Northstar V8 MR2

The cold weather is on it's way. Luckily I have a real garage this year!

I wanted to get some of the big stuff out of the way this weekend. But when I got to the shop I felt like just getting at least one job complete. So I started with the power antenna. This was quite simple, but it is nice to do something to completion. I need to do some of those every now and then.

I drained the fuel. I need to take the tank down, it will make it easier to modify the fuel lines to work with the new injection system. The main feed hard line has a small kink in it. While I would not be too worried about it for use on a 4AGE, the fuel flow requirements are much higher for the 4.6 liter. So removing the bends will help with flow.

I had to move the car forward so we could get some of the other cars and trucks in the shop due to upcoming weather. When I installed the tires and put the car down, the caster was way forward, and the right front hit the spoiler, causing it to tear from the bumper. It was then easy to pull the bumper off. The "weld" stuff was good, but I need to enhance the meshing of the bumper and spoiler with some mechanical parts, like screws and bolts. I was not that upset, as this makes it much easier to "weld" the backside of the spoiler. It is easier to clean up the look with the thing off the car. Plus I need to start preparing the nose for the big Chevy radiator. This will be easier without the spoiler and bumper attached.

Still no engine. I am still looking for a shortblock Northstar. If anyone knows where I can get one cheap... the key word is cheap... please contact me. I would prefer a 1995 or later. I have heads and all the good stuff. Just need the block, crank and pistons.

On a side note... Today is my 42nd birthday. Hopefully I will have this baby done in time for my 50th!

	1 With the new seat roughly installed I sit this low. Yes that is the old crappy steering wheel. I have a Momo that will replace it when the car is done.
	2 This is my view out the window. I am 5'-11" tall. Forget about cruising around with my arm out the window. But now my head clears the roll cage.
	3 Camera is level with the door.
	4 No I am not asleep. I use this camera so much that I have the flsh timed in my head.

	5 WonderBoy testing out the new seats. He is awesome at driving. I let him steer the Dakota around the yard and the back roads. He is sooo good at it.
	6 I will need to remove this horizontal bar and replace it with a new one that is curved back. This will alow the seat to move further back.
	7 Here are the Spaco's. Awesome seats and FIA approved! These are not rice boy seats.
	8 Side bar welded in.

	9 Here is one of the 5-point harnesses. I may purchase some Simpson 6-point harnesses for the added safety.
	10 Here is the antenna
	11 Antenna drain hole is already provided
	12 sideways image of the antenna. Nice caddy antenna computer and amp will also be mounted next to the tranny and engine computers.

	13 I made up a bracket to attach to the chassis.
	14 Here I started work on a new battery tray. I was not happy with the looks of the one I installed earlier this year.
	15 All I need to do is to make some front legs and some mounting points for the hold down bar.
	16 I'll use this tray to keep any acids off the paint.

	17 I cut out the old battery tray. Just have to weld up some of the holes now.
	18 I wont have a heater. So here is where I will be mounting the battery. That will give me room for luggage.
	19 Here is the spoiler that came off. No biggy though.
	20 Finally I hooked up the good MIG welder.