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MK999
30-09-11, 10:20 PM
Should be able to get black bolts from any fasteners supplier. Like I say the rivnuts are quite smart and very professional, it was just something of a lightbulb moment when I asked Kev what his door cards were held on with as they don't rattle like mine and he peeled a corner of one off to show me lol

Iain
08-10-11, 05:08 PM
Couple of sparkly clean pics from last weekend as I spent half a day cleaning it as it was so sunny:

http://iainel.co.uk/Nova2/IMG_3430.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/Nova2/IMG_3459.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/Nova2/IMG_3453.JPG

One with my BMW, which Sky have just sorted me an awesome renewal price on so it'll be getting modified too, God I'm addicted to tinkering lol

http://iainel.co.uk/Nova2/IMG_3471.JPG

Iain
08-10-11, 05:10 PM
Today's ponderings, should I fit sideskirts?

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/496.JPG

Should I fit these satin black mirror caps?

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/497.JPG

Or should I fit my uber tiny lightweight Racetech mirrors?

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/498.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/499.JPG

Life is full of difficult decisions lol

scott.parker
08-10-11, 06:18 PM
Race Tech mirrors i say yes to looks, no to visibility for road driving!

Skirts NO.

MK999
08-10-11, 07:07 PM
E34 :( Pine... ******* lol

Iain
08-10-11, 08:22 PM
Thinking similar to you Scott. No to skirts, was gonna try the mirrors and see how bad they are.

Yes MK999, check out how shiny and straight and undented it is.

MK999
08-10-11, 08:24 PM
Thinking similar to you Scott. No to skirts, was gonna try the mirrors and see how bad they are.

Yes MK999, check out how shiny and straight and undented it is.

**** wheels though lol

Nova looks good with the red striple btw, really sets it off.

Edd
08-10-11, 08:30 PM
No to skirts and small mirrors

Yes to black mirror covers

All imo tho :)

Benn
09-10-11, 01:09 PM
No skirts, I'd say keep the white mirrors so you can see what behind you.

Rich
09-10-11, 07:27 PM
Carbon goodies :( i need another nova lol

Looks good, i like the racetech mirrors but its not worth taking me off my bike for losing your rear view :p

Iain
09-10-11, 07:33 PM
Cheers all. Got the black mirror caps on for the time being, might trial fit a Racetech mirror cos the convex glass means the horizontal view isn't too bad, just not much height

Skirts have gone back in storage for me to trial fit in another 6 months lol

MK999
09-10-11, 07:49 PM
Cheers all. Got the black mirror caps on for the time being, might trial fit a Racetech mirror cos the convex glass means the horizontal view isn't too bad, just not much height

Good job most cars are on the floor then lol

Iain
10-10-11, 11:52 AM
Shoddy puns to cover up the BMW jealousy.

MK999
10-10-11, 09:39 PM
Shoddy puns to cover up the BMW jealousy.

Lashing out to cover up the wheel jealousy.

New BMW arrives next week anyway :p When do you get your stars? OH YEAH, NEVER.

Iain
07-11-11, 05:57 PM
Took the Nova to Donington again yesterday, full day open pit with BookATrack. Car performed well as ever and was dry enough to use the semi slicks, winner.

Wearing it's track shoes:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/500.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/501.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/502.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/503.JPG

Was getting low oil pressure issues again, so I tried my best to help cool it down, spent the afternoon looking like this!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/504.JPG

My favourite picture of my car so far and it's not even me driving it, gutted lol

And also lowered my daily, brap brap

http://iainel.co.uk/BMW2/IMG_3550.JPG

Benn
07-11-11, 06:16 PM
Looks great out there. Video fail tho!

Adam
07-11-11, 06:27 PM
Looks well out on track :cool:

The dark rims look nicer than the silver imo!

Iain
07-11-11, 06:31 PM
Does look a little more hardcore with the black rims but I just did it for ease of maintenance. First time they've been on with the black bumpers too so its all tied in nicely now.

Adam
07-11-11, 06:33 PM
They do look better imo.

Red rim tape??

toymex
07-11-11, 06:35 PM
Looking good Iain ,how did you get on with the tyres,i hope you spanked the clio,s i have still got the rest here mate i will send them up with Andy next time he comes up

Iain
07-11-11, 06:41 PM
Meh not fussed on rim tape Adam, esp on the track rims!

Jez tyres were good, not wearing very quick at all that's an evening session and full day on this set and they don't look much different! Might have hardened slightly I guess, could try some softener? But they still offer loads more grip than the road tyres! Nice one, I'm in no rush for 'em.

MK999
07-11-11, 07:39 PM
And also lowered my daily, brap brap

Pimpin, what drop and kit is that? :d

Non facelift is for suckers though, and I thought you had new wheels!

Iain
08-11-11, 12:33 AM
Wheels are painted and requiring tyres. Kit is the cheapest springs I could find, ProSport ones at about £65 lol Sits lovely though

peester
08-11-11, 07:03 AM
awesome update - im a fan of the novas' trackday look also.

scott.parker
08-11-11, 01:32 PM
Good to see your using it mate.

MK999
08-11-11, 08:16 PM
Wheels are painted and requiring tyres. Kit is the cheapest springs I could find, ProSport ones at about £65 lol Sits lovely though

Much cheapness, 40mm all round?

John
08-11-11, 08:17 PM
Nice track pics lemonel!

Iain
09-11-11, 12:02 AM
Much cheapness, 40mm all round?

Supposedly 40mm front 35mm rear, but I reckon its dropped a little more on the front and a little less on the back.

Mieran
09-11-11, 12:07 AM
Looks mint on track, still think it needs a GSI bumper though lol

What spring rates are you running btw?

Iain
09-11-11, 12:28 AM
Meh not fussed on the GSI fronts, looks OK now it has the splitter IMO.

Spring rates... 325lb front 200lb rear.

MK999
09-11-11, 08:04 PM
Supposedly 40mm front 35mm rear, but I reckon its dropped a little more on the front and a little less on the back.

Is it a specific kit or just a generic 6 pot one/E34? If it's generic E34 the lowering might be at 4 pot values.

Iain
10-11-11, 12:20 PM
Don't know don't care it was cheap and looks good lol

MK999
10-11-11, 08:08 PM
Pikey lol Where's these new wheels then, should be picking the paint up for mine tomorrow, painted tomorrow night maybe if I'm lucky? On at the weekend! Should be maybe.

Also that other thing you're driving from the forum title and all that looks good.

Adam
10-11-11, 08:48 PM
WTFs all this beemer talk about? lol

Iain
18-12-11, 02:23 PM
WTFs all this beemer talk about? lol

THIS lol Brap brap brap!

http://iainel.co.uk/BMW2/IMG_3606.JPG

Well not really done much with the Nova and the poor thing hasn't even been started in three weeks due to the weather, but I've tinkered with the odd bit.

Got some sheet carbon fibre and remade the heater blank in the bay, it was made from Nova roofskin metal before so a bit of weight saving!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/505.JPG

Also made a fuel pump blank:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/506.JPG

Recently had my 'powercap' off and noticed a puddle of oil in the inlet, don't think it's breathing right, so I've got myself a catch tank to monitor it a bit better. Also got a metre of fluoro lined Roose silicone hose and a Pipercross to-air breather:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/507.JPG

Decision was to mount it to the bulkhead rollcage bar, OMG naked engine bay:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/508.JPG

Some tabs welded on:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/509.JPG

In it's new home with how I plan to route the new breather pipe:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/510.JPG

Also got these, thanks Graeme, HiSpec caliper spacers to use 283mm discs with the standard 256mm ATE calipers, so I'll try these out when I source some discs...

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/511.JPG

peester
18-12-11, 03:43 PM
Isnt it best to have the catch tank sitting a bit more lower, below the level of top of engine? - just the bit of gravity will help flow..?

MK999
18-12-11, 03:48 PM
Isnt it best to have the catch tank sitting a bit more lower, below the level of top of engine? - just the bit of gravity will help flow..?

But you don't really want all your oil draining into the catch tank if you can avoid it, better if it condensates in the tube and runs back down. Water vapour (i.e your blow by) won't condensate until you take it back down to lower than about 100 degrees so that will still end up there fine. Unless it's really choking out oil and it ends up blocking the tube with gunk but you'd have bigger things to worry about then.

Anyway back on topic, you really need to sort your wheels out, Schnitzer reps look good and are fairly cheap :p

scott.parker
18-12-11, 07:29 PM
That looks spot on, how close is it to the bonnet mate?

Iain
18-12-11, 08:20 PM
I agree with MK999, hopefully this will stop unnecessary oil entering the tank?

Scott it's quite close tbh, there's scope for moving the breather filter to the front or shortening the connector on the top of the tank though...

Prey
18-12-11, 10:35 PM
oooooh those brackets look heavy......

MK999
18-12-11, 10:39 PM
oooooh those brackets look heavy......

I like this guy.

Iain
18-12-11, 10:44 PM
Heavy but sturdy lol

L14MNP
18-12-11, 10:55 PM
Heavy but sturdy lol

Stop talking about BMW's lol

Hello Iain. :)

MK999
18-12-11, 10:57 PM
E34's are really light, dunno what you're talking about lol
Well under 2 tonne.

SimonTW
18-12-11, 11:04 PM
What wiper setup are you running?

L14MNP
18-12-11, 11:07 PM
What wiper setup are you running?

Spam! :@ (lol)

Iain
18-12-11, 11:08 PM
FFS the only spam is all this BMW talk lol

Citroen ZX wiper setup.

L14MNP
18-12-11, 11:13 PM
Hello Iain. :)

:mad:

ExTrEmeOc
25-12-11, 04:43 PM
Nice Project. :thumb:

Iain
01-01-12, 01:50 PM
Pulled my dash out and dropped it off with Prey (http://www.pngclub.com/forum/member.php?20591-Prey) (click user name to see profile) who's done a top job of flocking it black for me.

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/512.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/513.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/514.JPG

Connor
01-01-12, 02:00 PM
That looks superb mate, im back in derby on the 3rd will have to arrange a meet up soon or something so i can have a proper look :thumb:

Adam
01-01-12, 03:57 PM
Looks sound Ian

peester
01-01-12, 05:59 PM
yay! good lad, like it a lot looks much better.

Benn
01-01-12, 06:32 PM
I like your dash.

Prey
01-01-12, 07:27 PM
That does look good now it's in mate, glad you let me do the rest of the dash - when can i tempt you into that flocked rocker cover then? lol

Iain
01-01-12, 07:38 PM
Do the spare plug cover first and we'll take it from there lol

Prey
01-01-12, 07:46 PM
ben has a couple of plastic ones i'm gonna purchase next time i see him so can do those too, few colour options then

John
01-01-12, 07:48 PM
Nice Work on the dash Lionel!

deanwilko
01-01-12, 08:03 PM
dash looks sweet, nice work prey

Gareth_C
02-01-12, 10:12 AM
Looks nice mate i f i get chance ill look though more than the last 6 pages lol. Fibreglass doors next lol

scott.parker
02-01-12, 02:24 PM
Iain, that dash is looking nice mate, and well done pray on doing a top job!
But see if you can get him to do your piss bag of a washer bottle, as it makes me laugh every time i see it in the pics, looks like something an OAP who's having prostate issues should have strapped to his leg! lol

Iain
02-01-12, 03:40 PM
Listen Scott I've got a weak bladder OK stop being mean lol

Gareth no fibreglass doors for me, playing with the suspension geometry next I think. :)

turbojolt
02-01-12, 03:44 PM
That bag had me baffled the first time I see it lol never seen another car with one.

That dash looks spot on mate, were are you having the suspension setup then?

Iain
02-01-12, 04:06 PM
Think the first one I saw was in Preys car, it's convenient and light so win win. Not sure what I'm doing yet TJ, going to do as much myself as possible tho (as with the rest of the project so far lol)

scott.parker
02-01-12, 05:40 PM
Im sure MK will know how to do it, but the thing i was told is to make a set of rods (2x1 will work) and fix them to the bumper mount points, then measure out from the center a set amount say a foot of over hang on each side of the car front back, then on two set marks you equally tie a some fishing line round the car creating a box, so you can use this to get your measurements from for caster/toe/camber front and back.
some thing like that from what i was told by Neil's mate who works for a touring car firm.

Iain
05-02-12, 05:12 PM
The car's still alive, not used it a huge amount over winter and its second MOT is due in about a months time.

Finished off my catch tank properly a little while ago:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/515.JPG

Used these little rubber end caps from Component Force to blank off the unused outlets. Link to product: http://www.componentforce.co.uk/category/32/epdm-caps

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/516.JPG

The current mini project is equal length big block shafts, so I've accumulated a complete Astra setup, hubs, new Chris Astley Nova shafts, CVs, etc:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/517.JPG

And today the Astra setup exploded with the help of a rubber mallet, everything's getting cleaned, prepped and painted to match the rest of the car and suspension:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/518.JPG

When I get a weekend to myself without snow I plan on trying to measure up and set camber using camber bolts, set up the toe and maybe measure how much bump steer the car has with a view to rosejointing the track rod ends if beneficial.

Events wise, 18th Feb I'm taking it to a Rolling Road session with the MIG forum so it'll be good to see how much power it's got. Info here: http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/east-midlands/489177-east-mids-rolling-road-day-sat-18th-feb-2012-a.html

NOV4_SPORT
05-02-12, 06:01 PM
Looking good buddy, the dash looks epic

Benn
05-02-12, 08:05 PM
About time on the shafts, not feeling the catch tank tho...

Prey
05-02-12, 08:17 PM
bout time for an update! i expect the shafts will be clean enough to eat off of before they go on.

can't imagine the mot bein any bother at all, i still can't forget mateys face when he saw how clean it was underneath ha ha.

Iain
05-02-12, 10:11 PM
Shafts are all prepped for paint so they'll be mint when they go on don't worry lol

Haha yeah he did seem to like it, will give it a wash underneath before it goes on the ramp again!

scott.parker
06-02-12, 08:40 PM
Interesting, though the place for the RR day is 1hr.30min away i might think about taking the Astra for Fun!

And i wont say there's no point in the "equal" shafts, but i looked at it and thought as i had a LSD i wouldn't really benefit from it, as theres pro's cons to it, and the con i decided was that your placing another weak point in the drive train with the extra CV, and this is opening room for more play/ware etc so i decided not to go for it, just my opinion though, if you have tried it and think it's better then thats cool.

Scott

Adam
06-02-12, 08:43 PM
There isnt an extra cv Scott, just 4 as normal

scott.parker
06-02-12, 09:07 PM
I was meaning the fact the dummy shaft goes into the CV on the one side and then theres the other side that accepts a shaft, i just thought having the two shafts inputting into it was worse then having the CV straight from the box etc.

Benn
06-02-12, 09:13 PM
The dummy shaft really is just a spaced Cv tho, as the shaft is direct from the box to the cv, which means the shorter shaft meaning well movement for torque so to speak..

MK999
06-02-12, 09:27 PM
Scott does have a point as the extra angle on the CV will increase stress on that side, but no more than the short shaft already, with it being equal length and all. It's not a bad solution to the problem really.

Iain
06-02-12, 09:52 PM
Yeah not expecting miracles Scott as you say with the Quaife etc, just fancied trying it to get any possible improvements. As it's basically just 1/2 extra splined connections I'm not expecting to introduce any more weak points. :)

turbojolt
06-02-12, 10:19 PM
Good call on the new shafts as it didn't tuck into corners at all well before :P

Iain
11-02-12, 05:53 PM
As mentioned on the other page I was keen to get some alignment measurements and see what's what. With this in mind I bought a cheapy Gunson spirit-level-style camber gauge and a Sealey GA50 2 wheel alignment tool to play with.

So first off I set the toe on my Nova to 10 min toe out:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/519.JPG

Which according to the helpful calculator is about 1mm toe out (just over):

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/520.JPG

First up I wanted to measure bumpsteer, so I measured the available thread and wound down the platforms to simulate the springs under full compression:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/521.JPG

One Nova on its bumpstops:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/522.JPG

Measured up toe and it came back as something ridiculous like 1 degree 30 mins toe out (does this sound feasible or possible?!?!) so I definitely think thats where its skittish handling is coming from. Also checked the arms and they're looking at a bit of a funky angle!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/523.JPG

On to camber and caster, I removed the wheels, put jacks under the lower arms/ball joints and lowered the car to its running height using some measurements I took before:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/524.JPG

Quick camber check on both sides, passenger:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/525.JPG

1.5 degrees negative camber, just what I wanted, winner!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/526.JPG

Drivers side only shows as having 0.5 degrees neg camber for some reason though?!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/527.JPG

Also measured the caster by turning the wheel one way 20 degrees, resetting the tool, then turning it 40 degrees to point in the other direction. This came back as 0.5 degrees positive caster on both sides which is nice, but not enough really:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/528.JPG

So measurements wise I think I'm now running:
1mm toe out
-1.5 deg camber LH side/-0.5 deg camber RH side
+0.5 deg caster

Plan is to buy some rosejointed track rod ends to invert the rods and try and reduce the bumpsteer, and maybe mod the topmount/turretss for some extra caster?

While the car was up in the air I decided to fit my new 10PSI low pressure oil switch too as I have no idea what the standard one illuminates the light at:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/529.JPG

No standard pressure switches left on the back of my engine now lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/530.JPG


Constructive critisism/feedback/tips welcome regarding suspension geometry as I'm new to it all, as always I'm finding the best way to learn is to dive in head first. :)

Benn
11-02-12, 07:22 PM
Awesome work on the toe and camber work, love how the steering arms are... You'll be amazed how long the ball joints last like that.. ;)

Having mm measurement on the tracking gauges is very handy, as min can be so hard to work out at times.

Adam
11-02-12, 07:37 PM
Interesting work on the suspension settings.
The standard oil switch switches at something daft like 4psi.

LOL @ the angle of the track rods, and people wonder why things wear/ break with a low car lol

BTW is that Sealey tracking setup your own or have you borrowed it?

MK999
11-02-12, 07:53 PM
Get a tyre pyrometer and find out what it's actually doing first, hard to adjust things when you have no idea what the tyres are actually doing. You can make educated guesses from handling traits but to really know whats going on tyre temps are key.

Sort the arms like we discussed and a lot of your steering issues will sort themselves.

scott.parker
11-02-12, 10:14 PM
Thats quite interesting mate, i like the way going about it, i might have to sift back through your thread as im going to do corsa servo/peddle mod and EPAS mod on the loon..

Iain
12-02-12, 01:14 PM
Cheers Ben, standard TREs will be binned soon!

Adam, yeah thought it was crazy low PSI, which is why I went for the 10PSI one (couldn't find a 15PSI one that was my first choice). Bought the camber and tracking gauges, will come in very handy in the future (already lined up 3 cars and they all drive better than they used to including the Nova that's a lot more predictable in straight lines now)

MK999 yeah that's the plan, will just go for the Compbrake setup as a bolt-on solution:
http://www.compbrake.co.uk/images/uploads/CMB0390.jpg

Sounds good Scott, Corsa stuff is loads better you won't regret it!

Mazz
14-02-12, 07:31 PM
Nice work dude, i need a good nose arounnd this! where was the camber gauge from?

Iain
15-02-12, 01:02 AM
Camber gauge was from eBay member stop4tools: http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/stop4tools

Mazz
15-02-12, 03:52 PM
Ordered! Cheers :)

Iain
18-02-12, 02:57 PM
MIG Club east midlands rolling road meet this morning, good turnout:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/531.JPG

Strapping the Nova down:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/532.JPG

Quick video of the runs:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmTX0wE8hKc

This video you can see it chuffing black smoke when its running rich:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPihfk0r-do

Resulting figures and graph, only 149bhp and 145ft/lb torque which was a little less than I was hoping for but oh well, equates to 180bhp/tonne. Might be time for some nice camshafts...

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/533.JPG

turbojolt
18-02-12, 03:03 PM
I love this car! Good power when you done the bottom end your self and like you said its not perfect is it still burning a bit of oil

turbojolt
18-02-12, 04:32 PM
Have you got a certain amount you want from the engine or do you just want a bit more then you already have?

Iain
18-02-12, 04:58 PM
The car loves you too lol Yeah its still burning oil, still to investigate if its rings/stem seals/etc though.

Honestly it does everything I want from it now engine wise, seems reliable and has great power delivery for the backroads and enough power for the straights at Donington. Never been that fussed on rolling road numbers just thought I'd attend, although seeing a number automatically makes you want to improve it!

turbojolt
18-02-12, 05:07 PM
Yer I had the same feeling when putting my nova on the rolling road (the day I brought it lol) and it churned up the immense figure of 55hp impressive stuff I know, so what's the next stage for the car throttle bodies and a cam?

Iain
18-02-12, 05:30 PM
Focus on the geometry and handling for now, together with the equal shafts and big block CV setup, after that might try some mild cams to use on the standard injection or build a new head if I find it's the stem seals causing oil consumption

nova_stee
18-02-12, 05:38 PM
Rolling road figures are for the pub its about how it drives

turbojolt
18-02-12, 05:39 PM
Sounds like a good plan wish I never bottled it with my own project, the hicomp piston you used were they pocketed then?

Iain
18-02-12, 06:16 PM
Yes larger valve pockets than standard I think.

Harvey
19-02-12, 08:56 AM
Rolling road figures are for the pub its about how it drives

Totally agree as out in the real world they are just figures and handling, car weight and driver ability have a lot more to do with it then just pure hp.

scott.parker
19-02-12, 10:13 AM
Iain, that figure is a good readout and more then likely a real one! so it's better to know what the engine is doing rather then go to place that tell you what they "think you want to hear"

If you really want to improve power/torque and drivable i would 100% say get a Newman/cat cam set for fast road track that you dont need solid lifters for or pocketed pistons, and then to get the most of them mate you need the adjustable verniers, then the best thing you would ever buy/fit after would be a TB kit mate, you wouldn't regret it, just try to remember mine, wish i could of took you out in for a good run.

Scott

turbojolt
19-02-12, 10:34 AM
After the suspension being set up more power has to be the only real option other then selling it to me with a good installment plan lol

Spudly
19-02-12, 11:04 AM
Id be more than happy with that lemonel, its going to be what, nineteen years old at the youngest, and its making absolutely bang on factory power, as Scott has said i would be willing to bet money on that being a genuine reading aswell rather than some of the figures others have seen from standard xe's before on here!

We always want a little more than we already have so id reckon cams and a chipped ecu may be the next step, keep it on factory injection and a couple more ponies out and maybe improve the torque figure a bit more:thumb:

Iain
19-02-12, 11:21 AM
ITBs are long term plan Scott but not for this year! Cams sound likely though.

Spud yeah it's a 1989 engine, rebore/hone/rings/pistons/regrind/lapped in valves etc should be making it an almost new engine though? lol I suppose it could have been 130-140 so I should be happy!

Spudly
19-02-12, 11:25 AM
Well thats perfect for a 23 year old engine, shows youve done a cracking job mate, well done:d

Adam
19-02-12, 01:20 PM
It aint 23yrs old though if its been rebuilt?

Anyways,
Not a bad result Iain if its still got its oil issue's. Good to see an accurate sounding RR for once too.
Is it worth sticking some "road" cams in though? Personally, no. Especially if you're happy with how it goes.

Save for the bodies and then get some decent cams in there with them.... :cool:

Mazz
19-02-12, 09:03 PM
Nice real result Lion

burgo
19-02-12, 09:22 PM
imo you filter wont be doing you any favours, thats probably where the wavey torque and slightly lower power is happening. c20xe's love the standard box and a better panel filter. a friend of mine had a mk2 astra gte that had a k&n panel filter, stainless system and "chip" that was 160bhp

John
19-02-12, 09:53 PM
Nice work lemonel! :)

Iain
23-02-12, 06:08 PM
Cheers all. Burgo if I'd thought about it on the day I could have tried removing the filter for another run, oh well.

Small update so here's some pics of the new rims on the daily:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/BMWWIP/013.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/BMWWIP/014.JPG

Now onto the Nova lol This weekends plan is to tickle the turret slightly to take the topmount from this:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/534.JPG

To something that'll allow nearer this:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/535.JPG

I have no idea how much extra caster this will give me but it can only help?!

Benn
23-02-12, 06:09 PM
There's mud on the sill.

Iain
23-02-12, 06:13 PM
Thanks for your kind words.

Iain
24-02-12, 03:04 PM
Hack hack hack lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/536.JPG

Chop chop chop:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/537.JPG

Finished, neatened and painted up again:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/538.JPG

How the turrets look in the bay now:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/539.JPG

Slight angle on the strut is a good sign something has changed:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/540.JPG

And if my gauge readings are anything to go by I'm now running 2 degrees +ve caster on both wheels:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/541.JPG

Old mesaurements were 0.5 deg caster, so a huge improvement there. Camber is now at 1 deg LH and 0.75 deg (45 mins?) RH, a little less than before. I have the ability to twist the topmounts for more camber and retain some extra caster if I choose to though.

scott.parker
24-02-12, 03:18 PM
Dude do as i did, get the top mounts and have the "nipple" part machined/turned down by around 3-4mm less, i got more play that way without enlarging my turret holes, so if you do that as well now you'll have LOADS of movement!

Iain
24-02-12, 03:21 PM
Already had that done, you can see the machining marks from this on the pic after the BMW wheel.

The turrets modified how they are give me more room than I actually need, I was aiming to have them even futher back and inwards slightly but the topmount runs out of "flat" at the top of the turret so it won't bolt up nicely.

Benn
24-02-12, 03:26 PM
Wheel arch is dirty.







Good work on the turret, mod the tie bar next.

nova ian
24-02-12, 03:53 PM
How did you open the turrets out so neatly mr Iain?

MK999
24-02-12, 03:56 PM
How did you open the turrets out so neatly mr Iain?

2 hours with a file as he's afraid of man tools.

nova ian
24-02-12, 04:09 PM
2 hours with a file as he's afraid of man tools.

Really? He never seems bothered when he's swinging a grinder round near my car?!

Iain
24-02-12, 04:15 PM
Afraid of manly tools in front of my own car, don't mind so much with other peoples lol

Yes took me roughly an hour per turret with a curved metal file, then painted with a bit of 2pack paint. Powertools would have been quicker but hopefully this was neater and protected the rest of the bay from sparks.

nathan.
24-02-12, 10:56 PM
Looking nice mate. Sure I saw it in the flesh in Nottingham on Saturday waiting at A610 island. I was next to you in my van.:thumb:

Iain
24-02-12, 10:59 PM
Yes will have been me going to/coming from the MIG rolling road day! :)

nathan.
24-02-12, 11:05 PM
Looked real smart mate.

Iain
26-02-12, 04:25 PM
Cheers Nathan. You still got your track car? I'm sure I remember seeing you & it at Donington a few years ago.

I fancied fitting a third brakelight as I quite like the idea of them for visibility as I'm often late on the brakes, off to the scrappy I went and picked up a 106/306 unit for £3.

Some basic bracketry was all it needed:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/542.JPG

Bolted on and wiring plug spliced into original wiring:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/543.JPG

Rear view:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/544.JPG

And through the window

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/545.JPG

Iain
02-03-12, 06:36 PM
Well done Nova you survived a year on the road. Now SORN while I sort insurance/tax/MOT and a few niggles.

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/546.JPG

First up replaced the exhaust hangers with original rubber ones as I don't think a cable tied on exhaust will impress the MOT man. Also trying to stop my rear bushes creaking my removing, cleaning and greasing:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/547.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/548.JPG

Nova Ian kindly made me up some one-off TOW stickers too to show off his new vinyl cutter, look pretty sweet. Think he's got a few left over he'd be willing to sell so if anyone wants one PM him!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/549.JPG

Front susp is stripped too, going to strengthen the lower arms and perhaps replace the tie bar spherical bearings as they feel knackered.

Benn
03-03-12, 12:07 PM
Tow? Is that where you tow? lol lol

Is the brake light not right in your view line? Good thinking, but not a fan of it like that..




Corsa looks like it needs a good home...

Iain
03-03-12, 03:16 PM
Benn you're a clever cookie lol I need them cos it's a race car init bruv

Brake light doesn't get in the way of my rear view no, it can't be mounted any higher cos you wouldn't see it through the window. Tested it at night parked against the wall and it's proper bright so pretty happy with it.

I've plated my lower arms this morning, now drying in paint together with the new outer CVs so I can build my shafts up tomorrow.

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/550.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/551.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/552.JPG

thegingerwhinger
03-03-12, 04:41 PM
looks good mate.

Iain
04-03-12, 03:31 PM
Cheers

Arms painted and built back up:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/553.JPG

And finally got round to building my equal length shafts up with brand new outer CVs and Nova conversion short shafts:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/554.JPG

Benn
04-03-12, 03:40 PM
Very good work, arms look good.

Iain
12-03-12, 05:31 PM
All of the front suspension is stripped down, and I have been collecting parts for the Golf Synchro bearing knuckle mod.

I have ordered some rosejointed track rod ends from Compbrake, however I can't see how they're going to fit at all.

Parts I got vs standard TRE:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/555.JPG

See the issue? The male RJ is going to bottom out on the steering rod like so:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/556.JPG

You can see where the arm is clean where the old TRE was, there's no way they can be adjusted to give straight tracking.

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/557.JPG

On top of that, the only M12x1.5 threaded part is in the hex head of the female threaded tube, which is approx 12mm deep. Doesn't feel all that stable when threaded down the steering rod.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Mike
12-03-12, 06:52 PM
Cut down the threaded section on RJ. Jobbed.

Benn
12-03-12, 07:43 PM
Shorten the steering arm down and re thread it...

Iain
12-03-12, 07:45 PM
Mike after the price of them and double checking with them before purchase the ONLY mod would be drilling the hub, I don't feel I should have to. I get the feeling the female threaded section would run out of thread too as it's quite long...

scott.parker
12-03-12, 07:52 PM
Shorten the steering arm down and re thread it...

I was just thinking this too Benn..

Mike
12-03-12, 07:55 PM
Shorten the steering arm down and re thread it...

Or this.

Its either cut something down or funk around with the cast iron hub. I know what Id rather do lol

scott.parker
12-03-12, 07:56 PM
The best idea for more adjustment is cut and tap more thread onto the control arm imo.

Iain
12-03-12, 08:03 PM
Not really possible either as there's a flat tab not far after the thread for adjusting the track.

I think they're getting sent back, I can mod something myself for cheaper, only went for these as they supposedly go straight on.

Mike
12-03-12, 08:37 PM
Not really possible either as there's a flat tab not far after the thread for adjusting the track.

The flat bit is an easy fix mate. Use a grinder and make a flat spanner section elsewhere/further down on the steering arm.

Still doesnt fix the problem of them "going straight on" admittadly but its doable.

Benn
12-03-12, 09:30 PM
I was about to say, making a flat in the arm isn't hard. Just counter sink the hub's hole and make sure you bolt it up tight..lol

Iain
13-03-12, 08:21 AM
Making a new flat is easy yeah, but as I mentioned on the previous page the M12x1.5 threaded section is just in the hex bit at the end (about 12mm long) so when you thread over the newly threaded existing flat bit there'll barely be any thread holding the sleeve on to the arm.

Edd
13-03-12, 09:37 AM
Have you phoned them to ask whats up with them?

Look like a waste of money atm

Iain
13-03-12, 10:54 AM
Just received a reply from a technical guy at Compbrake, said he'd be happy to send me some shorter rosejoints which should sort the issue. Although think I'm going to return them.

Benn
13-03-12, 01:15 PM
Could you not weld the threaded bit in to the sleeve after cutting it down? The it will be much stronger..

Paul
13-03-12, 02:44 PM
Why not just buy some female rjs and screw them on with a locking nut?

Iain
13-03-12, 03:17 PM
Cos:

1) The female RJs are usually too short, although this could be overcome by using Corsa steering rod which is 3cm longer.
2) The M12x1.5 thread is an unusual size which limits your choice especially if you want a 'high misalignment' rosejoint

I had priced up some suitable female ones but they came in at around £30+VAT each, so figured this solution would be best as it should in theory bolt straight on.

They're going back to Compbrake anyway and I'm going to try and mod the hub for inverted standard TRE.

Iain
24-03-12, 05:06 PM
TREs returned, going to get the taper inverted in the hub I think.

A couple of pics of what I've been doing lately...

New spherical bearings in my tie bar brackets. For anyone wanting to order some they had GEG20ES-2RS stamped on the original ones and are the larger outer diameter ones (42mm)

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/558.JPG

I've heard these are prone to cracking so got myself a TXAutosport pipe:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/559.JPG

Fitted, bit of bling behind the mass of pipework!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/560.JPG

Spare cam cover, belt cover and plug cover cleaned up, also ground the plug cover flat:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/561.JPG

Sneak preview of my scenester new look lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/562.JPG

Put on the back burner for now as I've rebuilt the suspension with the original shafts, but I'm building up some new hubs using the Audi/Golf Synchro bearings. New unmachined hub vs one machined to fit a Nova bearing:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/563.JPG

Knuckles, hubs and Audi bearings ready to go to the machinists:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/564.JPG


For anyone wanting to join me I'm booked onto the following trackdays:

9th April - Blyton Park - Full day open pit

30th May - Cadwell Park - Fully day open pit

trackdaynova
25-03-12, 12:47 PM
I might join you at Cadwell :)

Iain
25-03-12, 05:04 PM
Cool sounds good, Nova Ian and a few other local mates are going too.

Iain
30-03-12, 05:52 PM
Smashed my old header tank so sourced a brand new old stock GM one, ooh clean and white:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/565.JPG

And time for a new look in the bay. Old covers off, still looks nice and clean under there:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/566.JPG

New covers on, look OK...

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/567.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/568.JPG

peester
30-03-12, 05:53 PM
looks well mate, great work.

Adam
30-03-12, 05:58 PM
Good work on the covers

scott.parker
30-03-12, 06:30 PM
Whats the finish you've got on them covers dude? looks nice.

Scott

Iain
30-03-12, 06:30 PM
VHT Wrinkle Paint

pie
30-03-12, 06:32 PM
cover look sweet dude :thumb:

i done the same on my gsi

Benn
31-03-12, 10:08 PM
Looks very scene... ha

Iain
09-04-12, 07:20 PM
Well after some discussions at the East Mids PNG meet, I've boshed some 15w50 oil in the XE, Valvoline Turbo 15w50 to be precise @ £15 with servicing discount code:
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-accessories/engine-oils-and-car-fluids/engineoils/15w50-engine-oil/?521770540&0&cc5_776

Seems to hold pressure nicely and on track today saw temps of 110C without any real drop in pressure so I'm happy. Will have to see how it holds up to trackdays in the peak of summer.

Today I went to Blyton Park, proper cool little circuit and great price for a full day open pit. Guys at Javelin did a good job too.

http://www.blytonpark.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/blyton.jpg

I think Keif got a few photos but here's a quick video I snapped:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klph7XvGON8

nova ian
09-04-12, 08:30 PM
:d Looking good Iain, first wet trackday! I take it you stayed on the Toyo's all day, they do you proud in the wet then? Looks fairly grippy in the video.

The track looks pretty good aswell doesn't it, quite demanding!

So no problems with the nova then? made it there, took a hammering and came home I pressume?

Iain
09-04-12, 08:46 PM
T1Rs stood up well, great wet track tyres you'll be pleased to know. Track was awesome, very good value day.

No problems at all, drove it there and back and around the track all day without a hiccup! No brake fade, oil temps/pressure problems, nothing!

http://www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/trackday/index.php?view=image&format=raw&type=img&id=5195&option=com_joomgallery

Benn
09-04-12, 09:01 PM
Nice looking track, good lap too. Nice speed.

nova ian
09-04-12, 09:17 PM
Nice Tow Arrow Decal too :cool:

scott.parker
10-04-12, 06:31 PM
Glad you took the step to change the oil mate, im sure you wont be disappointed, you might not get through as much now, as if you were getting high temps you may have just been vaporising it off?

Looks really well balanced in that vid in the wet mate, well done.

Iain
10-04-12, 06:46 PM
Few pics from yesterday courtesy of Keif from here, big thanks for snapping throughout!

Arriving at 8am very tired!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/569.JPG

Breifings over with, helmet on and off to the track:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/570.JPG

Off we go:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/571.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/572.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/573.JPG

Chuffing in the queue to go back on:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/574.JPG

And even a few artsy ones at lunch!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/575.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/576.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/577.JPG

With Harvey's mega clean and sexy mk2 GTE:

http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s512/griffinphotography2012/Blyton%20Park%20April2012/Harvey/IMG_1067.jpg

Some of his other pics of what was out on track with us: http://s1055.photobucket.com/albums/s512/griffinphotography2012/Blyton%20Park%20April2012/#!cpZZ1QQtppZZ20



Glad you took the step to change the oil mate, im sure you wont be disappointed, you might not get through as much now, as if you were getting high temps you may have just been vaporising it off?

Used a litre of oil yesterday including driving it there and back and most of the day out on track, which I'm relatively pleased about. Be interesting to see how much it uses during road driving now

Adam
10-04-12, 06:53 PM
Looks well out on track Iain, glad everything held together for you!

Iain
10-04-12, 06:54 PM
Got the bug now Adam, thinking of going back on 2nd May cos I don't think I can last until 30th may for Cadwell lol

Adam
10-04-12, 07:28 PM
Pmsl lol

Enjoy it while you can mate :cool:
Wish i could :roll:

Keif
10-04-12, 08:17 PM
Was a good day yesterday, except for when it was stop early due to a Caterham cracking his sump and driving round half the circuit dumping oil everywhere, and the rain when we were packing away.

A nice mix of cars running. From a BMW 1 series to an all out racer. Ment to ask for a passenger ride in the Nova but got carried away taking 735 pictures all day.

turbojolt
10-04-12, 08:52 PM
Was a good day yesterday, except for when it was stop early due to a Caterham cracking his sump and driving round half the circuit dumping oil everywhere, and the rain when we were packing away.

A nice mix of cars running. From a BMW 1 series to an all out racer. Ment to ask for a passenger ride in the Nova but got carried away taking 735 pictures all day.

It's nothing special don't worrie mate.

peester
10-04-12, 08:59 PM
wow, im jealous. easy peasey now eh.. How its done mate- good stuff.
So you saying changing to that oil is giving lower temps and everything!?

Harvey
10-04-12, 09:00 PM
It was an awesome day, nuff said. Blyton is so different in the wet!

Iain
10-04-12, 09:07 PM
Peester didn't give lower temps but the pressure seemed more stable at the higher temps - at Donington the pressure was dropping off and the top end was rattling as I came back in, although that was at the peak of summer.

Keif
10-04-12, 09:09 PM
Yeh, f**k all was going to get warm yesterday.

Iain
10-04-12, 09:15 PM
Think the oil got up to 110C, think it was around 120C that I noticed problems at Donington

deanwilko
10-04-12, 09:19 PM
looking good chap. looks like it could be quite a decent little track in the dry

turbojolt
10-04-12, 09:29 PM
Funking epic outing in a class motor once again iain

Iain
17-04-12, 06:31 PM
Since its first proper outing in the rain for that trackday was a misery on the road, I've fitted some deflectors so I can have the windows open slightly no matter what the weather. Team Heko ones, pretty good fit too.

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/578.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/579.JPG

Benn
17-04-12, 08:10 PM
Cool.

nova ian
17-04-12, 11:19 PM
Very nice, I keep looking at these for the van, but always end up thinking no ian, you don't need them! lol

Iain
26-04-12, 09:54 AM
Booked onto Blyton Park on 6th May, there's only five people booked on at the moment so plenty of places if anyone wants to join me!

http://apextrackdays.co.uk/Attendees/GetAttendees/114

Spudly
26-04-12, 11:00 AM
Im glad youve pictured those Iain, ive just ordered a set yesterday, ive got them on my astra and theyre really good for airflow in wet weather, put the window down a touch in the nova whilst raining the other day, i got soggy lol

Mieran
26-04-12, 11:12 AM
How much is it, I can't see the price?

scott.parker
26-04-12, 11:19 AM
How much is it, I can't see the price?

http://apextrackdays.co.uk/Trackday

£99

Iain
26-04-12, 12:49 PM
Yeah £99, bargain!

I agree Spudders, I have a set in the post for my BMW too now lol Window open slightly and no rain/spray in the face is nice.

Spudly
26-04-12, 01:09 PM
Haha good skills mate, theyre also good as you can leave the windows open to vent on hot sunny days, so the car isnt quite as 'sauna-esque' if/when we get a summer lol

scott.parker
26-04-12, 01:12 PM
I like the heko's on my MK4, but dont think they suet the Nova, i prefer my modified Climair ones i did for the MK1 lol

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/337/dscf3723.jpg

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/4553/dscf3724h.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/8453/dscf3726s.jpg

I think they look just like the opel ones!

turbojolt
28-04-12, 10:33 PM
http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr119/turbojolt/Untitled.png

Iain
28-04-12, 11:41 PM
Cheers I'll get it printed lol Thanks to Turbojolt for some anti-slip padding/deadening I have a semi watchable video with my new Manfrotto double ball mount and Canon IXUS 115 camera:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/580.JPG

So hopefully I'll capture some usable footage at Blyton next weekend :)

Sample video, still could be better tbh:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciksfBIUInA

Iain
06-05-12, 09:40 PM
Interesting day at Blyton today!

Rear semi slicks were scrubbing the inner arch, so I had to raise the rear ride height to stop it.

Managed to smash it in 1st twice instead of 3rd at full chat. Third gear is now crunching in almost every time so think the 3rd synchro is knackered.

When changing back to road tyres, found an enormous amount of oil on the drivers side, all over the wheel, lower arm, tie bar etc. Suspect sump gasket at the moment but need to investigate further.

Alternator belt somehow managed to turn itself inside out and run on the outside edge of the lower pulley, miraculously didn't come off! Wonder if they're not lined up well...


There was a new circuit for the second half of the day too, which was interesting. I have some videos of both circuits to crop to the best few laps when I have a moment.


Anyway, a few pics!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/581.JPG

Wasn't long before I tried to get additional cooling cos it was getting warm, off comes the grille again:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/582.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/583.JPG

Tripodding! Apparently was doing it on most corners from what other drivers said...

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/584.JPG


Oh and I think my tyre softener worked a little too well lol Although I need to do some research in to tyre pressures; they look to be too inflated when hot but were scarily sketchy when cold...

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/585.JPG

turbojolt
06-05-12, 10:19 PM
nice photos mate, whats the deal with the cooling issues do you need a bigger rad or something?

Iain
06-05-12, 10:24 PM
Water temps look OK, oil temps were rising again so just exposed the oil cooler a bit more. Plus it looks hardcore?! lol

turbojolt
06-05-12, 10:31 PM
yer hardcore straight out of looms affect ftw lol

turbojolt
06-05-12, 10:32 PM
p.s hope you kept in front of the scooby all day mate lol

Iain
06-05-12, 11:11 PM
Don't remember if I was faster than him or not actually! Did OK against a few other things though.

Oh another thing to add to the disasters, ran out of fuel on the M1 on the way home and broke my hazard switch smashing it in the outside lane lol

Video showing 'new' part of the circuit and me flinging the poor thing about!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqojBvdcJdg

Mieran
06-05-12, 11:22 PM
Looks really quick :eek:

Tim Harpley
06-05-12, 11:26 PM
Looks fun :thumb:

Benn
07-05-12, 09:15 AM
Run out of fuel? Haha

Looks very flat in the pics which is good, what temp does the oil get too?
Will watch the vids later.

The Simps
07-05-12, 09:47 AM
Looks like you're giving the car some great abuse dude! And as said, in the vid it actually gives a food feel of speed!

Iain
07-05-12, 09:22 PM
Oil temps were nearing 120C again, although pressure wasn't dropping off so this new Valvoline 15w50 is doing a good job.

My mates sent me some photos he took, wow he's an awesome photographer!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/586.JPG

Fitting my semi slicks:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/587.JPG

Strapping myself in with my mate:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/588.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/589.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/590.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/591.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/592.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/593.JPG

nova ian
07-05-12, 11:09 PM
Loving your car on the black wheels mate. Photos are brilliant, hope he's coming Cadwell lol

peester
08-05-12, 06:16 AM
those pictures have come out well

Karl_
08-05-12, 08:53 AM
the shot with the powerstation is awesome!

edit: that fat dude in the passenger makes those seats look tiny!

turbojolt
08-05-12, 01:57 PM
What did you do shoe horn the fat fecker right in there

Adam
08-05-12, 09:04 PM
Nice one Iain, looks like it handles superbly in the vid!! :)

And that pic with the powerstation in the background is top notch! :cool:

MK999
08-05-12, 09:08 PM
And that pic with the powerstation in the background is top notch! :cool:

Quite epic end of the world type shot really, Iaiainianalionel escapes nuclear fallout from exploding power station?

Iain
08-05-12, 09:31 PM
Rofl it does look a bit like that doesn't it lol Well chuffed with the photos though

Onwards with repairs, box it out awaiting a stripdown to see why it's crunching. Took it for a spin earlier and its especially bad going from 4th to 3rd at high RPM

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/594.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/595.JPG

I think some spacers on the front are required lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/596.JPG

Balley
08-05-12, 09:37 PM
was the road video taken near nottingham?

John
08-05-12, 09:37 PM
Good work Lemonel! Can't beleive you ran out of fuel, then broke the box :(

Iain
08-05-12, 09:42 PM
was the road video taken near nottingham?

Yeah that little windy bit joining the A52 and A60.

MK999
08-05-12, 10:00 PM
well going to 4th to 3rd at high rpm I'm not surprised it crunches, you're supposed to change up at high RPM, not down.

Benn
08-05-12, 10:46 PM
480p? *shakes head* get that camera turned up.

Vid is great, very fast looking, very controled and fast and smooth too.

Karl_
09-05-12, 09:29 AM
What did you do shoe horn the fat fecker right in there

shut it sara or ill get some little scroat to stab you in the leg lol

turbojolt
09-05-12, 09:49 AM
shut it sara or ill get some little scroat to stab you in the leg lol

Pleasant

Balley
09-05-12, 10:09 AM
Yeah that little windy bit joining the A52 and A60.

I have been to the automotive college down there :)

Iain
13-05-12, 09:04 PM
Box all sorted after two long days put in to it

Cleaned up my spare gearset:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/597.JPG

Refitted into the housing and fitted my diff (teaser pic for Nova Ian lol):

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/598.JPG

I hate the F20 paper seal and way of draining it, so I got an F18 steel cover and seal from the scrapyard and made a drainplug (M12x1.5 fine pitch so I could use a magnet in there if I wanted to)

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/599.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/600.JPG

Lick of paint to stop the rust and fitted. Issue is the bolt is too long and hangs down a little way so at some point I need to drain it, fit a smaller bolt and refill it, doh!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/601.JPG

Filled up the box with this lovely stuff:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/602.JPG

Finally, sorted out my Nova knuckles with Cav hubs and Audi/VW bearings. All machined up and pressed together:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/603.JPG

Small closeup of the machined knuckle, regrooved circlip and meaty hub:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/604.JPG

All painted in my favourite POR15 paint and bolted up awaiting discs and studs to be swapped over, with my short big-block CV'd shaft:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/605.JPG

Equal length bad boy bolted in place:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/606.JPG

Test driven it and it seems a success, gearbox feels tight and no crunches!

turbojolt
13-05-12, 09:09 PM
Any noticeable benefit whill driving about with the equal length shafts mate

John
13-05-12, 09:09 PM
Good work Sir!

nova ian
13-05-12, 09:33 PM
Refitted into the housing and fitted my diff (teaser pic for Nova Ian lol):

You dirty B*****d lol

Glad it's all sorted though, I knew it'd be all good. Bring on Cadwell!

Iain
13-05-12, 09:46 PM
Too early to tell Turbojolt, had a TRE off earlier and ruined the alignment so its toeing out like a bugger and ruining the handling!

Look at the sticker on my diff Ian, go on look at it lol

Hell yeah Cadwell on the 30th, I'm ready! Although I may be taking it to Santa Pod on the 20th so I hope I don't break anything lol

Mazz
13-05-12, 09:49 PM
I wish my bay was that clean :/

Good idea for the diff plate

peester
14-05-12, 06:22 AM
awesome work, its all easy peasey now eh.

Benn
14-05-12, 07:47 AM
Looking good dude.

Karl_
14-05-12, 09:10 AM
rescuing TRE threads since 1982 lol

dont take it to pod! it will break something!

nova ian
14-05-12, 09:39 AM
rescuing TRE threads since 1982 lol

dont take it to pod! it will break something!

No bring it Mallory next saturday for PPC show and race ste in the F600! lol

Adam
16-05-12, 07:43 PM
Good work Iain.

Iain
17-05-12, 07:01 PM
Some goodies through the post today, 9" 250lb 1.9" ID Faulkner springs, to replace my 200lb ones. And some 6mm wheel spacers to help my track tyres clear the arches after the bad scrubbing that has occurred. Fitting these springs instead of my existing Gaz ones has saved 0.7kg too amazingly!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/607.JPG

Tried the spacers on for size with my current rims, even with an ET46 6" wheel and 6mm spacer I can fit my entire hand up the arch and wheel at running height lollol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/608.JPG

Ordered another 2 spacers so I can run them all round without changing the front/rear track separately, and some ARB bushes to try that out too.

Benn
17-05-12, 09:19 PM
Are they proper fit spacers?

Iain
17-05-12, 10:31 PM
Not proper proper, couldn't find any that sit centrally and 4x100 that are 5mm or there abouts, they all seem to be 15mm+.

Just taken it for a proper blast, equal length shafts are the future! I can let go of the steering wheel and accelerate up to the limiter in 2nd without it torque steering!

250lb rear springs are fantastic too, well chuffed.

nova ian
17-05-12, 10:50 PM
My god your home and written an essay on the car already, I think you need to lay off the Monster!! lol

Good work Iain, good to see the car moving forward development wise. I bet your itching to get to Cadwell now!

Benn
18-05-12, 05:46 PM
Just taken it for a proper blast, equal length shafts are the future! I can let go of the steering wheel and accelerate up to the limiter in 2nd without it torque steering!.

Told ya.

SimonTW
18-05-12, 07:08 PM
www.venommotorsport.com do vaux specific spacers in various sizes. Never been a fan of the universal ones as they always seem to cause vibration.

BRoadGhost
18-05-12, 07:11 PM
You could have some spigot rings made up for the spacers.

Iain
18-05-12, 07:18 PM
Have been sizing up spigots actually, my digital calipers have broke but the analogue ones say 70mm, and I see there's plenty of 56.6 to 70.1 spigot rings available, just need to enquire about their thickness.

I've just fitted my second two and lined them up by eye/feel centrally, been out on a drive and not noticed any feelable vibration all through the speeds to the posted speed limit. :)

MK999
18-05-12, 07:21 PM
Have been sizing up spigots actually, my digital calipers have broke but the analogue ones say 70mm, and I see there's plenty of 56.6 to 70.1 spigot rings available, just need to enquire about their thickness.

I've just fitted my second two and lined them up by eye/feel centrally, been out on a drive and not noticed any feelable vibration all through the speeds to the rev limit in 5th. :)

Fixed.

Benn
19-05-12, 08:56 AM
www.venommotorsport.com do vaux specific spacers in various sizes. Never been a fan of the universal ones as they always seem to cause vibration.

Do they? Cheers dude.

SimonTW
19-05-12, 10:47 AM
What type of spigot are you looking for Ian? Just a metal ring to sit inside the spacer? The ones I got for my V6 brake conversions were just two metal 5mm thick rings 56.5-70mm to locate the disc onto the hub centrally. Might be worth looking at some of them if its for the spacer.

Iain
19-05-12, 12:15 PM
Yeah something like that would be perfect, and at 5mm would not protrude beyond the spacer. Where'd you get those from, Venom?

SimonTW
19-05-12, 12:23 PM
No I just had a friend of a friend knock some up for a tenner but he's just had a kid last week so isn't taking on any more foreigners. Any engineering place could knock some up i'd have thought. LMF supply them as part of the V6 kits but I'm not sure if they could/would just sell them to you, might be worth giving them a call.

Harvey
21-05-12, 08:22 AM
How was Pod yesterday?

Iain
21-05-12, 08:48 AM
Didn't go in the end, the MIG crew pulled out for some reason, ended up picking up two Cesaros and blasting around the Peak District for the afternoon.

Iain
27-05-12, 05:16 PM
Fitted up my new shallow gearbox drain plug so it doesn't hang down too far now. Also sealered the frick out of the diff plate only to find its the driveshaft seal leaking so thats now been replaced.

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/609.JPG

Fitted a new sump gasket. Had the manifold off, been catching a couple of things!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/610.JPG

Leaking down the drivers side, and was dripping off the oil cooler lines etc:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/611.JPG

Stripped a thread in the oil pump pickup so that got drilled, tapped and helicoiled with a nice new M6 thread:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/612.JPG

Ended up fitting the sump gasket twice actually as the first one scrubbed on the baffle plate in the following place and caused one hell of a racket. So I recommend anyone fitting one tickles this down slightly, especially with ARP bolts:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/XESumpContact.JPG

So it's now got a second hand sump gasket on it thanks to Nova Ian for the donation lol

Sick of reading the discussions (arguments ) about front anti roll bars so it's time to do some testing of my own!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/613.JPG

Pulled forward a little bit due to manifold clearance but it does clear:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/614.JPG


I'm at Cadwell Park this Wednesday (30th May) so fingers crossed all goes OK.

Benn
28-05-12, 08:00 AM
Nice work.

turbojolt
28-05-12, 08:02 AM
What's the Orange stuff on the exhaust some kind of joining compound?

Iain
28-05-12, 08:31 AM
It's a high temperature silicone/copper gasket maker that I think makes nice exhaust sealant: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_17 3139_langId_-1_categoryId_255217#tab1

turbojolt
28-05-12, 09:05 AM
That's a good idea mate cheap aswell

Iain
28-05-12, 01:47 PM
If its like the black one they do its about £3.50 with a trade card!

Iain
30-05-12, 10:59 PM
Cadwell Park today! Awesome circuit and very good value for money!

http://www.caterham.co.uk/images/motorsport/cadwell-park-circuit.jpg

Camped over with 'Nova Ian' and a few other people last night, met up with some other mates this morning and set up a far too professional looking tented area:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/615.JPG

Noise test, flew through it with static 4500rpm test coming in at 90dB!

I did some front ARB testing during the morning sessions, a few sessions with, then without, then with again. ARB is staying its so much more planted with it on. Corners much more level and is less prone to understeer resulting in me having to give it some uber lift off oversteer to get it to go where I needed it to go.

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/616.JPG

Also got a passenger ride in this Radical who we went with, utterly mental machine!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/617.JPG

Here's a few laps recorded from the onboard camera:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPI0R-6oGFw

So an overall success, apart from someone throwing up in the passenger seat half way round a quick lap, the passenger seat's gonna stink for weeks lol

peester
31-05-12, 06:08 AM
awesome stuff, as always. Indeed like a small race team now lol.

Harvey
31-05-12, 09:45 AM
Awesome stuff.

Adam
31-05-12, 07:18 PM
So an overall success, apart from someone throwing up in the passenger seat half way round a quick lap, the passenger seat's gonna stink for weeks lol
lol
Lmao, it must go well then.

Good stuff Iain, im jealous at how much use you are getting out of this.

Benn
31-05-12, 08:07 PM
Really nice track, awesome driving too dude. Car stays nice and level.

scott.parker
31-05-12, 08:16 PM
Nice bit of playing with/without ARB, good idea, but if your getting induced over steer due to it, then to get more cornering grip would it mean making the rear a softer now to compensate for the extra grip up front and allow that area as it's lighter etc to have the squat and give so it's less twitchy or on the brake off point?

Scott

Iain
31-05-12, 08:23 PM
Yeah ideal place to test it out, did two sessions without the ARB and it felt a lot more unstable in the sweeping corners so I much preferred it with. TBH I was inducing a lot of the oversteer myself just for fun! lol During the afternoon I ramped up the damping and it felt oversteery when induced (in order to point it where I wanted it go, for example through the chicanes) but wouldn't snap out on me if I didn't want it to.

Just for interest/entertainment, I was unsettling the car slightly mid corner while stuck behind an MX5, this was with NO ARB fitted and it was very easy to get out of shape:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3W3TVa8RsU

Mike
31-05-12, 08:26 PM
Out of shape MX5 is out of shape lol lol

scott.parker
31-05-12, 08:28 PM
lol well controlled mr MX5