Though I haven’t picked a chassis yet, at least I’m in the game.
Over the holiday break I picked up this little jewel. It’s a Ferrari 360 engine and six speed transmission from a totaled Modena. Since the engine had been sitting a number of years the engine needed some serious cleaning up, so I attacked it with degreaser and a power washer right off.
First impression – the plating on the fasteners and pulleys is crap. Most of these components were corroded to some extent or badly discolored. Since I absolutely hate wrinkle finish, I stripped the valve covers with much joy in anticipation of a nice glossy Ferrari red powder coating, yah baby, maybe I’ll toss in the pulleys to match.
The second step was to pull the heads and pan for inspection and check of the clearances. Engine appears to be in good shape internally with only dirty oil to cause any concern. The original owner was a little lax with his oil changes judging from this example.
After inspection and comments regarding on the multi angle 5 valve arrangement, the corresponding cam lobe angles and the hand ported appearance of the intake tract. The next thing my engine builder said was “there is room for bigger pistons in it”. Oh brother here we go.
I plan on using a Pectel ECU to operate the engine and fuel. The system is capable up to V12 and can handle fly by wire throttles and traction control, cool. Speaking of throttles I’ll probably use a custom rack or convert big bore motorcycle units in place of the stock (heavy) intake system. This will require a custom made set of manifolds but that should be simple enough, I’ll paint the intake manifolds red too.
The engine, less the variable length intake manifolds, a/c pump, clutch and exhaust manifolds weighs 381 lbs with 1.5 gallons of oil in it. The clutch pack weighs 30 lbs, the intake about 40 lbs, each exhaust manifold 15 lbs. The transmission weighs 190 lbs without the starter.
More later, if there is any interest.
Rob
Over the holiday break I picked up this little jewel. It’s a Ferrari 360 engine and six speed transmission from a totaled Modena. Since the engine had been sitting a number of years the engine needed some serious cleaning up, so I attacked it with degreaser and a power washer right off.
First impression – the plating on the fasteners and pulleys is crap. Most of these components were corroded to some extent or badly discolored. Since I absolutely hate wrinkle finish, I stripped the valve covers with much joy in anticipation of a nice glossy Ferrari red powder coating, yah baby, maybe I’ll toss in the pulleys to match.
The second step was to pull the heads and pan for inspection and check of the clearances. Engine appears to be in good shape internally with only dirty oil to cause any concern. The original owner was a little lax with his oil changes judging from this example.
After inspection and comments regarding on the multi angle 5 valve arrangement, the corresponding cam lobe angles and the hand ported appearance of the intake tract. The next thing my engine builder said was “there is room for bigger pistons in it”. Oh brother here we go.
I plan on using a Pectel ECU to operate the engine and fuel. The system is capable up to V12 and can handle fly by wire throttles and traction control, cool. Speaking of throttles I’ll probably use a custom rack or convert big bore motorcycle units in place of the stock (heavy) intake system. This will require a custom made set of manifolds but that should be simple enough, I’ll paint the intake manifolds red too.
The engine, less the variable length intake manifolds, a/c pump, clutch and exhaust manifolds weighs 381 lbs with 1.5 gallons of oil in it. The clutch pack weighs 30 lbs, the intake about 40 lbs, each exhaust manifold 15 lbs. The transmission weighs 190 lbs without the starter.
More later, if there is any interest.
Rob
