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Alpine Sniper EFI Conversion

Date: 2024-03-19
Status:
Got this '65 Sunbeam Alpine a few years ago and then parked it in the garage after being left on the side of the road one too many times. Scratched my head on what I wanted to do with it ...

Decided to go down the path of minor modifications so everything everything is just a hair better.

Initial Project Goals:
1. Convert to EFI using a Holly Sniper
2. Service and possibly upgrade brakes.
3. Upgrade wheels and tires.
4. Upgrade with adjustable GAZ shocks.
5. Replace trans with rebuilt one (current trans has many issues).
6. Replace soft top
 

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Date: 2024-03-20
Status:
Made some progress!

-On jacks
-Prepped for engine and trans to be pulled
-Pulled wheels and tires to service brakes.

Next up
-Pull engine and trans
-Service clutch and replace with new trans.
-Reinstall engine and trans
-Install new wheels and tires
-Service all fluids
-Have 1100 to 32/36 flange adapter plate made at a local machine shop
-Install Sniper
-Install low pressure fuel pump to feed surge tank.
-Install surge tank to feed EFI
-Remove low pressure fuel line and replace with new high pressure line to Sniper.
-Run return line to fuel tank
-Rewire to negative ground configuration prior to hooking anything electrical up.
-Install new wood steering wheel
-Install Adapter plate and Sniper on top
-Wire in sniper and add O2 sensor.

That's what I got so far...
 

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Date: 2024-03-21
Status:
New shoes!

Next project is...

-label all engine electrics, hoses and vacuum lines
-pull engine
 

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Date: 2024-03-24
Status:
Progress update!
-Engine and transmission are out
-Converted to all the necessary changes to Negative ground, just need to get my hands on a series 5 tachometer and order a negative ground dizzy and coil.

Next up:
-Clutch job
-Install new trans on engine
-Replace dizzy and coil
-Reinstall engine and trans
 

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Date: 2024-03-24
Status: Tonight I finished rewiring under the dash to convert from + ground to - ground. I also wanted to try and reverse the polarity on my series 4 tachometer as well. If I get it working then I'll sell on my S5 tach to someone who needs it.
 

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Date: 2024-03-30
Status:
Made progress on the fuel lines!

Reused the existing hard-line as the high pressure fuel line going to the front. This engine doesn't require all that much fuel, so the existing lines are adequate. The return line will be 3/8th rubber high pressure fuel line routed along the same path as the hard line then through a custom bulkhead adapter through the trunk and routes all the way back into the bottom of the right saddle-tank.

I need some rubber grommets to finish routing the rubber return line along the chassis.

Next up:
Waiting for parts from @sunbeamspecialties

-clutch
-release bearing
-negative ground coil and true spark distributor
-replacement valve cover gasket
 

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Date: 2024-04-09
Status:
Thanks to #sunbeamspecialties I was able to get all the parts I needed to move forward with my light mechanical overhaul.

Replaced the following:
-Clutch
-Pressure release bearing
-Pilot bushing
-Pressure plate (being rebuilt by Fort Wayne Clutch and Driveline)
-Distributor
-Coil
-Valve cover seal (cork)
 

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Date: 2024-04-09
Status: Just finished reassembling the dash. Took apart each gauge did some cleaning and servicing of them and lastly swapped the polarity on those that needed it now that we have gone to negative ground.
 

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Date: 2024-04-20
Status: Cleaned up the interior and shampoo'd the carpet, then installed the seats and new steering wheel. Also checked all the electronics post conversion to - ground all good!
 

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Date: 2024-04-20
Status: Got a second wind after cleaning the interior up. My rebuilt pressure plate showed up from the shop so... Replaced the pilot bearing and installed the clutch assembly! Figured Im this far so thought I'd have the engine and trans get a little romantic. Haha

Next up, put the engine back in, possibly tomorrow we will see.
 

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Date: 2024-04-21
Status: Thankful to have my good buddy @shambarzaid to come help me get into trouble. Thanks bud!

That said the engine and gearbox are back in the Alpine!

Now we wait some more for those backordered EFI parts.
 

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Date: 2024-04-26
Status: And just like that she's back on her own 4 feet!

Tonight I finished bolting in the trans, Driveline, and shifter assembly.

What's left?
-This weekend change all fluids and oil filter.
-Bleed and prime clutch slave cylinder
-Beed and prime brakes

Tasks on hold:
-Wait for the sniper efi module to ship (backordered) till 5/3.
-Have adapter plate machined.
-Wire up sniper, fuel pump, and install O2 sensor.
-Test run
-Tune
-Reinstall hood
-Steering alignment
 

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Date: 2024-05-16
Status:
After almost 2 months on backorder I finally got my @holleyperformance Sniper EFI.

Here's the update:
-I had a local shop make a custom adapter for me to go from the autolite 1100 flange to the Weber 32/36 dgv intake flange.
-I'll need to take my Dremel to the intake to smooth out a small lip but that will be super easy.
-Wiring is coming along...
-Install O2 sensor in exhaust

What's next after wiring?
-Clean up wiring
-attach the fuel lines to the new Holley EFI
-Clean up fuel line route and mounting brackets
-Fill the diff with new gear oil
-Put fuel in the tanks and check for fuel line leakage.
-Add coolant (she's empty from being flushed)

Test fire!

I head to Alaska next Wednesday so I'm really hoping to have the engine running at least as a small victory.

After we get running:
-Bleed brakes
-Bleed clutch slave
-Set timing
-Further tune EFI

Shake down Test drive and EFI self learning for map.
-Cross fingers

Side note, I have been binge watching @vicegripgarage and @roadworthyrescuesshow

His content has totally got me motivated in finishing this project up specifically when watching the episode on the straight 6 tempest with the sniper EFI set up! Very slick.

Give those a watch trust me it'll get you more charged up than a "lightning cube" powering your "sparkaltors"!
 

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