New year...time to get things moving

RodimusPrime

Well-Known Forum User
Hey guys, I hope you all had a good New Year.

I've just shifted everything to my other garage to hopefully get stuck in to getting the car ready by summer (Terry's old car). I've got to send it to the bodyshop to get the front air dam and the zg flares installed. I was going to replace the camshaft myself but now I'm sending the engine off to get the head fiddled with and replace the brass valve seats so I might as well get them to do a proper job of the cam.

IMG_4312.jpg

Just waiting for the Watanabes, the T3 brake kits and an Exhaust from Sean to arrive (fingers crossed within this month). Really excited about getting out and about this year!

I'll be adding to this thread when I get stuck into the build.
 

uk66fastback

Club Member
What great facilities to have at your disposal! I’m more a lover of the original spec of these cars but can appreciate the work you’ll be having done …
 

RodimusPrime

Well-Known Forum User
What great facilities to have at your disposal! I’m more a lover of the original spec of these cars but can appreciate the work you’ll be having done …

Thanks, yes it was a bit of a mega project to get the garage the way it is. Totally understand the keeping it original spec. It's just snowballed a bit and we are where we are haha.
 

RodimusPrime

Well-Known Forum User
Hi all. Just a quick question for those more clued up than me on the L24 (i.e., pretty much anyone on here haha). My original plan was to take the car to an engine builder to get the head worked on (valve seats replaced, new camshaft installed, port, polish etc)...however. As I want to chug away at the other jobs, the car won't be driveable so I'm going to remove the head in situ and they can work on it whilst I work on the suspension, brakes etc.

With regards to the timing chain, if I were to set to TDC when removing the head, would it simply be a case of reinstalling the head at the same timing marks? (assuming I'm not going to change the timing chain and hold it in place with the standard bit of wood/tensioner tool)? Any tips or tricks in this area would be greatly welcomed from those that have done this before. Is there a procedure for setting up the timing chain/cylinders/head from scratch? (I'm hoping not to need this, but always good to know)

I do have a new timing chain kit which I could install at this time if this is possible to do with the engine in the car (would obviously have to buy me some space removing the rad etc). I understand that it's always good to replace these parts when the engine is stripped down, but on balance of faff/benefit ratio, would you suggest this be worth doing if the engine is currently running nicely with no known issues regarding the timing chain?

Many Thanks,

Matthew
 

jonbills

Membership Secretary
Site Administrator
Yeah, IMO just wedging the timing chain and a spot of paint on the chain and sprocket to mark it is enough, if you've got no particular reason to think the chain is worn.
What do the teeth on the sprocket look like? If they're worn, the chain might be too.
 

RodimusPrime

Well-Known Forum User
Yeah, IMO just wedging the timing chain and a spot of paint on the chain and sprocket to mark it is enough, if you've got no particular reason to think the chain is worn.
What do the teeth on the sprocket look like? If they're worn, the chain might be too.

Thanks for the reply. I haven't taken the rocker cover off as yet, but will have a good look when I do.
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Why are you doing engine work - repair or performance or preventative maintenance?
 

JK240

Club Member
Hey guys, I hope you all had a good New Year.

I've just shifted everything to my other garage to hopefully get stuck in to getting the car ready by summer (Terry's old car). I've got to send it to the bodyshop to get the front air dam and the zg flares installed. I was going to replace the camshaft myself but now I'm sending the engine off to get the head fiddled with and replace the brass valve seats so I might as well get them to do a proper job of the cam.

View attachment 48212

Just waiting for the Watanabes, the T3 brake kits and an Exhaust from Sean to arrive (fingers crossed within this month). Really excited about getting out and about this year!

I'll be adding to this thread when I get stuck into the build.

I've had a few setbacks with my 510 build lately, but your picture reminded me why I'm going to persevere... !

JK


Parts Dept..JPG
 

RodimusPrime

Well-Known Forum User
Just a quick update on where we are. I have removed the exhaust / carb manifolds and in the process of removing the head for it to go off to have the valve seats replaced plus the new camshaft installed - hopefully this week. Nothing too tricky except one of the flange studs on the exhaust manifold - exhaust pipe snapped (I'm waiting on a system from Sean so this isn't really an issue). All other nuts came off with ease albeit some were a bit awkward to get to. I'm going to remove the recently installed radiator (typical) later today to give me a bit more room. I guess I've passed the point of no return now haha.

IMG_4528.jpg

86B533B3-3278-4AE4-9204-A1B649C89A66.JPG

I also received my wheels and tyres. Wheels are Watanabe 15" x 10.5" ET-32 (all four) and I went with Nankang AR-1's 245 40 15 (I was going to go with R888R's 235 50 15 but can't seem to find any in stock) - so I'll see how I get on with these and change them down the line if needed.

IMG_4516.jpg

IMG_4517.jpg

IMG_4554.jpg

IMG_4552.jpg

I have some wide ZG flares from Retrospec to get fitted once it's moving again (plus coilovers for lowering / camber etc)
 

toopy

Club Member
Not my taste with that much tyre stretch, but on the plus side, for me at least, the colour of the paintwork always looks so damn good in any of your photos :cool::D
 

RodimusPrime

Well-Known Forum User
Not my taste with that much tyre stretch, but on the plus side, for me at least, the colour of the paintwork always looks so damn good in any of your photos :cool::D

Thanks, Terry is to thank for the paint :EXTRAcool:. In all honesty there is a bit too much tyre stretch for my liking as well, but I'll see how I get on with it.
 

RodimusPrime

Well-Known Forum User
Another update post.

Last week I removed the head. Although I have a new timing chain kit, the existing chain and spindle looks to be in pretty good condition so I'm going to avoid the additional hassle of replacing that for the time being. This is the first time I've removed the head off any car so it was a bit of a daunting experience but hopefully all is marked up and refitting should be ok (fingers crossed)

IMG_4604.jpg

IMG_4627.jpg

IMG_4652.jpg

A few valve marks on the pistons but I don't think they are too bad. The valves themselves look in pretty good condition so I'm not sure if they are from a previous build of the engine. The valves themselves seem to be stepped (see below) - do you think these are OEM valves? It's an E88 head. I don't currently have plans to replace them, but if I were do you have any recommendations for replacements. Also, where do you get your valve seats? I've seen some Kenjutsu ones on ebay or should I just let the workshop deal with that side of things?

IMG_4661.jpg

So now it's with the workshop to get cleaned up, gas flowed, valve seats replaced and the new (slightly more agressive) camshaft installed

IMG_4662.jpg

Do you suggest anything else whilst the head is off?

Thanks.
 

RodimusPrime

Well-Known Forum User
Additionally, I've started to remove the existing suspension in order to install the new control arms, brake kits and coilovers. The rear control arm pin is a pain in the bum to remove so I've held off on that whilst I wait for a pin removal tool to arrive from the states, but I've removed the fronts so that's what I'm on with at the moment. It's all a massive learning curve, but enjoyable! I hope it all goes back together haha!

IMG_4689.jpg

IMG_4709.jpg

I'm videoing everything so I can run it back if I get lost when rebuilding. Also, I might be able to put together some guides in future (editing out the numerous mistakes I'm probably making!)
 

M-j-b

Club Member
Another update post.

Last week I removed the head. Although I have a new timing chain kit, the existing chain and spindle looks to be in pretty good condition so I'm going to avoid the additional hassle of replacing that for the time being. This is the first time I've removed the head off any car so it was a bit of a daunting experience but hopefully all is marked up and refitting should be ok (fingers crossed)

View attachment 49202

View attachment 49203

View attachment 49204

A few valve marks on the pistons but I don't think they are too bad. The valves themselves look in pretty good condition so I'm not sure if they are from a previous build of the engine. The valves themselves seem to be stepped (see below) - do you think these are OEM valves? It's an E88 head. I don't currently have plans to replace them, but if I were do you have any recommendations for replacements. Also, where do you get your valve seats? I've seen some Kenjutsu ones on ebay or should I just let the workshop deal with that side of things?

View attachment 49205

So now it's with the workshop to get cleaned up, gas flowed, valve seats replaced and the new (slightly more agressive) camshaft installed

View attachment 49206

Do you suggest anything else whilst the head is off?

Thanks.
When I had my cam made they suggested the lifters should be changed/re worked. I am not an engine guru but they wouldnt do the cam without it and only £12 each so certainly didnt do it for revenue..
 

RodimusPrime

Well-Known Forum User
When I had my cam made they suggested the lifters should be changed/re worked. I am not an engine guru but they wouldnt do the cam without it and only £12 each so certainly didnt do it for revenue..

Thanks - the cam kit came with rocker arms, lash pads, valve springs and retainers but I don't think it came with lifters. I'll double check and speak to the workshop.
 
Top