Today, I removed the engine mount, boot cowl top, and upper firewall. The Plexiglas firewall was hung in position and the center marked for the location of the cabin heat valve, 3-3/4” above the floor and on the aircraft centerline. The Plexiglas firewall was removed, and the opening for the cabin heat valve was cut through the Plexiglas with a two-inch holesaw.
The Plexiglas firewall was remounted and the engine mount bolted to the fuselage. The engine was lifted higher than the mount, and the fuselage moved forward and leveled under the engine. The dampers and their cupped washers were assembled between the engine and engine mount, and the bolts and nuts installed. Everything fit together amazingly well.
The exhaust manifolds and intake manifold were bolted in place. Again everything fit together with only minor persuasion.
The ratchet supporting the engine will stay in place until the fuselage sides are installed, to prevent distortion of the fuselage.
