16-03-2016, 08:21 PM
Engine and box are in for the last time. Had a performance with n/s driveshaft where the 306 td inner c.v I'd expected to swap over wouldn't work, so after three attempts at different shafts I gave up and swapped the old 1800 none turbo differential into my HDI 306 box. Managed to do this with the box still in the car in about two and a half hours including taking the diff out of my old box, but had to mess about dropping engine mounts as I didn't want to damage my new radiator and fans with the oil filter being mega close. Fitted stubby Renault oil filter and it's still close. Made up radiator and intercooler mounts and lowered rad at same time for intercooler pipes to pass between slam panel and rad. Today I've made a 3" front exhaust section with a flexi and welded an extra hanger in where it runs behind the subframe. New manifold and front pipe have been made to be easily removable as I've struggled with stupidly put together french cars no end of times. I think it's good to rethink stuff like this while it's in bits and it'll save me some headache in the future. Exhaust looks really industrial but tidy at the same time. I need a few more parts still, mainly a 306 pull clutch arm and also the little plate with the tube on which bolts to the front of the head on the driver's side. I've also fixed a broken wobbly headlamp and fitted new front indicators to replace the crusty ones. Tomorrow I'll finish the exhaust off and have a look at the cooling system. Need a different, smaller header tank too.