Engine's back in the car........for now

Problem #4,231. With the engine back in the car and connected to the gearbox. I can now test the clutch. No good, a large space between the throwout bearing and pressure plate prevents the clutch from releasing. So basically, when you step on the clutch pedal, it would not release from the engine, so you could not shift. Eric has sent me some photos of his Lola T190 clutch setup, no space on his. I'm sure a simple solution exists, it's just going to take a few phone calls to find it.

Clutch pack installed

It all went together as planned. I like to use a dial indicator to make sure the clutch discs are centered to the input shaft, pilot bearing. Next on the list, reinstall engine.

New clutch

The new clutch discs and pressure plate arrived today, at about the same time I was grinding off the last weld, that was holding on the last bolt, on the flywheel. Looks as if it should fit with no unforeseen problems. And speaking of unforeseen problems, the oil pump has resurfaced with some plumbing issues. So the sooner I get the engine back in the car the better. Maybe tomorrow.

On order

Spoke to Scott at Taylor Race Engineering about the clutch that I would need. He had a few suggestions on spring rates and made up a package of parts I would need, and all in stock. Expect to have by the end of the week. Also was able to use my old flywheel, I just have to grind away the small welds that hold in the 6 bolts, and replace with new bolts. Now just hope it all fits and works.

Nice and easy

With the engine removed I can measure the gearbox input shaft for the clutch discs.

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Take another look at the flywheel on the engine and make sure the starter motor matches the ring gear. It looks like the two are a match, that's good. I guess a call tomorrow is in order, the parts needed should be on the shelf items.

Engine removal

Removing the engine to measure for and install a new clutch. If all goes as planned, the engine should be back in the car by the end of the week.

Pittsburgh and back

Yesterday it was blowing 50 mph, tomorrow it's suppose to snow and today it was perfect for flying. A little cold but light breezes all day. Loaded up the parts to be plated and off I went.

Used Zelienople Municipal airport, borrowed one of there crew cars and was at Paul's Chrome shop in less than 15 minutes. At least that's done and I can concentrate on other projects.

Plumbing

Now is the time to measure for all the oil lines. I don't see any problems or road blocks. Looking at about 18 ft of oil lines and another dozen fittings. The water hose from the swirl pot to the intake manifold does not line up. Have to give some thought to this problem.

Happy Holidays...

...and Merry Christmas to all!

Next week

The weather was good, but the timing was bad. It looks like I won't get to the platers until next week. Still some loose ends to wrap up before Christmas and just don't have the time.

Parts ready for plating

The new parts Brian made have been glass beaded and wire wheeled and now are ready for the nickel plating. Doing this prep work saves time at the shop and a couple of bucks for me. A win, win. I have my eye on Wednesday to bring the parts out to the platers. The weather is looking good so far, here and out by Pittsburgh.

Back to work

Had a little time today and worked a couple of hours on the car. Removed all the new bits and pieces to ready them for nickel plating. Called up the Co. that does the plating to see how long it would take, 6-7 weeks. One way or another, they must be out to them sometime next week.

Reflections

It seemed so long ago. When I first saw the Lola I thought, it's in pretty good condition, this shouldn't take to long or cost too much. I was very wrong on both counts. But one big advantage over buy a car that's in race condition, is you know every inch of the your car. All parts are new, rebuilt or just inspected. Your not relying on some other persons work. You know what you got.

Anyway, back to work. Brian had to move the oil cooler location back to the original spot. The rear wing struts got in the way. Probably more secure at this location.

What's next?

With the car safely back in the shop, and the holidays fast approaching, not a whole lot will be accomplished till after Christmas. One of the first items on the list, all the new metal pieces must be nickel plated. I'll use the same plating shop that's out by Pittsburgh. No UPS, I'll drive or fly, can't take a chance at this point. The engine has to be removed for the flywheel and clutch installation, then oil lines.
I like to think at this point the major obstacles have been tackled, and the rest is down hill from here on in(fingers crossed).

It's Back!

Just got back today with the car. I'm very pleased with all the work, Brian did a fantastic job.