2013-05-02 11:50:56 | Mark Gordon writes:

Currently undergoing overhaul of engine and replacement of the clutch. Original engine and head were cost prohibitive to rebuild, so I am in the process of rebuilding an early Series II engine and head to install. Also cleaning, painting and polishing everything beneath the bonnet and will be using the original smooth cam covers. Projected date for finishing is June of 2013.

2016-04-08 18:36:35 | Mark Gordon writes:

Engine and clutch replacement was finished in July of 2013. Unless you check the engine number, everything looks original. (I used my original polished cam covers on the head.) The original engine and head are in storage. Once the job was done and I was able to take the car out for some long runs for the first time since I've owned it, I ran into a number of systems and components that needed replacement. On initial startup after the installation, the distributor suddenly shattered, leaving a large hole in the base. Something must have fallen into it or come loose internally, but that Lucas dizzy was toast. I replaced it with a 123 Ignition electronic dizzy. The alternator then failed and was replaced with an identical rebuilt Lucas unit. Replacing the brake master cylinder cured the brake hanging up problem that had plagued the car since I first got it. Next the cooling fan died, so it was replaced with a Cool Cat. I had a vibration at around 60-70 mph which I'm confident was due to the original Dunlop 5X15 wheels being in need of tuning. Problem solved with new Dayton SS 6X15 wheels wearing Universal Sport Classic 185 R70 tires. Now, the car starts instantly, pulls strongly all the way up to 4500 rpm (that's as high as I let it rev), corners beautifully, and stops on a quarter (not on a dime; that would take ABS). The car is an absolute joy to take on long drives.