1978/79 GTS

[Sean1380]

I def think that it would be a mistake to use the stepped brake master on your spilt diagonal braking system Phil.

GMC167 is the correct master for the split diagonal sytem, but its NLA

[GTSPhil]

Yeah Sean

A plan was made and the needed change was done.


Then the next item to be fitted was the cam..

   


The new oil pump and duplex chain.


   



Found TDC 


   



Timed cam and fitted new follower.


   

[GTSPhil]

Looked long for a flywheel housing cover that is not screwed up and broken where the starter motor fits.


Cleaned this one up and chased the threads.


   



   



Wil check the idler gear end float a bit later and then gearbox can be mounted on the engine.

[gweir]

Hi Phil. Long time. Who is the upholsterer who did your roof lining? Great progress.

[GTSPhil]

Hi Gregory

I always use Charlie's auto trimmers in Vom Hagen street, Pretoria West.

Cheers

[GTSPhil]

Hi Guys

Update time.

I did the idler gear end float got it down to 5 thou.

Fitted the gearbox with oversize washers.


   



This whole lot is new just to ensure I run into hopefully no problems.


   



Fitting clutch oil seal with the correct tool.


   



Like I said I fit these extra oil seal protector shield to ensure that if the oil seal leaks I still have a functioning clutch.



   



Cleaned up the crank thread on both ends.

   


Ready go be torqued on and finally fit the diaphragm.....



   

[GTSPhil]

Resprayed the timing chain cover and fitted it with new gasket and oil seal.


   


New alternator mounting bolt.


   



After fitting all missing items to make engine mountings work again.  Resprayed the engine mounting bracket on radiator side etc.
Ready to be dropped in....


   


AND THE ENGINE HAS LANDED AND IS BACK...well sort of...


   

---

Had to build the head next...


Cleaned these babies up.


   


Then new valve stem seals was fitted and new kent cams double valve springs.


   


New head stud kit to fit head.


   


Here things got interesting.. the kit only comes with 5 thick washers and 2 thinner washers for the two studs on the very ends...  The four long studs has no washers, did a lot of research and found that is how this kit comes, so that is how I fitted it.


Built up a adjustable top engine steady.



   


Studs and gasket fitted, awaiting head.


   


See washers fitted onto studs....



   

[GTSPhil]

Next I built up two drive shafts with the new outer cv joints fitted.


   


After fitment to both ends.
Fitted reverse light switch to my old KAD quick shift.

   


Old vs new shifter...


   



Fitted in the car.


   



   

[GTSPhil]

Moved along onto the inlet/exhaust studs.


   


Such a pleasure to fit a British made product to a classic mini, the lovely Maniflow LCB, fits without hassels and swearing.


   


Next up my original set of Twin SU HS2 carbs, but I have been toying and building a set of Twin SU H4 Cooper works replica carbs, but the float bowls is still at 20 deg and the needed 30 deg float bowls for the mini manifold will have to special ordered from the UK....Decisions, decisions.


   


Set of H4 carbs


   


   



I have sourced the linkages for the choke and new jets etc for the H4 carbs and have a set of K&N filters, but now the next question is the needle needed for this engine setup?????  Maybe just maybe I will fit them after the engine has been run in, have destroyed a set of new piston rings in about 400kms on another mini with the incorrect needle choice, but we live and we learn, that was before I have a GUNSON colourtune.

[minitim]

Good progress there Philip. Bet you can't wait to get it back on the road. Been a long time in the making and it will be worth it.