One out, all out.
Discussion
And so it begins, something that I did not expect to have to be doing so early on into ownership, the engine and box are out! 
After much deliberation the task was completed within a day and once started was nothing like the nightmare that I had first envisaged. Having a pal, ( who incidentally is also named Wayne
), who is a Volvo trained mechanic and now works for Ricardo helping me, ( or me helping him to be precise ), was a deffinite advantage but now the deed is done it is time to get everything shipped of to be rectified and then get the GTW ready for the impending trip to the Ring.
Depending on what is required by way of cost, it may take a little longer than I would like but I have started the journey and have no choice but to complete it.
My fears have come to haunt me in as much as I did worry that should a problem arise, the complexity of the install may be to daunting to tackle with regards to my limited experience but all bar the electronics, it is all just nuts and bolts really, all be it bloody expensive ones!
After much deliberation the task was completed within a day and once started was nothing like the nightmare that I had first envisaged. Having a pal, ( who incidentally is also named Wayne
), who is a Volvo trained mechanic and now works for Ricardo helping me, ( or me helping him to be precise ), was a deffinite advantage but now the deed is done it is time to get everything shipped of to be rectified and then get the GTW ready for the impending trip to the Ring.Depending on what is required by way of cost, it may take a little longer than I would like but I have started the journey and have no choice but to complete it.
My fears have come to haunt me in as much as I did worry that should a problem arise, the complexity of the install may be to daunting to tackle with regards to my limited experience but all bar the electronics, it is all just nuts and bolts really, all be it bloody expensive ones!
Edited by GTWayne on Sunday 6th April 08:50
Hello Simon,
It really was not as bad as I had thought it might be. I had intended to remove the loom to the ECU but when it came to it, decided that it was best left alone as there was a lot of other wiring attached at the plug end so I have decided to get a very basic dyno only loom made and although I don't want too consider it at this stage, I reckon it will come in handy later
As far as engine/box removal is concerned, it was a cinch and with everything prepared and the necessary tools in place can easily be completed in a day by two men. If you really know what you are doing then you could do it on your own in that time but you may well have to ration the tea breaks
For me at least, the fun of these cars is as much the social involvement with regards to modifying/building/maintaining them etc. and the comradery involved in all that it entails, the driving is almost secondary but very rewarding and worthwhile at the end of the day.
PS: Yours is indeed coming on and looking very nice in the BLACK wheel department at least.
I am sure that once the bugs are ironed out of my 434 SBC I will be very happy with it but I am already looking to get a pal of mine that has moved Stateside to keep an eye out for a 'cut out' LS7 motor just in case
It really was not as bad as I had thought it might be. I had intended to remove the loom to the ECU but when it came to it, decided that it was best left alone as there was a lot of other wiring attached at the plug end so I have decided to get a very basic dyno only loom made and although I don't want too consider it at this stage, I reckon it will come in handy later
As far as engine/box removal is concerned, it was a cinch and with everything prepared and the necessary tools in place can easily be completed in a day by two men. If you really know what you are doing then you could do it on your own in that time but you may well have to ration the tea breaks
For me at least, the fun of these cars is as much the social involvement with regards to modifying/building/maintaining them etc. and the comradery involved in all that it entails, the driving is almost secondary but very rewarding and worthwhile at the end of the day.
PS: Yours is indeed coming on and looking very nice in the BLACK wheel department at least.
I am sure that once the bugs are ironed out of my 434 SBC I will be very happy with it but I am already looking to get a pal of mine that has moved Stateside to keep an eye out for a 'cut out' LS7 motor just in case
Cap,
To answer your question I would never give up on the GTW, it is just that after spending over five years building the thing, the fact that it broke obviously hit me hard and combined with a few financial woes, I was not at all over enamoured to rectify things just yet, but the tables are a turning and I am at last in a position both financially and mentally to put this right, OH YES
P,
Right you are old man, after next weekend I will be looking to make a move
To answer your question I would never give up on the GTW, it is just that after spending over five years building the thing, the fact that it broke obviously hit me hard and combined with a few financial woes, I was not at all over enamoured to rectify things just yet, but the tables are a turning and I am at last in a position both financially and mentally to put this right, OH YES
P,
Right you are old man, after next weekend I will be looking to make a move
Very good news to hear that the GTW and its owner are getting closer to being up and running [well, the car might run but not you I doubt, unless being chased by a large rhino], and just make sure it is ready for the ring. As regards pulling the engine and box, it isn't difficult with practice, of which I have had too much, and I now reckon to be able to take the engine and box out in about 4 hours, would be very different if it was someone else's as we all have different layouts and fittings. Just goes to show that two Waynes are better than one. Still, can't wait to see and hear it, especially if being used in anger.
Thevet said:
...large rhino...the ring...two Waynes...
Tim, is there something you wish to tell me or am I just being paranoid? 
With regards to the GTW being 'used in anger', you can bet your life that if I can get it there, bad ass moth#r f
ker will be the gentlest way to describe it's persona. Although there will be predominantly a BLACK theme going on during the weekend of 'The Battle of the Boyne' which coincides, coincidentally, with our little trip ( as if you did not know 
) and we are all friends, SOMONE HAS to be fastest in a circle right? Now I would not be so bold as to proclaim that it will be me in the GTW, but I REFUSE to be the slowest!We shall see, and as we're all mellow fellows, none of us will admit to wanting to be fastest, but definitely won't allow ourselves the ignominy of being labelled "him at the back". Can't wait for july, or june[speed testing], or may [cadwell park], or the autumn ultima track meet.
Edited by Thevet on Sunday 6th April 20:24
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