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

2026-05-24 08:16:27 | Thomas Pokrefke writes:

One year into ownership and I have a car that is an absolute delight to drive. New leather seats, new carpet, new brakes, and a strong engine and transmission. The air conditioner makes the cabin nice and cold when it is hot outside. I have put about 1,000 miles on her in the last two months and at this point I have all the bugs worked out.

The dash wood is still being refinished and should be complete in a few weeks. My plans for the next 6 months are to drive her. I have a 100 year anniversary celebration of Route 66 in June and a 2,000 mile road trip planned in October.

2026-05-24 08:18:00 | Thomas Pokrefke writes:

Here is a brief driving video

www.youtube.com/shorts/k7su16lMoB4

2026-10-20 18:35:06 | Thomas Pokrefke writes:

The Mark VII had a busy year. It made the drive from Chicago to Cuba, MO for the Route 66 100th Anniversary celebration. I just returned from a 2,028 mile road trip from Chicago to Fairhope, AL for the South Alabama British Car Festival where she received the award for the longest distance driven and the "Diamond in the Rough" award. I have put over 6,000 miles on the car in the last 12 months and she continues to perform perfectly.