She runs!

[mt308]

At last the 700hp American Speed LS7 has been fired into life!

All gauges seem to work other than the tachometer which shows no life at all. When you turn the ignition it goes round past the 8 then back to zero again but nothing when the engine is running.

Also the 20amp fuse on the fans has blown twice, so have replaced it with a 25amp. Will check with the factory tomorrow whether this is correct.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLdT3-UCG10

So it looks like by the end of March there should be a blue Ultima on the roads of Surrey...

[Steve_D]

Well done

Steve

[Storer]

That first start-up is a lovely feeling isn't it.

I may be teaching my mother to suck eggs, but you gearbox catch tank needs to be mounted as high up as possible. The same with the engine breather catch tank if you are running one.

Looking good. Take your time over the finishing touches and enjoy yourself.


Paul

[mt308]

Thanks for the comments, and very gratef?ul for any tips...yes the gearbox breather isn't yet in place. Wasn't sure if fitting it on top of the rearmost chassis rail makes the pipe above it too high so it might hit the rear canopy?

[Pedders]

Looks very tidy - well done! Out of curiosity, what are the flashing lights on the dash?

[Steve_D]

Pedders said:

Looks very tidy - well done! Out of curiosity, what are the flashing lights on the dash?

Rear clip warning lights I expect.

Steve

[SchimmS]

mt308 said:

Thanks for the comments, and very gratef?ul for any tips...yes the gearbox breather isn't yet in place. Wasn't sure if fitting it on top of the rearmost chassis rail makes the pipe above it too high so it might hit the rear canopy?

Don`t worry, it won`t. But you can`t use the pre-drilled holes as they`re too far apart to all fit on the chassis rail. You might try to fit it on the chassis rail where the airbox runs across, on the left side of it. Sometimes it`l fit (depending on the position of the box).

[SchimmS]

mt308 said:

Thanks for the comments, and very gratef?ul for any tips...yes the gearbox breather isn't yet in place. Wasn't sure if fitting it on top of the rearmost chassis rail makes the pipe above it too high so it might hit the rear canopy?

Don`t worry, it won`t. But you can`t use the pre-drilled holes as they`re too far apart to all fit on the chassis rail. You might try to fit it on the chassis rail where the airbox runs across, on the left side of it. Sometimes it`l fit (depending on the position of the box).

[SchimmS]

mt308 said:

Thanks for the comments, and very gratef?ul for any tips...yes the gearbox breather isn't yet in place. Wasn't sure if fitting it on top of the rearmost chassis rail makes the pipe above it too high so it might hit the rear canopy?

Don`t worry, it won`t. But you can`t use the pre-drilled holes as they`re too far apart to all fit on the chassis rail. You might try to fit it on the chassis rail where the airbox runs across, on the left side of it. Sometimes it`l fit (depending on the position of the box).

[mt308]

Steve_D said:

Pedders said:

Looks very tidy - well done! Out of curiosity, what are the flashing lights on the dash?

Rear clip warning lights I expect.

Steve

Yes they are the rear clip warning lights. They will stop flashing when the rear canopy is on and properly shut. A worthwhile investment I think as at speed the air could rip it off if not properly closed.

[mt308]

SchimmS said:

mt308 said:

Thanks for the comments, and very gratef?ul for any tips...yes the gearbox breather isn't yet in place. Wasn't sure if fitting it on top of the rearmost chassis rail makes the pipe above it too high so it might hit the rear canopy?

Don`t worry, it won`t. But you can`t use the pre-drilled holes as they`re too far apart to all fit on the chassis rail. You might try to fit it on the chassis rail where the airbox runs across, on the left side of it. Sometimes it`l fit (depending on the position of the box).

Thanks. Factory advise making a 3 inch by 3 inch extension plate then fitting it just to the left of the air box on top of that extension piece. Think I have some scraps of metal left over from cutting out the floor pan.

Word of advice to any builders still on the panelling stages - don't throw away any large bits of left over metal as they can come in useful later on. I also had to make a small extension piece for my fuel surge tank as it wouldn't clear the gear rod linkage.

[davefiddes]

Excellent! These LS engines are very civilised compared to my old SBC. Nice colour too.