Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In Episode 30, I got the new custom ported intake manifold to seal, fixing the oil consumption problem, but found two new problems: an oil leak, and a transmission fluid leak. In this episode you'll see that I had to send back my brand new custom built $1,875 Ultimate Converter Concepts 10.5" 4L80E torque converter to be repaired. You'll also see me struggle to diagnose a pesky oil leak and a Power Steering fluid leak. I FINALLY get the car sealed up, drive it, and 3 miles into the drive, the car DIES and has to be towed home. Ugh.
"1971 Cutlass Ep 30: Good Olds Motor, BAD 10.5" Converter!":
youtu.be/GlXtU-7mhUc
0:50 A recap of episode 30 about the 482 cid engine (Episode 31 was new gauges)
1:25 Initial leaks: Coolant, motor oil, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid
1:43 Showing the warped borrowed Torker intake
2:31 I installed my Performer Intake wrong
2:59 Showing the oil consumption
3:08 Showing stages of my custom welded and ported "semi air-gap" Edelbrock Torker intake manifold
3:33 Showing the new oil leak
4:28 Showing the torque converter leak
7:26 Starting the transmission dissasembly
7:49 Discovering the exact source of the transmission torque converter leak!
8:46 Got repaired torque converter returned & installed
9:22 Power Steering pump resivoir leak
10:08 Test drive with the repaired torque converter reveals the oil leak
13:57 Showing the new oil leak
14:17 Showing how the engine builder converted my block to accept -10AN Oring to -12AN fittings for the Innovative Racing Products remote oil filter mount and thermostat.
14:35 It still leaked after changing the o-ring seals and fitting ends
14:59 I'm frustrated! But I figured something out...
15:29 A new discovery gets me closer to the real source of the oil leak
16:05 Plugging the vented PCV hose made NO change, but we found the REAL source of the leak! The back of the intake manifold!
17:33 Showing the poor RTV seal at the back of the intake manifold
17:43 Showing the problem: the RTV didn't adhere to the Powder Coating!
19:11 Reinstalling the intake manifold but doing a couple things differently
20:04 Showing the intake to block seal after reinstal
20:41 I GOT 2.9 MILES FROM HOME before it DIED! At least it wasn't smoking though.
22:156 Showing the low fuel pressure
22:27 Getting towed home
24:15 Showing another shot of testing the fuel pressure
24:35 Closing thoughts & what I think the problem is
26:16 Outro with credits
Here are links to some of the products or services mentioned:
Ultimate Converter Concepts 4L80E converter:
ultimateconverter.com
Summit Racing Equipment Sunsong Power Steering Pump Seal Kit 8401491
summitracing.com/parts/SUG-8401491
Devon at H3 Towing Services was great:
Stow, OH, USA
H3TowingServices.com
(330) 221-6610
Cyclone Transmission
1412 4th St SE
Canton, OH 44707
cyclonetransmission.com
(330) 639-1137
Performance Driven Design
Tennessee, USA
PerformanceDrivenDesign.com
In Episode 30, I got the new custom ported intake manifold to seal, fixing the oil consumption problem, but found two new problems: an oil leak, and a transmission fluid leak. In this episode you'll see that I had to send back my brand new custom built $1,875 Ultimate Converter Concepts 10.5" 4L80E torque converter to be repaired. You'll also see me struggle to diagnose a pesky oil leak and a Power Steering fluid leak. I FINALLY get the car sealed up, drive it, and 3 miles into the drive, the car DIES and has to be towed home. Ugh.
"1971 Cutlass Ep 30: Good Olds Motor, BAD 10.5" Converter!":
youtu.be/GlXtU-7mhUc
0:50 A recap of episode 30 about the 482 cid engine (Episode 31 was new gauges)
1:25 Initial leaks: Coolant, motor oil, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid
1:43 Showing the warped borrowed Torker intake
2:31 I installed my Performer Intake wrong
2:59 Showing the oil consumption
3:08 Showing stages of my custom welded and ported "semi air-gap" Edelbrock Torker intake manifold
3:33 Showing the new oil leak
4:28 Showing the torque converter leak
7:26 Starting the transmission dissasembly
7:49 Discovering the exact source of the transmission torque converter leak!
8:46 Got repaired torque converter returned & installed
9:22 Power Steering pump resivoir leak
10:08 Test drive with the repaired torque converter reveals the oil leak
13:57 Showing the new oil leak
14:17 Showing how the engine builder converted my block to accept -10AN Oring to -12AN fittings for the Innovative Racing Products remote oil filter mount and thermostat.
14:35 It still leaked after changing the o-ring seals and fitting ends
14:59 I'm frustrated! But I figured something out...
15:29 A new discovery gets me closer to the real source of the oil leak
16:05 Plugging the vented PCV hose made NO change, but we found the REAL source of the leak! The back of the intake manifold!
17:33 Showing the poor RTV seal at the back of the intake manifold
17:43 Showing the problem: the RTV didn't adhere to the Powder Coating!
19:11 Reinstalling the intake manifold but doing a couple things differently
20:04 Showing the intake to block seal after reinstal
20:41 I GOT 2.9 MILES FROM HOME before it DIED! At least it wasn't smoking though.
22:156 Showing the low fuel pressure
22:27 Getting towed home
24:15 Showing another shot of testing the fuel pressure
24:35 Closing thoughts & what I think the problem is
26:16 Outro with credits
Here are links to some of the products or services mentioned:
Ultimate Converter Concepts 4L80E converter:
ultimateconverter.com
Summit Racing Equipment Sunsong Power Steering Pump Seal Kit 8401491
summitracing.com/parts/SUG-8401491
Devon at H3 Towing Services was great:
Stow, OH, USA
H3TowingServices.com
(330) 221-6610
Cyclone Transmission
1412 4th St SE
Canton, OH 44707
cyclonetransmission.com
(330) 639-1137
Performance Driven Design
Tennessee, USA
PerformanceDrivenDesign.com
