Project: AeroTank

[svt98t]

Thanks!
I got the pistons in today. I need to order a new set of crank bearings.
So, here.




-ryan s.

[The_Jed]

I'll be watching and hopefully learning a thing or two about the inner workings of the 4.6. I just snagged a '99 Crown Vic (not a P71).

I wish I would have bought a Panther years ago!

[svt98t]

There is progress.
I have all the rods connected, and have to finish with the main crank bearings tomorrow.

Just to give you guys some insight, I'm building this motor over my lunch breaks.

I work on turboprop jet engines. All morning, I rebuild propellers or engines, then on my lunch break, I make the 7 minute drive over to my ex-landlords house (We bought a house, all my garage tools are still at the old apartment, which I'm renting out the garage currently). I assemble what I can, then head back to work.
I've been at this for a few weeks now.
My goal is to have the Tank up and running for the GGP in April. So I need to keep moving.


-ryan s.

[The_Jed]

My hat is off to you. I always find it very difficult to work on a project in short spurts like that. Once I get in a groove I like to finish the job all in one shot.

[svt98t]

So, I took one step backward, but am taking strides forward.
I broke two of the bolts while torqueing the main caps on. I forgot to clean out the threads and holes, and there was still some blast media in there. Oops.
Now it's at my friends machine shop for repair.

But I did powder coat my timing chain cover and rear main seal cover.
And I'm stripping my heads down to:
1. Install new valve seals
2. Clean up the heads
3. Powder coat them LIME GREEN
NOT IN THAT ORDER

Also ordered new freeze plugs for the block, along with new main bolts, timing chain pins, right hand tensioner, and intake manifold gaskets.

Things are looking good.
Pics later.


-ryan s.

[svt98t]

The GGP is now 47 days away and I have to have this completely done by then.
I tore down the heads in my family room last night.
Today they will be stripped of paint. Tomorrow, they get cleaned in the parts cleaner, bead blasted, then cleaned again. And the valves are going in the ultrasonic cleaner.
I hope to have these powder coated and assembled by the weekend.
The block should be back this week as well.





And then I have to remove it from it's frozen tomb.



ONWARD!!!


-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Well, it looks like the Tank is going to need a new battery. So, I had a stock Ford battery in there because my Optima Red Top also died from when I was deployed last year.
I'm looking into getting a Braille battery. Weighing in at 15 lbs, and about the same price, I would go from 38.8lbs to a 15lbs battery, effectively dropping 23.8 lbs.
I would see that as a legitimate expense and upgrade.

More progress shortly.


-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Finally removed the leaking gas tank. The new tank I scored from the junkyard is slightly larger, depth-wise.
So now I have three options:
1. Cut the exhaust coming out of the back of the muffler, and create the extra room for the tank
2. Replace all the exhaust from the mufflers back, and route it out the bumper of the rear
3. Remove all the exhaust from the mufflers back, and then dump the exhaust out the side, in front of the rear tires.

Option 2 sounds like a challenge, but an aesthetically pleasing mod.

Option 3 sounds like the better EcoModder option. Mainly, due the decreased weight in exhaust parts. I guess it doesn't help having the twin 26" long, 3.5" diameter cannons in the back....


-ryan s.

[TurnpikeCruiser]

I like Option 2, especially if you can tuck the pipes up enough to get a smooth belly pan underneath 'em. That would look clean, with aluminum trim around the holes cut through the bumper, because tank.

Or Option 3 if you fab up a tire spat in front of the rear wheel that also doubles as the exhaust tip.

[svt98t]

Wow. It's been a long while.
I've been busy with life. It happens.
However, I know have time to work on my cars. Which is good.
I've ditched the idea of using the 74.4 lbs Teksid aluminum block. It's meant for horsepower, and I didn't really care. And then I found out the WAP aluminum block weighes 68 lbs.
So that's where I'm going. Getting a WAP motor and get this car running.
I also have to swap over engine harnesses, and a newer PCM and switch it over to OBDII. And then tune it.
So this will be a fun challenge.
I've already started. I pulled the motor and trans yesterday, and tore town the old motor today for inspection, and sorting for the scrap yard.
Turns out the #1 and #5 rod bearings were toast.
Pics to follow.

I REALLY WANT TO ATTEND THE GGP THIS YEAR.


-ryan s.