Kames Track/Test Day in my 1300 16v Nova!

[greg1.4]

we headed off to test the rally car again yesterday, but this time on tarmac.
to start with the track was mega mega slippy (i spun on my second run out but was ok)..as the track got dryer/warmer and the more confidence i got the quicker i got..

the guy we bought the suzuki engine from came out in the car with me and he noticed that the suspension was too soft and was making it harder for me to drive and i was putting in too much driver effort.
so back in and stiffened the suspenson on compression and re-bound and it was alot better..

by the end of the day, i thought i was doing well! but you can see vids for yourself (my first time on a track/tarmac with the rally car)

i just cant believe the difference a good strong shell, roll cage, proper tyres, decent suspension and brakes make! it wasnt understeering at all, back end was a bit happy but never lost it any point..really really pleased with how i done and how the car done yesterday..

here are some pics and videos-

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/PC280109.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/PC280110.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/PC280111.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/PC280112.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/PC280113.jpg

[greg1.4]

some videos..the first few are not that good as it was early on in the day..the last video is the best one!! bit of sideways action..lol
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/th_PC280120.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/?action=view&current=PC280120.flv)
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/th_PC280118.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/?action=view&current=PC280118.flv)
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/th_PC280115.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/?action=view&current=PC280115.flv)
incar early on-
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/th_PC280119.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/?action=view&current=PC280119.flv)
incar mid day-
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m134/zr-boy/th_28122008016.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m134/zr-boy/?action=view&current=28122008016.flv)
2nd or 3rd last run- suspension set the way i wanted it and i was pushing it fairly hard. this is the best video!!!!!!!!
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/th_PC280121.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/albums/ii398/Vauxuki/?action=view&current=PC280121.flv)

[vaughanmc]

For a wee 1.3 it goes round that track very quick and I've seen lots of things round that track

Well done lad, hope to see u up there some other time!

Can't believe I missed it, mind u a didn't miss the cold weather lol

[greg1.4]

cheers vaughan. was hoping you were going to make it. was wanting you to be my passenger..;)

alot of people were saying it was going round very quick for a 1300 (i even got asked what engine was in it) gordon said it was going round just as quick as when he had it in his nova with a quaife sccr box..

as said before though, i rerally cant believe the difference a good rigid shell with proflex suspension, uniballs, adjustable camber/caster mounts, polybushed, 4 pots and tyres make..i cant reccomend it any more to anyone to get it light, rigid and handling well before tuning the engine!:thumb:

[adam c]

looks really good!also loving the noise of the 1300 screaming:cool: (they really ae a good engine!)and most importantly it looks like youre having bags of fun out there:thumb:

loving the sideways actionlol

p.s was it a testday or some kind of competition?

[greg1.4]

the engine goes well for a fairly standard 1300..webbers, unknown cams/headwork, janspeed competition system..

i am hoping to get the engine re-built next year with a bit of work done..first of all though, i need a quaife sccr box with a 4.5 cwp..running standard cwp just now which is far too low..

also want proflex for the rear instead of bilstein coilovers. proflex is dear but by god it made that car handle well..well worth £1500-£2000 a strut!:eek:

adam, fun isnt the word for it..i was loving it. had to leave early aswell as i had to go for a meal, but wont be long until i am back up having another go..:thumb:

it was a test day..16 cars there though..

[Cle]

I love seening a nova on track :D Showing off for the camera at the start of the last video aye lol

How often is this on ?? i wouldnt mind trying to get down with my nova sometime.

[nova ian]

Good work, car looks very well on the track and really does shift for a 1300. Top work.

Very impressed, I bet your well happy with that.

[srs1]

does look like you are having some serious fun there.

you have done the best thing in regards to setting the car up.
sort out the handling, braking and get the feel of the car before going for out right power.
i did it the wrong way, i went for a xe with g-max suspension. how bad did that feel, car was nose diving into the road under braking with 4 pots.