
The leaks were obvious once we pulled the engine
back out.
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More evidence of engine oil leaks. After we thoroughly looked everything
over, we found that the leak was caused by the oil pressure sending
unit. It couldn't handle the increased pressure from the high volumn
oil pump.
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One slight bit of damage - in lowering the hoist, the help went too fast
and dropped the engine. The pulley on the front took most of the impact,
damaging the lip.
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The new suspension and power brake parts stand out in the empty engine
bay.
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Ok, so how do you turn an automatic transmission
into a manual? Simple answer - install a Lokar shifter. Now the only
question is why?
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Of course with a floor shifter, it had to come
through the floorboard somewhere. Kurt wasn't happy about losing the
antique embossed rubber mat, but he wanted the power of the shifter.
Floor shifters are also faster to use when racing.
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The modified 327 back from Pete. It still looks
like an engine, but much less stock now.
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Kurt waited no time the day the engine came home
with getting it back onto the engine stand and starting the reassembly
process.
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The internal workings of the engine.
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While at Carlisle, Kurt's wife spotted this in line fuel filter. The
fins are a close match to the valve covers and air cleaner that Kurt
wanted for the wagon.
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The reassembled engine, still '56 engine red. You can see that nifty
fuel filter tucked up close to the carb and air cleaner.
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Kurt wanted to keep the generator, if possible.
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The top of the new engine. Finned Edelbrock valve covers, the finned fuel
filter, and a finned air cleaner provide a very retro look. The 1"
spacer under the carb provided clearance for the air cleaner from the
coil.
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One newly rebuilt and modified 327 ready to go.
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To put this engine in, Kurt emailed the guys in
the Capitol Classics car club to see if anyone wanted to help. Four
members and 3 friends showed up for the drop in party. One of the
two teenage boys is under the car and the other is running tools. With
all the extra hands, the engine went in quickly and smoothly.
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However, the new heads were 3/4" taller than the originals and
there was no room behind the valve covers for anything. Kurt provided
the additional clearance by removing the fins from the back of the valve
covers. This built engine is all under the hood.
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Just one thing to say - All Throttle, No Bottle.
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It looks and runs great too.
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The generator had to be replaced
though with an altenator, to clearance the master cylinder and power brake
booster. Which meant that the wiring harness for the engine had to be
upgraded.
And Kurt later added MSD ignition with the Petronox
ignitor instead of the original points. |