Healey rebuild

[ABH_V8]

I have finally figured out how to post a link to some of the photos of my Healey rebuild.Many thanks to everyone who has helped with all their excellent advice along the way.

Best wishes to all,

Andy
Healeybuild

 

[HealeyRick]

Very nice work, Andy. I like how you've kept the stock shifter location. Couple of questions: What kind of exhaust manifolds, who made the ali radiator, what tranny are you using, what rear end ratio?

 

[ABH_V8]

Thanks Rick

I am not certain about the manifolds as I inherited them with the car but I think they are '66 Mustang as that is what I have traced the original motor to - before mods.

The gearbox is Borg Warner (Tremec ) T5

1st 2.95
2nd 1.94
3rd 1.34
4th 1.00
5th 0.63

Diff is standard Healey and 3.909:1 and it seems well able to handle the power.

Ali radiator is from SC parts and is their uprated Healey rad.

As you well know overheating is a big issue with standard Healeys let alone our v8s but since I put the louvred bonnet and wing vents along with the alu rad, air dam and Kenlowe it is transformed.It gets quite hot here and at 32°C she was as good as gold.I am exploring the option of a Proform electric water pump though, because I am concerned about heat sink when turned off.

If you are interested please PM me and I will give you the full spec chart because I think we are both on the same wavelength ie: keeping the car looking original till you spot the twin exhausts. Would be good to swop tips.

Andy

 

[Healey_Z]

Andy,

Love the car. You are a true craftsman.

Are you going to re-install the original grill?

You mentioned you traced the motor to a 1966 mustang. The only V8 in the '66 mustang was the 289. I believe the first year Ford used the 302 was in 1968.

 

[Fury5]

How is the nimbus heat shielding working? Would you recommend it? Thanks.

Richard

 

[ABH_V8]

Richard

The Nimbus heat shielding is great. Superlight and so far it seems to be really effective.Between the ceramo-metallic mat lining the transmission tunnel and the Nimbus, the cockpit is transformed.I had also sourced some 2mm thick Kevlar mat to line the cockpit under the carpets but so far I have not needed to use it. I have yet to make a long journey in the car so we shall see.When I bought the car I drove it from Aberdeen in the North of Scotland down here to South West France - aprox 1100miles and it was heck in there.Melted my shoes!Yes would definitely recommend the Nimbus but make sure it is well spaced off the floor to allow for air flow.

 

[ABH_V8]

You are absolutely right.The motor was indeed a 289 but in the '80s it was converted to a 302.They used forged pistons and new con-rods to stroke it to 302.I am no Ford expert but I believe the 289 and 302 blocks are the same.

Sadly I can't use the original grill as it cuts air flow by almost 50% but you are right the original is far more stylish than my SS mesh one.

 

[Healey_Z]

While similar, the 302 has a longer skirt on the bore than the 289 to accommodate the difference in stroke.

I like the old school 289 in the car as it creates the cobra-ish similarities. I would proudly wear the 289 HP badge.