| 1961 PV544 Project - Update 11 |
By Frank Colgoni Back in Update 9, we established approximate ride height with the car sitting on the ground. Using the body-to-ground measurements, the car was transferred to the frame fixture at Schwartz Inc. then levelled and fixed in position. It was obvious by the dimensions of the T5 transmission and bellhousing that a portion of the original tunnel would have to be removed and the firewall clearanced. After that was completed, our 3.4 crate engine (ref: Update 10) was mated to the T5 transmission (ref: Update 8) and both were swung in for a trial fit. |
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Below: While it appears that there is a lot of room, you have to imagine a few missing pieces: a radiator that sits almost directly above the spreader bar and inner fenders that fit tight against the frame rails.  |
Below: A view straight on. You can see that the heads/rocker covers are inside the vertical line up from the frame rails. Once again, while it looks like there is a lot of room above the engine, the two-piece intake, induction and air cleaner will fill that up in a hurry (more on that later).  |
Below: Same view but a closer look. If you are not familiar with this series of 60 deg. engine, note that the water pump is an assembly of the timing cover and a pump (not shown). |
Below: From the driver's side. It's clear that exhaust manifold/headers will need to stay tight. I have seen an installation where headers went over the top of the rails (through the inner fenders) then down inside of the fenderwell and then under the car. This will not be the preferred routing.  |
Below: The arrow is pointing to the oil filter mounting location. In addition to exhaust, this will pose a "challenge" regarding getting steering connections through.  |
Below: On the passenger side, you can see the starter in relation to the frame rail. The white arrow points to the forward location on the block of the engine mouting location.  |
Below: The transmission tunnel "before". The Volvo M4 gearbox if very small.  |
Below: The tunnel removed to allow for initial positioning of the bellhousing and transmission.  |
Resources Next: A strategy for the front suspension / steering |
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