Last night, Rob and I went out to the shop for an hour and a half on a whim. In that time we put on the last couple of parts I was waiting for (Drain cock assembly, oil pressure switch, oil pan banjo bolt), as well as the transmission.

Using the engine hoist to hold the entire assembly, with the motor propped slightly backwards on a board, proved easy to align the transmission and get the bolts threaded. At this point the motor is ready to go in the car! The engine should be sitting in the car in the next couple of days. After that, I can start connecting the hoses and the rest of the wiring harness connectors.

So far I think this is the worst part. I have a few things running through my mind: Will it start? Will it break? Did I forget something major? At this point, each new item I attach on the engine or transmission is just one more step to that critical moment: Turning the engine over for the first time….