Installing a V-8...a few questions, Progress thread & 914 makeover Options

[computers4kids]

I'm installing a chevy 305 with a renegage kit and I have a few questions.

There seems to be plenty of room to leave the battery tray in the OEM position, why do many move the location to the trunk?

I have the Renegade wiring harness but no diagram...can someone send me a copy?

The exhaust is headers with twin turbo exhaust. Do you remove the stock exhaust heat sheild...it fits either way. Is it good to leave it or remove it?

Where do you source your power for the front 'dual fan radiator?' From what I have read it needs to be powered all the time, not switched. Is there a source to tap into in the front trunk or do you run a dedicated line...if so how heavy?

I would really love to see pictures of your V-8 914 front end so see what kind of setup you did for valance and cutting the bumper! I'm good on the fender cuts.

Stupid Question: The renegade recommends using #8 1/2 metal screws to attach the brackets that hold the coolant hoses to the bottom of the car. It mentions to be careful not to puncture the fuel lines in the tunnel. How can you tell if your'e going to hit a fuel line or not? ...other than just hoping and guessing?

Sorry for all the questions...
Mark
Edited.....thought I would add some before and a after picture since this thread has evolved into a v-8 install/restore/modify thread. The story begins....

[JRust]

Don't ruin a nice early front bumper! Find another used one better suited to cut on. You cut my bumper I'll kill you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ar15.gif) ! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) No seriously I would try to find another bumper to modify. Those early ones are hard to find in that shape.

If you really want to do something brake wise you need to go 5-lug. That is a pretty easy swap & gives you more brake options! You also have a much larger Wheel base to choose from (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

As far as extending your rod I get a bunch of emails in my spam everyday about this. I can forward you some f that wil help (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

[computers4kids]

Don't ruin a nice early front bumper! Find another used one better suited to cut on. You cut my bumper I'll kill you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ar15.gif) ! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) No seriously I would try to find another bumper to modify. Those early ones are hard to find in that shape.

As far as extending your rod I get a bunch of emails in my spam everyday about this. I can forward you some f that wil help (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

OK...smartass, I did lengthen my rod yesterday, without the help of magic pills. I cut the the rod on the straight section, threaded a good chunk of "all thread" which fit nicely. Adjusted length to be 1 /1/4 inch longer, checked to make sure fit good and then welded it into place. My wife is getting use to her new yard art...had to paint it!

Oh yeah, I put those beautiful early chrome bumpers on my 74 driver, removing the painted ones...which I liked, but will have no problem cutting on for the v-8 project.

Also fabbed a nice throttle bracket...getting closer.

And, replaced all the rotors, pads, and installed new stainless lines. I might drive it a bit to determine how radical or not I need to go with the brakes etc.