April 2003
This is when I learned my lesson not to run synthetic. I put in synthetic gear oil, synthetic tranny fluid, synthetic steering fluid, synthetic oil, and everything leaked. I replaced all of the gaskets and seals on the motor. I changed out the timing chain as well. Some genius decided on using plastic teeth. I've seen them crack and fail. This one broke during removal. Also, 84s and 85s naturally consume a bit more oil from blowby due to the forged pistons.

I had some problems with the neighbor's cat getting in my garage and jumping on my car. I solved the problem by introducing the oversized rodent to the Pacific Ocean.

May 2003 - Clutch
I�ve got all these damn tools, so lets replace a perfectly good clutch. I discovered a broken throwout bearing. This is a standard push type clutch. The fork pushes the throwout bearing into the pressure plate fingers, which causes it to release pressure from the clutch disc. It�s a lifetime warranty unit from Autozone. Jokes on them! Here's the Doug Nash built 4+3 transmission. It uses a different reverse gear housing and shorter mainshaft than a Borg Warner Super T10, and of course, has the computer controlled overdrive transmission.

I cleaned up the engine compartment by removing the exhaust heat shields and painting the headers with VHT. You can use your oven to cure the paint, and it adds a nice flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey. The exhaust ports on these are in terrible shape, I used the dremel to grind the excess weldment and smog tubes. Be careful, the welds are on the inside and you may accidently cut through.

Also bought a used TPI setup, media blasted it, and ported out the plenum and runners. They look great with the painted stock headers... and with the stock smog equipment removed. I passed the California sniffer test without any of this junk hooked up. The smog pump will help an ailing car pass, and is needed anyways for the visual inspection.

Here's an accident waiting to happen. This is the fuel pump relay which mounts to the firewall inboard of the brake booster. The wire insulation shrinks back from exhaust heat allowing electrical shorts. If it does, you'll be lucky to just blow the fusible link to the computer, and lose power to the fuel pump. The overdrive relay is right in front of it, although this one shares a fuse with the instrument panel. I removed the pins with a small pick and shrink- wrapped the bare wires.

This shows the new oil pressure sending unit and switch. These thread into the back of the block. The gold canister is the guage sending unit. If it's disconnected the digital gauge will peg at 80psi. The black switch is a backup power source to the fuel pump, that activates at 4psi of oil pressure. This will get you home if your fuel pump relay is dead.

June 2003 � Window Regulators
1984 through late �85 used a terrible �ribbon style� window regulator. They have no redeeming qualities. I replaced them with newer �scissor style� regulators from a later C4. The windows go up in about 2 seconds now. Click here for an install guide.

October 2003 � Keyless Entry
Keyless entry was my favorite modification. I integrated a GM �VKE 1000� keyless system into the factory alarm. I got creative using some relay logic to also allow control of the stereo and accessory power from the keyless remote, with the car off. I also have a relay that keeps powers the stereo after you shut the engine off, similar to new vehicles. It kills the stereo when you lock the door. I drew up the wiring diagram and with a couple $2 relays and careful wiring, it worked on the first try. So now I can sit 50� away from the locked up car at an outdoor restaurant or party, and pop the hatch and turn on the stereo. I�m sure this will come in handy eventually!