Did a compression test on my stroked Olds 215, not good. #4 cylinder at 50 lbs.

Gswest236 · July 01, 2026, 11:57:51 AM

Thanks Jim. Are you referencing the clutch alignment tool or something different to check bell housing alignment?

Gswest236 · July 01, 2026, 09:17:10 PM

I got the carb rebuild started; everything has been removed that needs to be removed. It's all bagged and tagged. The Chinese Amazon carb rebuild kit that I got first probably would be fine for those that do these rebuilds all the time. The Edelbrock kit came with instructions which a guy like me needs. Got the clutch assembly out and it looks like the flywheel should get resurfaced, the pressure plate and disc will be replaced. The transmission will get cleaned up next.

mgb260 · July 02, 2026, 04:05:21 PM

Scott, Progress!

Gswest236 · July 05, 2026, 11:49:04 AM

Slow but sure!

Gswest236 · July 06, 2026, 09:17:23 PM

I got the carb done today. Was waiting on a new accelerator pump from Edelbrock; their kit didn't have one. The Chinese kit had one but of course it didn't work with the stock S clip. For anyone doing a rebuild on one of these carbs; don't waste your time with an Amazon cheapy rebuild kit. Next question is do I need this heat shield? My guess is any heat abatement around the carb is worthwhile. Does everyone use them with these motors?

mgb260 · July 06, 2026, 10:29:44 PM

Scott, With the Jet Hot coating on the intake and headers the carb should be cooler. I've never used a plate but have used a double gasket with an aluminum shim in the middle. You could cut the plate down for a spacer sandwich.

MGBV8 · July 07, 2026, 09:49:28 AM

Many use a phenolic spacer. They come in several sizes. A 1/4" or 1/2" should fit.

Gswest236 · July 07, 2026, 12:21:13 PM

I have a 1/2" phenolic spacer and it seemed to help with vapor lock. But it caused the air filter housing to touch the hood, but just slightly. I was thinking with the ceramic coating I might not need it. After getting the hood louvered, engine temps were fine. But I haven't been in stop and go traffic on a hoy day, which would be the true test. I'll probably put the spacer and heat shield back on before I'm done.

Gswest236 · July 08, 2026, 09:03:22 PM

We got the transmission and crossmember cleaned up. 17 years of grease and grime gone. Need to order the clutch parts; disc, pressure plate , throw out bearing. Being a Rover tranny and bell housing, who has the right stuff? Also, I want to change the fluid in the 5 speed. Factory recommends ATF, but I see info on 75w90 being an upgrade. What's the consensus here?

mgb260 · July 08, 2026, 11:53:40 PM

Scott, Check Rockauto under Rover and Land Rover. Triumph TR7 &TR8 used the Rover transmission also. Rimmer? I'd use Synchromesh Fluid.

Gswest236 · July 09, 2026, 11:25:38 AM

Ok, thanks Jim!

MGBV8 · July 09, 2026, 05:12:15 PM

LT77 or R380?

Gswest236 · July 09, 2026, 07:01:32 PM

I'm told it's the LT77. TWS motors has the clutch kit coming my way.They wanted pics of my flywheel and clutch disc and plate before confirming they had what I need. So we're good but slightly poorer. I tried Rimmer Bros and it was too much with shipping. Rock auto/summit probably have what I need but I didn't see it there with the 10" disc and 23 spline. I don't mind supporting these shops that aren't giant businesses. In the meantime I'm cleaning the engine bay and doing some touchup work. Most of it is good, but very oily.

MGBV8 · July 09, 2026, 09:16:00 PM

I would run the ATF in the LT77 vs the 75w90. The fluid pump may not like the thicker oil.

Gswest236 · July 10, 2026, 10:44:58 PM

Got it! Thanks

Gswest236 · July 16, 2026, 03:35:04 PM

I got the fluid changed out in the 5 speed. I went with Valvoline Synchromesh. Since I'm waiting on the headers and clutch parts I decided to spruce up the engine bay. All the chips and touch up paint spots looked bad, so we'll see if it looks better or worse when I'm done. It's a 50/50 proposition at best.