Exhaust Install

The exhaust system was looking rough but solid so I decided to give them a similar Jet Hot Coating as the headers so there would be more continuity in the system. I bought all new brackets, seals, bolts, etc. Jet hot did a good job not coating the chrome tips. The system installed great and I can’t wait to start it up and hear the new headers with the stock tailpipes.

Header Installation

I decided to go with the Hall big bore headers. I had them jet hot coated satin black as I wanted the engine bay to look somewhat stock. I had heard a lot about Stage 8 locking fasteners so I thought I would try their headerbolts. Basically, they lock the bolt in place which should make it so I don’t have to snug down the bolts again in the future. I cleaned the surface of the block and I got a new crush-type header gasket that guarantees no leaks. I put the headers into position and they fit great. You can see below some of the stage 8’s installed. I made sure to put anti-seize I still have a couple more locks to put on but wanted to do a test fire first before closing everything up.

Exhaust System: Removal

I have a terrible exhaust leak at the headers so I decided that I should just refurb the whole system. My plan is to get some new headers and send out the rear exhaust for a new coating. The first challenge was to get the headers off. I don't think these headers have ever been removed and I am deathly afraid of breaking off an old bolt in the head. If I did, I would have to remove the whole engine....and I didn't want to do that. I spent about 3 weeks soaking and working on the bolts. I started with normal penetrants then on the advice of some pantera forum members, I created a 50/50 mix of Acetone and ATF fluid. I finally got all the header bolts off and the rear exhaust system. Not only did I have one exhaust leak, I had around four in total! You can see the leaks where the heads are charred.

I prepped the rear exhaust and sent it off to Jet Hot for coating in black. I have also ordered a set of headers from Hall with black coating as well. I'll cover install in the next entry.

Steering Rack Rebuild

After I got the news from GTE that my steering rack was in bad shape, I decided to send the rack out for a total rebuild. I sent the rack off to Pantera Performance. The rack came back looking brand new. See pics below:

Old Rack Out

New Rack Back!

I am now ready to get the rack aligned. One thing I did discover is that my right front (NEW) tire has a slow leak. I don't think it is the tire though...I think it is most likely something wrong with the rim/valve stem that is leaking. Will have to dig more with GTE when they do the alignment.

GTE Visit # 2

I went to Gran Turismo East (GTE) again to get my tires put on and the car aligned. Tires went on fine and look great (see below). During tire installation, I was informed that my steering rack has some issues and needs to be rebuilt before they can align the car. I also had some issues with the fuel system. After driving about 8 miles, the car just died when I slow down to stop. It idles like a champ but for some reason, it died...3 times....in the middle of intersections where i blocked traffic until I got it started. Oh...and the brake lights no longer work.... Oh...and the fan belts started to squeak. So next items on the pantera are:
1.) Rebuild the steering rack
2.) Get the car aligned
3.) Track down fuel issue
4.) Fix Brake Lights
5.) Replace fan belts
6.) Replace fuel lines....why not?

Interior Work: Steering Wheel

I located a reproduction of the steering wheel cover. Man..this steering wheel is just ugly. I might want to change to a different style. I also put in the trunk mat as well:

New Tires Are Here!

A fellow pantera owner had some spare rear Toyo Proxes 295-50-15's that I bought. Check out these meats! Off to GTE to get them on!