I've got 200 miles (6 days) on the freshly rebuilt motor (and an overdrive
trans) in my '73 B. The car is running great (due to break in procedures I
won't really be able to stretch it out for another 1000 miles or so).
I am leaving 5/8 for a two week tour of the midwest visiting family, friends
and basically clearing my head after an academically and emotionally arduous
spring semester. I hope to have at least 500 miles on the mill before
leaving, and I will go in and have Patrick (my man with the golden wrench)
check valve adjusment etc. on 5/6 before I go. I made a similar trip last
summer (3500 miles, 15 days, no break downs) with the same car (old engine
170K miles, 4 speed box) and I am looking forward to driving with the fresh
motor, OD tranny AND new exhaust [old exhaust system = 2" pipe + 1 pringles
can sized glass pack in front of rear bumper = LOUD!!].
If I could consult your collective expertise on a few questions, your input
would be greatly appreciated.
1. What is the reccomended lubricant for lever arm shock absorbers ('73)?
2. Any special hints for starting a long trip with a motor this fresh? The
rebuild was comprehensive (to slightly hotter than factory specs),
everything but blueprinting & balancing, and the radiator has 1 yr on a new
core.
3. Any special hints for long trips in general, I imagine I will log
4000-5000 miles by the time I return. I have spare: fuel pump, lower rad.
hose, fan belt, U joints, etc. from last years trip.
4. Does anyone know of interesting MG lore/MG club locations in
Chicago/Milwauke/Des Moines (or anywhere in Iowa for that matter) or scenic
routes from southwest virginia to points midwest. [no Iowa jokes here please!].
5. Not a question, but: I picked up a spacesaver spare from a SAAB 900 and
it bolts on beautifully and the increase in trunk space over the old 185
spare tire on LE wheel is significant. The only downfall is the red/orange
color, but you know beggars can't ....
Thanks in advance for all your help, I'll post a trip synopsis on my return.
chris
P.S. To whoever was looking for LE wheels: I have a set and would consider
trading for 15x6.5 bolt on minilites.
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Chris Lenth _____\___
Blacksburg, VA '--O-------O--'
woodcomp@vt.edu 1973 MGB
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