Engine time

We are almost at that time where a test fit of the engine is on the cards. This will be in order to make sure the brake pipes etc are all out of the way and also to allow a measurement to be taken to get the prop shaft ordered. 

This got us to thinking that it would be good to test start the engine to ensure there are no problems before the final install. 

I need to get a few bits sorted for this, one of them being the starter motor. On investigation, it appears that my engine has a staggered bolt pattern, so I can't get one of the mini high torque starters. It also means that the 153 tooth flywheel hat came with my gearbox package can't be used. 

Luckily for me, Brian at Roadcraft has agreed to swap the flywheel and clutch for the ones that will work with the staggered starter. That is, I need a 168 tooth flywheel and 11" clutch. 

Once we get all that sorted and the new bits have arrived, we can set to and see if she starts!

It did get me to thinking more about the engine age. Looking at the numbers stamped in the block, it seems that this engine was originally from a 1974 Camaro. 

Once the engine is in, I will get the age verification certificate sorted, and as long as my initial investigations are correct, the good news is that this should mean that the IVA emissions test should only consist of a visual smoke check (as long as I have interpreted the diagram in the IVA manual!)