AP2289 Build log 'stage 2'

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by xb-60

... The only acceptable solution is to use a Tremec TKX gearbox. Gear ratios are close enough to the Toploader to not be a concern, and then there’s the overdrive at 0.81:1, which I don’t need because of my high diff. ratio, but that’s OK.
Good news is that the QT RM-6060 scattershield for the Toploader is good for the TKX; flywheel will be OK; clutch - most likely OK, and I’m relenting and going with an HTOB ...

Glen,

Sorry to hear that the Toploader linkage won't fit and you cannot use that gearbox. I know that is one of the features of the car you have been planning on using since the get go.

I have the TKO 600 with the 0.82 5th gear (OD) and a 3.54 diff, I have been very happy with that combination. The TKX sounds like the current version of the TKO 600 but with some upgrades. You will likely need to change the diff ratio if you want to take advantage of 5th gear OD.

What is prompting abandoning the external slave cylinder and going with an HTOB, space constraints ?

- Tim

[xb-60]

Hi Tim.

It is somewhat irritating, to say the least, as it was known from the start that I would be using a Toploader. There was no contrary advice given.

However... the situation is what it is, and the TKX is a good gearbox, so onward we go.

The TKX 1st gear ratio at 2.87 is slightly shorter than the Toploader's 2.78, so it's hardly noticeable. Yes, my differential ratio is tall already, but it's a (relatively) big engine in a small and light car, so occasional forays into 5th gear will be useful in country cruising.

The concession to using an HTOB? It's simpler, as it will need no clearance holes in the side of the tunnel (and at this point, I'm looking for "simple"). I'll keep my fingers crossed that it lasts as long they say it will

Cheers!
Glen

[Harpoon PV2]

No, when life gives you lemons, you should take a big bite out of everyone of them! Then, when your mouth is slowly unpuckering, it reminds you, that you can overcome anything life throws at you! Cheers, Dennis

[BJ's Snake]

Good luck with the sale of your Toploader.
Looks like Wakefield Park will reopen next year and that the Cobra Nationals will resume.
Be good to see your Cobra there, could even get a pic of the 2 FIA's together!

Cheers

[xb-60]

Thanks BJ.
Good news about Wakefield Park and the Cobra Nationals.
Unfortunately, I'm unlikely to drive my Cobra across to the Nationals though, with the state of some of the goat tracks that we call highways in rural Victoria and NSW.

Cheers!
Glen

[xb-60]

Flywheel, clutch and - finally happy with fit...

[xb-60]

Exhaust primaries now fitted; shouldn't need to come off again any time soon....

[xb-60]

HTOB fitted and shimmed. Gearbox ready to be mated to engine, after engine is fitted to car...

[Buzz]

She!!

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by Buzz

She!!

Yours might be a "she", Buzz... I can't argue with that.
Mine, however, is reasonably muscular, most likely will be quite noisy and probably f@rt loadly and often; will emit plenty of fumes; will guzzle 'juice' at an above average rate.
Sounds like male characteristics to me

Actually, my Alfa was exactly the same. From day #1, his name was Luigi.

Here's "cheers" to diversity!
Glen

[xb-60]

Jim and BJ,
Comments always appreciated.
The engine by itself has been in and out twice to check clearances (exhausts, etc), and also to check the fit of the Toploader (trial fit from underneath) and it was determined that there wasn't sufficient clearance for its side linkages.
Should mention that these are very professional blokes, and they well and truly know how to treat a 'box fitment without damaging or stressing the input shaft.
The plan is still to fit the engine first and do the final fit of the TKX from underneath.

Cheers!
Glen

[Harpoon PV2]

Originally Posted by Buzz

She!!

Funny, when ever I see a big block Cobra from behind, a certain song by Queen pops into my mind, very female! Cheers, Dennis

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by Harpoon PV2

Funny, when ever I see a big block Cobra from behind, a certain song by Queen pops into my mind, very female! Cheers, Dennis

Which one, Dennis? There are a few that I could think of that would 'fit'

[sunman]

OMG
Only one fits
“Fat Bottomed Girls”

Party On

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by sunman

OMG
Only one fits
“Fat Bottomed Girls”

Party On

Yep, was thinking of that one, too, but that's 427 cars only, yes?

[BJ's Snake]

Maybe think about mating the gearbox to the engine and slide it in as one.
I did!

[1795]

If it is possible, putting the two together outside of the car and then installing as one is easier than trying to line up a transmission after the engine is in. Depends on the configuration of the frame and how many helpers you have.

[tkb289]

Hi Glen,

What is the plan for the exhaust system?

Do you have some different options, such as having the exhaust exit in front of the rear tire, or are you restricted in what you can run, due to local compliance regulations?

- Tim

[xb-60]

Hi Tim,

The plan for the exhausts…. my information had been that I would need an exhaust system that exited at the rear of the car, this information being supplied from a supposedly knowledgeable source.
However…. at the workshop last week, discussion turned to the exhaust, and particularly the channels inside the lower side sill panels. These channels are for the exhausts to be accommodated out of sight. My mechanic suggested that the exhausts would/could terminate where most other Cobras exhausts do – in front of the rear wheels.
So, still to be decided. The issue with using the concealed channels mentioned above is that they don’t really look wide enough, and I don’t know where the mufflers could be accommodated. They (the two exhausts) may have to be under the floor like most others, and exiting at the rear.

Cheers!
Glen

[Alfa02]

Damn, Glen the hole looks so nice being filled a powerplant , Cheers my Friend Tom.