Engine Fitted

Time is marching on and progress is slow on the Car.  Its been a tough few months, I've started my own business which is fun but at the same time stressful and funds are still tight.  The car has had to take a back seat.  I'm still itching to make progress but its difficult to find the time and frankly motivation with everything else going on, but, I do have an update.

The engine has been fitted, I purchased a lowered sump and fitted it and I also re-made the gearbox mount - I wasn't happy enough with the previous one.

Old sump removed, don't forget to remove the bold holding the pickup on.  Also I missed a bolt right next to the flywheel, frustratingly I spent ages trying to split the oil pan from the aluminum.  I thought it was just suction but alas a pesky bolt was still on.

Old sump removed and ready for the scrap man.  Seems a shame to throw it out but its no use to me and goes for pennies on eBay.

New sump ready to be fitted, I used some gasket seal - based on the research I have done, it should be absolutely fine for the job.

Sump fitted:

The starter motor is missing from the pic but it's also now fitted.

And engine in:

I need to buy a modified inlet manifold from GBS as the stock on doesn't fit, plus a plenum.  That's it for now.  Garage cleanup due.

Engine Trial Fit

Well no update from me for a few months, wow where has the time gone!  A lot has happened since the last update, I changed job (money is tight at the moment) and I have actually done a fair bit in the garage.

The engine loom is as before, I need to get the engine in place.  It turns out the crate engine I purchased from GBS didn't come with a clutch, which was annoying to say the least.  Well, after a fair bit of messing about it also didn't come with a flywheel!!!!   I spent a long time trying to get the clutch I have fitted and eventually posted on Rhocar to find out I had an automatic flywheel.

After posting on the wanted form a nice member offered me one for a tenner, I went to pick it up and left with an alternator and clutch as well - not bad for £100 including the bracket and belt.

I decided to trial fit the engine and mark up the mounts, knowing full well the engine needs to come back out again - I am happy with that.  Drilling the mounts should be easier too (it was).

I took my time, here are some pics.  See the top flywheel?  I have been told that's for an automatic - completely wrong, the new one is underneath:

Nice home made locking tool:

Flywheel and spigot bearing in:

Next I moved onto the engine.  Actually this part was fairly easy, even with one person.  The trick was to jack up the front end enough to let me get the legs from the hoist under, but not too far that the Gearbox wouldn't fit the other side:

Notice on the last pick I had to take the inlet manifold out, it just doesn't fit with it on.  I am missing the mount for the bottom of the box to the GBS supplied rubber mount, which I decided to make.  I need to add a small piece of steel to re-enforce as I am not 100% happy with the box steel I used:

Hard to see but it does the job, its all coming out anyway so I'll get a better picture once I add some re-enforcement.  Next onto lining the engine up, again using my auto leveling laser.  I've already marked the central point at the front and the rear, lining the two up I can then make sure the centre of the crankshaft is in the middle then mark up the mounts:

Hard to see in the light but - its central, not much clearance between the oil filter and steering column, guess that's why I bought the shortened filter then....

I've drilled and fitted one mount and left the other.  I finish today feeling frustrated, nothing seems to be going right.  The clutch kit I originally bought is too big (228mm) and the one I have now is the right size (220mm) BUT the spline count is 17 and it needs to be 23.  Need to find a new clutch plate, hopefully on ebay.

I've also shorted out my battery charger so tidied up and shut the garage door for today.  Shortened sump and alternator on order....