Oil Pickup Bolts

These are two of three bolts that need to be removed in order to loosen the oil pickup tube for installation of the windage tray.

Third Bolt

This is the third that needs removing to get the oil pickup tube loose.

Bashing

I had to do some persuading of the aluminum here to ensure that there was enough room for the pickup tube's flange to allow the bolts to line up.

First Fit

Once in place, this didn't look bad. I wondered, though, if this was how it should look, knowing that I'd purchased this windage tray as a manufacturing second and that some bends were in the wrong place. Notice the left side sits on top of the web.

Right Fit

After reviewing a picture of one fit properly, I saw what needed to be done. I bent the tray against a length of pipe, putting a curve into it, and fit the tab under the web. This is correct, and looks great! Thank you, Keith!

Follers, Not Leaders

Here are the cam followers that have to be installed prior to installing the cam. Note the nice, purple sheen.

Bedded Followers

All of the followers are in place, and coated in a TX7/Royal Purple blend recommended by Polydyn due to the fact that most assembly lubes contain molybdenum which will eat away the coatings.

Cam Insertion

Cam insertion must be done carefully, since the sensitive cam bearings can be damaged by the cam lobe sides.

Almost There

Careful insertion takes time.

Final Seating

The cam is in place.

Looking for Parts

Here you can see my shelves, loaded with parts for the Mini. Here I'm trying to figure out what the heck I did with the timing gears and chain.

Key Inspection

Nick is inspecting the cam end where the key sits. Hmm... Where exactly IS that key...?

Key Fettling

After a trip up to Seven Enterprises, I had a new key. However, fit was tight, and here Nick and I are trying to make the key fit properly. Steve has been the camera man. Thanks, Steve!

Tapping

In order to fit the cam gear, the key has to sit in the right position, or it will be too proud of the cam slot. Here, I'm using a brass rod, pressed against the key, tapping the key back into the slot.

Shell Bearings

Insertion of a main bearing into a cap. Note that lovely color of the "slick" coating (a coating that holds on to oil to ensure I always have lubricant.

Crank Fit

The crank is in place, awaiting caps.

Thrust Washers

Whoops! Prior to fitting the crank, you have to have the thrust washers in place.

Rotating Bits

A nice shot of the crank and cam.

Manual Investigation

Hmm... Now how many foot pounds of torque do I need for the crank bearings?

Torquing

I got the spec, and am cranking away.

Clearance Check

Looks like my clearance is in spec!

Shaving

Gently scraping at the shiny spots, I was able to remove enough material to loosen the cam in the bearings. I lost some of my coating, but at least that cam will turn!

Scraped

Here's the cam bearing, after gently scraping with my razor blade.

Casa Benoist con Minis

The new place, with Nick's VTEC Mini, and Steve's Seven Enterprises powered Mini. You can just see my car in the third garage bay. Oh, what a triad!