MK Indy GSXR Build Diary: Fitting the sprocket adapter, propshaft and engine

The bolts I ordered for the engine cradle arrived after a week of waiting but I had ordered the wrong ones. I had ordered extra fine 1.0mm pitch thread when I need fine 1.25mm pitch thread. Turns out I cant use a vernier gauge properly!! I found a small fastenings supplier in Leicester so headed over to pick up 2no. M10 x 80mm x 1.25 pitch socket cap bolts.

I fixed the cradle to the engine with these new bolts and the long M10 x 250mm bolts for the lower mounts. I needed to grind a chamfer on this bolt and hammer it through as the cradle didn’t quite line up.

To get the engine in I needed an engine crane, which I didn’t have and didn’t want to pay for so I made “hoist” by fixing a ladder to the garage door rails and supporting the engine with rope. This was a three man operation, two to lift and one to support with the rope. Once high enough the weight could easily be supported and the engine lowered in a very controlled manner, down on to the chassis. The second lower mount was again hammered into position and the cradle secured with M12 bolts.

Before fitting the engine I fitted the propshaft. I cut a couple of spacers from the 25 x 50mm aluminium block I had and drilled some M12.5 holes. The propshaft bracket was then bolted in position.

Also before I put the engine in, I fitted the propshaft adapter. I used a decent amount of blue Loctite and tightened the nut to 115nm which took a bit of effort! This is a 2man operation, one tightening and one holding the prop adapter in the stilsons.

Also I applied adhesive grip tape to the brake and clutch pedals. This was a free sample from a skateboard company on eBay.