What's next at Lake View

[Ethelred]

This is a big change of plans although I know there can come a tipping point where you’ve got to just take stock & reign things in a bit.

I do hope all is well.

Thanks for that.

All is well but as so often, there's been a mismatch of expectations and I never do myself any favours by moving the goalposts.

Tom and I agreed that while Ethel (ETR290L) was being overhauled, none of the other 3 cars would be allowed to poke their bonnets in and get in the way - i.e. if any of them broke down while Ethel is in the workshop, tough luck - they would have to wait. I then went and bought a 5th car (STF508L) and when Hildegarde's engine failed, I reneged on our agreement and insisted that Hildegarde take priority.. If I'd simply replaced the failed 4.0 litre engine with another good block, Hildegarde would have been back on the road in January but I changed my mind - moving the goalposts and insisting on an upgrade to a 4.6

Tom's made excellent progress on the 4.6 this week

Hybrid front pulley is now constructed.
tomorrow I need to alter the p/s mounting bracket to allow bolt access on the front cover.
p/s belt also fouls the timing mark pointer . sorted that.
once that's done its back to the cam timing and general build.
Another thing is matching the inlet manifold to the big port heads . Its a matter of taking material out to the gasket line on the manifold ports to avoid and sharp step from one to the other. If I don't do it , valuable horsepower will be lost.

Port Matching - Intake & Head Porting - Tech - How To - Circle Track

I will keep you posted but I know car wont be ready for the weekend.
Don't take this as a doom and gloom list . In my opinion progress is good

That does indeed sound like good progress.

In the meantime, I have to get rid of two cars - BPH970H and STF508L - they are good runners but I don't want to spend any more money on them - I'd rather focus on the other three.

 

[Ethelred]

4.6 update

Heads are now fitted ( I bought new studs ) front cover is on . cam installed and timed .
Have to install the rockers and then check the dreaded pre-load.

That's mostly Japanese to me but it is clearly progress.