Projects Joe's American Graffiti Coupe with a Man A Fre (Milner Coupe Clone)

Thank you! We'll get there eventually....

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Great day today. Tuning was very successful. No smoke and an excellent idle. We only need to address a few minor gremlins. Finally out of the garage. Here's a couple pics with Elliott.

Very excited to move forward. We'll get there soon!

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Jolly good. Nothing left but some audio/video and a time slip.

 

I can't wait to get there. Soon!

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I had a bit of free time. Replaced the linkage return springs with smaller, more period correct, offerings.

I also checked the intake and carburetors. I found NO leaks! So happy.

I can't wait for more test drives. Soon!

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Working on a few other projects right now. More Graffiti pandemonium to follow soon!

Here's a few pics of the night we got her home. So many ups and downs. So happy to finally be on the positive side of things.....


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Rob and I finally got chance to take the car out for a bit more testing. The car was a bit difficult to start as we had accidentally flooded it. I learned it isn't necessary to keep punching the throttle to start our setup.

The car idled steadily and ran very smoothly.
Totally gone are the backfires, gas leaks, coughing, and general unhappiness that was present before. The only issue was that the engine wanted to die when stopping suddenly. Shifting into neutral before a stop did help somewhat.

We even traveled into our small town to visit G & S Machine. They completely rebuilt my 2.02 heads and provided answers to countless questions. They were really happy to see the car for the first time.

While there, Steve noticed that we had a 7 inch harmonic balancer installed which accounted for our inaccurate timing marker. Our engine was designed to use the older 8 inch balancer. No problem as we power timed our car. (Advance little by little until she grunts with the starter then back just a hair)

He and Tim Bowman also suggested that we increase our idle speed a bit. After a brief adjustment the engine now idles even smoother at 900 to 950 rpms. On our drive home the car seemed much happier at the new idle speed. It wasn't nearly as eager to die when returning to idle.

I'm over the moon. Another very good day.

More adventures to follow....

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Congratulations! It looks like you've solved the puzzle and provided a lot of valuable info on the Man A Fre. I feel more confident with my Man A Fre after following your thread. Thank you.

 

From the A team , " I love it when a plan comes together" ,congratulations ! With my 2x4 tunnel ram , especially when the engine is not up to operating temp ( 15 minutes of road driving) I had the "want to stall "deal , a very slight rich (1/8 turn or less) of the mixture screws cured it.

 

I am very happy it is working better for you! Enjoy!

 

My main goal in creating this thread was to help others. If only one person is motivated by my persistence then my job is done.

Thank you!

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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ That's the part that bugs me!^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Yes I did. Tim did an amazing job. Hopefully I can share more details of his Man A Fre restoration work in the future.

Thanks for following along!

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does start to seem like a howard hughes project!

 

Its a closely guarded state secret , like the coca cola formula or the Kentucky fried chicken recipe!!

 

Very funny! My experience feels more like this....

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You should be in the bent over position for the back shot....................

 

In my case, I have the original carbs, manifold, linkage as a unit from Man A Fre. My knowledge of the initial set up, idle mix etc. was in pieces and bits. I have followed your comment on these systems very closely and I thank you for your input. I plan on doing the install on my coupe over the winter.

 

Please ask if I can help you in any way. I have grown to love and appreciate this system.

Thank you to Moriarity. He has been awesome. I'm so thankful to him and everyone who has stayed with this thread since day one!

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i would guess the 'help in anyway " might be those specs divulged that are secret so far

 

Maybe! Tim Bowman's phone number really is my secret weapon. He is the teacher. I am only a humble student.

As a student, I have learned many things through my failures. That knowledge I can pass on.

Have a great day!

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How's it going to run without the balance tubes?

 

My manifold does have the balance tubes. I thought all of these manifolds had them. Maybe they were a bit enlarged or just highlighted for advertising.

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I thought those giant snorkels in the ad were the balance tubes. I've never seen the snorkels before. They must be rare.

 

Balance tube is present and accounted for.

 

Today we buried a good man. Dave Kelsey. Thank you sir. You were a great friend and mentor. You taught me so much about life.

"Shut up and listen"

I wish I would have talked less and listened more.

You didn't get to see my Graffiti coupe. I know you would have liked it. Thank you for the encouragement and confidence that I needed.

This post is for you. Thank you!

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My most sincere condolences.

 

Sorry for your loss, Nic