My Birkin Progress

[11Budlite]

So I didn't go to the Carlisle show this weekend, but with a little help from some "volunteers" was able to get the engine and tranny installed. My son and I torqueing the bellhousing bolts.

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1080769312_IMG_0030.JPG

 

My daughter, being the smarta$$ that she is, said the engine wasn't clean enough to eat off of, so she decided to help out!! She really is a gearhead and IS NOT afraid to get her hands dirty!!

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/11105271_IMG_0034.JPG

 

Engine and tranny bolted together and ready to go in. BGH "sporting close" 5-speed, Zetec engine stock internally except for ARP rod bolts.

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/2007215794_IMG_0038.JPG

 

The easy way to install the engine and tranny on a Birkin. Still more wet sanding and polishing of the aluminum....my wife has two days off this weekend, guess what she gets to do??? :hurray:

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/426935614_IMG_0051.JPG

 

And they're in!!

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1558070849_IMG_0864.JPG

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1216815925_IMG_0865.JPG

 

Still lots to do, suspension, some more wiring, fabricate some braided fuel lines, Jenvey throttle bodies, cut hole in bonnet for K&N air filters, etc, etc, etc. At least it's getting close!!

 

:hurray:

 

Bruce

[R1 Seven]

Looking good there. What are the specs on the engine?

[Al N.]

Thanks for sharing Bruce. If that thing's together in 45 or so days, I hope we see you down at Deal's Gap!

[locost7018]

All I can say is WOW. Russ

[slngsht]

wow. My car is such a mess :lol:

 

Unfortunately, I'm single handed in working on the car.

[11Budlite]

Jeff - Thanks. The engine's a ZX1 Zetec out of a 95-97 Ford Contour. The only thing I did internally was install ARP rod bolts. Externally, it's got Esslinger cam pulleys/under drive pulley, Raceline water rail, Jenvey throttle bodies with an Emerald ECU, and K&N air filters. If I'm not happy with the power someday, I'll put in some Kent cams and raise the compression.

 

Al - Nancy and I REALLY hope we get it done in time to make it to Deal's Gap!!

 

Russ - Thanks, it's been fun. My wife prefers me playing with cars instead of out drinking and chasing women!

 

Mazda - Your car's the "Mean Machine"! And besides, you're welding and fabricating, while all I'm doing is a little polishing and painting!! :lol:

 

Bruce

[solder_guy]

Umm .. What's holding the front end up in the air? Levitation? Nice job!

 

Rob M

 

[11Budlite]

"Umm .. What's holding the front end up in the air? Levitation?"

 

Actually, I was wrenching with one hand and holding it up with the other!!

[scannon]

"Umm .. What's holding the front end up in the air? Levitation?"

 

Actually, I was wrenching with one hand and holding it up with the other!!

 

That's really adding lightness!:lol:

[11Budlite]

"That's really adding lightness!"

 

If I filled up the frame tubes with helium, would it float away???

[andrew7]

Na, the tubes are to small. Your going to have to use Hydrogen, while your at it put it in the tires too. Just don't do any burnouts.:jester: :jester:

 

Its turning out real nice Bruce, hope to see it at the dragon.

[Birkin42]

Draw a vacuum in the frame. Lighter still!

[11Budlite]

Hi guys,

 

Thought I'd give a quick update on my car. The progress has been slow, but I'm still plugging away :banghead:

 

Here's the new rear trailing arm kit I got from Woody Harris at MSI:

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/903478555_IMG_0105.JPG

 

Here's the coolant overflow tank that I bead-blasted and painted with Alum-blast paint, mounted on the driver's footwell which I covered with insulation:

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/903594883_IMG_0106.JPG

 

And finally, here's the RF suspension installed but still waiting the sway-bar and brakes. The lower control arm has been reinforced along with upgraded ball joints by Woody Harris at MSI:

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/748650400_IMG_0111.JPG

 

Still lots more to do, but the good news is my new trailer should be ready for pick-up Saturday morning!!

 

Bruce

[Al N.]

Wow...that thing is both clean and extremely well thought out. Thanks for the update...