Steve.  Total agreement on the rehash.

The search function on this site does take a variety of terms in which to further define searches but still has some limitations.  Because some topics have been discussed in detail, a simple search does bring up a multitude of threads or posts of which some are pertinent and others are not depending upon if the thread was hijacked early on and the topic changed.  If at first the search doesn’t bring up what you are looking for, then try some different or additional search terms within the query bar.  One of the biggest problems I have with the searches though is the length of some of the threads as some are several pages long which compounds the issue of going through each individual thread to find the needed information.  A good example is the post that contained the information about the pcv valve installation at the rear of the block as the actual or pertinent information is buried in the middle of a thread that’s five pages long.

There was a section on the old site devoted to technical articles but that hasn’t been available with this new format.  It was labor intensive on the old site just to get articles into it which kept it from being updated on a regular basis so I’m not in favor of that format being revised.  Time constraints with everyone involved with the upkeep of the site are still an issue so whatever system that can be devised that makes existing articles or threads easier to search out will make this happen sooner and also make for a system that’s easier to keep updated.

On those topics discussed quite frequently, I can visualize where another section is added to the forum that’s devoted strictly to pointing readers to specific threads on specific subjects would be of some benefit.  One idea that comes to mind is this new section being read only and where main topics can have the links to the pertinent threads.  This would be an area that is not open for discussions or comments and is essentially read only and would simply direct readers to the different threads covering those topics.  Some of the main topics could include dual quad setups, electronic ignitions, engine oil, Holley Teapot four barrel carbs, oil leaks, oil filters, PCV valves, posted heads, rear main seals, rocker arms, rocker arm oiling, 6 volt to 12 volt conversion, temperature gauges, 3X2 setups, wiper motors, etc.  On topics that need to be categorized to a finer detail such as PCV valves, this could be done within the thread for the links and I’m thinking more on the line of links converted to hyperlinks that would provide a cleaner methodology where the link is buried or hidden within the actual description.  But all this takes time and also a commitment to keep it up to date once a system is initiated.  I’m not on high speed internet on my end so it would be a time consuming project for myself so I would consider volunteers.

I’m also open to other ideas at this time and I’ll also need to bounce this off of Jim and get his inputs regarding this.  It is Jim’s site and probably would be a good idea to keep him in the loop on any proposed changes.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)