Sept 20, 2023 update on my Bird.
Had it back for 10 days, punishing everything I could (SOP shakedown cruise stuff).
Got everything fixed (except waiting on the proper AC relay for all fan speeds to work)...New 3.73 gears are quiet, work well. Got the carb dialed in, back to barking the tires at will in 2nd/3rd...haven't gotten out on the highway to see if it will still bark 4th gear.
Peak rpm: 6003
Peak speed: 126
Got every frigging drip/run/etc fixed. One turn of the key, and it fires right up and idles around 1700 in the morning, then goes down to 750 rpm.
Cooling, right around 175-180 degrees.
NVU gauges all work well, clock, Retrosound radio (opt 2) as well. New Wildwood brakes (Dynalite) are amazing, the car really stops well now, just like a new car.
I still have to get the new mirrors on and painted, the windows adjusted to the new weatherstripping, and then....God forbid...I'm done.
Had to do my taxes, turns out I spent $22k on the Bird last year. I haven't mustered the courage to total up the previous 7 years.
After the final fixes are done, I'll post pics.
And now, back to work to pay for this fine running beast!
Jim
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