Unbalanced

So the new engine is out of balance. Still vibrates at higher speeds, or in 3rd gear. I have an appointment next week to take her in to Schnells and they are going to try to work a bit more on her. I feel like I am kind of screwed here though.

I talked to the warranty people at the engine rebuild place in Spokane. He reminded me of my warranty. 70,000 miles or 7 years, but is limited to only $40 an hour labor or $500 for fixing the engine. I have already spent $325 for them to weld more weight on it to balance it out, and now more is needed. They said they would check some other things out to make sure it’s not something else. That means I have $175 left that the warranty will cover, and the rest will come out of my pocket! Schnells gave me the scoop on it all, telling me that they have had past customers who have had to go through a couple of engines before one was balanced. (not from the same rebuild place) and agreed that I am between a rock and a hard place.

The rebuild place said they would be happy to take the engine back and put it on machines to see if it’s their problem - but come on, who is going to rip the engine out, send it back to them, and reinstall either a new one or the same one for $500, and I only have $175 left! Crap-ity crap.

Not working right now, I don’t have the $ to put into the car, not to mention all the $ that has already gone into her. No, she is not a lemon, just an older car. I’m using her as a daily driver, so I am feeling the aches and pains as they are getting recognized and addressed.

I hope that she will get smoothed out - I am feeling screwed by the rebuild place, and I spent so much money to get that engine in there.

The things that need to be  taken care of on the car that I have a feeling are next:

1. transmission. The car goes through 2nd gear pretty quickly, and is starting to not be as smooth going into 3rd. I can’t afford to have it rebuilt now, but will need to soon. Maybe even replace with a rebuilt better tranny? It’s a 318 motor, I don’t think it needs a heavy duty 727 torqueflight - those were for the big block engines like the 400 & 440.
2. front end alignment. I think something is going on with it. Austin had to tighten the steering box bolts, I am hoping it’s not from the vibration of the engine. A previous mechanic had said something about the alignment needing attention. I know the steering has a bit of play, but would be nice if I could go 70mph and not have the engine vibrating and the front end drifting!
3. speedometer cable: it gets loud and is a little bouncy.
4. dash lights: the speedometer side is a bit dim, and the switch needs to be replaced. I have these parts, just need to coordinate with Austin on pulling the dash cluster and doing these things. I tried once, but saw too many wires and things behind it, and was afraid I would screw something up since I have never done anything like it before.
5. Exhaust system: a better breathing engine is a better running engine.

The rest is cosmetic stuff that needs attention. Bodywork, interior, paint, door pins, door locks.

I’ll need a good paying job if I am to get the car restored in the next year or two!