Then I thought I'd better check the cam if the valve gear was a bit messed up, sure enough cam and lifters weren't too good either.
So out came the cam etc. Had my brother who is a mechanic give me a hand, he reckoned there was a bit too much wear in the bores, so then the engine came out.
Sorry no pictures not too happy at this stage. Off the engine went to Duggans Balancing for a rebore to 40 thou, new flat top HQ race pistons, Starfire rods, grind crank, new ACL bearings, full balance etc
Had Clive Cams grind me a HQ race cam and supply new lifters and timing set, I wanted a bit of performance without going too ridiculous, I'll get rid of the triple SU's and go back to the original Stromberg, Eddie Woods reckoned the HQ race 202's are making plenty of grunt these days so I'm going down that path.
Engine will look nearly original, just a set of extractors the only visible change
Engine back together with a coat of rocket red paint, and I've had the original rocker cover rechromed.
Also had the manifold hydroblasted, carby rebuilt and replated.
Only about $6,000 all up for the engine, the missus is giving me plenty of grief with it being in pieces and costing plenty!
By the way the original inlet manifold hits the XU-1 headers,I was hoping to retain them but they will have be sold and replaced by a new set of extractors. I'm hoping I'll get a bit of money back from the headers, if anyone has any ideas on what extarctors would suit this engine combo I'd be happy to hear your opinion.
Thanks Col I've always loved the Cyan colour, seems to be a whole lot of red, green and yellow GTR's out there, nice to have something a little different