Resto FLA12897

What started as a clutch job is ending up as a major mechanical restoration. Once an engine is out, on a car like this one cannot just stick to just do the clutch. Even if things worked fine so far the car is 35+ years old and my car last engine out service was back in 2001. Lots of sub-system were worked on but the last significant bill was like 5-6 years ago. So it is time to meet the cashier.
Also it is good to refresh information as tech evolves and so are methods. They are so few of these cars that this communities are invaluable resources.

I link some of the things already there, Mostly about pict of engine out and shocks.
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/countach-clutch-replacement.710346/
and a discussion of A/C compressor:
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/countach-a-c-compressor-r134a.710996/#post-150271721

So I will post stuff here from now on.

One thing that choked me when I saw the estimate for all OEM parts is the prices of the 28 head studs. Apparently they are sold by the piece not as a kit. Now all parts are very expensive but this is outright theft.
A head stud is over $100, the nut is over $40 and the washer is almost $60. When you add it up it is priced at the level of my 6 new racing adjustable shocks with options. for simple bolts and nuts hardware.
So we are looking at seeking to make some once the scope of the resto is all agreed upon and we open the engine. I aint paying over $5.5K + tax and tariffs for 28 bolts and nuts. This is plain crazy.
If someone here has already made those, or has sourced any somewhere, that would be a great conribution.
I am sure there is nothing special about those from the factory. Maybe we can make them out of stronger material.

The engine bay and under carriage will be cleaned and subbed for the dry ice process in 2 weeks. I will go see the sub-contracting shop Friday. Should be interesting.

 

The head studs are not torqued such that they will yield plasticity. You can tell this by the torque procedure, if it is a straight torque the load is all elastic. The stud will snap off before you reach your torque setting if it gets in the plastic range. Bolts that are tightened into the plastic range are torqued to a spec and rotated x more degrees. Therefore the original ones are perfectly fine to reuse.

Cheers Jim

 

Thanks. the shop is being abundantly cautious and will not take chances. This info is helping a lot. I am getting them to re-evaluate the replacement given the astronomical cost of bolts and nuts being over my new 6 shocks setup.

Also thanks to Simon - Spider1 for the info on the bolt-on Monster brakes setup. I am in touch with the company.
I am using the OEM in the rear but looking for those in the front.
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/better-brakes-for-the-countach.575315/

Finally, my headliner is slightly discolored in places. Not sure why. Is there a source to get the exact match? so far we can get close but I want an exact match for this material

 

Patrick - I can help you with the headliner material with an exact match material.

 

awesome! will reach out!
Engine getting disassembled before week’s end to be gone thru. I hope it is my lucky week! It run right last start albeit oil seep.