So a little progress today. Got the engine all buttoned back up, fitted a fully charged battery and fired her up. Definitely quieter with the rockers shimmed on the drinkers side, still one distinct tick that goes away with revs so I will shim the other side as well some time in the future as it's not the biggest concern at this point and see if it goes away.
Let it idle to continue to bleed the cooling system, dropped the back of the car off the jack stands and backed her off the wheel ramps. She moves under her own steam.... just. Then she starts to boil over. Damn it, I'd forgotten the thermo fans don't turn on till 105° C on the standard tune. Doh!
Trans fluid is low and brown, rear tyre needs air so I figured a quick run around the block past the gas station to get some air.
Started driving, revs out fine in first and 2nd, get it under load in 3rd and it's not doing ****? Doing up the hill towards the gas station the same, need to kick it down a gear. Pump up the rear tyre and head home. Sort out the lack of indicators first (I'd borrowed the flasher unit for another car), top up the transmission and head out for a 2nd drive. Head up a hill and the same issue, it seems to have no power at low rpm and moderate load but will accelerate in 1st so there is only one solution, a quick trip on the motorway. Again she'll happily cruise but not happy trying to accelerate. Cooling system is working fine and temps drop to thermostat temp when at speed.
So I'm not 100% sure where to go with what I assume is a either an ignition miss or fueling issue. Seeing as I have no experience with LPG my first port of call with be ignition. I'll change out the ignition module and coils from a known running car and see what happens, might try some new leads. Could also try altering the plug gap. Not sure what gap I put the new plugs in with but could try closing them up a touch.
Next job was to tow the old VN out of it's hole onto the drive so I can clean and start stripping parts before the old girl leaves to go to her final resting place
I towed it out with the VT, did I mention the trans was slipping....
The terrible twosome!
So I have 2 options for the VT transmission issue. I have a spare 4l60e of about the right vintage to suit with full stage 2 shift kit and 2nd/4th servo's, boost valve and 2800rpm converter or I have a T5 manual transmission from the VN. The VN also has 3.45 gears and tight LSD unit which should go nicely in the VT.
The boss has instructed the VN is to go pronto!