Targa Miata
MIATA BUILD
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November 6, 2013 - After a bunch of little individual jobs, adventures and solved problems, the engine is almost ready to install.
There's a new LS7 clutch and flywheel inside the transmission bellhousing. The oil pan came off again to check some clearances for another installation, then went back on. The new motor mounts are in, plus of course the cam and valve springs. I found a little squeak from where the rear cover had been just barely touching the crankshaft, and that's been sorted. The intake manifold insulation has been removed for hood clearance, and the fuel rail is flipped around to put the inlet where I want it. My dual oil pressure sensors are in place. A little bit of interference between the steering rack and the oil pan has been clearanced. We're almost there.
The only thing left is to reinstall the balancer, and for that I needed a special tool. The LS engines have been made by the millions over the last 16 years, but it's still a new and exotic engine according to most parts stores and tool manufacturers. It's almost impossible to find a balancer installation tool that is compatible. I had to build my own out of materials from McMaster Carr!
tags: leg 2