2025-05-20 10:24:15 | Thomas Pokrefke writes:

In May 2025 this car has been delivered to the Chicago suburbs. The engine doesn't run and the brakes are frozen but the goal is to get her running again.

2025-06-30 08:25:54 | Thomas Pokrefke writes:

After replacing all the intake valves and springs, the original engine now runs.

www.youtube.com/watch

2025-06-30 21:47:26 | pauls writes:

Great accomplishment Thomas!!

2025-09-24 10:28:42 | Thomas Pokrefke writes:

September 2025 - we now have a running/driving car,

www.youtube.com/shorts/rASKqoEXUlM

2025-10-27 11:40:27 | Thomas Pokrefke writes:

Update October 2025 - around mile 300 of a 2,000 mile road trip the #4 road bearing spun and destroyed the engine.

I am currently looking at engine options but will update later.

2025-10-29 15:35:44 | pauls writes:

Sorry to hear that Thomas!!

2026-01-27 13:07:20 | Thomas Pokrefke writes:

Update January 2026

After the original engine destroyed itself I spent considerable time researching my options. I ended up on the LT1 v8 and T56 6-speed manual transmission from a 1997 Camaro. The 6 speed has a .5 ratio overdrive gear which will give her long legs on the highway. I looked at the engine from a 1999 Jaguar XJR but it was too long to fit in the engine bay. I entertained the notion of another 3.4L engine but decided for my use case I wanted something that was more up to the task of 2,000+ mile road trips.

I decided to upgrade the drum brakes at all 4 corners with disc brakes. I could not find a disc brake conversion kit for the Mark VII so I made my own brackets and used off-the-shelf calipers and rotors. I'm using a Wilwood pedal assembly and Wilwood master cylinders for the brake and clutch. The brake calipers from a 1980 Cadillac El Dorado have a robust parking brake mechanism. Front calipers are from a 1995 Dodge Caravan with the 14" wheels. Front brake rotors are from a 1975 Cadillac El Dorado; the lug stud holes and the center had to be bored out to fit the wheel hub. The rear rotor is a two-piece design with aluminum center section; the lug stud holes and the center had to be bored out to fit the wheel hub.

I still need to work through wiring the engine and cooling system but those are easy enough.

2026-03-29 19:42:29 | Thomas Pokrefke writes:

After almost six months, the flames of internal combustion have returned albeit briefly.

www.youtube.com/shorts/lnVpq9e5GtY