Belly Tank Build Diary

[Sumner]

You could use a Morse cable for the back and forward and a small pneumatic cylinder for the squeeze mechanism with an indicator light to tell you it's in first.

Ron

Thanks Ron,

Sumner

[Mike Brown]

I am looking for some help with a starter.  I have the GM LSA crate engine.  I would like to use a compact gear reduction permanent magnet style starter for exhaust clearance.  I have used Power Master starters on various projects with great success in the past.  The starter recommended by Power Master is for a standard LS engine part number 9109.  The flywheel is 168 tooth.  The starter bolts to the block like standard LS series starters but the 9109 LS starter does not fit.  The starter mounting bolts on the block are 2-7/8" but in line.  The 9109 LS starter bolts are 2-7/8" apart but staggered about 3/8".  Has anyone used an aftermarket starter on the LSA engine?  

How embarrassing.  In an effort to photograph the problem I removed the block mounting plate from the starter.  Much to my surprise without the starter attached it mounted right up to the block.  I then clocked the solenoid to a position below the starter (about 5 o'clock) missing the three sensors and it did fit.  There will be plenty of clearance to my exhaust as I had hoped.  So a PowerMaster 9109 properly clocked will fit a GM LSA crate engine. 

[Mike Brown]

I am lining the cockpit with 14ga steel.  A roller helps to form the sheet into a matching radius before tack welding in place. 

[Mike Brown]

I started the exhaust using 2-1/2" tubing.  I use exhaust donuts in the construction as they allow really tight bends and you can weld them back together at any angle providing that your cut line always goes through the center of the donut. 

[Mike Brown]

The flanges were CNC machined from 7/16" ground steel plate. 

[sofadriver]

What is an exhaust donut? I see the "donut" but I'm not getting the concept.

[tauruck]

A donut is a circular tube that can be cut into pieces to make bends.

[Speed Limit 1000]

http://secure.chassisshop.com/partdetail/C76-562/

It is a stamped piece that you can cut into sections and weld together. You can get a smaller radius than you can make with a tube bender.

[tauruck]

Wish I could get them here.

[Mike Brown]

I started on the water tank for cooling the engine.  I am using 1/8" 5052 aluminum.  This tank will be located under the engine.  The outside is TIG welded with MIG bead inside wherever possible. 

[Mike Brown]

The driveshaft came in today.  SW Race Cars built this one for me.  3" mild steel tube with 1350 universal joints both ends.  The transmission does not have a tailshaft, just a splined shaft sticking out the back.  I shortened a standard transmission yoke from Strange. 

[Elmo Rodge]

Lookin' good Mike Quality all the way.  Wayno

[Bob Drury]

  The Donuts were invented By Kiwi Squeak Bell who lives in Bakersfield and are stamped out in New Zealand where He still has property  and kin.  He makes them in mild steel and Stainless.  I have used both and they are the Katz Meow! The inside diameter is equal to the pipe diameter (3" tube = 3" I.S. diameter, etc.).  They are stamped in two halves and then seam welded around the outside radius.
                                                                        Kiwi Konnection Hot Rod Parts
                                                                        (661) 871-KIWI (5494)
                                                                         925 Bernard St.
                                                                         Bakersfield, Ca.  93305

[kiwi belly tank]

I knew they come from NZ but I didn't know they were Squeak's invention. That's what I get for becoming a hill billy.
  Sid.

[Jack Gifford]

... This tank will be located under the engine...

Nice use of available space.