First Break In Run

[Daviboy]

Hi guys,
Got home last night and first thing this morning got out to the garage. I checked around the engine since it had been lying 10 days since the initial cam break in. All good no leaks anywhere which is a big relief. So I got underneath and hooked the clutch back up. Got in turned the key and she barked to life whew I had been having all sorts of nightmares she would not start again.
Got the static and dynamic timing set and adjusted idle to ~950 rpm, ticking over smooth. So selected 1st and gently eased her down the driveway for the first time in 8 months sweet. Out on the street I let the clutch out and off we go no issues, drove about 5 miles taking her through the gears up to just shy of 5k rpm and then letting the engine break down through the gears.
Must say although I have heard the 964 cam can be a dog at low revs I found the car fine and once about about 3500 rpm the power just came and came until I shifted around 4500 rpm.
Seems I have a few more horses in there now as well but thats strictly seat of the pants stuff although I would say torque is a lot better especially when she comes on cam.
I am delighted got back to the garage and checked around the engine bay no leaks, topped off the oil but think I dumped too much in but thats an easy fix. Idle sitting bang on 950 rpm. Going to get her to local Bosch tech to check CIS setting then call it good.
Only thing is now I dont have a project so think I am going to get an old beetle and start restoring that for one of my daughters.

[356RS]

I have been following your thread and I'm glad to see your engine build project a success. Happy motoring.

[jpnovak]

Congrats on the well running engine. May you enjoy many miles and smiles.

Yes, I understand the feeling when your project is done and you want to start shopping for another... My wife really hates those discussions.

[Daviboy]

Mark 356RS thanks very much it is such an awesome feeling I had some low moments but knew I could do it with some help from this great forum and the excellent advice herein

[Geronimo '74]

Congrats Daviboy, may you enjoy it for many years to come.

I hope to be driving too come next summer.

[Daviboy]

Got about 100 miles on her now and she just keeps getting stronger and stronger, when I lift the clutch in 1st she takes off like a rocket and pulls hard all the way, have not been over 4500 rpm yet but wow seems like she could go for ever.
One quick question just got my new green distributor wire this morning and I guess to replace it is a simple case of unwrapping the loom and taking the old wire out installing new and taping up again. So far I am very happy with the car better than I could have dreamed of.

[Targa Time]

Congratulation on your rebuild. Being I am getting ready to do a 3.2 SS myself I would be interested in seeing your build list. By the way about those camshaft holding tool issue. A member suggested using the 46mm crowsfoot in conjunction with a 17mm crowsfoot to hold the cam. It worked, so progress has resumed.

[Daviboy]

Targa Time thanks and thats grest news. The build list as requested, although there are about another $2-300 worth of small items which are not on the list nothing major just not got round to updating yet. I am fairly lucky in that the machine shop costs here is South Africa seem to be way way lower than in the US.

[billybek]

I thought we were not suppose to keep track of expenses!

Good to hear that it is working out OK.
Thinking about some dyno time?

[Flat6pac]

Wife will bite you if she sees that list...
Glad you have it going,
Bruce

[Daviboy]

Bill K yes there is some dyno time coming up the guy who does my CIS tuning has a dyno and once I can get the car to him to tweak the CIS then it is going on the dyno. Seeing as it is xmas maybe a few weeks before it gets done. Car is running fine maybe a bit rich but better that then lean so not too worried right now. Bruce many thanks for your advice during the build and let me just say my wife is one of the best and knows where every cent of this rebuild has gone, in fact tomorrow morning heading out to a jewellery liquidation auction to get her another rolex.......List will finally be updated when I am done but thats a paint and interior job away.... wish me luck