ERA 2136 Build Log

[wolf k]

Tim, I like your oil pan, is that an Aviaid? Is it still the lowest point under the car?
Wolfgang

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by LightNFast

I’ve my fingers and toes crossed for you. Keep us posted...

Thanks ... the paperwork bit is an important part of the project. It's all for naught if you can't license and drive it.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by wolf k

Tim, I like your oil pan, is that an Aviaid? Is it still the lowest point under the car?
Wolfgang

Wolf,

Thanks ... my engine builder recommend it, looks nice.

It is an Aviaid pan, here is the description:

AVIAID 155-55355
SBF - 289/302, front sump, original 289 Cobra
Length: 15"* Depth: 7 1/2"* Width: 12"* Quarts: 8

It is the lowest point, except for the very bottom part of the QuickTime bell housing, that extends down maybe 3/4" lower, at the bottom containment bolt.

Once I get the car running, have it aligned, height adjusted and corner weighted, I'll take another look. I know that ERA recommends the Lakewood bell housing be trimmed ... but to me, this one looks like it will be ok. I'll have to get it up on a rack and take some more measurements.

-Tim

[*13*]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Hyde ... thanks!

Any recommendations for the next phase of the project ... any suggested order of assembly ?

Just get the damn thing done!!!

I don't think I went in any particular order, other than obvious orders of assembly. Just double check everything & re-check after your initial test drives. THe car is coming along nicely, cant wait to see it finished!!

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by *13*

Just get the damn thing done!!!

I don't think I went in any particular order, other than obvious orders of assembly. Just double check everything & re-check after your initial test drives. THe car is coming along nicely, cant wait to see it finished!!

Thanks for the encouragement !


I am starting to make some good progress, three observations so far:

- The engineering and attention to detail that ERA puts into their cars is impressive.

- I am glad that I had ERA do as much of the car as they did.

- I am also glad to have left the final engine & trans install and hook up for me to complete. The exhaust system and installation of the Kirkey seat will probably be the most challenging.

[*13*]

THe assembly was pretty simple. I had them bond the body. Pretty much everything else came in boxes & on pallets. The A-arms were a little tough to get in, but that was mostly due to the powdercoating making a tight fit even tighter.
The exhaust was something that seemed like a bigger deal than it ended up being. I stuck everything together on the car, marked it up with a marker, pulled it off & had a friend weld it all up real nicely. Test fit it & put a finish on the parts & installed.

[tkb289]

I admire the guys that put these cars all together … certainly takes time and talent!

[tkb289]

Alternator Question:

I am mocking up the alternator mounting using part of the kit form ERA, some of the 'original' Ford parts and will need to fabricate a spacer and buy one longer bolt.

Any recommendations regarding the location of the electrical posts on the back of the alternator? There is about 3/8" free space between the posts and the valve cover.

One thought would be to take the alternator to a shop, have it disassembled and the back portion rotated 120 degrees counter clockwise, so the two pieces of blue tape line up. This would put the connections further away from the valve cover.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[4pipes]

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[LightNFast]

...............................

[Tom Howland]

Yes,
Spin the housing. The wiring will look better.

[289fia_cobra]

It's not bad so long as you insulate it (i.e. brake nipple caps). I have a somewhat similar issue but it's 3/8" from the engine block but to date, no arcing has ever occurred while "driving" the car, but when it comes time to "service" it for whatever reason, it's best to have your kill key handy and cut off the battery BEFORE you work on it. Ask me how I know this!!!!!

[289fia_cobra]

Originally Posted by LightNFast

A rebuilt Autolite would give it that vintage look as well as correct the position of the terminals - Just a thought….
]Alternator_Autolite - Club Cobra Photo Gallery[/url]

That looks rather cool. Not for my car but for Tim,s it would be a neat addition and lines up with his build (not necessarily for his budget though... ;-) )

[wolf k]

Tim, I would think you could rotate that front housing 120 deg, and not disrupt the internal wiring, that is if the bolt pattern on the cases is symmetrical. But I agree with 289fia in that it is not a necessity. I wired mine up as your photos, the ERA harness seemed sized correct in length for that location.

[*13*]

I have a different ALT but I did have to turn mine 180 deg. It's still damn close to the cover & makes removing the valve cover a little tricky.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Actually I am headed to the DMV tomorrow for round one of the process.

A few months ago I picked up the forms and a checklist. I have the MSO, Receipts & Forms all prepared, plus back up copies of everything, just in case. I am ready to write the check and hopefully tomorrow I'll have my SB-100 number, will keep you guys posted.

Originally Posted by tkb289

Earlier this week, I went to the Santa Clara DMV to start the SPCNS process and get a SB-100 number.

I was lucky enough to be able to talk with Jody, and has been mentioned here before on CC, she really understands the SPCNS / SB-100 process and is very helpful. Jody reviewed the paperwork, made a few adjustments and all the while explained the process to the clerk at the counter. Unfortunately, Jody was not able to get through to Sacramento, so I did not get a SB-100 number right on the spot. I wrote the check, left with all my paperwork plus a few more forms, and a list of tasks to compete: SMOG / CHP Inspection / Brake & Light Inspection. I am glad to say that I was issued a TOP (temporary operating permit)

I checked back with Jody today and she said that yes, there are still SB-100 numbers available, but she has been unable to talk directly with the person in Sacramento that issues them. Jody is working on it, I'll check back with her next week. So far ... so good.

Well ... I got it !!!

Heard from Jody today that my car was issued a SB-100 number

And ... it's number 289 ... now how cool is that !

I hope a Cobra guy got number 427.

So ... I'll need to complete the remaining items on the list after the car is running, then go back to the DMV to finish the rest of the registration. Can't say how much I appreciate extra effort and expertise that Jody at the Santa Clara DMV brings to the process. And for those that are looking to start SPCNS / SB-100 this year, there are 'several numbers' left, Jody was not given have an exact number by the office in Sacramento.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by tkb289

Well ... I got it !!!

Heard from Jody today that my car was issued a SB-100 number

And ... it's number 289 ... now how cool is that !

I hope a Cobra guy got number 427.

So ... I'll need to complete the remaining items on the list after the car is running, then go back to the DMV to finish the rest of the registration. Can't say how much I appreciate extra effort and expertise that Jody at the Santa Clara DMV brings to the process. And for those that are looking to start SPCNS / SB-100 this year, there are 'several numbers' left, Jody was not given have an exact number by the office in Sacramento.

Congratulations Tim! What are the odds of getting that number...it was meant to be!

[xb-60]

Tim! 289? That's a good luck sign if ever there was one...
So what's on the list for this weekend?
Cheers,
Glen

[289fia_cobra]

Tim, you better play the lottery! Getting #289 for your 289 is a sign to get Lotto ticket.

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

Originally Posted by 289fia_cobra

Tim, you better play the lottery! Getting #289 for your 289 is a sign to get Lotto ticket.

That was your lotto ticket. Enjoy.