So here we go! I used a second chain to try and balance
the engine a little whilst lifting
Off with the engine stand
Started off with the Maddat X-member that was in the
coupe when I bought it.
Had real trouble fitting it in....was running into the
firewall, and the brake master cylinder....something just wasn't right.
I slipped the J pipe of the back, but still it wasn't
fitting
...it's about then we realised the X-member was in
backwards.....doh.
So I took it out and compared it with the ca18det_man
X-member, his X-member looked lower than the Maddat one so I decided
just to put that one in.
ca18det_man cross member looks nice on the motor
Now try engine fitment attempt 3
This lifting bracket is not ideal (runs into the
firewall...will have to modify the way I lift it up next time
Exhaust clears nicely now.
Trial fit the radiator
Need to drill some holes to fit the bottom radiator
mounts in, then I'm pretty sure it will clear height wise.
Intercooler arrived, it will be a little while before I
consider this installed...but at least I've got one now! It 450x300x76 -
about as big as I can stuff in I think
Next I want to consider how the gearbox will fit -
lessons learnt from last engine install - check gearbox filler bolt is
easy to remove....check! Had a lot of sealer junk on it which could be
trouble...
Flywheel bolts? Check! (These are an ARP replacement for
the factory Nissan ones - a lot stronger too)
Set up pressure plate / clutch with this funky tool.
Checked the clutch wears, there's a bit left in it. I
think 0.03mm is the minimum. It's at 0.065mm
This is where I realised I didn't have the
right bolts for the gearbox, the FSM calls for specific length bolts for
each hole in the bellhousing I don't have them - also I wanted to
practice where they all go before trying to fit them under the car.
2 up top
2 down the starter side
2 on the bottom
2 on the non starter side
So then I went ahead and fitted the gearbox
to the back of the already installed motor, could take pictures with
20kg of gearbox on my chest....but I just wheeled it under the car and
lifted it into position with my trolley jack. Then slipped a couple of
bolts in when it was in position. I didn't fit the flywheel and clutch
yet, I'll need the engine out to do that properly.
Gearbox fitted...just - but I don't have a
crossmember...so I started mucking around with cardboard to get an idea
of a good shape, when I then gave to a mate of mine to make out of metal
(I'm mig-less)
Also note the tailshaft I got with the car fitted nicely
too!
