30 Minute Engine Run

Ran the engine up for 30 minutes, during this time another small fuel leak was found. The fuel regulator was also adjusted to 43psi. After fixing the fuel leaks the regulator pressure was hovering around 60psi and the FAST system suggest 43psi which is good for up to 550HP.

During the 30 minute session the engine was exercised through a number of RPM ranges as the FAST system continued its adaptive learning. Temperatures and oil pressures remained stable and at this time no coolant leaks have been identified.

The exhaust tone is just awesome.

Engine Installation – 2 Hours

Today was a great day as the 2nd build milestone was completed with the installation of the engine and transmission. This keeps the build on schedule for a first engine start around Thanks Giving.


Tips and general information:

1. Use a 2 ton engine leveler, the ¾ ton leveler used although within the weight limit has limited span and chain length which meant that the EFI injection body needed removing.

2. Wrap and protect every area you think you may scratch or accidentally swing into. In the picture you can see bubble wrap around the lifting chain to protect the valve covers and inlet manifold, bubble wrap on the hydraulic cylinder as the steep transmission angle required results in the pulley’s hitting the ram. Radiator mounting bar and 4” cross tube all benefit from protection.

3. Jacking the rear of the car higher than the front reduces the angle required to swing in the transmission.

4. Use of a ratchet strap on the transmission helps jacking the complete assemble back towards the rear and aligning the engine mounts.

5. The large plate of aluminum under the transmission mount will be machined to form a ¾” spacer as required for a Tremec TKO.

6. Slow and steady, it’s not a race.

Second Major Decision – The Engine

The first major decision was taking the plunge and ordering the car, the time came this week for the second major decision, ordering the engine.

Over the last few weeks I have spoken to a number of custom engine builders, all were given the basic specification, Ford 302, 350 HP, EFI.

After some soul searching I decided to place my business with the Engine Factory. We all make personal choices; however as someone who is involved in sales daily, the decision was based on reputation, customer service and informative technical knowledge without overselling. Chris achieved this in a friendly and professional manner.

The Engine Factory was not the cheapest, however they were willing to make a deal, and having been in business since 1969 and built over 75,000 engines you have to figure they know what they are doing. In addition they provide a 12 month unlimited mileage warranty, which in itself says a lot about the quality of their work.

So what you gear heads have been waiting for, the specification:

Hypereutectic Federal Mogul 9.5 TO 1 compression
Speed Pro chrome moly piston rings
Comp Cams Steel Roller Xtreme Energy camshaft
Melling oil pump
Edelbrock RPM aluminum heads 60cc combustion chamber with bronze guides
Front sump 7 quart Canton racing oil pan
Cobra black wrinkled aluminum valve covers
Edelbrock performance RPM dual plane intake manifold
4 barrel 1000 CFM FAST EZ EFI System
Pertronix Flamethrower ignition, distributor and coil
Cobra oval black air cleaner with PCV ventilation system
Chrome 100 amp alternator one wire hook up
Complete MARCH under drive polished pulley set
Polished chrome alternator bracket
Quicktime steel bell housing
Fidanza Kevlar clutch
DB Electric starter