Well guys...I know I haven't posted on my project in quite awhile...
So far I have all the dash stuff mounted. Wiring is almost done...kinda took a break from it...I'll probably finish it up tomorrow. However I did get the new steering column and cable installed. The reverse cable is in, but the lever isn't fully installed yet.
The pump is also in. We also had installed the rails awhile back, and now finally we have completed phase 1 and 2 of engine test fit.
Phase 1 - ironman44bear made my motor plates taller than they needed to be so that we could machine them to the correct height for proper driveshaft alignment. We basically mounted the engine plates and dropped the engine in with the plates "as made" to figure out how much too high the plates were so that we could cut them down to the proper height.
Phase 2 - Install the motor with the plates machined down with the driveshaft installed to check. The alignment couldn't be any better than it is now so I proceeded to drill the holes for and install the pillow blocks to bolt the motor in place. Once all the drilling was done, we pulled everything back apart so that I can take everything and have it all powder coated.
The one thing I was worried about was my 9 quart pan not clearing the bottom, but once we dropped it in we noticed during phase 1 that we had about 1 1/2" between the bottom of the pan and the bottom of the bilge, and the motor only needed to come down about 3/4". So we were good on that.
Pics of results of Phase 1 - Note the severe angle in the driveshaft from the motor plates being too tall:
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attach...1&d=1174869777
And these next 3 are the driveshaft after the motor plates were cut down. I don't think you could ask for better alignment than this.
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attach...1&d=1174869777
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attach...1&d=1174869777
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attach...1&d=1174869777
And here is our engine as she sits now. I finally got my oil pump pickup dillemma fixed so we can now continue onward with the assembly of the motor. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have the motor finished.
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attach...1&d=1174869777