Alex's v8 re-build thread warning pic whore inside >:)

[Alex Carter]

Yes I have both James and phills mobile numbers and use them when I need help now that's service !

[j900jpw]

Hi Alex,

 

Good news about the cream! Not that I'm making any critism on your work at all - its been more than I could have accomplihed! Would just like to pass on some information regarding timing belts. I recently changed mine with the engine in. Took two days off work... a month later I think I had the correct tensions. I used the Lotus method and bought a tension meter to measure the frequency. It was tricky to gauge how much to move a tensioner to obtain the right tension - pretty sensitve. Next time round i will have a much better feel for the job. I got the belts at 125Hz cold and by twisting the belt it felt reasonable compared to others I have done... Golf GTi etc. I ran the engine to 80 degress C and out of interest measured them again = approx 220Hz - and they felt very tight, could hardly twist them. I think they where on the point on whining. 4 years ago when the factory replaced the belts, they whined a bit for about 200 miles.

 

Just passing the info on and is just what I experinced.

 

Again brilliant work by yourself and all the very best.

 

cheers Julian

[Alex Carter]

It's fine Julian I don't mind any input it all helps .One thing I did this time was not using the pins . Sure the set and tolerance idea works but on cam timing it could probably lose 15 he if out . So I made little pins to hold the Cams then after figuring out where the holes where in relarelation to the timing I marked the cam and the first holder with a fine pick so I didn't have tolerance but more of an exact mark . The belts were then tensioned and turned the engine over a few times well a lot actually and every mark cam back spot on so I'm hoping this will mean the engines timing is perfect. I will get hold of a mic and do a test to see where we are at .

[Alex Carter]

Today's list fit new exhaust studs and nuts . Fit dipstick at correct level . Remove exhaust manifold and fit dip stick lol .doesn't work the other way round . Fit ancillaries to engine tighten everything start the wiring .Yay

[Alex Carter]

Today's graft finished engine all plumbed and wired just need some new bolts for the plenum as the new ones are too long .

Then polished the lotus bit again works well with the colour .

Then re torqued the wheels to check for slack bolts 30 nm at least as long as you have steel nuts and steel bolts .

Now here is a marmite mod I want to replicate the vents in perspex so the engine is seen . And last the wheels no spigot rings on the front equals lose wheels not good 58 mm to 60 mm spigot needed .

Come on clutch hurry up .best order some fluids .

[Alex Carter]

New bolts in for the plenum

I like

[60N4.7]

The LOTUS letters look great! Painted or?

 

IMHO the bolts too though some SS hex head would look awesome!

[Alex Carter]

The lotus emblem is polished not painted what did the other but say

[Alex Carter]

There we go fitted

[Alex Carter]

Jobs for today spigot rings and oil arrived so fitted the spigots still waiting on the clutch from helix . AAlso it seems a few different people had had a go at sticking some kind of bolt in the centre cap holes so I decided on taping and heli coiling a steel thread in so I don't lose one

[Alex Carter]

So today he went in 90 percent plumbed in few electric bits to plug in tomorrow and then fluids and see if we get bang or brooooom.

[Alex Carter]

Just to add to this topic you may notice the gearbox isn't in obviously I'm waiting on the clutch still . For what it's worth it seems an easier idea to do them separately but honestly don't bother together is easier yes the length and weight is greater but the length helps to stabilise the engine singular the engine rocks back and forth and you'll notice the engine crane end and wood used for support so much better all in one

[Alex Carter]

So day of frustration it fired and ran well then two of the cam oil l seals began to fail **** so it's coming back out for a check and new seals again let's just say this was a bench test yeah!

[Bibs]

Ouch! Sounded nice though!

[Alex Carter]

Sounded amazing I was so excited now I'm a little deflated but at least it's working I know an oil seal is a minimal part but the work to get at it again is a lot

[Alex Carter]

So he's back out getting good at this lol the top two drivers side seem the problem . After a major build it's a pain but better now I guess . New seals ordered still no clutch mardi gras motorsport are useless I get no communication at all I'm forever chasing them to find out .

[60N4.7]

I DIG BIG TIME the clear (plexiglass or acrylic?) engine cover louvers! 

 

Could you do more of those and sell them?

[Alex Carter]

Yes I've got the C.A.D dimensions so I can get more cut if you want a set there 175 for a pair

[Simon350S]

Awesome you've got her running.... Any ideas why you've had oil seal failure already?

Loving the engine core too....!! More pics please!

[60N4.7]

COOL! I am definitely interested! Can you post more photos of them? How long from order to ship?

Yes I've got the C.A.D dimensions so I can get more cut if you want a set there 175 for a pair

 

Sorry, meant to reply to this.. 

 

COOL! I am definitely interested! Can you post more photos of them? How long from order to ship?

[Alex Carter]

I can have them cut same day and they can be in the post in the evening the rest would be down to air mail I would say 7 days ish to texas maybe less

Seal could be caught or turned on installing something so simple really but a right fiddle . The rockers can pressurise with oil and seals blow out . So there's a special glue used to help the seal stick . with glue and oil and short time to get in sometimes you get unlucky . But at least it gives me time to check everything out after running as normally visuals once in are top and bottom only

[Alex Carter]

More

I counter sunk 4 screws to hold them down they come un drilled so how you fit them is up to you I can add or not the double sided trim tape too . Your choice

[60N4.7]

I want to order the louvers! Please email me at kwest3904@gmail.com ! THANKS!

 

Looks like bottom side is painted black then the double sided tape is attached there?

[Alex Carter]

The guys that cut the perspex I had them do a black sticker surround to hide the bolt holes in the tailgate already obviously if you want to drill that's your choice but there made like this for a nice clean look . Will email you now

[David T]

Alex

Did you ever figure out why the engine ate the belt? Keep a sharp eye on the tracking. Here in the US one engine ate a belt because the head was not planed flat and the cams were tipped so the belt was tracking all the way to the side of the pulleys. Also in all of the pictures you never mentioned checking and/or setting the "nip" of the liners.

David Teitelbaum

Edited July 30, 2014 by David T