Building ERA Slabside #3012

[AndrewB]

Thanks Dan. Between rebuilding the rear end and the engine, the Mitutoyo digital indicator, caliper, mics, and Noga stand have certainly been well worth the expense for a non-pro as myself. I told my wife that the next one will be much cheaper as I already have all the tools. She was not amused

[fintubi]

Looking good, Andrew!

I dialed in my QT bellhousing two weeks ago, and it was in spec as well. It probably helps that my block was new and therefore hasn't seen the sort of machining that could move the crank axis off the axis defined by the bellhousing bolt holes.

Do you find it's possible to get the driver's side valve cover on and off with the expansion tank bolted directly to the head? I've seen photos indicating that the tank was sometimes mounted on 2" standoffs. That appears to be primarily to clear a Weber installation, but it looks like it would improve valve cover access as well.

Bill

[AndrewB]

Do you find it's possible to get the driver's side valve cover on and off with the expansion tank bolted directly to the head? I've seen photos indicating that the tank was sometimes mounted on 2" standoffs. That appears to be primarily to clear a Weber installation, but it looks like it would improve valve cover access as well.

Hi Bill,
No, I was not able to hang it over the valve cover as it was originally, in part due to having valve cover spacers, so I made some 1.5" spacers to push the tank more towards the front of the car and allow it to clear. The far right spacer I made slightly shorter (3/16th's shorter if I remember correctly) for the coil bracket. I've removed all the accessories from the front of the engine in preparation of installing it in the car so I can't get you a great picture right now, but this might give you an idea of what I did.



On the originals, it is an interesting design decision as it seems you would have to remove the tank in order to adjust the valves.

Hope this helps.
-Andrew