What's happening in your garage this weekend ?

[wedg1e]

I made a longer jib for my original crane: worked a treat to get the mostly-stripped engine out, but putting the reassembled (thus heavier) engine back in caused a heart attack when the crane tipped; the jib was longer than the legs. Physics was never my best subject
Got round it by asking me Julie to stand on the crane while I wheeled it into place

Problem fixed by buying a long-reach crane (needed it anyway to get the Esprit engine out)

[Toltec]

Thanks for the ideas chaps.

We were going to take the wheels off and drop the car as low as possible then take the sump off to get a bit more clearance. The other problem with going in from the front was that the lift's legs hit the lower wishbones so I am not sure about dropping the front, I guess that may depend on the design of the lift.

A longer arm lift should get us more clearance so I will check out the local hire companies. Probably safer too.

[badredwedge]

So are you binning the aircon Rev, save some weight ??

[shpub]

This is my engine setup. Note the ramp to get the right height. I have a modded chassis with a gearbox cradle so the engine goes back in without the gearbox. Without this the rear of the car must be raised by 18 to 24 inches.

It is important to get a long reach crane and one that is stable. I got this one off ebay for less than one of the cheap Machine mart ones. Folds up into a 18 x 12 in foorptint for storage.

[Toltec]

shpub said:

I have a modded chassis with a gearbox cradle so the engine goes back in without the gearbox.

Sorry if this is a daft question, I have never taken the engine out of a rear drive car before let alone a wedge, does the gearbox have to come out with the engine? Did you mean they have to go back in as a unit or that your modified chassis allows you to remove/fit the gearbox without taking the engine out?

[convert]

Been fixing the earth on the indicators, then removed the dash , heater and glove box panels. I've never liked them in Chrome, so I'm going to veneer them !

[blaineuk]

Toltec said:

shpub said:

I have a modded chassis with a gearbox cradle so the engine goes back in without the gearbox.

Sorry if this is a daft question, I have never taken the engine out of a rear drive car before let alone a wedge, does the gearbox have to come out with the engine? Did you mean they have to go back in as a unit or that your modified chassis allows you to remove/fit the gearbox without taking the engine out?

it is easier to remove/replace as one unit.

[Toltec]

blaineuk said:

it is easier to remove/replace as one unit.

Thanks.

[shpub]

Typically, the process is to take the engine/gearbox out as a complete unit. To be honest there isn't much choice. The gearbox can't be dropped on a V8 Wedge without either moving the engine forward about 8 inches which is almost as much work as taking the engine out.

My car was modded as at one point, I was taking the engine out on a very regular basis - 3 clutches in a year was one reason. Engine tweaking was another.

[Toltec]

shpub said:

Typically, the process is to take the engine/gearbox out as a complete unit. To be honest there isn't much choice. The gearbox can't be dropped on a V8 Wedge without either moving the engine forward about 8 inches which is almost as much work as taking the engine out.

My car was modded as at one point, I was taking the engine out on a very regular basis - 3 clutches in a year was one reason. Engine tweaking was another.

Never been scared of a learning curve, fortunately we can take our time too which makes the whole experience enjoyable rather than stressful. No doubt there will be a few more posts coming up, thanks again for the help.

[rev-erend]

I've just taken my engine out without the box.. if you take the box out as well .. then you really do need a lot of lift from the crane.

If you are removing the engine - then it comes out OK.

You do need to remove the engine mounts from the block though.. the water pump and frront cover can remain on as well.

What did I do on mine today - well it was a dirty day - cleaning 15 year's of oil and dirt from all painted chassis tubes around the engine bay. The headers were also removed - so I could wire-wheel away any loose paint on the chassis.

The great news is that all the rust was just surface rust no need for the welder

[rev-erend]

badredwedge said:

So are you binning the aircon Rev, save some weight ??

Yes - it's binned. It does weight a lot but the reason for getting rid is the airflow restriction.

According to the Kenlowe website - having a AC rad in front of your existing rad literally halves the air flow.

So - I've removed the ac rad and have bought an additional 14 inch (1500 cfm) monster fan in addition to the existing fan.

It will all be a tight squeeze there..

It will be controlled by a Revotech 35mm controller, which can be set to just about any temp.

Anyone guessed that I'm planning for a few more horses under the bonnet yet

[badredwedge]

Yes but what colour will it be

[rev-erend]

badredwedge said:

Yes but what colour will it be

Colour's !

[badredwedge]

rev-erend said:

badredwedge said:

Yes but what colour will it be

Colour's !

Stripes or spots ??

[dickymint]

My guess is flip-flop orange or green

[rev-erend]

dickymint said:

My guess is flip-flop orange or green

With stripes and spots

[badredwedge]

Go for it Rev Stars, Stripes, spots, flames the full job

Edited by badredwedge on Monday 12th February 12:25

[350zwelgje]

rev-erend said:

badredwedge said:

So are you binning the aircon Rev, save some weight ??

Anyone guessed that I'm planning for a few more horses under the bonnet yet

Air ram charging? At least by the likes of the massive ventilator you plan to install.

Rob

[campbell]

badredwedge said:

Go for it Rev Stars, Stripes, spots, flames the full job

Edited by badredwedge on Monday 12th February 12:25

Now that looks good, imagen what it would look like on a Wedge with the real thing coming out the back

Ill get me coat