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It has been quite a while since my last update, but I've got a lot done since then.

I finished building up the engine and gearbox with the MS lightweight clutch plate and flywheel. I modified the 'small bore' radiator shroud to 'big bore' specs to give clearance for the 'S' damper. I painted the subframe black, where the guys at the paint shop had left it body color.

Over the past weekend, I put power to the new wiring harness, and installed the engine and wiper motor assembly. This represents the first time this car has had power or an engine since the late 70's. the ceramic-coated Maniflow went in without much issue. Although I was sure that I had checked the original fuel line, it turned out to be hopelessly blocked, so I ran a new copper fuel line, along with all new battery cables from the battery to the starter motor.

I also completely rebuilt the front suspension a couple of weeks ago (no pics, sorry), and got the lowered Konis installed.

More pics

Last few for now

Oh yes, I also repainted my V8-powered Cortina above the stripe, where the paint on the roof and tru I lid had begun to fail.

It's alive ! !

I fired the engine today for the first time, which is likely the first time this car has run in 35+ years. I did the cam break-in by running it at 2,000 rpm for 20 minutes. Everything went really well, except my NOS AP water pump sprang a leak, and I've got a somewhat mysterious oil leak from the front of the engine.

I've already yanked out the faulty water pump, but I still need to trace the source of the oil leak. Shouldn't be long now before I'm driving it!

The interior has come together quite well. Still a few details to sort out, but it's getting close. The steering wheel is a vintage, 15-1/2" wheel of unknown origin. I'm sure it's English, and the guy I got it from had it on his MG-TC in the 60's, so it's period correct.

I cut off the rubber-isolated monstrosity that rod change gearboxes have for a gear lever, and welded on my own, spindly lever for a more period appearance. With the original gear knob, and Cooper S gaitor, I feel the rod change gearbox is disguised quite well. The floor-mounted started button is original to the car (date coded Feb 1960), and functions perfectly.

Before the first fire of the engine, the engine made nearly 100 psi of oil pressure on the starter motor, with the plugs removed. I cut a couple of coils off the pressure relief spring, and brought it down to a more reasonable 75 psi.

Looks the business. Not far to go now.

id say that oil pressure is too high

I guess you have a ball bearing instead of the shuttle, if so you need to cut a couple of coils of the spring.

you need to see 75 cold, anything more is just a waste of time


edit - I should shut up - I see you have already sorted it......................

rich@minispares.com wrote: edit - I should shut up - I see you have already sorted it......................

Ha ha, no worries.

I was able to pinpoint the source of the oil leak last night. It coming from the head gasket at the front left corner of the block, where the galley feeds oil to the rockers. The block and head were both skimmed for flatness, but I'm apparently not getting adequate compression on the copper ring that seals that oil feed.

This explains the strange behavior I saw during the cam break-in, where it leaked oil (badly) for the first couple of minutes, and then stopped completely. Apparently, as the head expanded, it managed to create a seal. The rockers are getting plenty of oil, so there is no obstruction causing excessive pressure.

I've ordered another head gasket from a different manufacturer....fingers crossed that resolves it.

Looking good Benny! Cant wait to see it in person. Give me a heads up if you make a run to C&C. John

Hey John,

It's good to see you on this site.....I'll definitely give you the heads up when I'm coming up. We still want to do that drag race, right.

Well, the Payen headgasket did the trick, and resolved my oil leak. I had the radiator back in Saturday night, so on Sunday morning, I just had to crank up my rear Hi-Lo's, and align the front wheels, and it was ready for its first drive in around 30 years! !

The car runs cool, great oil pressure, pulls strong, stops well, and doesn't leak a drop. I drove it about 15 miles on Sunday, and it ran beautifully. I just need to find out why my registration stickers haven't arrived yet, and I can start putting some real miles on the car.