Finally after a few false starts the major part of the rebuild is under way with the 2.5L V8 on its way to Murray at Peninsular Jag for its rebuild. So its been packed up
and shipped off
Now I have to complete all the other jobs while the engines gone.
Now that the engine is out I can strip off the parts that I won’t have refurbed by Murray at Peninsular Jag. So it’s off with the carbs
and the dynamo
the distributor
the starter motor
and gearbox
and various pipes and hoses. The only thing left now is the torque converter off and it will be ready to go.
Then everything can be sent off, refurbished and refitted. Hopefully next time I see the engine it should look more like this!
The engine is finally out!
After delays caused by work, interstate travel and child interference, a few skinned knuckles and other minor distractions the Edward Turner designed, 2.5L V8 is now sitting beside the car.
Taking the engine out now gives me the opportunity to clean and tidy up the engine bay.
The engine bay upgrades will include replacing the wiring loom, tiding up the brake lines and generally refurbishing everything.
One interesting part about taking the engine out, it shows me how much clearance I should have once I uprate the suspension.
The weekend away bought some good advice and great ideas. It started on Friday night with a charity function for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre at Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre. Most of the Australian crews who took part came and shared their stories and even the winners trophy made a brief appearance as Gerry Crown and Matt Bryson took the stage
The following day I was fortunate to spend some time with Rhys Timms, a silver medalist from the 2010 P2P in car 34, a 1936 MG SA
It was a good chance to pick the brains of someone who had “been there. done that”. The assistance was invaluable and I would like to pass on a big thank you to Rhys and his family for spending the afternoon with them, asking questions and generally taking up their time asking technical and rally related questions.
That evening was another chance to chat, learn and generally ask question at a reunion dinner with the crews at a function at the Victorian Vintage Racing Car Club, and in true Melbourne style it was located in a small, non descript shed, hidden out the back of a nameless laneway, known only to a few “in the know” people. Luckily, I scored a lift there and didn’t have to risk my navigation to get there. It was a good night with great people and excellent food.
I would like to thank all of the crews and their respective spouses for putting up with a “wannabe” like myself and from some of the conversations, I hope to see some of you again in 2013!
My 1963 Daimler 2.5L V8 