10.9.2026

Jim got everything on the block as ready as possible today - the spark plugs in, the ignition coils in place...

So time to hook it up to the engine hoist!

Slowly getting it into place...

He had to get his scissor jack out to jack up the stabilizer bar...

Slowly lowering into the engine compartment...

Almost there...

It's in place!

Unfortunately, things went a bit slower from this point on, as Jim was running into some issues, but he always gets it done!

High 63.4/Low 43.5

10.8.2026

 Continuing to button up the wiring harness...

 Jim is also working on the best way to attach the chains that will allow him to move it into the engine compartment...

While the compartment is empty, Jim is going to replace the master cylinder for the clutch...

Working on removing the old cylinder...

High 65.1/Low 48.5

10.7.2026

Jim started tackling the daunting wiring harness today...

But - wow! - look at the progress!  Besides most of the wiring harness that goes on the block is done, header and alternator on, as well as the intake manifold.  

Jim stopped in the middle of the day to try one more time to make the Craigslist sale where the guy never showed.  Thankfully, the guy was in touch and apologetic and actually showed up this time!

 

High 62.5/Low 33.4 - first frost on the ground this morning!

10.6.2026

Fuel injection system taking shape!

Wiring harness is going to be next - Jim took it outside and hosed it off to get it a bit cleaner...

Timing belt harness on!  The intake manifold is just sitting on top because the wiring harness goes underneath.  It's complicated so Jim will be taking that slow and steady!

High 58.4/Low 39 - freeze warning out for tonight!

 

10.5.2026

Jim was back to working on the block today - he put on the pulleys for the timing belt...

This is another one of those weird tools that sure come in handy every once in a while - Jim can use it to turn the pulley to get it lined up.

It's crucial that the cam shaft and timing belt are perfectly lined up - there are tiny dots and markings that have to match.  

A close up of a tiny dot matching with the belt...

The timing belt is all on - it winds around all the idler pulleys and the cam shaft and crank shaft gears...

Starting to put housing pieces on...

The intake manifold is on...

Fan mount attached...

This is how I'm sure Jim feels talking to me about this job.  I try and listen closely when he explains things, but by the time I walk up the stairs and later look at the pictures, I forget it all.

High 58.6/Low 46.9

10.4.2026

It was a short day yesterday - Jim had another Craigslist sale (and the person showed - yay!), had to do some grass cutting, and we had church, but he did a little engine work.  The block is turned over now so that Jim can work on the underside...

Today, I went out the garage door to take some things down to our recycling bin and a snake was lying underneath the man door and scooted inside!  Jim saved my life, of course, and got it back outside where it belongs...

Putting on the oil pan...

Timing belt shield on, plus Jim has to figure out where all the bolts go.  He was smart and took pictures as he was taking it apart and labeled bags of hardware, but still - seems impossible.

We decided to spray off the Minis after our trip...

Spraying off the blue Mini...

Showing the Suzuki some love too - this will continue to be my winter car, so we have to keep it going.

So shiny and beautiful!

As is Jim's!

Fall on Angel is just the best...

 

10.3 - High 65.2/Low 44.9
10.4 - High 63.7/Low 40.7

10.2.2026

 I had errands to do today (in the new car!) and when I got home, Jim had gotten the other cam shaft on...

The head looks SO nice - compare it with how it looked when Jim was taking it apart...

Valve covers are on!

High 70.6/Low 62.2