@Jimmy V. posted:Puma update. I had a marathon engine install session yesterday. I started on the install around 4:30 Pm and heard the wonderful sound of a well built balanced high performance 2276 Type 1 engine around 2:00 AM. I was working alone and it takes more time as I slowly lower the car down on top of the engine that is sitting on a narrow table on wheels. I have to keep running back and forth from the lift controls to the engine having to manipulate it into and around the engine compartment floor and keep from damaging anything. I had the engine lined up with the lower studs in the transaxle holes and couldn't get the engine the slide into the transaxle. After taking longer than I would have liked I found that the A1 header coming out of the no. 3 cylinder was hitting the left (drivers side) Kafer bar. The A1 exhaust wasn't designed to have a Kafer bar setup I guess. I removed the offending bar and the engine slide right into place. I bolted the engine in and hooked up all the wires. I then mounted the oil filter under the engine compartment floor. I may need to build and protective shield to deflect heat from the header and protect against thrown rocks and such from the rear tire.
The moment of truth came and I turned the key, I heard the hum of the electric fuel pump, hooray! I hooked the wires up correctly and this setup has it's fare share of wiring. I turned the key further and the engine fired up at once. This thing is a monster! The air pressure coming out of the tail pipes is in the leaf blower category. The A-1 exhaust does a good job to quiet the engine but what a wonderful sound. The engine has been dynamically balanced and it makes a huge difference. After letting it warm up for a bit I blipped the throttle and man this engine sounds mean. It revs up and back super fast and crisp, no slowly floating back to idle for this engine ( I hate when engines do that) I had a scare after this because the clutch pedal pressure didn't feel right and I had images of having to take the engine back out again. I then realized I hadn't adjusted the new clutch cable that I had installed while the engine was being rebuilt. I installed a new throttle cable as well all while I had the pedal cluster out for maintenance. Well it was late and my wife thought I had lost my mind, Have I ? I did swear off air cooled engines 2 years ago but yet here I am. I surrender, I love the damn things. I dropped into bed with a sore body and a smile on my face, dreaming of driving the Puma the next day. This thing should really move. Can you tell I like to go fast? I think I am really going to love this engine.
WooHoo! Great news! I'm thinking the planets are aligning. I just got an email from AirCooled, my brake parts just came in after 2 months on back order. I hope the Karma extends to Ed and his front beam issues.