The engine and gearbox have been mated and lowered into the race car. Still a lot of connections to be made, and parts to swap from other 900s. Once the racer is running, there are still a load of tasks to accomplish.
Here is a summary of the past few days:
Wednesday: Since the engine was off the gearbox, the main and rod bearings were easily accessible so I removed a few bearing caps to evaluate the condition of the bearings. They showed little wear, indicating that the engine had been rebuilt, so I put everything back together and re-torqued the bolts. Unfortunately, either the bolts had been over-torqued previously or the torque wrench was out of spec. One bolt snapped off in the engine block, another was badly stretched. Fortunately, the broken bolt end came out easily, and since there was another engine at hand it was easy to steal bolts from that one.
Thursday: Picked away at several items at home, including a second coat of paint for the racer. Removed the badly worn right side upper control arm bushing for replacement. Also removed a few spares from one of the parts cars. Tires have arrived at SVS, Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs, eight of 'em. Two wheels are already there and Phil has agreed to sell me four more for their value as scrap aluminum.
Friday: Started the day at SVS, picking up the engine, gearbox and several other parts. Had an exhaust system made by Bill's Muffler in Duluth. Spent the afternoon and evening getting the engine and gearbox ready for installation. It seemed to be a one-step-forward, two-steps-back process as I struggled with working what should have been easy tasks, then had to disassemble and re-do them because they were in the way of replacing the alternator. Finally knocked off shortly before midnight with the engine and gearbox close to mating.
Saturday: Had planned to show the racer at Morrie's Saab Car Show and Swap Meet in Wayzata, but gave it up when the engine was not in the car by 9:00 a.m. The show was to start at 8:30 a.m. but it was a 3-hour drive from home. Mark came over to assist with the installation as it always goes much easier with more than one person. Shortly after 11 a.m., the engine/gearbox unit was dropped into place. With luck, the car will run on Sunday. We discovered that the power cable to the starter was damaged, apparently when the ignition stuck in the START position last year at Iowa. The insulation had melted and one of the connectors snapped off as we were inspecting it. So the cable will be replaced with a new piece, which we will pick up on Sunday.
