Even thought I’m elated that the engine fires up and idles, there is some room for improvement. If I try to increase the revs too quickly, the engine wants to die. Looks like there’s a general 3 step approach. Stoddard has a handy online Tune-up Specifications page for most of the pertinent numbers: Adjust the […]

I don’t know how I neglected to post the obligatory before and after. Ideally these would have been from the same angle under the same lighting. Oh well.

I realize in the day and age of everyone has a video camera, writing about an engine running is a bit lame. To quote the now old phrase “Pics or it didn’t happen.” I was able to catch a pretty good segment of it running during a lunch break today. I’m able to increases revs

Took a number of steps to try to minimize potential issues and improve our chance for success. Checked wiring Charged battery Removed a spark plug to make sure cylinder wasn’t flooded with gas Confirmed spark from coil by holding connecting wire from center of distributor cap near metal (spark!) Checked wiring Swapped starters Introduced 2oz

Everything is assembled. Engine is mounted to a Zalex Industries running stand. New battery sourced. I’m finally at the point of trying to fire this engine up. With a heavy blanket and fire extinguisher nearby, I tripled checked the wiring and attempted the initial fire up today. It was both exciting and extremely nerve racking.

What a long strange journey it’s been. After two years, almost to the week, of off and on weekend work, the assembly is finally complete. Had I known the state of the engine I was starting with, I may not have attempted this project. So many wrong parts. Not just unoriginal, or date code incorrect.

I continue to be frustrated / amazed at how parts from a single manufacturer do not simply bolt together. I purchased a factory Porsche exhaust. Installing it may have been the most physical activity I did this week. In theory, it. Should have been as easy as sliding the mounting flanges over the bolts and

I believe, nay badly hope, I’m purchasing my last engine part. I had put off the battery purchase till the very end, in hopes of getting a fresh one. I landed on the “red top” 6-volt Optima AGM battery, based on user reviews, 356 Registry forum posts, and availability. I was able to get it

Well, my ignorance of how engines operate seem to have no bounds. With a pulley marked “OT”. Short for : Oben/Top (oben translates to “above”, “up” or “at the top” in german), and a mark on the case for alignment, surely this must be when the engine is at Top Dead Center. I would be

I finally broke down and bought a new oil bleeder / filler / breather. I had really hoped to restore an original. Not only did I hope to stick with theme of using original correct for the car parts where possible, but also save several hundred dollars. I had two candidate parts that appeared to

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top