STEP 1: I spent the last weekend in August removing everything in the engine compartment. Then I wire brushed and sanded to prep for new paint. My face was so black I looked like a coal miner. I then masked, primed, and painted the engine compartment with a base coat/clear coat paint the first weekend in September. Williams just 4 weeks away.
What went right - The paint was a good match
What went wrong - While polishing the brake lines that I had removed, I caught one in the wire wheel and wrapped it a couple of turns.
How I fixed it - Fortunately I was able to straighten it and it wasn't broken.
STEP 2: Time to install the engine. I installed a 3.90 LSD differential in place of the 3.70, installed new u-joints in the driveshaft, and had a 5-speed transmission rebuilt. I also installed new transmission and engine mounts. Williams was just three weeks away. Should be easy . . . right?
What went right - I installed the engine
What went wrong - Forgot to remove the shifter for engine removal and scratched my shift knob.
What I did to fix it - Sanded and repainted shift knob. Kicked self many times for being dumb.
Step 3: Start the engine (Two weeks before Williams)
What went wrong - Coolant leak from intake/exhaust manifold (I had the same leak 7 years ago when I installed the previous engine) solex heat shield cracked, fuel pump no good
What I did to fix it - Replaced intake/exhaust gasket with Permatex Aviation form-a-gasket around coolant passages, purchased a new heat shield, pulled known good fuel pump from old engine
What went right - No more coolant leak, fuel appeared in the filter and car started. Sounds sexy.
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Step 4: Test drive (exactly one week before I have to leave for Williams)
What went wrong - Rebuilt 5-speed won't go into 2nd gear
What I did to fix it - Decision time . . . it was Sunday and I was leaving for Williams show on Friday. Should I go to the show with no 2nd gear or replace with my spare transmission (just rebuilt by the same builder) that I had picked up just the previous weekend while I was at JCCS.
What went right - WOW this thing has some power compared to my old engine.
3 hours after the above video was shot and only 5 days before Williams . . . I pulled the engine in just over 2 hours (a new record for me)
It is now Monday and I'm hoping to leave for Williams on Friday. Tonight I'll install the 2nd rebuilt transmission, throw out bearing, and shift fork and MAYBE get the engine in. Hook everything up on Wednesday/Thursday. Load it on the trailer on Thursday night.
I forgot to mention that I noticed a little engine oil that may be coming from the front cover.
Wish me luck.
At least I have my SR20 car as backup but it is currently at the tuner for some fine tuning. What could go wrong . . . please don't say blown engine on the dyno
