The new speedo drive gear turned up in the post around lunchtime, so it was out into the garage this afternoon. With the new gear fitted, the engine and gearbox were ready to go back in. Everything went smoothly, with Debbie performing stirling service in the 'assistant mechanic' role. It's not her natural habitat, but she worked the hoist and jack without complaint. Refitting the bolts that attach the gearbox mount to the chassis is really fiddly, but taping the washer to the socket got them on the bolts.

The job list is now down to:

1. Finish the handbrake linkage, test and adjust.

2. Fit fuel tank and complete pump wiring.

3. Refit boot floor, fuel filler and rollover bar.

4. Refit nearside rear wing.

5. Fix oil leak from oil pump.

6. Refit steering column.

7. Tap cylinder head for a hot water takeoff for the heater.

8. Bolt down cylinder head and rockers, set valve clearances.

9. Refit exhaust and throttle bodies.

10. Fabricate a new battery tray and fit battery.

11. Refit coolant and oil hoses, fill with oil and coolant.

12. Source longer throttle cable and fit.

13. Refit transmission tunnel cover and gearknob.

14. Replace top balljoints (boot splits were an MOT advisory)

15. Get the ECU mapped!

I've got a plan for the cylinder head hot water take which is basically to tap and epoxy the takeoff into the core plug of the head and then epoxy the core plug to the head. I've found an epoxy called Hysol 9492 which is good for 180C and is petrol resistant, which should do the job.