The engine build is finally complete and the cars back on the road.
I feel very lucky to have had the builder do this for me. He's well known in the local track racing scene and still a competitive driver in his early 70's. Retired he doesn't need to be doing this anymore nor does he build engines for anyone.
 
Onto the specs, bottom end is out to 2.1 litres using forged short pistons and H-beam long rods that were weight matched. Crank was ground and balanced with the lightened flyweel and heavy duty clutch. Competition bearing and fasteners were used and a blueprint was recorded.
Top end is a race port, big valve, double springs and a cam operating between 4-8500rpm.
 
First impressions are good, I'm impressed with its manners and how smooth it runs. Its a bit flat down low but that was the price to be paid for the cam and big valves. Once spinning though it seems to have plenty of grunt.
The new gearbox is tight and smooth but best of all doesn't leak oil I'm still running it in so haven't had a chance to test the ATB diff yet but that too is tight and smooth.
 
As it arrived.
 

 
and going in.
 

 
After almost 12 months of building I'm a bit tired and will have a rest from the garage for a while and enjoy the car while the weathers still good.
Come winter though I need to get back into the Mk1 GT, its been over 2 years since Dad passed and I really need to put on my big boy pants and finish it no matter how bitter sweet its going to be.

Nice motor, looks the bizniss too, I bet those idf's sound delicious 🤤.

Hey Drew,
That is a nice-looking bit of kit, will sound sweet with the IDF's on song when it's been run in. Yes, cleaning up a few rough edges with the GT, but not a lot to do. Few paint touch -ups and 4D vinyl on the scuff plates to freshen them up a bit. Got a tune up booked and get a wheel balance/ alignment as the rear diff bushings were done. it's a daily driver now as it is too young to be on club plates. Cheers, Len

Thanks guys its nice to know the cars finally got the go to match the show.
And yes those IDF's make some beautiful music.

You must be so happy now that it's almost or is completed. I remember my first Pinto 2.1 in my mk2 I acquired a super rare Pinto 2x DCNF down draft intake manifold and bought 2x carbs from a broken Ferrari in UK. The sound was ferocious on the dyno, made an impressive 98kw at wheels . If I can find a pic I'll put up here 👍

looks so clean, up to the normal Drew standard as usual! :)

Next month will be 28 years since I brought the car and after all this time I can finally say its finished. I can't think of anything more I want to do to it except drive it.
 
Heres where it started, where it went and what it is now.
 
Me at 17, we picked it up cheap with the head gasket on the way out, I still managed to get a speeding ticket an hour after picking it up.
 

 
Once I was done driving it everyday it was turned into a track day car.
 

 
And now, back to an original looking cars with a few tricks up its sleeve.
 

 

 
I've done 2500kms on the new engine and driveline and tuning is complete. I fitted a wideband o2 meter which was a big help. I thought the main jets would need all the work but it was actually the idle circuit that needed the most. I was almost spot on with the mains, just one size up on the air correctors. The idle was a headache getting an acceptable air fuel that idled smoothly and started both cold and hot. I got there in the end. Its a little rich, low to mid 13's in the idle but under load at full throttle the air fuel is spot on 14.7-1.
I also added some small horns to clear the air cleaners and a jet doctor kit to cure the dreaded blocked idle jets.
 

 
Plugs and tailpipe all show the right colours.
 

 

 
Fuel economy is actually pretty good, provided I keep my boot out of it. Its very well mannered at idle and in traffic and cruises nicely. Its a little flat under 3000rpm, the price to be paid for the big valves and cam, but picks up quickly and really starts to sing from 4000 upwards. 
The combo of sticky tires and the ATB work really well too, no fuss or fanfare it just squats the rear down and goes.
I'm also really happy I put a full and properly muffled exhaust on it.
It gets out most weekends for an early morning run up the coast and we'll be taking it to the drive-ins for its anniversary next month.

perfection.
Congrats Drew on the long term relationship, too.

Wow it looks amazing Drew, congratulations and enjoy all the hard work you put into the car!

you've got a drive-in nearby Drew?
Now that is old school.