Part 10. October-January 2005
The engine.
The 327 engine needs a renovation.
I replace all the stuff inside the engine, like all the bearings, camshaft, lifter, oil pump, you name it, it’s all new. But I didn’t have to grind the crank, it was shining like new, no scratch or mark what so ever.
Cloyes true roller timing chain. New painted 350 auto.
The Th 350 trans is recently renovated and equipped with shift kit for improved gear change. I took the chance to change oil filter and paint it.
Now I’m ready to install the engine and trans. I painted it the same color as the str8.
Now we talking! The engine looks small compared to the 248 Fireball engine.
The car became a bit higher in the front when the new engine took place. I suppose it’s a few kilos lighter then the str8. To the right you can see the trans cooler in front of the original one.
The new mount for the transmission.
To mount the
alternator I have to drill and tap a 7/16 hole in my fuel injection 461
head.
Time to set the pinion angel. Some 3 degrees will work. I welded the leaf spring mount to the rear axle after the angle was set. Nice job to do now when it’s Christmas Eve.
I have to rebuild the wiring system because of bad space for the battery in the engine compartment. Well, anyway I have to update the system to 12 volt. I made a battery in trunk installation with a solenoid placed in a box for protection. Check out the wiring scheme in the picture below.
The throttle pedal has to be modified. I get one from a Volvo Amazon and after a lot of modifying it works. All this kind of shit takes a long long time so my planned test-driving before New Year goes to hell… But it’s a long time to summer anyway.
Starting the Engine for the first time with break in of the new camshaft is a nerves moment. 2000-2500 rpm in 20 minutes with the entire Engine full of new Components takes a couple of beer to withstand the pressure. The oil pressure gauges max out at idling as you can see up to the left. My Holley 650 double pumper is replaced by a 600 vacuum. The 650 is a little overkill with its mechanical secondaries together with my Edelbrock singelplan intake manifold.
I have to get rid of all the snow before I could
drive out of the garage. Everything works as it should. Both rear tire
slip when I push the throttle a little bit so the limited slip seams to
be ok. The autotrans shifts gear real nice. All my original gauges,
charging, temp, oil pressure and fuel level works fine. Even the
original speedometer cable fits right in to the Th 350 auto.
All that’s left in the engine compartment is the horn. I have to move them away from the firewall because the brake cylinder occupies their old place. Finally the hood should be mounted but otherwise my driveline change is moving to its end.
I really had to show you these two beauties. The fender skirt looks awesome. Talk about original factory customs! In my own I have run a numbers of mils now and it’s been a real pleasure. Some small problems down the road like leaking oil pressure fitting and leaking exhaust system but nothing major.