Bushings + Struts + Exhaust + K & N Air Filter = Whoa!

I replaced the last two pairs of old bushings, the top mounts and the front tie bar bushed.  It stiffened the steering up a little, but it still seems a little vague.  I'll need to look into that, perhaps its the steering rack or the its bushings.  I also put on the NOS Koni sport struts.  Got them adjusted they way I wanted, and wow, did the make a big difference in ride.  I got the top mounts from http://www.motomobil.com/ .  That + the new Koni's eliminated a nasty clunk from the front end,

 I took the car in and had a 2" exhaust put on including a new Catalytic Converter.  The old cat was all clogged up.  When I pulled it out of the garage, it was very lively and you could tell it was breathing much better, but still felt a little bit reserved.  When I got home I replaced the air filter with a K&N air filter, and it woke right up.  Whoa!  It was super responsive and quick.  The  new GT cam seems to like higher revs than the stock cam.  It sounds like a proper British motor now.

She's a Runner

A little over a year since we dropped the engine out of Betty with a goal of increased power and pep, and yesterday, I turned over the engine and fired it up.

Since it had been sitting a while, I pulled the spark plugs, disconnected the coil, and cranked the engine for about 30 seconds.  This did 2 things:

1.) The fuel pump filled the bowl on the new carb
2.) The Oil Pump moved oil around to all the critical bits like the bearings.  By taking out the plugs, you remove the compression from the cylinders and don't put pressure on the somewhat dry bearings.

I put the plugs back in, hooked up the coil, and it started on the first crank.  There are just a few more things to do, and she'll be ready to hit the streets.