Quick update. I've used the inlet manifold just to get it running. Everything connected now I've had it outside toady with the engine running up to temperature. Revving it up its spitting a fuel mist out of the carb trumpets. Not sure if this is due to the manifold not lining up with the head so I reckon a call to Blogg Brothers again to make me a new inlet and set the carbs up for this engine.

Before I do that I'm going to try and get the Megajolt work the VVT, opening the oil pressure switch at 4k rpm.

Tidying the garage out atm to try and get my Rover in over the winter. Can't stand the windows being frozen up on a work morning!

Got some silicone hoses in the post yesterday and set to making all the water connections. This time I've run the bottom hose down the outside of the chassis in the gap between it and the body. I've run the hose through a tight gap between rad mount and chassis and am hooping it won't cause a problem. Its all solidly mounted and shouldn't be moving around.

Hoses going round outside of chassis.

Bottom hose going through tight gap in chassis.

Top rail is now secure thanks to some correct size reducing hoses and the tube is fastened to the engine with a home made ali P clip. Heater outlet on the back of the thermostat housing to block and it should be ready for some antifreeze. Next step is the oil filter housing to make oil tight and get some new oil in.

Took the ST inlet off and tried my homemade carb inlet off the 1.8 on it. Looks like the inlet will be staying with the 1.8. The ST inlet ports are about 10mm further up and nearly twice as big! Too far away to adjust the other one. So a new inlet manifold is required for the carbs.

On the opposite side the exhaust is on, no real difference in the exhaust ports so on it went without any fettling. I've made a top hose pipe out of B&Q aerial aluminium pipe and bent it to drop under the exhaust. Some slight crimps on the folds but nothing to worry about. I'm going to block the top vent on the radiator and use the vent from the termostat housing. This is higher up and makes for a neater installation. In order to connect the bottom hose I need a 180 degree hose to get the water pump outlet pointing forward. 180 is probably a bit too much but seeing as I can't get a 155 one it will have to do. Its not far way now, apart from the inlet, so will be trying to get it finished over the holidays. Merry Xmas all!

With my new camera in hand and after much tinkering over the last few days with engine mounts, remote oil filter housing and like took the plunge, hoisted it up and dropped it in. Clutch splines lined up no problem and the engine dropped onto the box. I've popped a 10mm piece of steel under the offside engine mount. With that in place it lifts the engine slightly and leaves the sump hanging down about an inch all round and gives it a bit of a run off towards the drain plug.

After mucho head scratching and different release arms off ebay I have abandoned the ali bellhousing as an expensive mistake. With it having the option of starter on either side it was a bit too wide. I ground a lump off the clutch arm side so I'm not really able to sell it on. What a bummer...In the picture above you can see how much further back the filter housing is. Theres no chance of the steering arm catching now!
Its just a matter of connecting everything up now and I started with my new alternator mount which has worked out quite well. Alternator is now slightly higher and further away from any chassis rails and is really much more compact. With the belt on and tightened up its ready to go.

Duratec (zetec) ST170 engine will initially get its chance on the carbs off the 1.8. 4 X 40mm should be enough... A trip to Bogg Brothers may be needed but at this time I need to be convinced injection is needed. I'll be wiring the VVT up to the shift light function of the Megajolt so it will open at 4K rpm. Should make it sing.

One thing about the ST engine is the port sizes. The standard zetec ones are heart shaped but these are just plain round holes in and out. BIG plain round holes. The exhaust manifold will be having soome metal removed from the flange and depending on the inlet shape once I take the ST inlet manifold off I may fettle the carb inlet or make a new one.

New water hoses are required as the blacktop water pump union is smaller than the zetec one, comes out slightly pointing backwards and as I'm sticking with the Ford thermostat housing new top hoses as well. Lots to do, should have it running by Sunday.....