Engine Cradle - Final

The cradle is complete, the engine wiring is in place, and the switches and gauges are hooked up. I decided to use the instrument panel directly from a SHO to simplify dealing with gauges. I'll work out the final gauges once the test install of the engine is completed.


The bench test start-up is scheduled for next weekend. If everything works, I'll post some video.

Engine Cradle - Phase 3

It took a while to get the adapter plate and clutch assembly for the SHO 3.2 to the 914. Once that was installed I could finalize the engine cradle.
First I had to test-fit the supports with the engine. The cradle had to be placed on cinder blocks to give me enough clearance to get the engine lift under the cradle. Back and forth a couple of times to adjust and locate the vertical supports was all that was needed.



Now its back on the ground and assembly of the engine components can continue. Basically anything needed to run the engine has to be added so I can test all components and wiring before attempting to install in the 914.

 

Engine Cradle - Phase 2

Been working more on the engine cradle while waiting on parts for my son's 914. Have the horizontal and vertical supports now done for the SHO motor. It's actually starting to look like an engine stand.

The mating brackets for the engine are going to be plasma cut by a shop in Tucson. The intricacy of the design and steel thickness was beyond my hand tools. Once their done, I'll get them test fit and attached. Then I can move on to the 914 engine supports.

Engine Cradle - Phase 1

Spent the weekend & Monday working on my son's 914. Pulling the engine to reseal everything.

I said I'd never pull another 914 engine without the use of a lift. Never say never. It went pretty well - except that he needs seals bad so everything is an oily mess.

It occurred to me that since I was building an engine cradle for the SHO project, it wouldn't be much effort to build supports that would work with the 914 engine & transaxle. I could have them done before the engine is ready to go back in.

Did manage to get some time in on the engine cradle - one of the side benefits of my son's infatuation with games.

Spent the morning cutting, beveling, and cleaning pieces for the base, and the caster extensions.

Got the base welded together and ran out of welding wire just as my son showed up.

It was a beautiful crisp morning - and by noon it felt like 70 degrees. This is why I love southern Arizona.


Time to shift gears and guide him in the rest of his engine tear-down.

More to follow . . .

Back on the 914

Well after a couple of years working on other cars (for my sons), I'm back into the saddle on my 914 project. I was doing plenty of planning/designing during that time also so the project wasn't completely idle.
Here's the engine cradle design. It's a variation on the cradle design I bought on line from Russ Green.

Since this is going to serve multiple purposes, I needed to modify a few things:

1. I need to mount engine & tranny together with flywheel & clutch
2. Use the cradle to bench-test the engine, harness, & components
3. Use the cradle to install the engine & tranny

To support the 914's transaxle I added support plates that will mount behind the bell-housing fasteners. The lower one acts as a cross-member, while the upper just tie to the support posts.

Not shown are the two additional cross members I added so that I can lift the whole assembly with my ATV lift. This will make installation much easier and safer.

I've also designed the engine bar that supports the engine in the car. It will mount in the stock position, but sitting on top of the receiver plate rather than hanging down. It looks like I can use the stock transaxle mounts, but I may need to add a small adapter plate once I do the test fit.

Now that I have the material together I can begin fabrication and assembly. Ahhh - the fun begins.

Tha Cave - Under Construction - 2

Well I reached a stage of completeness - the framework and fixed shelves are up, painted, and ready for the facing and doors. I was so thrilled to finally have all this stuff off the floor and room for two cars in the garage again.

Just in time to get pulled off for a couple of weeks to tackle another project. I'll be back.

Tha Cave - Under Construction

Well the first phase is coming along nicely. The framework for the cabinets is in place. Everything is primed and ready for paint.

The unpainted portion of the stringers doesn't get primer since I'll be gluing and fastening the faces to the framework. I've also taped those mating surfaces in preparation for paint.


I added some extra bracing in the middle of the cabinets that spanned more than 50 inches so that I can use 1/2 inch plywood for these fixed shelves instead of 3/4 inch. The 3/4 inch will be used for the adjustable shelves though. I won't be adding the adjustable shelves until I see how the space gets utilized.

You can also see the steel post legs I made to support the front of the cabinets. I used two pieces of 1-1/2 inch angle iron welded at right angles, then welded the 3/4 inch pipe with threaded foot onto the angle. The threaded foot provides the adjustment needed for a snug fit, and the angle portion is screwed to the underside of the framework. The pair of legs is duplicated on the other side, but weren't attached in the picture above (behind the engine).