Thanks. This is my first time, and I get scared just by looking at the garage floor, knowing this all has to be put back together.

 

When you start into it you will be amazed at how you know pretty much every damned bolt laying around from when you took it all apart. Best way in the world to learn about a vehicle.

 

Agreed. If you dont already, every once and awhile you should just stand there and recite from memory where everything goes (as best you can) and by process of elimination you'll figure out that there isn't anything to be intimidated about at all. Its all very easy when you're the one taking it apart and being careful.

Dont ever get out of the habit of being organized.

 

yea it is amazing how you know where every bolt goes... (kicks a small pile of bolt under the work bench)

 

Even though it's a huge mess I did bag everything and labeled the bags. Worst problem so far I couldn't find the little part that holds the rear main seal! Went through all that stuff. Tore the back room apart looking for it. It just dissa-goddamn-peared. Luckily an engine rebuilding supply/junkyard had one on the shelf for $10. I hate to think what else I might not find that should have been there.

LOL at noth1ngmuch. Spoken like a guy who's been there done that.

 

I disassemble and assemble my car so much because each time, I end up with 3 or 4 spare bolts. I figure I am just lightening the car every time

 

This was my last 347 build. It was 5-6 degrees outside and 65 in the house...... You know where I was doing the build! The T56 was built in the basement.

 

One thing that works very well is grabbing carpet that is thrown away from a recent house build or from those carpet companies and just take it from their dumpster.


I also do my driveby construction sites and keep an eye for leftover carpet, and before I forget CL works wonders on the free or wanted section.

It is worth gold in winter time, it will not be warm, but at least not freezing cold concrete and the floor will not get that stained. Another cheap alternative is grabbing large pieces of cardboard from department stores. I simply approached one of the clerks and simply told me what days the cardboard is thrown away. Usually they will ask why and most of the time I would say I am in the middle of a move and need boxes etc.

At least me, at the end of the day, I like to pull out the car and see the garage and driveway clean as if nobody has worked on it.

 

Finally getting somewhere on the build. Spent the last couple days doing dremel head work. Smoothed the ridges in the combustion chamber, took down the valve guides flush and smoothed the bowls in and around them, port matched the intake gasket. For $150 my machinist then decked the head flat, did a 3 angle valve job and assembled the head.

Everything's going together really well! I can't wait to find out what I forgot, screwed up or leaks terribly.

 

Nice work, getting the head on is always a huge step. As always, I'm here to help. Can't wait to see this thing in action!

 

Which action? A. Going round the track at a snails pace since I suck at driving. or B. Scattering oil/water/parts all over the track since I suck at mechanics.

 

it has happened to me more times than i care to admit.. Never with an engine rebuild though luckily. I am still scared shitless my engine will fly apart if I miss a bolt.

Worst I have ever done is leave off a wheel lug..

OOPS! Ended up having to replace the wheel studs and lugs... Not too bad. Caught it before the wheel flew off.

 

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...7&d=1270831821

miniature dude or big car? Owning a miata screws up perception.

 

A little of both.... I wasnt that big back then and the vette is a tank compared to the Miata.

 

The motor is in along with a 6 speed! Started right up and runs great. Have a couple hundred miles on it already. Now it's tune, tune, tune.

Things to note.

Mazda Comp engine mounts definetely increase NVH. Car is really buzzy between 3000 and 3500 rpms. Lots of new little resonance rattles to chase down. Not a big deal in a track only car but this is my DD.

The 6 speed shifts better than I expected from all the complaints I've heard about them. Stupid short gearing with the 4.1 rear end though. Gotta put in the 3.6's I've got.

6 puck clutches are a whole different creature. Chattery sons of biotches, particularly in reverse. Getting better with it but that's a narrow engagement point. Hopefully it's not because I'm a cheap *** and reused the 35K mile ACT HD pressure plate.

Ceramic thermal coating on the exhaust mani didn't seem to reduce radiated heat much.

 

That is the way mine behaved brand new so your pressure plate is probably fine.

 

Thanks for the encouragement! It's rare that I get away with anything though. My cheapness usually costs me more in the end.

 

Congrats on getting it running. Time for some videos and pics

 

Now its your turn!

 

Soon.....