What’s that old expression? 80% done, 80% left to do. We have been pushing like crazy for the last two weeks to get the car ready for that first start. It’s amazing how many small things take up all the time. It’s only 4 bolts and then engine start yes? Er no… So far the list has been:
- Bolt engine in
- Seal the engine for cooling. Nothing here is standard, so this took about a week
- Mount external oil cooler and filter. The cooler will still need some mesh, being located behind the rear wheel. It is a compromise between cooling and practicality. The filter is immediately behind it, which should make servicing easier
- Mount all associated oil piping
- Run the fuel line from front-mounted pump to engine. We went with a 10mm copper tube running the length of the pan, mounted with p-clamps and taking some care to give it some protection from FOD.
- Mount the fuel pressure regulator to firewall
- Fit the clutch cable (after having been shortened a second time..school fees.)
- Mount the pedal assembly. Cursing helps.
- Connect the gear selector fork. Much more cursing
- Enlarge the hole in fibreglass bench and fabricate cover to avoid future cursing.
- Connect and test temperature and pressure gauges.
- Figure out fuel pump relay signal from tach won’t work with electronic ignition. Reroute it to work with oil pressure switch.
- Mount the ignition module for the electronic distributor in a dry place (in this case the cubby hole area infront of the engine firewall. The expensive item in the picture is a loaner. We want to check that the engine runs before messing around with an unknown unit.
It’s close now. Still need some brake and front suspension work. And a tonneau cover. And a roll hoop. And shoulder straps. And and and. 80% to go.
