'm sure someone will jump in, lol.

First, I can't help with your guage problem, sorry. Electrical isn't my thing unless I've been forced to figure something out, lol. It's time to call on Trickster for that one.

Second, if you've installed your IAC correctly, then you don't have to set it. Your computer already did that when you started the car. So if your running condition is related, then you might not have adjusted it correctly before installing it. But you sound like you know what you're doing, so I'll assume it's correct.

Third, yes, you need gasket sealant on your water pump gaskets. I've been told to use a hardening sealant, but I've always used a non-hardening one, and I've never had a leak. So obviously, either will work.

And fourth, gapping your plugs that wide without installing your ignition box might've been a bit risky. I guess you'll know for sure after you connect the box. Through 1986, .045 was the recommended gap for our plugs. But when they changed the ignition in 1987, they went down to .035. So .045 might be right on the edge without assistance.

I hope I've helped out. I've seen this topic here all day, and I at least wanted you to know that someone's been watching it. It sounds like your engine is a success. And from reading your mods, it also sounds pretty awesome! Congrats!

 

Thanks a lot for the reply. I have been building this car over the last couple of years and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm going to pull the water pump today and redo the gaskets using some sealer this time. Hopefully once I get that squared away I can deal with those other issues I was having.

If anyone else has done a swap like mine did you encounter any problems with the guages? This is the part that really has me stumped.

Thanks again

 

Hello David,

You have a PM!!!!!!!!!