Friday, August 18, 2006

Engine Install: Part 1 of ?:
This part of the build has been the most challenging thus far. This is mostly because the manual doesn't cover the install (since many different motor and transmission combos can be put in). My buddy Russ flew all the way up from Atlanta to help me get the transmission mounted to engine and the drive train into the car. During his visit, we were attacked by a freakish cicada. There is a picture below of it stalking us. It was great to have Russ there. Nothing like bonding over 900 lbs of engine/trans on the end of a crane. Anyway, we kind of succeeded. I have hit some issues which will probably require me to install/uninstall drive train a couple of times before it is set. Here are the issues I have hit thus far:
1.) clutch fork length: This fork provide is very long and interfered with the frame, fuel and brake lines. I had to cut off about 1 inch off the end. Thank god for my trusty dremel and some cut off wheels. Highly recommend the quick change package dremel has.
2.) Transmission mount and xbrace compatibility: I have bought 3 transmission mounts thus far (two of the same accidentally). The mount works great with the tranny but not on the xbrace in the frame. Working with Hurricane Motorsports to get to the bottom of the issues since other's have the same engine/trans combo in their hurricane cars
3.) Clutch Slave Cylinder- "to push or to pull..that is the question!": I actually have two clutch slave cylinders to choose from. A guy named Tom on the forum created a REALLY simple mounting solution for the Wilwood pull slave cylinder set up. It also makes it easy to work on. No pics yet as I can't mock up the location until the trans is mounted.
4.) Fuel and Brake line placement: I am probably going to have to move these lines. It looks like they clear now but want to be sure. I believe I will have to at least move the fuel line at this point. Again, can't tell until I get the mount situation sorted.
5.) Junk Yard Tires: Russ and I went all over new jersey looking for a set of crappy mustang wheels and tires so that we could have a rolling chassis. The set I bought worked great on the front but were too small in diameter to clear the rear brakes. As a result, I bit the bullet and mounted my nice wheels on the back. This required cutting the lug studs down by an inch or so. They look MEATY. See pics below.

So all in all, not to bad thus far. Just been waiting for parts and stuff. I am not worried about getting a solution for the trans mount. Mike at Hurricane has been very responsive and I trust he will help me figure it out. Once that is done, I need to:
1.) Fill trans with oil
2.) Attach clutch fork boot
3.) Mock up and attach clutch slave cylinder
4.) Plumb clutch slave cylinder line(s)
5.) Locate fuel and brake lines
6.) Plumb fuel line to mechanical fuel pump on engine
7.) Attach remote oil filter
8.) Mount coolant expansion tank
9.) Tighten engine and trans mounts :)
10.) Measure and order driveline
11.) Install driveline

I figure I will have the engine/trans out at least 3 more times. Wish me luck.



















































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