Fordmuscle Ranchero Tube Chassis Part-41

 

Scott Gunderman, of Gunderman Performance Engines,  has completed the engine build for the Fordmuscle Ranchero . Scott has a real attention to detail. Not only to the necessary clearances and tolerances of a race engine, but the little things, such has timing pointers, installing ARP bolts where they suit asthetics as well as strength on the small detail items. All of my builds have been top notch, and performed well without failure. Thanks a million Scott!

 

 I have picked up the Engine and brought it home. It made a short pitstop on the driveway for pictures, then, in it went! Pete and I assured that installation and extraction of the engine would be a breeze…and indeed it was. 

 The color scheme proved to be what I intended. I’m very pleased with it. I took the transmission bolts loose from the mid-plate, supporting the transmission with a trans jack. My wife Melissa was hands on guiding the engine into place as I lowered it into the engine compartment. The front motor plate sat right onto the perches that Pete built.  With just a couple of wiggles, the rear of the engine and the transmission found each other. My buddy Shelton and his wife Nat showed up with hardware and a helping hand. I first installed the bolts near each engine dowel pin pulling them together, then installed the remaining bellhousing bolts. Next was bolting the torque converter to the flexplate. Then I installed the starter. At this point it was time to stand back and take it all in!  

 Very Sexy!!! The Ranchero now has a  lower center of gravity. The adjustments Pete made for the engine and Trans really show now. The engine was raised in the engine bay due to the lowered stance. The Transmission pan is level with the chassis and the Oil pan does NOT extend lower than the center crossmember! You’re AWESOME  Pete!

 The hood that was fabricated by Doug at Champion Hoods clears the carb by a couple inches. I hope not to have a restriction.  Pete will make a support for the hood, as this high compression big ol’ little small block will try to suck the hood through the 1050 Dominator!

 I loaded up the Ranchero to return to Pete’s shop for the fabrication of the stainless steel fender exit headers.  When I  dropped it off , I picked up Melissa’s 1965 Hardtop Falcon which Pete finished the twin turbo piping on.

I’m in the process of trying to get Mel’s car ready, while the Ranchero is getting headers. Both of these cars will be in Louisville Kentucky for the 2012 Falcon Club of America National Convention. Sorry to say they will not be race ready.  Time and Money, there never seems to be enough of either one!

MORE SOON…