The lower intake is lightly ported to match the gasket - the new blower plenum flange runners will also be matched to the gasket:


Nothing fancy here - just die grinder work, since I would expect most gains from port matching on a forced induction engine to be recognized on the exhaust side. Whether this helps much or not is not so important to me as the thought that I've done what I believed to be the best I could with what I had to work with.... actually, quite a bit of cleanup was done here.... maybe it was even worth it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Frank

Yessiree! - I've dreamed about it for several nights, now.... can't wait to get to that stage and build the hood bulge/scoop... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I think I'll make it angular and multi-faceted - you know like those F-117As and B-2s - very stealthy so I can't be seen on radar. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />

Frank

More lessons in why I haven't seen anyone put a Roots blower on a longitudinal 3.0L..... I'm quickly learning how to abandon plans and find alternate means to an end <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> The fuel line layout didn't work due to interference with coolant lines, so I'm now hoping this arrangement will work:

Since the throttle body will have to move to the driver side, the coolant fittings to the throttle body are pointing in the wrong direction... I found some 180* bend hoses at a parts store... not the best solution.... but hopefully they'll work:

Here's a rough mockup of what will be the combination nose drive brace/idler pulley bracket - this piece isn't finished form - only a reference for location of the mounting holes:


It sure would be easier to walk away and say it can't be done.... but I still *think* it can be done - just a lot more work than I thought. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Frank

If it was easy everyone would do it. Better than watching TV <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Get the first one done then send the parts to china for reproduction....PROFIT <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

There's not a lot of room between the OE idler bracket and the alternator saddle to get the idler pulley(s) in the best location(s).... anyone think I can get away with the lower small idler so close to the belt run?... or do I run the risk of the belt rubbing at high rpms or when the blower load comes online?



I might be able to substitute a slightly smaller diameter idler between the fan pulley and the blower pulley, but it will reduce the wrap on the fan pulley a little... might be the best solution, though.

Frank

Here's an alternate layout using a single idler - it's probably a better arrangement if there's enough wrap on the alternator and blower pulleys:


Frank

I think I can resolve the angle issues with the throttle body hoses and crankcase ventilation hose by using fuel hose and isolation clamps like so:


The standard hose will also be easier to find when replacement time comes around.

A mockup bracket mount was made for the coil pack, which will also serve as a stay for the oil fill neck:

Here it is assembled/mounted with standoff spacers:



The next job will be to build a jig to locate the throttle body and the air inlet pipe for fabrication.... maybe this weekend.

Frank

When you finish, I can drive down there and put on my truck just to see if everything works. If it does work you can make another one for you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Seriously, I want to see it in person and meet another 4x4wire member.

Sparkem, if you want to see the working model, there's no need to rush since I'm moving at a snail's pace. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Hopefully I'll start copying with aluminum in the next week or so.... just want to make certain everything fits ok before making expensive piles of scrap aluminum.

Frank

I've been hoping I left enough room to change the thermostat without removing the blower and plenum. It can be done. I was even able to scrape off the old gasket and RTV - but it does take a while, even with the engine on a stand:


Frank