Looking Back at 2017

[@iplaysdrums]

I have nothing constructive to say other than you've built a car you love, and it sounds like it's been worth it to you. Haters can go cut a hole in the ice and jump in the lake.

[@TheRealMrCods]

Couldn't have said it better myself. F**k the haters, it's a build of love.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Huge time and money car, but there's not another one like it anywhere and it's not boring.

[@ETCG1]

Well put.

[@ronaldwarren5220]

I stuffed a 421, tri power HIPO Pontiac engine in a 57 2 door post back when I was about 19. I did not have the money, tools or experience to do a proper job. Car cost me $250 at a local Michigan salvage yard. It was missing an engine, transmission and a left front fender but was rust free and solid. Waste of money? You bet. But is was a blast to drive and have fun with. Now at age 72 I still remember it fondly. Enjoy these good times brother!

[@daveogarf]

Eric, LOVE your attitude and philosophy regarding the Fairmont project! It can be damned hard to pull together such an extensive project, and the fact that you also learn from your mistakes, as well as teaching us what not to do, speaks volumes about your principles and philosophy of car building. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!

[@CarManiac125]

My personal experience is every car build is a learning experience. Most people think you can just throw a car together cause of certain shows they watch. If they were to see the whole process of these shows they'd be speaking a different tune. I love your car Eric. It's a true street car or hotrod. I've hung out with several street racers (for the knowledge) and it's the same thing there. I have people tell me all the time about my 83 cutlass that I should do an LS swap. I didn't buy this car for that. I wanted old school carb tuning type of car. Something simple but turns heads. Most of these people don't understand the cost of the swap. I just give up the argument and say yeah maybe one day and walk away. It would be nice to see this car goto the big ford show in Indiana I think that's where it's held. Anyway just ignore the haters and do what you do best and happy new year

[@crjlife_9082]

Don’t worry about your power man. You can only put down what the road can take and what your tires can do. This thing is a beast and one of a kind. As long as you love it and you enjoy driving it, then nothing else really matters. Thanks for the update! Can’t wait to see what 2018 brings to the channel!

[@PaulsGarage]

This is easily one of my favorite project cars ever. It’s seriously awesome, love the old school interior and everything too. Awesome work!

[@paullenzen2562]

I have enjoyed watching your journey with this project. Brought back some memories of one that I did when I was a kid back in the 70's. You however, have kept pressing on. I on the other hand, after suffering "extensive oil pan failure" shortly after I thought it was finally done, sold the car and moved on. I still do all my own repairs and stuff and keep the "fleet" moving, and even bought a factory built hot rod to celebrate my mid life crises, ( which I have since sold ),however the thoughts of "building" another have crept back over the past couple years, and after watching you with this "project" I think I will pass. I would like to have another "street car", and would probably just buy one that someone else has worked and slaved and bled over and try and just keep it on the road. ANYTHING custom built is truly the song that never ends. Hats off to you for your tenacity and commitment to your goal. AND Happy new year. Keep both channels alive. I enjoy watching.

[@mitsulancer91]

You AREN'T doing it wrong. You did it the way you wanted, could afford and knew how to do it. I dig it. Its a magor achievement to take a totally stock car that had no chance of getting out of it's own way and making it a power house with trick suspension.. etc..

[@TheDanMan01]

Eric, I love what you're doing with the Fairmont. You turned a simple model of a car that people practically forgotten about over the years into something to be reckoned with. And best of all, IT'S YOURS! If I had the time, space, money and a bit of your knowledge, I would love to do something like that with my 1997 Lincoln Town Car. I would name it "Dr. Jekyll". Very stock-looking on the outside, but a brute under it's skin.

[@ichooselife9033]

I've been binge-watching (listening) to your ETCG1 videos this Christmas break. I used to watch your how to videos all the time in high school and you probably taught me everything I knew back then! I'm sure most viewers agree that regardless of the changes you make and the outcome (Good or bad); we just appreciate having a new video and update about your badass sleeper! Thanks for all the sacrifices and trials you've shown us, it's really motivating me to move my ass on my own car lol. Happy New Year from Canada!

[@hotdognr12323]

I really learned a lot from this series, and I would love to watch you mess around with the carburetor! You have inspired me to rebuild a 2.2l CIH engine to put in my 1979 Opel Kadett C 1.2l. I really doubt I would have had the courage to get myself into the project if you haven't "demystified" the inner workings of cars with your incredible videos. Thank you!

[@jwright650]

I'm not a Ford guy, but I really have enjoyed your Fairmont vids....keep them coming as you iron out the little issues that have crept up.

[@stymiesnerdly771]

No matter how frustrating the project may have been at times, it still finished 2017 in better shape than either NFL team from Ohio! Happy New Year Eric!

[@ItaloBoris]

I've loved your channel since you got that old acura vigor right after I bought mine. You have a level of knowledge and honesty not found often on the internet which is why I feel you get so personally burnt by ignorant talking heads. I love the Fairmount. I love how you throw modern tech upon older tech on it because you can. It's the ultimate sleeper, and I also love that. You're a great mechanic with a great channel and I, as well as many, will enjoy your videos forever simply for that. It's cliche, but most of us love you for you.

[@nutsnproud6932]

Thanks for the video Eric. If I get to OH I'll drop by and shake your hand...

[@dozersgarage5420]

I have a 1975 LTD Landau 4 door that was my first car, circa 2006. Had the 351M, put the 400 rotating assembly in, 9.5:1 pistons and Edelbrock performer intake and cam combo. Other than the Holley 4bbl, everything else stock. With a new C6 trans, (old was fmx) and, get this, 31x10.50 A/T in the rear (had to remove fender skirts to fit) I was 2.5seconds and 10mph faster in the 1/4. For a 5,000lbs chunk of steel, I'd say it was a pretty good upgrade. I dig old Ford projects, thanks for sharing this one with us.

[@martinbell9171]

Do what makes you happy eric and sod anyone else, ive enjoyed every minute of the fairmont project.

[@Elmer_RedEagle]

Love those old jet heaters. I have a very old sears and roebuck marked heater. My Grandpa probably bought it new decades ago and the thing still fires up and works amazing still.

[@spelunkerd]

Normally one jumps into a project like this with a passion for the whole process. Then as the project grinds away, the grit gets into everything, and ultimately can grind at passion, too. Hopefully with a little reflection, you can rekindle passion and get back to the sweet spot of short repair projects. I'm impressed with what you've done here, and have gained new respect for how much blood goes into a project car. I always wondered why they can be so expensive. No more.

[@ETCG1]

I consider that mission accomplished. Thanks for the comment.

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

Also, there's something really cool about having a carburated high power vehicle. Shows those new kids around the block how it's really done!

[@johnschutt9187]

I've enjoyed seeing you build your car. Thanks for all the information. Great that you can drive it and enjoy it.

[@StratmanJerry]

Low boost for high compression is what I hear, and inversely. Digging the car brotha, can't wait till it's all tuned up and exhaust functioning properly! Keep up the good work

[@AndreS_-df2nw]

The others are correct about bias ply slicks. The wrinkle-wall will help absorb the launch shock loads significantly. They are less picky about track prep as well. On my previous post I didn't realize it was manual transmission. GL!

[@mikebiron7339]

That is the fun of project cars.......the ongoing project, and endless projects you get with them. I regret, everyday, selling mine (the green 68 Charger) and the endless fun I had wrenching on it. So, stay dirty and keep wrenching on that thing and have fun with it!

[@autodreamer7733]

You've come so far with this project already, and it is truly unique. Personally, I think she's really awesome! I'm sure you'll be able to work the bugs out. Its just "shakedown" time, and you got this!

[@tonytownley2916]

I dig the concept. A nice casual comfy car to cruise in, that packs a huge surprise. I built an 84 Regal under the same premise. I no longer have it and I miss it everyday.

[@djambrosia]

Dyno tuning by someone who really understands carbs is what made all the difference to my project. Getting the jet sizes fine tuned made the car so much more driveable. In the UK it's tough finding the right guy as most places are now setup for plug and play systems.

[@ETCG1]

I agree. I'd like the opportunity to try that at some point. Thanks for the input.

[@TheTirolisto]

It's a cool sleeper, no doubt about it.

[@bigcliffe]

The best solution I can advise with the overflow (rollover ) valve is to run a metal tube up the d pillar and loop it back down to the outside of the trunk....that allows the fuel a slosh buffer. The exhaust may need a bit more flex toward the back but more bracing to the engine side. Keep up the good work.

[@commodore665]

still loving it , Happy new year to all from New Zealand , first to see the sun , and 2018

[@ETCG1]

Happy New Year!

[@Piratepurplebeard]

I really do appreciate a stock looking car with a bit of beef under the bonnet. Thourougly enjoyed the Fairmont series. It was also my go to video when finishing work on a Friday, along with fixing it forward. Keep up the epic work Eric, it's appreciated. Happy New year to you and your family

[@WestCoastRoller]

Great video. Happy New year. Your car is awesome. ✌

[@tedjones-ho2zk]

I have enjoyed the series on the Fairmont. All of the issues that you have had is just part of the fun. It just takes time to work them all out, I have an 86 Mustang with a 390 stroker, and when I installed a Vortech Supercharger I ended up blowing the AOD after two hits from the throttle. it was cool though, doing 45mph and hitting the throttle and just smoking the tires. Keep up the cool videos.

[@witchcraftauto]

It may have been a "Fairmont" of work but it was worth it! Would love to see that thing in person. Looking forward to watching the next project, and Happy New Year!

[@ryan8488]

Love the car, love the mistakes, love the solutions and loving the shallow depth of field

[@covishen]

you've done amazing things with your Fairmont. Don't let the negativity get you down, keep tinkering and enjoying your car. Life is too short not to have joy.

[@ETCG1]

Every time I get in the car and drive it down the road, all the negativity disappears in my rear view. Thanks for the comment.

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

Listening to that V8 idle in the beginning was already worth watching this video! That sounds so awesome, we don't have these kinds of engines here in the land of deeply muffled 4-bangers. And if there's a V8 (like an Audi S8 or a Mercedes C-something), it's always fast-runners that don't sound nearly as amazing as this old American Muscle!

[@akamrcam]

I think the Fairmont is awesome, it's what got me watching the channel. You gotta paint the intercooler black if you really want that sleeper look.

[@davidsawyer1599]

Hey Eric, Great video! Thanks for the update. The total honesty is much appreciated. I believe your growing pains are normal for a custom build. Also glad to see your positive attitude. Stay dirty lol! .

[@TheBeerBox80]

I love that you still have the stock steering wheel. The gauges look great in there.

[@nagaraworkshop]

Hi Eric. In reference to leaking manifold-to-cylinder heads; this might be useful. Over the years I've noticed this problem with both inlet and exhaust manifolds when the stock items are changed to aftermarket 'performance' items (some aftermarket items are not any better in terms of flow ). One thing I've noticed is that the flanges on after-market manifolds are often much, much thinner than the stock items. On exhaust manifolds, this can be a real problem because the slight variance in temperature on one side of an individual port compared to the other (due to the curved direction of the gas-flow) causes a temperature gradient at the flange and thus an expansion gradient - in short, the flange warps when hot. So however flat you make the mating surface when cold, it will not be flat when hot. In the 1970s I was a paddock marshal at a UK tarmac hill climb event and and was chatting to a competitor running a highly tuned Mini and his exhaust manifold was made from very thin light-weight tubing and had a thin flange too. He got over the problem by fitting a thick aluminium spacer (on the A-series BMC engine the inlet and exhaust ports are on the same side) between the ports and the manifolds. On cross-flow engines, the inlet manifolds run cool by comparison so don't often suffer but they can and do sometimes. little 4 cylinder Citroens often would not seal on the inlet side with after-market inlet manifolds. So a steel or aluminium spacer can work well, especially if on the engine-side of the spacer there is no gasket nor sealant. It's essentially a heat-sink. The other tip for getting surfaces flat is not to use a sander but a large flat sheet of glass covered in grinding compound or with abrasive paper glued flat to it (an old glass coffee-table-top, for example). You manually move the part over the surface. I have used that method for flatting cylinder heads successfully - albeit small Subaru heads and little A-series cast iron heads - and it should work well for manifold flanges. But even better, buy manifolds with thick flanges. Best wishes and Happy New Year from Nagara Automotive.

[@ETCG1]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've already trued up the manifold with a belt sander. In fact, that's part of the problem as I showed in the video. I had thought about using some sort of metal as a heat sink. It would be great if I could find a single layer metal gasket to do just that, but I haven't found one yet. BTW, there is nothing stock about this set up. It's completely custom. Thanks again and Happy New Year yourself.

[@nagaraworkshop]

Indeed, that's why I mentioned the problems with non-stock flanges :-) !

[@TheScholar0]

Just give me the fairmont and youll never have to worry about it again eric

[@cheetoz6902]

The Fairmont o's awesome from bumper to bumper and I totally dig your car . The ultimate sleeper ,until the tires light off at 50 my and scorch past you. I am in awh with your capabilities and knowledge and enjoy your vids. I know this is a old thread but I never got to see the build so I'm catching up. Don't worry bout what people say ,it's your car your way . God bless you and yours and FORDS RULE

[@bigdanwess]

Love this project... Thumbs-up for the underhood layout Eric, love it, neat and clean... Also, thanks for the time/work making these videos, really appreciate it... Happy New Year to you and all your loved ones !

[@devttyUSB0]

Great to hear about your Fairmont Project! :D Thanks!

[@carhead9397]

Quit acknowledging people who are disrespectful. In anyway!! You have some growing pains to overcome because you got a lot of car there. I couldn't put that much into my 30 year project all at once so I had time to get use to each improvement. You just have a lot of power there man. In a year from now you will be flogging that thing on the track with the best of them. Keep up the videos

[@ETCG1]

I hope so. Thanks for the comment!

[@Drives31forhalo]

that dash looks glorious! scratch that, the entire care looks glorious!

[@shannonsisk]

Love the fairmont. 500 hp to the wheels is crazy power for a street car, and will get you in trouble fast. Keep up the good work Eric!

[@goodnamesareallgone1]

Yeah, that dash does look good. Happy new year Eric!

[@ETCG1]

Happy New Year!

[@MrCaprinut]

Greetings from Norway! Regarding the exhaust cut out leak, just make a plate to cover the exhaust for now til you fix the problem, that way you won't have a leak there. Seen several builders use a really long belt sander to make the headers flat, ask around and you may be able to lend it to straighten it :-) Another idea is to get a straight anti roll bar, make extension towers to move the mounting point, that would make a ton more room for the exhaust. I like this project as I'm tired of seeing the normal stuff, i.e Camaro, Chevelle etc drag/sleeper cars, but nothing against of those, I love Camaro's, is just that, they are everwhere. Keep up the good work Eric!! Richard

[@ETCG1]

Hello Norway! I've already used a belt sander to true up the mating surface. In fact, that's part of the reason it's still leaking as I mentioned in the video. The anti roll bar also already has extensions on it. Moving the pipe is really the only option at this point. Thanks for your input.

[@HighVoltage1935]

Eric Happy New Year , The Fairmont is Awesome , I Wish I had a 1/4 of your knowledge, Also Eric I've seen guys take their cars and hack them up , you didn't do this to the Fairmont , and yes you are going to have some tweaking to do as you said its a work in progress & yes you've made a few mistakes, Your Human, we all do thing is you learn from them and carry on. Awesome Job on the Fairmont Eric , I can't wait to see you do the tweaking & Thank You for Sharing this adventure with us thus far :)

[@vedranlatin1386]

Hey Eric, if you put the vent square in the middle of the tank top any sloshing action would take the fuel away from it - not towards it which should help a lot. If I'm not mistaken, cornering forces peak out at 0.5G so fuel surface should stay around 30°from horizontal on average, meaning the center of your tank top should always be dry. If moving the inlet is not an option, make the pipe bend all the way towards the center of the tank - same principle, plus you don't use that space anyway. Love what you did with the car btw :)

[@InternetDude]

Vedran Latin yeah putting it in the middle should help a bit. If the tube could come up higher that could help too.

[@ETCG1]

I understand what you're saying, but the tank has already been built. There really is no going back at this point. I'm going to try and make something work. If I can't get it to work, perhaps I'll try out your suggestion.

[@ShadowRifft]

Awesome!, Modding, Tweaking, Learning, working toward smooth operation👍 Happy NewYear n Stay Warm!!

[@ETCG1]

Happy New Year!

[@mickwrinkles2318]

Don't listen too much to what other people say. You know what you want, if you're happy with it stop all the overthinking right there.

[@mrsabidji]

The Fairmont's looking great, Eric. Of course it has issues, it's a project car. You have all of 2018 to fix some of them and create new ones, and have a blast in the process. :)

[@n20cpri]

A machine shop to mill the exhaust flanges flat? Also a support bracket for the turbo to help take some weight off the manifold? Drag radials for everyday use and then ET streets for the track. If you ever get new wheels a slightly different offset will help cure the rubbing problems. I'm a fuel injection type of guy but I watched you tune the carb on the Fairmont when it was stock - I think you can get it dialed in - keep at it.

[@greenscobie86]

Nice build! Glad to see its finally running.

[@juiced71]

Happy New Years Eric! Love the build! And I'm with ya build something you can have fun with ! Power tours drag week car shows and something when you step on the gas it moves down the road!👍🏻 my buddy has a 72 chevelle with a blow through setup and it works perfectly the carb was a stock Holley and he followed all the hanger 18 mods to build it .. he played around with the jetting but once it came in it has been good.. one thing he did do tho was put a big fuel pump on it to make sure he wouldn't have issues and ran 10 an feed and 8 return there is no strain on the pump and it works great! As far as your vent goes what he did was put a loop in it and it exits through the trunk floor .... There is a company out that's called FI Tech they make a blow through FI setup that has a lot of great reviews it's capable of making 1200 hp more then enough I say . Still about 1500 bucks and the 1200 hp one is the only Version that does blow through and nitrous. The controller that comes with it has timing control fan control and a few other things ... just throwing this info out at ya hope it helps ... love the build hope to see more of it !!

[@ratagris21]

Great state of the Fair Project video. Like with any project we have to account for trail and error, expenses, and continued modifications and changes. I'm glad you have included the errors discovered in your build. You're doing great and I know you will one day say I have completed it or close to completion, but it still drives and goes. Tires are a funny component that is indeed trail and error and while many manufacturers provide good data their product may not deliver the goods as described.

[@augienajera642]

Eric, I love your passion for the Fairmont project. It will always be a work in progress, but it is one Bad A.. ride!

[@charlesmiller5078]

I normally take the exhaust header to the Machine shop, they just stick it on the rotating stone table for 20 minutes, and its perfectly flat again, no fuss no muss. most parts are trued this way. Weld and grind with hand grinder, dont do it. Great Car Eric. Its kinda a car I wanted when I was a young man, and could never afford. I had a nice sleeper, but nothing like the Fairmont. Its not just the engine, its the whole car. Im thinking probably another 2 years of tweeking, but you will be prouder then what you are now. Nice daily driver..Police magnet.

[@ArchimedeanEye]

Good advice.

[@hellaz1]

Keep up being awesome Eric! You have helped me a lot with learning troubleshooting, I didn't get to learn much of that in Automotive Tech School. Have a great year :) greetings from Joakim Hellsing Sweden

[@ArchimedeanEye]

Hey Eric, great update and happy new year! I thought you might be thinking about EFI after playing with the carb for a while! I would like to make a few suggestions about the car for your consideration. This is coming from a person that has built many old cars with updated powertrains. 1. If the car is to be primarily a street car, PLEASE do not run the manifolds without gaskets!! Remember I once said to you it's a good idea to ask yourself "Would an OEM do it this way?" The answer in the case of manifolds is NO. 2. There will be a good reason why you are blowing exhaust manifold gaskets. Simply removing the gaskets is not finding the root cause. The cause will be either a) High EGT's, b) High back pressure, c) Exhaust moving around. Is the turbo dump pipe sufficient in size to relieve the system of back-pressure? Is the design of the exhaust manifold pipes to the turbo feed causing undue back pressure back into the manifolds? Or is each bank freely able to drive the exhaust turbine with minimal back pressure? 3. PLEASE if you go fuel injection do not go to a throttle body 'fogging' system. Do it properly with 8 x injectors directly firing on the back of the intake valves. Again, there are many reasons why OEM's have been running this way for decades now. You can use a 1000cfm 4-barrel throttle body if you really want to keep your intake similar to the way it is. Further, I suspect your tuning problems are very much related to your exhaust manifold gasket problems. That is not normal unless you have a flow or heat related problem somewhere. Lack of flow, pressure and heat are all related and you will never get the tuning spot on while this problem exists. It's also very likely you will toast your top piston rings in the process. I think the Fairmont has been a wasted opportunity to be honest here Eric. You had the chance to update the vehicle with a reliable engine and engine management, but instead you wanted to re-invent the wheel with a cobbled together system which is an unproven one-of-one. If you want the car to be a reliable cruiser, I think you should have a proper re-think about various aspects of the engine, exhaust and fuel system and build some more modern OEM level engineering into these areas.

[@carhead9397]

ArchimedeanEye this debate about fuel injection vs carb is fueled by people who don't know carburetor. I have both in my collection of cars. Yes I'm older but I can tune my carburetor anywhere anytime for all manner of driving . Including racing. About 80% of the cars I race and beat are injected cars.

[@ETCG1]

Can't really go with a multipart set up at this point because of the way the charge piping is routed. I'd have to go back to what it was originally routed through the passenger side. Not really keen on that since the charge was being heated by the exhaust with that set up. Not to mention I've sealed off the opening on the drivers side where it used to come through. Running manifolds without a gasket comes from people who build lots of turbo cars. It seems to be the way to go according to them and given that the drivers side is now sealed, I'd be inclined to agree with them. It's a TON of trouble to replace the gaskets on this engine and they barely last a week. Not to mention the good ones are $50 a set. I agree that the exhaust leaks aren't helping the tuning. Therefore I'm going to wait till after I fix them to start tuning more. Trust me, I think about how the car is set up a lot. I have since the beginning. I bristle at the insinuation that I've 'cobbled it together'. That's not the case. Let's not forget, besides the problems I mention in the video, the car is great. It tears up the back roads like nobodies business, which is exactly what I set out to do. I think you're leaving out all of the 'wins' I've had with building this car. Not to mention all the stuff I've learned. My welding has improved immensely. I guess what I'm trying to say, as I've said many times with your comments, you have your way, I have mine. Just because I'm not doing it your way does not necessarily mean I'm doing it wrong. As always, your input is appreciated. Happy New Year!

[@ArchimedeanEye]

+carhead That was never my argument in the debate. My argument was that for a reliable a street car, the combination of a carb and a turbo is a bad one. People have known this for decades. Engine management shits all over anything else, not just because of fuel delivery but because of many, many other areas where engine management excels, such as the ability to pull 2 degrees of timing out at a given load point for every 10 degrees over a set threshold. This is what you need in a street car where engine temps and engine intake temps vary wildly.

[@ArchimedeanEye]

+ETCG1 Yes, sorry, I should have pointed out the immense wins you have had with the car also.. as overall it's an awesome car! I think you are going to keep struggling with the car Eric in this configuration. The manifold gaskets are blowing for a good reason, as I am trying to tell you. You have a more serious problem than just blowing gaskets. The blowing gaskets are the symptom, not the cause of your problems. Sorry, but hacking the manifolds with a belt sander and running sealant as a gasket IS the wrong way of doing things. I know you don't want to hear that, but it is. Ask yourself, why is a low boost engine continually blowing manifold gaskets? It's not because of the gaskets.

[@ArchimedeanEye]

+ETCG1 What I mean by cobbled together is that you decided to push ahead with ways of doing things that are known to produce sub-standard results. Yes, this is not strictly wrong, but it is not good either. Such as carbureting a turbo vehicle (and in doing so, not running engine management). Now you have a car that leaks oil, leaks fuel and leaks exhaust. Not to mention the most horrible exhaust press-bends I have ever seen on a car - let alone a performance car. Your exhaust guy should be shot for that. Engine management could also control the fuel system purge, so you wouldn't need to dump fuel out into the atmosphere. I would have thought you would take all those years of looking at everything Honda do well in terms of engineering and apply that to your vehicle - but it seems you are trying to re-invent the wheel by ignoring all the advancements made in the past 3 decades and push on in a sub-standard way. Unless you have a re-think about various areas of the car, it's never going to be a reliable cruiser.

[@turbolq4]

Sleepers are special cars for special people. I have the GM version of your Fairmont, a 1981 Malibu crew cab (4 door). It's modified heavily. I burned tons of time and money building a car that I like. I enjoy driving it around, just cruising. Destroying "fast" cars is a whole bunch of fun but it's a small part of what the car is all about. You built an incredible machine. Own it. Best thing about cars like these is you can't hear people whine about how you built your car over the turbo noise.

[@ginnai]

Happy New Year Eric! It is interesting how lost in the trees people get when it comes to "muscle cars", particularly in the case of projects. The assumptions around the goal of the project as well as actual numbers and the comparisons therein are pretty off-putting, so I am glad that you return (time and again) to the point of the driving experience and the personal nature of a project car. My preludes (91 & 97) are exempt from these expectations and I am normally relegated to the corner of any car show lot, but that is fine. I am glad that I don't have to defend my HP numbers and be told that I am "doing it wrong"; not to say that I don't get input, but it is a fraction of what it would be if I had a "respectable" antique/ classic car. Glad to have you back posting again, but more glad that you seem more centered and happy to be ETCG again. All the best.

[@mbsnyderc]

It's a Good Build,and 500Hp is enough for a street car.project car's are allway's a project there will alway's be something you want to fix or make better.enjoy the car,that's the real reason you built it.

[@jamesburba1995]

Love your car Eric ! Just remember, hot rods are never 'finished'. The goal is to enjoy whatever you are doing. It's obvious to me that despite the aggravations, you are doing exactly that. Forget the haters and the naysayers, they're just jealous because they can't seem to get out of momma's basement.

[@turboboy0]

When you do go to the track,if you do not put skinny tires on the front, put extra air pressure in the front tires(40lbs) for less rolling resistance. Every little thing helps.

[@gvs5318]

the Fairmont looks like and from your description seems to be a really fun driver. Happy New Year

[@drewb242]

Anyone who says 600hp is not a lot probably has never drove a car with more than 150hp. 600hp in a 70s fairmont has got to be scary fast even with your suspension upgrades.

[@jesteris25]

I drove a friends skyline that had 600 ponies. 1500 rpm breaking traction thats fun 600 is enough for street and that was 5 pound boost imagine 15.

[@PaulsGarage]

Vox Nihili very true. It depends on the car for sure, but 600hp in a fairmont is probably borderline terrifying.

[@manrightchea]

Vox Nihili. Yeah a lot of these kids are armchair racers. They watch people race on 1320 and think 600 is not enough. Most of them have never driven a high-horsepower car outside of a video game and most of them can't even drive manual. It's always the non-car people that are the most critical of builds.

[@danr5105]

A couple of mechanics at work thought they wanted to go drag racing. They ended up with a 383 stroker in a Nova body. First run the car broke its driveshaft and the guy driving (a good friend) was so scared by the incident he sold his part of the car. Another guy,our top heavy line man also built a 383 stroker and put it in a El Camino body. The car was so fast it scared him and was sold. These were unboosted engines,probably not over 425hp.

[@Koshunae]

I've grown up around race cars of all kinds, from drag to super late model dirt cars. 600hp is plenty to mess you up. 700 is probably the most I've ever run. I believe if you aren't just a little bit afraid of what your car can do, you didn't build it right.

[@uncrediable]

What comes to ride height is that if you would lift just the front, then you will have better traction to the rear wheels :) And I did my boosted carburator fuel lines with "fuel injector" way with return line and have had no problems with it.

[@bradkrekelberg8624]

Sorry you're frustrated, man. Definitely some annoying problems you're having. Don't worry about having enough power (in fact, I made a crack about it having too much on the last one, sorry about that). The Fairmont is sweet. Don't let anyone tell you different. I definitely feel your pain with the problems. I've been trying to get my Zephyr to "be where I want it" for 10 years. This past year was particularly frustrating for me. If I was a youtuber, my videos would look a lot like this one "here's another mistake I made" only I'm not nearly as good a wrench as you are, haha. Best of luck! Looking forward to the new Fairmont videos!

[@IKnewMickey]

The Fairmont will turn out decent forsure. I live the Sounds this car makes! it's definitely a sleeper. Most of us know if all you wanted was fast you would have built it differently.

[@jefftovani5535]

A good mechanic can take a pile of crap,and make it a pile a gold,you seem to have that quality!! Keep up the videos,they have helped me, I'm not a pro,but close!!!!

[@frankslattery9962]

The videos are great! Your car is yours, you built it ,you paid for it and you drive it the way you want. Tell all the haters to go kick rocks! Happy new year and keep up the good work.

[@madmat2001]

If you put a dual loop (720 degrees) in your vent line you'll cure the fuel spillage issue.

[@frugalprepper]

I think the Fairmont is sweet. I am loving it all over again now that it's together. I am sure you will get this all sorted out this winter and it will be a FUN spring! I feel your pain. I am doing a proper stock rebuild of an engine on my little channel and the views are low and I think people are getting a little tired of it, but I am pushing through and trying to put in some other content here and there. There a not a lot of videos on GM LD9 Quad 4's because they are normally a throw away engine for most people. However I think it will be and important reference in the future for people that want to know how to fix those engines. I think the work you have done on the Fairmont will be a invaluable reference for people wanting to do Fox body builds in the future as well.

[@charlesmaynard6450]

You’ve done a great job with the Fairmont!! Keep up the good work!!

[@TrojanHorse1959]

Hey Eric, I think you've done a great job on the Fairmont. I had exhaust header gasket trouble a few years ago too because of some slightly warped header flanges and I ended up using the Permatex Ultra-Copper silicone on my thick (paper?) Mr. Gasket header gaskets and that sealed them right up with no further issues. Of course, my car is supercharged and not turbocharged too. Use some Dynomax Ultra-Flow mufflers and you can toss those leaky bypass valves. Fuel injection would have been better IMO too, but at this point, the changeover cost would be considerable, maybe as much as $4,000. (I'd love to have the Holley system myself.) YES! On the bias ply slicks instead of Drag Radials. Sledgehammer massage those inner rear fenders. That's a common "mod" on Foxbody Mustangs to fit larger tires. Fire extinguisher, Great Idea! Maybe add a second one seeing how small that one is.

[@UrPeaceKeeper]

Hey Eric, loving the nearly complete work on the Fairmont but thought I'd throw my hat in to see if I can't help you with the traction issues. I'm not sure how much you played with the suspension at the track, but my experience with the Tokico D-Specs has shown them to be a bit of a pain to get adjusted right. The problem stems from what they adjust when you stiffen them or soften them. They adjust both the rebound and compression at the same time and what I've found is that by the time you hit one setting that you like (say rebound), the other is either way too high or not high enough. This is of course an added problem for good launches and handling that require specific levels of each to perform their best (and usually not the same setting). So I don't know if you tried, you could soften the rear and stiffen the front on those D-Specs and you might get lucky. One other thing to think about is the suspension geometry. It's hard to tell what the car is doing on the launch because it's not hooking up but when you get your drag slicks like you want, you'll have to have someone pay attention to what the car is doing on launch. With a live axle setup, you have the ability to tune what is called Anti-Squat through the angle of the rear lower control arm. If you drop the axle side of the lower control arm through lower control arm relocation brackets (doesn't change the side to side location, just the vertical location of the axle side) you'll hit the tires harder and force the chassis to rise up above the tire. This can, if the tires can support it, result in harder launches and better traction. The Torque Arm helps A LOT in that regard too as the geometry is extremely stable and it usually increases the %Anti-Squat over factory. Most notably the torque arm doesn't require the lower control arms to be at really bad angles to achieve high levels of %Anti-Squat. If you want to know more, check out the /Drive video (under /Engineered sub channel) from Filip Trojanek at Cortex Racing called "Cortex Dive Squat". He goes into depth about %Anti-squat and torque arms while talking in plain English! No math. It starts at about the 7min25s mark. Keep up the great work, can't wait to see the progress as weather warms up again!

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

Congrats Eric on everything you have achieved! Happy New Year!

[@ETCG1]

Thanks! Happy New Year to you too!

[@AAAComputerSolutions]

You can go with a junkyard explorer intake or the intake from the mustang if it was efi (I forget) and some used (flowed and tested) injectors as well as a diy auto tune ms2 or ms3. A walboro 340lph pump is $120. Would love to see you build the megasquirt kit. You would be sub $2000 probably closer to $1500. Keep it going Eric!

[@cobra454tim]

Happy New Year ETCG1! Yeah carburetors are a pain in the butt to mess with, unfortunately I have no experience with turbo charged carburetor setup, that's why several comments ago I felt you should have went to some sort of fuel injection. But you'll figure it out Eric that's the whole experience of a car like this. Quite easy to make lots of power and it's quite hard to put it down to the ground. I remember helping my buddy on his 69 Chevelle, he created a crazy small block that will rev to 8000 but it was quite difficult for us to get the right set up to get that power to the ground.

[@MrKeithmckenzie]

What a adventure Eric I Like the fact you don't quit and give IN this is a cool project but man this would make me crazy haha

[@Aykutreyes]

I apologize I often forget to put a thumbs-up when I like a video cuz I usually just watch them and let the next one play without actually scrolling down to the comment section or even having it not on full screen

[@AaronAverett]

I had the same problem with exhaust leaks on my (stock) Mazdaspeed Miata. $40 paid to a machine shop to make the manifold mating surface really, actually, honest-to-God, seriously flat fixed the issue. Having a machine shop plane the flanges might help with your exhaust leak issues.

[@Harrythepot]

Happy new year all. We need too see a MCM and ETCG collaboration

[@ETCG1]

I'd love that.

[@jakeg83]

Happy New Year Eric, I admire your work and the fact that you chose a car that wasn't a Camaro, a Chevelle, Challenger, etc., you thought outside of the box. I've watched every video on the build and can say I'm jealous. I don't have the money, knowledge, or space to do what you've done. If I had my way I'd get a classic car I wouldn't be afraid to drive when the weather isn't the most ideal(except snow) and dump a fuel injected engine in or learn to do fuel injection kit. Why? Because I don't know a thing about carburetors and fuel injection more efficient, but that's me. Again, nice car, thanks for recording your work, and anything worth having is worth the time working on in the end.

[@jdmeaux]

On your cutouts, I have in the past removes part of the exhaust and added flanges to be able to remove about a 6 inch section before the mufflers. Of course this can only be done offroad at a track or out in the country. Don't get caught in town with them open. Gets expensive real quick. JD

[@frankgrimes8714]

I love this car! Love seeing videos about it. Everything looks well thought out and solid built! The one thing I noticed is the exhaust it seems a mandrel bent 3" single exhaust would be much much better than what is on the car. Also I think you should stick with the carb and get it tuned nice. I think it would make a good video to see the process of tuning a turbo blow through carb and there is no reason a carb cant work well.

[@emtscythe3782]

None of the haters, no one making negative comments have put their hands on that car. They haven't experienced the hours, frustrations, cuts, wins, fails, redos, and pissed off times. Keyboard builders will never get it. Do I agree with everything you've done? No but guess what, who cares. You've built your car, on your terms, with your money and had a great time doing it. I applaud you for doing it your way and you have your dream car for your work. You do you Eric.

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

As for the slicks, I totally 2nd that notion! That's the right kind of tire for going on the track (but not for driving on the road!), so you should totally look into that. As for road tires, the ones that you've got on there should still be good for another couple of years. It's a totally different situation, so don't mix them up. And be safe! (meaning don't drive slicks on a normal road, because it will make it much harder to handle on lower-ish kind of speeds)

[@MJTAUTOMOTIVE]

Hi Eric, Happy new year. Do you have a bracket from the base of the turbo flange to the head or block?. If not that's an awful lot of weight hanging of that manifold. Maybe that's why it keeps blowing gaskets. (Just a thought). Also what fuel pressure is it running Under boost. Remember that being a blow through carb set up you want about 6-7 psi plus boost psi. Maybe your boost reference is correct to the fuel regulator and varies with boost and load. Also with the anti roll over valve put a 90 deg on the outlet but put a full 360 deg loop in the hose and attach it as high up under the parcel shelf. One more thing that bracket from Bleepin Jeep is a very sexy .You should mount you fire extinguisher within arm's reach , you don't want to have to go back into the car and pull the seat forward to get to it. It could be to late by then. I sound like I am being very picky, but just a little experience building my own race and customer cars that could help you. Stick with it Mate the Fairmont is kickarse. Cheers.

[@ETCG1]

Thanks for the suggestions. I can't monitor fuel psi while driving, that's why I wanted to put it on a chassis dyno to see what it was doing under load. Once I've made that determination I'll decide what to do next. Thanks again.

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

Eric Remflex is a company that makes very good header gaskets. Theyre particularly good at sealing up leaky headers because they're made of thick graphite material I believe it is and crush alot. I've used them in several headers that had constant leaking problems and fixed them. I have not used them on a turbo car though. The heat load and extra exhaust pressure may blow them out since they're soft. Nothing wrong with the copper rtv though either. Just easier cleanup with a gasket

[@MrKnoxguy101]

Over 500hp is totally respectable. Now it’s a fun Fairmont.

[@arielatom03]

OMG can you imagine etcg doing drag week? That would be awesome! Please DO IT!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Just a suggestion - to fix your fuel spilling issue, I'd install an oil catch can in the line there. A clear one would be nice, but any setup would work. That way you'll catch the fuel, instead of having it run down the side of the car, and still have that cell breathing. You'll just have to empty the can after playing around on the backroads. :) Love that car.I don't have the patience anymore for all the things that come up with a custom build, but some day I want to get me a '69 Grand Marquis convertible. 429 has alot of potential. Rides beautifully too - unmatched in this day and age! :) Wishing you all the success in the world for 2018!

[@ETCG1]

Then I'd have to periodically dump it back into the fuel tank. I'd rather try and come up with a self sustaining solution. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Yeah I don't blame you there. Could connect a hose off the bottom and either have it gravity drain back into the tank, or connect a small pump if you wanted to ... but you probably have enough accessories wired up in there. Would be nice if it could gravity feed back in. Might not be able to get it high enough to do that, though ...

[@AdMiRaLeDpIeTt]

Wheel Spacers with lug bolts will solve the problem on the rear wheels. Dart DC2 Gold coatings might solve the exhaust issues in the manifolds, you have to coat the exhaust system including the exhaust cutout to reduce the heat.

[@leemoknows]

I hope you are able to hit a car show or event that I hear about. I would love to come over from Indiana to see the Fairmont. Hope you have a Happy New Year! 👍