So we have not updated this thread in a long time.
We got another salvage motor from a 2000 Camry and swapped it with the one we blew up at the challenge. Car is back running and sort of driving.
New additions is we made a new exhaust out of 2.25" tubing and a cross flow muffler, more of a street car sound now. Got the guys back together today and they have decoded to just get the car back running the best we can and take it to the challenge, just to have fun driving it.
So today was supposed to be get it driving again day, we had a leaking rear caliper, fixed, brakes bleed, Check we have brakes. We had an interference problem with the radiator hose and the shifter linkage, reroute Zip tie, done.
Start car, fuel leak, stop car. Take out center console, and be thankful we added an access plate to ge tto the fuel pump from the top. Turned out to be a line that was loose, simple fix.
Kurt takes car out with Zack, about a five min ride, come back and says the car is squirrely and he lost second gear! I really don't want to to a transmission swap. First address the squirrel problem, idiot behind the wrench problem, bolts not tightened on struts. Reset camber and TIGHTEN THE BOLTS this time.
This time I took car out for a drive, started in second gear and car drove away, so trans works. Got out on street, 1 -2 gear shift, no second gear. Shift to neutral and the hard over left and down get second. Bring car back and inspection reveals shifter cable broken. That is better than a new transmission. Shifter cables ordered and we will schedule another work day when they come in.