In the year between getting the GBS build under way and when it finally arrived to my garage I was occupied with rebuilding the SVO engine. The engine had about 65,000 miles in the SVO Mustang. After disassembly, de-rusting and cleaning I measured the cylinder bores and concluded that I could run the original pistons and crank journals. So the engine job took the path of an overhaul. I polished the crank journal bearing surfaces and fitted new bearings and seals. I had the head rebuilt at BoPort Racing Heads and upgraded it with a stage 1.5 roller camshaft. The turbo went to EverGreen Turbo for a rebuild and the turbine was also upgraded. The original injectore were cleaned and tested at Mr Injector. I also rebuilt the Non-WC T5 transmission. My plan is to start the engine on a stand with the original TE ECU and go from there. I am not planning any upgrades until I know that:
1. The engine fits in the chassis with the original manifolds.
2. The engine runs well with the original system and will pass a DOT inspection.
If the engine will not fit the chassis because of manifold system clearance then I will consider whatever upgrades and/or fabrication will achieve my goal. There are quite a few suppliers that specialize in the 2.3l Turbo so my options are almost endless. I expect that I will have to fabricate an intercooler system that will fit under the bonnet and work well. My one constraint is that I must use the stock cam/rocker cover. Here's some pictures from the engine and transmission rebuild.
Long story short. At GBS, in particular Ruth Hall, handled most of the communication. Through the build process I got the occasional picture and update. Once we got to the stage where the kit went into the crate and was sent off for shipping the rate of updates slowed and left me wondering what was going on. The only update I got, after many weeks and several queries, was that the shipment was waiting offshore, somewhere. I exchanged paperwork for the import with an agent from LSI and then I started getting updates from LSI Logistics, Eric Martinez, who stepped me through the process of receiving the shipment at the loading dock at Auburn. Great guy, Eric. In the meantime I had made a friend, Bob, through an event with the Tyee Triumph club. Bob lives here in Sequim and has a Spitfire 1500. I offered to help him get the Spit running better and spent a few days getting it running pretty well. I mentioned to Bob that I had been searching for transportation to get my kit to Sequim from ...




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