Mooks HQ, HJ, HX, HZ, WB Sandman Mockup

**mook** · 23-05-2010, 10:16 PM

Just updating on the progress of the van.
The Drivers side bodywork is now completed. as well as the roof. The passenger side has virtually no rust, so hopefully it will be alot quicker and easier for the boys to do.

we were unable to find a rust free passenger door, so the HQ door is being converted to HJ-WB by removing couple of panel sections from another door. It should work in theory....

**mook** · 09-09-2012, 07:06 PM

Ok back into the rebuild of the van...
When I swung the trans in (t400) I found swarf around the input where the stall converter locks in. This means that I'll have to get the trans pulled down and looked at before i get it all running. There are other complications with the t400, which is that I will also be running with column shift and I'm sure that it is going to be a pain to fit it all with the Pacemaker PH5220 Extractors that i already have. Now here is the tricky bit...

I'm trying to get the van completed by the end of November at a limited cost.

I'm starting to think that I could yank the trimatic box off the 253 and swing it straight in the van and hook up the PH5220 extractors to the engine, but will they fit? Has anyone got any experience with this?

The other option is to run with the poxy extractors on the wagon and try to use the existing exhaust so that I'm not doubling up on exhaust costs.

With the trimatic box the column shift will be alot easier as well...

**thatotherguy** · 10-09-2012, 05:16 PM

hi mook the motor in your van is probably t400 pattern so a trimatic wont just bolt up to it , i would leave it in and get it running first and see if there are any problems , you have done a fantastic job on your van and it would be a shame to start cutting corners now and i would use an aftermarket shifter and if you want to go with bench seat just get your trimmer to modify it to suit a floor shift or just put standard exhaust manifolds on it. ps when is the wrecking yard going to be open again ?

**mook** · 10-09-2012, 05:52 PM

the t400 is trimatic pattern, ill put up pics when I pull it out. i would like to get a properly converted bell housing when i get it looked at. surly swarf cant be good in the trans?

It would only be a temporary mod, just can't afford to spend all the coin atm and the trimatic would be a very cheap solution. I would love to have the van ready for my wedding.... cough cough.. if all else fails i can drive off into the sunset. lol
the hq is going on ebay tonight 99c auction. always fun! if you need more bits ill grab them before it sells.
cheers for the props btw. there is a very clean looking 253 here still, goat grabbed the manifold (8.5/10), oh so clean inside.

**agr071** · 10-09-2012, 07:27 PM

This will probably upset a LOT of people, but i prefer standard exhaust manifolds over extractors.
Easy to access,
Easy to work around,
I didn't notice ANY advantage extractors had over the standard manifolds. I don't drive at 4500 to 6000rpm i prefer torque, so i lost low down performance and fuel economy by going extractors and bigger system, compared to standard manifold & exhaust system.
Also you MAY have problems with (factory style) column shift linkages hitting the extractors.

**thatotherguy** · 10-09-2012, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by agr071

This will probably upset a LOT of people, but i prefer standard exhaust manifolds over extractors.
Easy to access,
Easy to work around,
I didn't notice ANY advantage extractors had over the standard manifolds. I don't drive at 4500 to 6000rpm i prefer torque, so i lost low down performance and fuel economy by going extractors and bigger system, compared to standard manifold & exhaust system.
Also you MAY have problems with (factory style) column shift linkages hitting the extractors.

standard manifolds ceramic coated i hate extractors with a passion

**mook** · 02-01-2013, 01:17 PM

Hi Guys I have been going through all my bits and been getting ready to put the column shift linkages in to suit the trans, ill keep you posted on how it goes.

I have been looking at distributors for a while now and from advice from member on here and reading on other forums I'm going with a BOSCH HEI...

So this is the Distributor and control module that I have pulled off a 253.

as you can see its all quite filthy and condition is unknown.
What should I do with this? only so much i can do with de greaser.

one thing that I could find with the distributor code was that it was for an HX 253 (which matches up with what it was off) but im quite sure HX wasn't HEI
Cheers in advance.

**mook** · 02-01-2013, 01:29 PM

I have found this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GMH-HX-25...-/261121168235
so I'm assuming that this distributor has been converted using an optical pickup? or has the case been changed at some stage.

BTW I know nothing about distributors and engines, everything i know has been from the internet (dangerous i know!)

**Taily** · 02-01-2013, 02:18 PM

This may help...

Not sure what bits are from what but you're probably right, it is possibly a modded HX dizzy with a later module.

Regards,

Dave.

**Taily** · 02-01-2013, 02:05 PM

Looks a bit like a VL carbied distributor?

VN is different again as it has a two pin (two versions, one rectangular - the other more oval) connector on the side.

The box you have is the module. Carry a spare as they are well known for leaving cars stranded, or maybe a better idea, use that dizzy to operate a 6AL MSD or similar... Mega reliable set-up.

Regards,

Dave.