engine compartment
It's the Heart of the Matter: the COSWORTH ENGINE. F1 Technology in an American Coupe.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESTORATION
As engine bays go, #3283 was just fine. It retained so many of the original markings and labeling that you associate with low-mileage cars. But it wasn't sharp or crisp as it should be. The coating of seam sealer and waterproofing mastic was everywhere on the driver's side of the firewall. The main harness block was coated with the stuff, and 2 cans of brake cleaner and a stiff toothbrush eventually reclaimed the block.
The master cylinder cover was just sprayed silver and coating the rubber nibs from the gasket protruding through the cover. Surface rust prevailed on raw metal/iron parts. The radiator mount crossmember had dulled with age.
The great news is that all of the markings and spray patterns were still in evidence, allowing me to carefully replicate and restore these components to their original, as-built, state.
COSWORTH ENGINE RESTORATION
With but less than 3,200 miles on the engine, there was clearly no need to open-up the engine, or adjust valve lash as the engine purred wonderfully before it was put-down for the restoration.
The oil pan had been off the car at some point (which made no sense) and the front of the gasket was folded-under, creating a significant oil leak that bathed the engine, gearbox and crossmembers with a coating of oil. With the pan off, front and rear main seals were replaced, a new gasket correctly installed to an oil pan returned to its natural unpainted state and a coating of nyalic to preserve it.
The block and head were thoroughly cleaned, and sprayed with a high-temp aluminum paint to cover the oil stains that remained. The starter and alternator were fully rebuilt as a 'while we're in there' measure. All parts & assemblies were refinished per original, and the engine reinstalled.
INSTALLED:
LISTEN TO THE ENGINE
With the Cosworth reinstalled in the corrected engine bay, #3283 now appears as it should. Prepared correctly, the Cosworth Vega engine bay is one of the all-time great looking compartments for visual appeal.
You'll note the engine builder sticker on the cam cover. Over the course of 7 previous owners and 40 years, the original sticker was long gone. However, via a forum on the web, I was able to connect Gary Jablonski, who worked in the Tonawanda engine plant and did build these engines. I sent a new sticker to Gary for his signature, which is applied to #3283's cam cover. Did Gary build the engine? There's a good chance that he did, but having the signature of an engine builder on the engine was yet another detail that this car deserved.