So as a compromise to my current space crunch situation, I won't be removing the engine on my F355 right now. But Tim has agreed to try to weld the subframe for me next Thursday at his place in Long Beach. Immediately following that surgical procedure, I'll take her to Craig at FASTCARS in Redondo Beach for the motor mount and CV boot replacement. I'm certain that an engine-out is in my future somewhere down the road, but for now, this will address the most critical issues and not break the bank. If any of you other Stooges are around next week, come by Tim's for some pierogi... Cheers, Henry
I have a breakfast at the Toyota Museum but free after about noon. At the least lets get lunch. MM failures don't happen very often but CV boots all the time over every car made with a CV joint. You should learn how to service them. It is really fast and easy once the axle is out. That could really be a Spring Stooge gathering event and many could learn from that. But you probably just want it fixed. If someone has an old axle we should service it at the next stooge event so people can learn. The title of the next stooge event? "Don't be an axle and miss Spring Stoogapooluza"
Sounds like the way to go if you ask me. It will probably be stronger than it ever was originally once Tim gets in there. Seems silly to me to drop the engine if it doesn't need belts yet. In a few years you can, reassess it when the belts are due.
I will say this one last time. Drop The Engine To weld that subframe correctly you do not want any stress on it. You have a bunch of Stooges out there willing to help you, one of which is officially certified. Do it right, drop the engine.
I agree....however, it's quite possible to load the frame in a manner to close the current (crack) gap, hence removing the load.
Yuuuuup, done it several hundred times, literally. Peace of cake. This is an exact copy of my last machines, I had 4 of these. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'll see if I can make it. I can get the address from Bruce. I sense an impromptu mid-week Stoogefest!
I realize that's the absolute right way to go Ernie, but I really think that with Tim's welding ability, I can put off the gussets and further welding until the next major in 2018-19. Henry
When I looked at the crack it had not separated at all so you will not need to load it unless it has moved. I think the pics show the same. Some hiw a chunk is missing can not really understand how that happened. Actually all four sides looked like the pic with no separation on the crack Its possible its been cracked fir some time, maybe even befor the engine out?
Defiantly need to play with the subframe frame overhang to see if anything else hidden in there. Worst case guys I have 2 355 subframes in stock we can gang bang and swap it over LOL
One thing I did notice the tube is of very poor 1990s euro spec, not the best material at all Just welding them can distort the metal enough to weaken it then vibration from out of balance wheel crack it over time. This was quite a I would say not common but a seen issue from that era and region. Yeah we will throw a splint in it and weld here up with nice temperature controlled welds.
If you want to know the answer to that question you'll have to fly back down here next week and help us out Grant. Not a snowflake in sight... Cheers, Henry
