Iain's 20XE Trackday Nova

[Iain]

Hmm gold would have looked cool. Too late now though!

Trimmed and applied some skateboard griptape to the drivers footwell today to try and protected the floorpan/paint a bit. Looks a bit crap but if I get used to it I'll put some in the passengers footwell too:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/356.JPG

Also fitted a badass sunstrip, approx 10cm. Not done one before so made a few mistakes but looks okay and will help when the sun is low:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/357.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/358.JPG

[scott.parker]

Nice mate, i went all arty farty and cut my grip tape round the bumps! lol

And i used window tint on the inside so it's still has some transparency to see through, plus I'm sure there is some sort of mot fail on the wipers scuffing on top strips?

Looks well, just get out on track now mate.

Scott

[Iain]

Couldn't be bothered with the hassle of cutting over the bumps, I did slit it so it went over them easier though. I've heard of that wiper blade/sunstrip MOT failure too but it's a very small sunstrip really; tiny wiper for MOT will sort that out if they're funny about it lol

[Benn]

Grip tape will do a very important job tho... So your feet stay in there when its wet..

[The Simps]

Cars really looking awesome dude!

[Prey]

Want to swap it for a bm?

[Mazz]

Want to swap it for a bm?
lollollollollollollollollollollollollol

after the countless hours hes put into it....i'm sure he'd love a ruddy BMW

[Iain]

The BMW is cool but I'll have to pass! It's racked up 1000 miles without one breakdown, so a little more reliable than your E30 maybe? lol

[Prey]

lol ouch, it does drive well tho mate - uve done a good job.

[kevster]

im going to miss them sexy glove's of yours lol lol lol

[Adam]

1000 miles with no issues? jesus. you're getting good at this.

Not even like one electrical issue? or shearing alternator bolt issues?

[Iain]

Nope it's scarily reliable; I still carry my tools around in the boot tho lol

[nova ian]

Nope it's scarily reliable; I still carry my tools around in the boot tho lol

Bit of extra weight over the back end's not a bad thing though!! lol lol

I like the grip tape btw, looks good

[scott.parker]

Dont boast too much, youll be better with a break down now then on track!!

[Mazz]

It's racked up 1000 miles without one breakdown

Thats it now, you've jinxed it!!

[AlexW]

^Uber lolz

[Mazz]

ahem : http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167813

[Iain]

Yeah I fail :(

[Prey]

the fail is weak in this one

tell me about fail when your car consistently makes you want to set fire to it lol

[Iain]

Ignoring oil problems for now, I sent off some spare XE cream injectors for cleaning. Good service, even got sent the following pics:

Blasting and de-rusting:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/359.JPG

Flow testing before:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/360.JPG

Flow testing after cleaning, looks better:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/361.JPG

How I got them back, all painted up again with new o-rings:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/362.JPG

Whipped old ones out on fuel rail:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/363.JPG

And new ones are fitted...

Also got my new griptape for the passenger side so that's sorted too:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/364.JPG

[nova ian]

Good stuff Iain, really looking complete now, just need them shiney new rims on :)

Looks about ready for a rolling road day ;) lol

[peester]

tape looks good, nice one chap. Good job on the injectors too

[Prey]

Noticed a decent diff with the injectors then dude? If so email me the details where you had them done.

[Iain]

Going to test drive it at the weekend but I'll email you the details for it tomorrow. As I got my spare injectors done I could be replacing good ones with good ones so I won't know how good my current ones are without getting them tested.

[Prey]

Ah fair play lol. Just people rave about it and ud be the first 'local' i know whose had it done.

[Benn]

Looks good with the grip tape in.

[Iain]

Hands up who hated the Astra wheels, finally got my new ones on

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/365.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/366.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/367.JPG

Loads of brake clearance:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/368.JPG

Four new centre caps from Revolution:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/369.JPG

[Paul]

nice Iain, how is the wheelie board tape holding up, im thinking of doing the same...

[Iain]

So far its holding up great, quite comfortable under the heel too. Ordered it all off Skateslime on eBay, about a tenner to do both footwells so not too costly!

[Adam]

White wheels required.

[Iain]

And then it'll look like every other white Nova with white rally-style wheels, how exciting.

[peester]

look quite fresh those

[Prey]

don't think you should white the wheels - that high power silver looks sweet. not sure if it's how it sits but in that last pic she looks a bit bum down? front need dropping a little more?

[Connor]

And then it'll look like every other white Nova with white rally-style wheels, how exciting.
shhhhhh, you know it looks good :cool:

[Iain]

don't think you should white the wheels - that high power silver looks sweet. not sure if it's how it sits but in that last pic she looks a bit bum down? front need dropping a little more?

Might be cos that was literally 30 seconds off the axle stands? As it was up for a few days while I fix a leak on the diff cover plate. Looks quite level in person

It does look good Connor but it's as unique as Speedlines lol

[Connor]

It does look good Connor but it's as unique as Speedlines lol
Which i also have :roll: , really should think about making my car a little more unique.
Loving those wheels btw never seen a set before, and i agree with al, front needs dropping a little :p

[Mazz]

I hate that front bumper more than the Astra wheels!!

[Benn]

Are the wheels matt silver?

Looks much better one the wheels, now you just need to lower it.

[Iain]

I kind of agree Benn, was looking at it in the carpark of the pub today thinking 'Yes I need to lower the front'. Might order some short bodied Gaz coilovers for the fronts...

Was lent a wideband the other day from a local mate so temporarily wired it up to see whats happening. Handy lambda thread I put in the manifold:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/370.JPG

Digital readout temporarily in place:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/371.JPG

And added some weight in the name of comfort, was absolutely ROASTING today with no air flow and the sun so have swapped to glass in the doors:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/372.JPG

And electric windows, adding 3.5kg for the motors and mechs (1.75kg each :():

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/373.JPG

Fancy electric windows switch now replaces the clock (clock was absolutely useless anyway cos it was stopped with the killswitch lol):

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/374.JPG

[John]

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/366.JPG

looks awesome!

[Benn]

Elec windows are a must dude!

[MK999]

Pansy electric windows :( Polycarbs, no sliders, they weigh too much! lol

Seriously though, I always found turning the cold blowers on more effective than opening windows in my old one?

[AlexW]

Seeing as iains blower is hot air only, That might be a bit hard lol

[Iain]

Yeah it's the original blower mounted directly to the matrix, and there's currently no source of cold air if I were to rig up a fan. Electric windows ftw lol

[MK999]

Yeah it's the original blower mounted directly to the matrix, and there's currently no source of cold air if I were to rig up a fan. Electric windows ftw lol

Cold blower weighs less, wouldn't go without one! Its the closest thing I'll ever get to air con lol

[Iain]

Weighs less than what, e/w? Oh well its done now!

[brainsnova]

Your ew switches look upside down lol

[Iain]

They probably are, but that means the top button was windows-down as standard?

[The Simps]

I'm liking the window switch location! Dont think mark will let me fit electric windows in mine tho :(

[scott.parker]

Looking even better now mate, cant wait to see it at Billing!

[Benn]

lol At all the weight saving, at 3kg i think its ok...

[Iain]

Finally fitted my GSi rear ARB I have had for a few months. Stripped, cleaned, prepped and painted:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/375.JPG

I did plan to use these Floflex bushes but the inner hole looks far too small and it was a real pain to try and fit:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/376.JPG

So cleaned up the original GM bushes, they're made of some hard plastic anyway so doubt poly bushes are even worthwhile!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/377.JPG

On it goes:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/378.JPG

Off out to test it this afternoon to see if it changes the handling characteristics at all.

[MK999]

I'm liking the window switch location! Dont think mark will let me fit electric windows in mine tho :(

You're not gonna have anywhere to fit electric windows when I'm done grindering the doors :p

and 3kg is huge! about 0.4% of the total weight. That's about the difference between the front runners in F1 on a good day lol

[scott.parker]

TBH mate i doubt you'll notice a thing, i think the only way you would is if you add a corsa/cav one that goes nearer to the back of the beam mount etc.

[Iain]

MK999 are you saying my Nova will no longer be competitive with an F1 car? :(

I'm not expecting miracles but if I notice absolutely nothing at all I'll be tempted to remove it! It doesn't actually understeer at the mo anyway...

[scott.parker]

MK999 are you saying my Nova will no longer be competitive with an F1 car? :(

I'm not expecting miracles but if I notice absolutely nothing at all I'll be tempted to remove it! It doesn't actually understeer at the mo anyway...

Your not driving it right then! lol

[MK999]

MK999 are you saying my Nova will no longer be competitive with an F1 car? :(

I'm not expecting miracles but if I notice absolutely nothing at all I'll be tempted to remove it! It doesn't actually understeer at the mo anyway...

I'm just a weight freak, pass the holesaw lol

[AlexW]

TBH mate i doubt you'll notice a thing, i think the only way you would is if you add a corsa/cav one that goes nearer to the back of the beam mount etc.

Its a Cav one, Standard Corsa ones are the same as Nova ones.

Unfortunately the cav one would end up in the wheels.

[Iain]

Might be placebo effect but it feels happier in the corners off throttle, I don't feel the need to power through each corner to get me round now. So it's staying on! :)

[Benn]

and 3kg is huge! about 0.4% of the total weight. That's about the difference between the front runners in F1 on a good day lol

lol like that matters here.. F1 here stands for Funk all done by 1

Good work Irain.

[Edd]

Rear ARB deffo makes a noticeable improvement on handling IMO

I know there's the on going debate about the front ARB, (you should ALWAYS have one fitted btw:d), but a rear one is a must

[Iain]

Well I kept the rear ARB on and not done a lot else to it recently. Now done over 3000 miles without breaking tho, winner.

Some minor boring things I've done in the last week...

Ribena bottle catch tank to monitor how much oil is going back into the inlet.. Turns out none so that rules that out for my oil burning problems, put it back to standard now lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/379.JPG

Jetex 2" exhaust insert to try and reduce the noise, should I need to:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/380.JPG

Drilly drilly:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/381.JPG

And bolted in. Does seem to make quite a big difference despite it not fitting properly (2" insert in a 2.25" tailpipe):

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/382.JPG

And I've been working on some new handles. Dug some out from storage where I'd removed the rubber covering:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/383.JPG

Welded up the holes:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/384.JPG

Ground flat and also filed so they sit flush with the door:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/385.JPG

And awaiting paint:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/386.JPG

[scott.parker]

See i know others had done the "light weight" handles before, but i don't think anyone looked into that filing of the door to get them in flush, i spotted it, soon as i put them back on the car i noticed they were hitting on the handle openings, so i thought humm, filed it our and not only did it stop it hitting but it sat it in totally flush! lol

I don't care what anyone say I'm sad, I'm claiming that one. lol

Looking nice mate, like the idea of smooth instead of holes..


PS: Good idea with the bung, it will work better then if it's almost same size, as its disrupting more exhaust gasses as they exit how you have it..

Scott

[Iain]

I admit I have seen it in your WIP, however I have filed the handles to clear the doors and not vice versa :)

[scott.parker]

I admit I have seen it in your WIP, however I have filed the handles to clear the doors and not vice versa :)

Well you see, i only had a pussy file, (door metal was thiner then the handles) so I'm assuming you used a proper tool on the handles lol

[Iain]

Well I finished the handles, painted in UPOL mid grey, but don't like them so refitted standard ones lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/387.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/388.JPG

[Benn]

I think they look right, leave them as they are.

[scott.parker]

I get the feeling hes jesting lol

[Iain]

No I have seriously refitted the standard ones Scott lol Worthless WIP update really.

[Iain]

Bit of track day preparation for tomorrow when I'm at Donington

Front up in the air, everything spanner checked and changed the oil:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/389.JPG

Arches are standing up to road use and abuse well:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/390.JPG

Nortech oil level blank fitted as it was leaking slightly (looks like the sump gasket may be leaking a bit too in this pic):

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/391.JPG

While the wheels were off I gave them a quick clean:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/392.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/393.JPG

And cleaned the bay a bit too:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/394.JPG

Seeing as it's absolutely roasting today I've attempted to stop heat soak into the cabin by blanking off the heater matrix:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/395.JPG

Also found two handy unused wires (for a bulb):

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/396.JPG

And ghetto fitted myself a computer fan that is absolutely useless but meh every little helps lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/397.JPG

[Iain]

A quick call to Donington confirmed I was okay to use a motorbike helmet so I picked up this RST 'Fusion 2030' too:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/398.JPG

[Damo]

Looks well now iain glad its been trouble free for you since the rebuild.

[Iain]

Me too, no breakdowns yet, just the oil burning issue to resolve but for this summer I'll keep topping it up with oil.

This is part of the reason I haven't updated my WIP recently too, new daily ride to replace the Volvo I had:

http://iainel.co.uk/BMW/IMG_3060.JPG

[MK999]

Better set up for drifting? lol I spy a 6 cylinder, diesel?

[Iain]

Diesel, pah lol 525i - 2.5L 6cyl petrol.

[MK999]

I've been looking at the diesel variations for tow car/daily use, don't have the spare wedge for a thirsty petrol lol

[Adam]

How did the track day go?

[Iain]

Trackday went very well indeed, the car performed great. Back end steps out lovely mid corner (even got a drift on going down craners lol) and the diff works wonders for powering out of the bends.

The guys at Circuit Days were top notch and had it all running very well.

Car had a few glitches - seemed to drop oil pressure for a second every so often when idling. On track the two biggest let downs were brakes (smelt very bad after the 2 straights after 7-8 laps) and the tyres.

With Nova Ian in the pit garage:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/399.JPG

Put myself a Novice sticker on lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/400.JPG

Wonky tyre wear:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/401.JPG

So I'm now pondering braking upgrades (spaced out 256 calipers and bigger disks, V6 calipers or Wilwood/AP/Compbrake setup...) and will be investing in another set of wheels and some (semi)slicks me thinks.

Oh and it used 0.5L of oil during the course of the evening session. Not great but could be worse lol

[Adam]

Good stuff.

My 288 setup has never let me down on track.

[Benn]

What brakes are you running at the mo?

[Damo]

Hes running 256mm ates at the mo benn iirc.

[scott.parker]

Iain, have you never done a track day? Your meant to kill your tyres! lol

As for breaks buy some mariva 4 stud 280mm and use vectra v6 calipers, get some good pad's try that first, as it's cheep and should prove good..

[Benn]

Deffo get bigger brakes dude.

[Iain]

I tried Scott I was going for it, although no I haven't done one before lol Hopefully have some better ones on new rims for the next one.

280mm sounds good, I'm just researching brackets to space out my current calipers to accept larger discs - apparently Hi-Spec used to (or still) do some? I thought I had good pads with the Mintex 1144s, maybe not.

My mate did some timing (didn't realise he was) and reckoned my best laptime was 1 min 33 secs - not too shabby that.

[scott.parker]

Ferodo pads mate, think thats what i have.

[Prey]

get some drilled 288s and better rubber dude and you will be flying (well you were anyway)

spare wheels you say? hmm don't know where there might be some of those......

[toymex]

I used to run vented grooved 256,s with ds2500 pads and the brakes were very good ,never had any fade issues ,not as good as comp brake 4 pots but still very good

[peester]

good stuff, great to see it being used properly - looks poised in the garage shot there; good stance.
Interesting about the brakes. I too run o.e spec 256mm cav/cali and have wondered if my servo and/or take off is to blame for a lack of bite. Though yours sounds anything but the servo/etc - its literally the materials at the friction side of things that are at theyre limits i guess..?

[Mike]

If they fit behind your rims Id go for the V6 setup Iain. Calipers can be gotten for as little as £20 on eBay an Meriva drilled/grooved disc's are about £50.

Ive got some brand new V6 pads (average road compound Mintex's) an some GM Police spec Mintex pads so planning on comparing them on road & track once I build this POS Corsa.

[Iain]

An Evo owner kindly put up some footage of my Nova at Doningon on Monday, check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltk7kdrrbRM&feature=channel_video_title

[Connor]

Looks good on track mate, seems to stick in the corners well

[Iain]

Popped open the tailgate yesterday to find my battery tray is looking a bit dodgy lol Think the battery must be leaking! Horrible white powder everywhere!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/402.JPG

Cleaned up the outside with 60 grit, 180 grit and then 400 grit and it's come up alright, phewph. New battery also (Halfords trade card ftw!)

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/403.JPG

Spaced the battery up slightly with some black painted wood underneath it to try and stop it moving about at all:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/404.JPG

See you all at Billing tomorrow :)

[Iain]

OK tackling one of the two trackday downfalls, I picked up a set of Cesaros which I'll be seeking some slicks/R888s for:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/405.JPG

And for everyone who said my Revolution wheels look like Cesaros, they're right, haha lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/406.JPG

Flatted them all back and high build primered:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/407.JPG

And on with the satin black inside and out:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/408.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/409.JPG

All done:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/410.JPG

Will update when I have tyres!

[scott.parker]

Why go black! put your neck out, make them red or something! color code to other parts on the car mate, it makes it stand out from the crowd on track etc..

As for battery, i say go dry cell, no need to charge if you have cut off as mines still kicking strong since 07 and it's never been charged in my possession.

Scott

[Iain]

I was pondering red but black won due to ease of touchups, ease of good quality finish, no need to wash them as often as don't look as dirty from brake dust etc.

It has a cutoff however the car is left alarmed all week. Have fitted a new Halfords battery but I'll look into dry cell if it kills another one.

[scott.parker]

Sod an alarm, remove the ecu/ take cut of key with you, and then place it under a cover etc, or in a garage no need for draining alarm mate, but dry cell is IMO the best thing Ive ever bought for mine, i know what your saying about wheels, but as long as the finish is good, and you wash the dust of after most use's you'll be ok.

[toymex]

I recognise those wheels ,if you are after some trackday tyres i have some worn acb10s that you can have for £10 each which is what i payed for them,they are well worn but ok for trackdays .Car is looking good on track Ian, if you do a trackday down south let me know and i will come out for a play.
Regards
Jezz

[Iain]

Oh they're your old ones? Got 'em off Alan.

Will PM you regarding tyres :)

Planning another one or two at Donington first to get my confidence up then might venture down your way!

[dannymcc]

Those Revolution wheels look great Iain, as does the car. Never seen them on a Nova before. :thumb:

[toymex]

Hi Iain ,cant seem to empty my inbox for some reason ,Tom said he will pass my number on ,so give me a call if i dont answer leave a message and i will call you back.
Jezz

[Mieran]

I would go for these tyres mate

http://www.camskill.co.uk/m12b0s662p64161/FEDERAL_TYRES_TRACKDAY_TRACK_DAY_FEDERAL_595RSR_FE DERAL_595_RS-R_-_195_50R15_82W_TL_

Same as R888s but without the price tag

[Iain]

I've seen those Mieran, heard a few good reviews about 'em. Maybe I'll splash out when the time comes I need some more.

Until then Toymex is sorting me out some partworn 195/45R15 Avon ACB10s :cool:

[Iain]

Don't know why I'm making this update it's not very exciting

Whipped my LH hub off as the bearing felt like it had a bit of play in already despite fitting new ones 4000 miles ago:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/411.JPG

Didn't feel horrendous when removed but meh for the sake of £15 I'm going to replace it, to pushed the inner race out, ready to take to a press to do the bearing:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/412.JPG

After some discussions on here I was going to buy Carbone Lorraine RC5+ pads but they were out of stock so I've gone for Ferodo DS2500s. Will try them out on my standard discs for now but may move to 280mm drilled/grooved/dimpled/whatever discs and caliper spacers if they're not okay:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/413.JPG

Shame as the Mintex 1144s are hardly worn really!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/414.JPG

Booked onto another Donington evening session on 1st August too so hopefully get everything back together and the new track tyres sorted by then. Details here: http://www.circuit-days.co.uk/attendees.asp?eventid=412

[Adam]

I might have a drive along the a50 for a catchup at Donny :)

[Iain]

Yeah that's cool Adam, any time from 4 onwards

[Iain]

Woop woop all prepped for Monday now, pads bedded in and feeling good and Avons fitted up:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/415.JPG

Tread pattern looks like it'll survive a lot better than the Toyos, assuming it's dry:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/416.JPG

Huge jacks and air tools ftw!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/417.JPG

Looks a bit more hardcore with black rims too!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/418.JPG

Arch flare ftw, loads of clearance on the rear arches, reckon I could move to 7J wheels too (which the tyres look like they'd be happier on anyway):

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/419.JPG

[Adam]

Looking good.

Do you have to pay for passengers on Monday???
You still on the same mob number?

[Iain]

Have fitted them all with the grooves pointing forwards but looking at this diagram on the Avon website I may need to swap them around?

http://www.avonracing.com/images/directionoffit.gif

Currently my fronts are correct according to this diagram but my rears are the wrong way round. Why would they specify this anyway?

[Iain]

Looking good.

Do you have to pay for passengers on Monday???
You still on the same mob number?

According to the confirmation email/last time I went no extra charge for passengers, apparently allowed up to 4 but they seem quite relaxed (I already have 3-4 people wanting a ride lol) so can't imagine there being a problem getting a wristband if you want to come out for a session.

Yeah same number.

[scott.parker]

From what i understand mate there not a true directional tyre, there not radials, there something els, so I'm guessing they have just one side that is meant to be placed on the outer edge to keep the correct direction for load in bends etc?

[MK999]

From what i understand mate there not a true directional tyre, there not radials, there something els, so I'm guessing they have just one side that is meant to be placed on the outer edge to keep the correct direction for load in bends etc?

Directionals show the best grip when loaded in one direction, on a FWD one set of tyres is pushing forwards while one is dragging.

[Benn]

Black looks look great, cant see why you flared the arches with all that room....

[Iain]

Scott mine don't have direction markers on at all, but Nova Ian has a set exactly the same but with direction markers.

Can't see how mounting the rears 'backwards' will resolve loading up of one edge as surely if you went on a mostly left handed track it'd load up the other sides? Or am I getting confused? lol Screw it they can stay how they are!

You are correct though they're cross-ply tyres from what I have read.

Benn I have all that room because I flared the arches! :p Lots of room is nice.

[MK999]

Directional tyres have a tread pattern that has some sort of advantage as it's loaded in the longitudinal direction (i.e from the bonnet to the tailgate orientation) If you're putting your foot down, which is when you want the advantage, your fronts are pushing forwards and your rears are dragging backwards due to friction in bearings etc and no power. If you look at that diagram driven tyres always point the opposite direction to undriven.

[scott.parker]

So i wasn't a million miles away then! lol

I would get them swapped round to make sure your getting the correct performance out of them mate.

Scott

[Iain]

Fair enough might fit them the opposite way round on the back when I refit them.

[scott.parker]

How much did you book that evening session for mate? as i think the price has gone up some?
Also are you driving it there on them tyres, didn't think there road legal?

I must be the only person putting good tyres on my good wheels! lol

Scott

[Iain]

Looks to be the same price at £129 on CircuitDays (link on previous page). Don't know if they're road legal either but I had a quick blast on them yesterday to check for scrubbing. Will be driving to the event on the T1Rs and probably keep them for wet tyres

[scott.parker]

how far is it to donny from yours? Just forget to change to road tyres lol

[Iain]

16 miles, around half hour, yeah might do if I'm too lazy to swap them back afterwards lol

[Iain]

Donington last night was a success!

Ferodo DS2500s - they still seem to be missing the initial bite I used to have with the Mintexs so I'll try and bleed them again, but they didn't fade at all so I could push it with longer sessions

Avon ACB10s - awesome tyres, once I got used to them they offered loads more grip and haven't worn anywhere near as badly as I expected

Also tweaked the coilover damping with some help of Chimp's friend, stiffer all round and much stiffer on the back. Car wasn't as back end happy as last time but it definitely made a good difference. Left them like that for the drive home and it felt horrific on the roads lol

Problems to address:


Sprung a coolant leak, think from the radiator itself
Drops oil pressure on idle, came back in after a few sessions tapping its nuts off from the top end

Going to whip the radiator off and get it tested/fixed and look into racing oil (opposed to GM 10/40 semi) and probably an oil cooler.

Ian was kind enough to lend me his bullet camera which looks like it got some good footage, sorting that out now...

I didn't get any pics but if anyone else did please post them :(

[scott.parker]

Glad the evening went well mate, as for brakes what calipers you using? My V6's seam to bite too much and lock sometimes too easy..

And for oil issues, i had some oil leaks and top end tapping, sticky tappets etc, so i got sick of it, and decided it was poor oil choice, so i placed some Mobil 1 15/50 in before i got it mapped, best move i could of done, as since then it's leaking less (lol not good to leak at all at the price it is!) due to it being thicker, and the top end tapping has gone, and no more sticky tappets after it's sat for a while, though when using thicker oil you need to let it sit and warm up for a few mins on start up, as it's very tappy for 20 seconds while it forces the oil around the engine, then it runs lovely.

It's not cheep mind this stuff, and you must let your engine completely run dry of all oil, best to take the sump off and clean it out, as it wont mix with semi synthetic, as it's full synthetic stuff, try find it in your local auto parts trade counter, as you might, or will get it cheaper, i pay £42.00 with vat for 5ltrs.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_24 1559_langId_-1_categoryId_165581

You'll have to try explain how you set the car up, as I'm guessing you need more pressure into the track under slicks etc? as i set mine on the Kumho's so the rear end squats in.. so there medium set.

Scott

[Iain]

Brakes, still on the 256mm ATE calipers with the old flat vented discs. They bit a bit harder before so I'll try another bleed. They aren't bad tho, but I don't feel like I'm going to lock the fronts up which is a bit unusual.

That does sound like some expensive oil! I'll try the cooler and get a calibrated temp/pressure gauge fitted too.

Set up was a bit of a guess on the tyres, 23.5psi front and 21psi rear and they seem to have worn quite evenly so wasn't far off. Damping was upped on all four corners and stiffer on the rear than front I think - I am still to check what was done as I'm not sure exactly what it's set to.

Few pics!

Kitcar chasing looking hardcore with only one headlight lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/420.JPG

Post-trackday tyres, looking a lot better than the T1Rs did afterwards!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/421.JPG

Worst one bit of peel on the front left, but it's to be expected:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/422.JPG

Had a look at the rad, it's leaking from the cambelt end but the pipework and sensor are fine so it's a duff radiator, out it comes:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/423.JPG

The exhaust has snapped ANOTHER set of poly centre mounts, snapped clean through em!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/424.JPG

[Iain]

And as my treat for the car doing so well, it's getting some nicely flocked dash parts fitted!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/425.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/426.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/427.JPG

Only had these spare, taking the headlight switch surround over to do this week.

Flocking was done by user Prey off here and he's done a top job (has the proper equipment etc): http://www.pngclub.com/forum/member.php?20591-Prey

[Iain]

And some in-car vids (vibrating quite a bit so not ideal but oh well), me overtaking lots of stuff:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UMUSoF3lOY

Clear lap where I managed around 1 min 30 secs:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MG7sSdAgnI

[scott.parker]

Looking to be absolutely flying mate!

Take it both vids are with ABC's on? Do they need to get warm to get into there own for grip, or is it almost instant?

Cant remember is this diffed? looks to be keeping traction through the corners well.

PS: That oil is worth trying mate.

Oh one other thing, do you think pray might do some flocking for me? binnacle and center vents light pod? pm me, and if priceing..
Cheers.

Scott

[Iain]

Yeah I had the ACB10s on from the start. Defo needed heating up to begin with as they had gone a bit hard, but after a few sessions they were nice and soft. I just held back a bit on the first lap of each session and they seemed to be nice and grippy after that

Yeah Quaife ATB in a standard F20 box, I found myself relying on the diff to get me round the corners a lot less than I did before with these new tyres, which was nice.

[scott.parker]

Ah cool, forgot it was diffed, i also had issues with snapping exhaust mounts, but i have the black Polly sports on from rally design, there still in tact for now..

Should i pm pray about flocking?

[Iain]

I think it's putting too much strain on the centre rubbers and the red/orange polys I've fitted are just under too much pressure. I might cut and reweld the centre hangers, or bodge something up with a big jubilee clip through the hangers to get adjustable length

Yeah I'm sure he'd be happy to answer PMs, I really am chuffed with how those dash bits look I can't wait to get them fitted!

[Adam]

Annoyed i couldnt make it!!

Good stuff Iain, that looks to be flying through the corners!!! Plenty of grip there, easily outhandles my old small block. Good to see you pushing it too and not giving it an easy time like a ghey :cool:

Re-Exhaust issues, have you got another mount supporting that front box you put in?


Stiffer rear is usually the way to go on track, keep weight pressed over the front.

[Iain]

I did look out for you Adam, oh well maybe next time :(

No I don't it's just the centre hangers and the rear hanger. No flexi on the downpipe and cut/rewelded centre section where I fitted the new box means it may not sit perfectly I guess. I might attempt to use some different/longer rubbers or professionally attach (cable tie) some above the current lugs so it can sit a bit lower.

It was suggested I raise the rear a bit too so I might do that for the next one.

[Mieran]

My ashley exhaust did exactly the same and rip the poly mounts, then the exhaust cracked

I took it to powerflow and he said its doing it because there isn't a flexi in the system

I didn't want to spend too much getting it repaired so he welded a new hanger a bit higher up then used one bush, not much stress that way

[Iain]

Sounds good any pics?

[scott.parker]

Try undoing all the joints and then use jacks to keep it in place, then do them back up, i did this with mine and now it sits spot on, and the black pollys form RD are doing fine.

[Prey]

A few more minor improvements adds to the fun lol. I was bloody impressed with how fast you were going, put the footage up of you hassling the 911s and s2000 out the way! Cheers for the rides as well, makes the itch to get mine back together quiiiiiite bad.

Glad you're happy with the flocking dude, get it fitted and the other bits up to me!

[Iain]

Didn't see any footage of 911 hassling, he stormed past me once or twice tho so must have been an unfamiliar driver!

Headlight surround and EW switch housing removed and in my garage awaiting the furry treatment :)

[Mieran]

Sounds good any pics?

Only pic I've got.

I told him to remove the centre silencer too

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9900/image007cdd.jpg

[Connor]

Awesome vids iain, loving the flocked goodness aswell

[Iain]

To allow more room to play I've cut off the strengthening bracket that supports the slam panel, loads easier to get the rad in and out now.

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/428.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/429.JPG

Pulled out my thermostat and it's bent so not seated right, maybe this is why my car takes an age to warm up?

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/430.JPG

New stat and housing from my local motor factors in case the corrosion on the old housing was to blame for it slipping off:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/431.JPG

TXAutosport aluminium radiator as I don't like the plastic crimped ends on standard ones:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/432.JPG

Well I've got it fitted in place...

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/433.JPG

This lug required a bit of trimming and it's quite close to the bracket:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/434.JPG

Had to modify a rubber mounting lug to fit due to the welding on it:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/435.JPG

My main concern is that I can't get my fingers between the exhaust manifold and the radiator! What do you lot think, will this cause a problem? I'd say there's about a cm of clearance?

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/436.JPG

[nova ian]

Looking good Iain, if i were you I'd move that side of the rad forward like I did with mine. Seems daft to risk damaging a more expensive rad. Glad you kept slam pannel :)

[Iain]

Yeah slam panel didn't hinder me fitting the rad too much so it can stay for a bit.

I'll struggle to move just that side forward and retain the current top hose, if it's getting moved it'll need to be moved to the middle and forwards so it reaches.

[Benn]

As said, i'd angel the top out, mount the fan on the front. Works much better on the front.

[Iain]

Think I'm happy with it now, plumbed in:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/437.JPG

Cable tied into position at the top to pull the top away from the manifold:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/438.JPG

Can fit my fingers between the manifold and rad now so that's good enough for me:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/439.JPG

Anyone got a diagram how the radiator fan zipties fasten as I'm struggling to see where the spring is supposed to go and getting very confused?!

[Benn]

I do.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/bennh/Crap/slim-line-fan-fitting-kit-pull-through-core-type-2-138-p.jpg

[Iain]

Nice one Benn, the way I'd done it before was right then :)

[Benn]

Yep, but tbh it dont really matter... But if you have a turbo and they melt they fall out..lol

[MK999]

Cable ties ftw, cheaper too lol

[Iain]

I like to do things the most difficult and expensive way lol

[Benn]

Pfft, i have a stainless bolt thru one of mine...

[Edd]

Good to see you've got a TX rad, I'm very pleased with mine

Nice mod on the bottom rad bush also, will have to do this as mine doesn't fit 100% right

Also cheers for the camber shims link

[scott.parker]

Might have to get one of these TX rads for my birthday, i need a new rad,but heard mix reports on them, but seams to be more good now over bad.

Looks good mate.

[Benn]

I've had two, both have been great Scott,

[scott.parker]

lol TWO why so? that don't sound good to say you have had to have two...

[Edd]

Think a water hose from turbo rubbed a hole through the core Scott, mines very well made, I would recommend one to anyone

[scott.parker]

Ah yes... now i remember Edd, yeah might as well, my rads from my Silk violet GSi lol

[Benn]

Smashed thru is a better term...

[chrisnovaturbo]

ive had one and worked well. ive fitted them on corsa c with turbo engine, corsa b with turbo engine, astra mk4 gsi turbos and vxr never been a problem. they are good for the money :thumb:

[Iain]

Rad now finished and slimline fan remounted, good stuff.

On with my (potential) oil temp problems at Donington, I ordered some goodies to monitor my oil:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/440.JPG

Gauges look quite nice and subtle compared to some:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/441.JPG

Oil pressure sensor for new gauge is fitted above the original one in the oil gallery, waiting on an M22x1.5 adaptor to fit the oil temp sensor in the end of the oil pump:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/442.JPG

Gauges mounted on the triangulation next to the dash, fitted some padding for the rear one so you can see it above the first:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/443.JPG

Peek-a-boo:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/444.JPG

Drivers view:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/445.JPG

Had the rest of the dash bits flocked including my custom electric window switch housing so it looks a little more professional now:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/446.JPG

All flocked parts fitted up (three top dash parts and fag lighter housing part):

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/447.JPG

Also a professional temporary fix of my snapped exhaust rubbers lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/448.JPG

[Adam]

Gauges look nice man!

Flock the whole dash :cool:

Oil cooler going on?

[The Simps]

Good position on the gauges - I like!

[scott.parker]

Gauges look cool, do you think its worth doing them oil temp pressure mods?? Never had no oil issues with mine.

Exhaust hanger mods is a definite fail, will undo/snap in a few miles lol

[Iain]

I'll get the whole dash done if I can be bothered to remove it or mod another one to fit, which is unlikely.

Scott I wouldn't be doing them if I hadn't suffered problems but it doesn't hurt to know the temps/pressures of everything on proper calibrated gauges does it :)

Just been for a quick drive, new pressure gauge is nice and stable and reads the following when hot:
Idle 25psi
Cruising 50psi
Full throttle almost 75psi

Test drive also revealed the sender for my OE oil pressure gauge is knackered... It reads near full pressure when idling and flicks about all over the place! Very worrying!

[NOV4_SPORT]

Looking good matey, i like the position of the gauges, always a good idea to be able to keep an eye on whats going on .

iain

[Adam]

I'll get the whole dash done if I can be bothered to remove it or mod another one to fit, which is unlikely.

Scott I wouldn't be doing them if I hadn't suffered problems but it doesn't hurt to know the temps/pressures of everything on proper calibrated gauges does it :)

Just been for a quick drive, new pressure gauge is nice and stable and reads the following when hot:
Idle 25psi
Cruising 50psi
Full throttle almost 75psi

Test drive also revealed the sender for my OE oil pressure gauge is knackered... It reads near full pressure when idling and flicks about all over the place! Very worrying!
Oil pressure should be as high as it goes at anything over 2500rpm IMO!
Mine is.

[Iain]

Yeah it was rising up to 75psi at higher revs, cruising was at quite low revs with no load.

[Benn]

Good work on the gauges, like where they are sat.

Why do you stillhave the dash sender fitted? if you removed it you could have fitted a sender in there.

[Iain]

Then the oil temp gauge would be lonely lol I might convert the original gauge into a large red light linked in to the oil pressure light cos it's a little bit hidden behind the steering wheel.

If I do that it means I could have fitted the temp sensor in the back of the block and not have to order an M22 adaptor doh lol

[Benn]

Yeah that was my kinda point....

[Iain]

Oh gotcha thought you meant mount the new gauge in the dials housing!

Yeah I might do that anyway, light only sensor and temp sensor in the block. I'll need to buy another threaded adaptor anyway as I snapped one of them off in the block!

[Iain]

Got my oil temp sensor in the back of the oil pump, fits well there. Since the original gauge was utter rubbish and was misleading I have blanked it over and replaced it with a large red LED light tapped into the original oil low pressure light wires. It was only after doing this I realised I should have just fitted SR/i 4 dial gauges lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/449.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/450.JPG

And a couple of pics from today's outing in the sunshine!

Stopping off at the Cat and Fiddle pub for a quick drink:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/451.JPG

Pootling down Snake Pass/Road and the surrounding area:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/452.JPG

And admiring the scenery

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/453.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/454.JPG

[Benn]

Satnavi for snakes pass? Start one end, get to end turn around drive back faster... That's what i did.

[Iain]

Useful for corners, scouting overtaking points, actually getting there, getting home, speed camera locations... Sheesh lol

[MK999]

Sat navs are lighter pace notes than a co driver lol

well over 50kg weight saving ftw.

[Benn]

Corners???? Look a head!

[Iain]

Well after replacing the plugs x2 and HT leads I think I've found my part throttle bad running! The one hose I reused on the engine, d'oh lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/455.JPG

Also got myself a Mocal 10 row 230mm oil cooler, opinions on location?

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/456.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/457.JPG

Just need to order some hose up and probably get some push on fittings so I can make them up myself...

[Benn]

Perfect place for the cooler.

[chimp007_uk]

Thats whereI was going to put my cooler, unlikely to get damaged and leak! Let me know where you get your hose and fittings, I'll have mine to sort once I get the car up to the house!

[Spudly]

Looking good lemon, this car just gets better and better, youre attention to detail is up there with the like of Benn, albeit in a different catergory as you do twiddly bits and Benn polishes them lol

[Prey]

not enough cable ties holding that cooler in for my liking :cry:

[Iain]

Chimp probably get them from ThinkAutomotive or similar. Didn't realise they were so expensive though, I've totalled over £50+VAT on four 90 degree unions and 4m of rubber hose, ouch!

Cheers Spud, I try my best to do a neat job of everything whilst keeping things usable and accessible

Prey, might be a cable tie holding it to the radiator at the bottom for the final finished article lol

[Benn]

Looking good lemon, this car just gets better and better, youre attention to detail is up there with the like of Benn, albeit in a different catergory as you do twiddly bits and Benn polishes them lol

Cheeky C**t.

[Benn]

Didn't realise they were so expensive though, I've totalled over £50+VAT on four 90 degree unions and 4m of rubber hose, ouch!


My cooler unions and lines didn't come to that...

[Spudly]

Cheeky C**t.




I didnt mean anything nasty by that dude:cry:

[Benn]

I know, still cheeky tho. I have track like bits..lol

[Iain]

If it helps anyone, GM part number for new intake donut hose is 90466099

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/458.JPG


Had the Nova on a weigh bridge last night too. My normal running weight (half a tank of fuel, few litres of oil and water in the 'boot') is:

830kg

Could be better but could be a lot worse considering how much welding and rollcage tubing that has gone into it!

[Benn]

Fattie.

[peester]

yes youre strengthened, caged, big block'd... but poly windows, not much dash; very stripped out, f/g bonnet n boot.. evens it out a bit..?

[Iain]

Half polys, electric windows, most of a dashboard, all metal panels apart from bonnet and plenty of filler lol So 830kg isn't too bad.

[scott.parker]

Thats where my standard cooler is located, seams good to me, lol at the split inlet to tb pipe, thats what also happened to mine and gave me running probs, i forgot all about it! doh!

As for the car's weight, is that with no drive and 1/2 tank fuel?
Mine is 800kg bang no driver 1/2 tank FG boot.

Scott

[Mike]

Fuel alone will be 30kg +/- at a rough guess.

[Iain]

Yeah that's just the car with no driver, and half a tank of fuel. Was 910 with me I think lol I've added a fair bit of weight to it (stitch welding and plating absolutely everything, several tins of stonechip on the underside, a fair few metres of extra rollcage on top of the 6 point) so it's not too bad.

[Andy]

1litre=1kilo by the way.....

[scott.parker]

If your 11 stone i should get you take my car down the strip to see 13.2's lol

[MK999]

1litre=1kilo by the way.....

Of water, litre of fuel is about 0.8ish iirc.

[Andy]

711g according to a google link page
861.8g for diesel
interesting......

[MK999]

I was a whole 100grams out, bad form :(

[Iain]

If your 11 stone i should get you take my car down the strip to see 13.2's lol

About 12 I think! I would gladly rag your Nova down the strip name the time and place lol

[MK999]

Totally missed that, assuming you pull your finger out and fix the damn thing, I weigh about as much as the air I displace Scott :d

[Prey]

that could start a whole new trend there 'well my best 1/4 times is __ but my CARS best is __'

[Adam]

Heavier than i thought it would be Iain, but not that suprisingly really with the extra bits youve added, and the elec windows etc.
I think mine was 880 with half a tank, and a 80-90kg mot tester bloke. But its got a lot less in than yours.

Scott, i'd happily do a 13 in yours :cool: lol

[scott.parker]

Heavier than i thought it would be Iain, but not that suprisingly really with the extra bits youve added, and the elec windows etc.
I think mine was 880 with half a tank, and a 80-90kg mot tester bloke. But its got a lot less in than yours.

Scott, i'd happily do a 13 in yours :cool: lol

Mine was 880 with me in lol not quite right as I'm 13.7

Ad come and bring some CV's for the near side an you can take it all day long down shaky!

[Iain]

Yah it's a little heavier than I hoped for Ad but I've not gone mental with the weight saving so I'm pretty happy.

Finished mocking my oil cooler lines up now, just throwing some pics up here so anyone can tell me if there's anything wrong before I get the unions swaged/crimped onto the hoses next week.

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/459.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/460.JPG

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/461.JPG

Had to extend the brackets and move it down a little bit which is a shame as it's no longer in the grille's vents. Could always drill some holes along the bottom of the grille...

[scott.parker]

Flip it the other way over so pipes are on the bottom then theres no need to space it down??

Where you geth the joint/unions from that are coming fomr the s/plate by the filter?

Scott

[Iain]

Hmm could do, I think with the unions on top it'll help it fill up better, if they're on the bottom isn't there a risk it won't fully fill up the oil cooler? (I have limited knowledge to the internals/flow it them tbh!)

Unions and hose are from ThinkAuto, they're the ones 'designed to be made at the factory' so I'll have to go somewhere to get them properly fitted.

[The Simps]

Where you've got the tape wrapped around the pipes near the bottom pulley I'd put a p-clip there to the chassis to hold it in place and make sure it doesn't rub. Have you checked steering lock clearance?

Cars looking great btw dude!

[Iain]

That's the plan Simps, a few P-clips to keep it away from the pulley.

Bollocks, forgot the full lock test, I'll go refit it and try it lol

[Benn]

The amount of pressure in the system, i think it will fill it up fine.

[scott.parker]

As said oil is under enough pressure to push/pull it round mate, and yeah maybe make a long p clip to bring them don almost in line with the chassis leg, my tyres rub just there full lock etc, and i was meaning the joints in the sandwich plate, as mine has big banjo connectors on.

Scott

[Iain]

Sandwich plate unions are from ThinkAuto too. They're M16x1.5 to 1/2 BSP male-males then 1/2 BSP 90 degree bends.

However they make the pipe stick out quite far from the sandwich plate, and I don't think I'm going to route them successfully down the chassis leg with no wheel/pulley contact, balls! Back to square one lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/462.JPG

[Adam]

Lol, ive just logged in to reply.
As youve realised, dont put the pipes there, because they will rub the tyre and/or get pushed onto the edge of the bottom pully. Thats where my pipes run, and ive always had problems with the tyre rubbing them on full lock. Potential engine killer!

Try and run them by the tie bar if you get me.

[Benn]

This is why i used std union/pipes trimmed down. So they'd clear...

[scott.parker]

What did you do with your pipes Benn? as mine leak from them crimped ends, i was thinking of just jubilee'ing them to clamp it up?

[Benn]

Best pics i can find off hand...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/bennh2/Car%20up%20dates%20May%2011%20on/enginerefit411.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y232/bennh2/Car%20up%20dates%20May%2011%20on/enginerefit415.jpg

[scott.parker]

Still not sure what you did mate?

[Benn]

Engine end, slide the hose as far up as i could with a bit of hair spray to help seal, (one side was still the barbed fitting bit) then jubilee clipped up tight. Both end the fittings have the barbed like bits..

[Iain]

Lol, ive just logged in to reply.
As youve realised, dont put the pipes there, because they will rub the tyre and/or get pushed onto the edge of the bottom pully. Thats where my pipes run, and ive always had problems with the tyre rubbing them on full lock. Potential engine killer!

Try and run them by the tie bar if you get me.

Like this? Believe this is Dar's

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

I'll attempt to copy this picture tomorrow, might only be possible with the stubby oil filter he has?

There's a mk2 Astra in the scrappy with standard oil cooler and metal pipework, I plan to have those off tomorrow to see if they're any better too!

[The Simps]

My old red one ran like dis....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/TheSimps/Nova/Nova%20LET%20Build/0712065.jpg

[Iain]

I just tried that Simps, not enough flex in my hoses. Did you have to make a hole for them to come through the front panel too?

In my bid to shamelessly rip off Dar, I have sourced a shorter oil filter from Vauxhall:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/463.JPG

Little bit more room:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/464.JPG

Hoses now drop down inside the tie bar:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/465.JPG

And with the aid of a hand, or some clever bracketry, pclips and cable ties it should clear everything!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/466.JPG

[Paul]

Yep that how mine run

[The Simps]

Looks good to me dude! You having the fittings swaged on?

[Iain]

Yep will try and find somewhere locally to do them.

[Iain]

Last pics of the oil cooler, it's done and dusted mostly now!

Got my hose ends fitted/swaged so tidied up the cooler bracketry and bolted it in place properly:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/467.JPG

Bit of heat reflective tape around the pipework and in place with cable ties for the time being - need to work out a nice way of keeping them there. Or not, cable ties ftw lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/468.JPG

Also took it to Santa Pod yesterday for some dragstrip action, only got 3 runs in before it was rained off though :(

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/469.JPG


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC4bwtQeGfQ

Best time was as follows:

60ft: 2.3904
1/8 ET: 9.2699
1/8 MPH: 78.70
1/4 ET: 14.3444
1/4 MPH: 96.27

Obviously room for improvement when I learn how to launch it properly for best 1/4 mile times.

[scott.parker]

Thats bloody good mate!

[Iain]

What the ET? I think that was the first run I did (first ever run may I add lol) so defo room to get it down

[Rich]

Just practice off the traffic lights lol

[scott.parker]

Yeah, sodding hell if your standard engine can do 14.3 after a full rebuild i might rebuild mine, add cams etc, as my old engine in my old car on tb's did 14.2's.

[Iain]

Fed up with my bumpers fading and looking blotchy after a failed renovation attempt with the heatgun so dug out my spares

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/470.JPG

Plastic welded up the old holes I made with a view to mounting on bolts and not bumper irons:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/471.JPG

Cleaned up and plastic primered:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/472.JPG

Tinned high build wasn't good enough to get rid of the textured finish:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/473.JPG

So dug out my el cheapo spray gun and ordered some high build celly primer:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/474.JPG

Much better:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/475.JPG

They then got a few coats of satin black paint!

On to fitting, painted up some door handles and filler cap to match:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/476.JPG

Rear on, and repainted exhaust tip while I was there too:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/477.JPG

Why do Novas look so hardcore with no front on lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/478.JPG

Boshed that one on too:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/479.JPG

Extra cooling for trackdays, with a hole cut out of the bumper iron for it too:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/480.JPG

Still not sure on the black, might get a GSi front and get a set pro painted white to match the car, but will see if I like them in a weeks time!

[Benn]

I dont like the satin black, but it matches everything so that's good.

Why have you removed the cool deplasticed handles?

[Iain]

Yeah they match the wing mirror surrounds, grille, Aerocatches etc so it's better than grey for now

I posted shortly after fitting them that I didn't like 'em so I removed them lol You could see light through the sides of them into the door, wasn't keen on that.

[Spudly]

Just seen that vid of your run @ pod, and fook me:eek:, its not often cars look fast on film but that really does, youve done a hell of a job lemon and it just keeps getting better and better, imo keep the pov spec bumper on it as GSi with no skirts looks odd to me and there is extra weight in a GSi item, yours needs the freshly painted bumpers to stay, but is screaming out for a white stripe in the trim line on it:d

[Iain]

Cheers Spud! Yeah I might keep the povo bumper, but going for a red stripe like before, need to add more colour to it.

Pulled this off a mk4 Astra at the scrappy today, quite like the look of it so I'll paint it up and fit it properly!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/481.JPG

[Adam]

Yeah, sodding hell if your standard engine can do 14.3 after a full rebuild i might rebuild mine, add cams etc, as my old engine in my old car on tb's did 14.2's.
You can do low/dead 14s @99/100mph with a standard xe in a track car!
I did a 14.4 @ 99 with a broken gearlinkage lol

Good work Iain, cooler looks well, and the painted bumpers look miles better than the old faded ones. And you will be able improve that 1/4 time loads with more practice. High 13s, with the fresh engine and diff etc. :cool:

[Iain]

Securely fastened on lol

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/482.JPG

Booya

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/483.JPG

Just the aggressive look from the front end I was aiming to achieve!

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/484.JPG

[Iain]

You can do low/dead 14s @99/100mph with a standard xe in a track car!
I did a 14.4 @ 99 with a broken gearlinkage lol

Good work Iain, cooler looks well, and the painted bumpers look miles better than the old faded ones. And you will be able improve that 1/4 time loads with more practice. High 13s, with the fresh engine and diff etc. :cool:

Cheers Ad, yeah quicker times hopefully next time I go but I won't go out of my way to do it again as £ per fun Donington is much better!

[Adam]

I'd stick with that look tbh, looks well!

[Lee H]

I ran 14.2 @ 99 mph on a standard XE with about 140k miles on. Car still had electric windows and no diff etc so definitely room for improvement as Ad says.

[scott.parker]

Make the standard bumper look loads better mate, no rear bumper mod then?

Scott

[Connor]

Looks mean mate

[Iain]

Make the standard bumper look loads better mate, no rear bumper mod then?

Scott
No rear mods yet Scott want to try it on a scrap rear first cos I worried it'd ruin the looks ha ha

[Iain]

Now rocking a red bumper stripe

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/489.JPG

Next up something I've wanted for years and finally got thanks to Rich off here....

Lots of M5 rivnuts and M5 button headed bolts:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/491.JPG

Fit perfectly in the 7mm holes in the tailgate, rear quarters and doors:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/490.JPG

Tailgate fitted:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/492.JPG

Rear quarters fitted:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/493.JPG

With extra mods for wiring:

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/494.JPG

And front doorcards (flash highlights the weave, ooh sexy):

http://iainel.co.uk/images/forums/NovaWIP2a/495.JPG

Well chuffed with them, tidies the interior up a treat, although I wouldn't mind some (annodised?) black bolts to finish it off.

Removed them for now, will clean and waxoyl all the interior cavities tomorrow and fit them with some double sided to stop them rattling.

[Adam]

They look nice mate!

[Benn]

Liking the cards, never throught of riv/clinch nutting them on.

[jonn]

nice project, what is the lenght of the short oil filter and can they be bought anywhere online?
thanks

[Iain]

Not sure on length, it's a cm or two shorter than the standard one though.

Just pop in to your local Vauxhall dealer if you can and ask for a VOF28 filter, they're about £2 each on trade club. Imagine you could find one on eBay/order one from AutoVaux too.

See this thread which has lots of part numbers for shorter filters too: http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17952

[Iain]

Liking the cards, never throught of riv/clinch nutting them on.

Had the idea earlier this week, used 42 rivnuts and bolts but cost less than a tenner to fit them so can't complain.

[peester]

top notch work, good details iain.

[scott.parker]

Before you refit clean the marker pen off to! lol

Look nice mate, i should do something like that, as mine are screwed and Ive lost all screw caps lol

Scott

[Mazz]

oooooh, like the carbon goodness! I used rubber nuts on mine

[MK999]

velcro tape is one of the best methods I've seen as it's a 2 min job and stops rattling too, all credit to admin Kev though lol

edit: Not to say the rivnuts aren't very smart btw, probably a bit more 'permanent' or finished too, just that velcro was also a good idea, didn't mean to sound negative at all lol

[Iain]

Good point Scott will clean that off tomorrow lol

No probs MK didn't take it negatively, suppose it makes sense to have them velcro'd on, would have saved me two evenings of measuring and drilling and tinkering, oh well. Some black bolts (about a fiver off eBay) and you won't see 'em hopefully.