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mowgli
06-01-12, 01:02 PM
colin. write your colour choices on small bits of paper & make a little tombola up.... whatever colour comes out will be the one... then nobody is to blame.

16v Nova Kev
06-01-12, 01:02 PM
if its a pearl then yes. i would be going for a staight 2k yellow picked from a chip. bugger painting a whole car with waterbase

boffer8
06-01-12, 01:32 PM
I think the ferrari yellow will photograph a lot better than the orange in my opionion, especially looking at trackday photos I've seen

Ben
06-01-12, 01:39 PM
Yellow will look much better against the carbon and grey inside

MK999
06-01-12, 06:43 PM
Someone say yellow?

bazil
06-01-12, 07:01 PM
id stay away from waterbased metalic paints, imola yellow ( audi ) or dakar yellow ( BMW ) both are similar shades and solid colour rather than metalic, just my opinion.

honie5
06-01-12, 07:01 PM
I've had a car painted in waterbase so easy to do and finish is immaculate I prefer it over 2k and I'd guess waterbase is lighter to!

16v Nova Kev
06-01-12, 07:05 PM
are you for real? 2k is 2 coats=done.
water base is 4to5 coats of colour then 2 coats of clear (2k)laquer.

not to mention the drying time

mowgli
06-01-12, 07:40 PM
colin, you could go to a paint place and have a look at the std RAL (?) colours.. then its cheap to touch up or repair..

LEWI007
06-01-12, 07:45 PM
Love that bonnet!

scott.parker
06-01-12, 08:16 PM
Umm still like ford Olympic blue! lol

boffer8
06-01-12, 08:21 PM
Have you thought of just using a basic grey undercoat and then getting it vinyl wrapped, this is what they do at work on the castrol cars and apparently (from the vinyl guy and the engineers) it saves around 4kg in weight for the car, and in wrc terms, that's a lot! lol using fancy paints (yellow, blue, red and white) can be quite heavy due to the pigments they have and if you add it up for the whole car it makes a big difference. Plus if you get bored of the colour its cheap and easy to change!

Nick J
06-01-12, 08:38 PM
are you for real? 2k is 2 coats=done.
water base is 4to5 coats of colour then 2 coats of clear (2k)laquer.

not to mention the drying time


Id slightly disagree their fella........... Many 2k solid colours will not have achieved full opacity after just two coats even if a tintable primer has been used. I would hit it with three or even a forth in some cases just to be sure.

On the water base side of things.... Every manufacturer differs but as a rule 2.5-3 coats will see you confidently cover the majority of colours. As for drying times it will never be as quick as solvent basecoats but 5-10 mins (For large hits) with the booth heat up a little and your ready for the next coat with ease. High build clears are a lot harder wearing and will not tarnish like 2k solids either.


If your not using waterbase you may as well get used to it sooner rather than later as it is the future. Solvent and 2k paints will soon become unavailable due to the high voc levels. I dont know about near you but Its already hard to come by in my area.


Colin........ What happened to the idea you mentioned to me sometime ago?

Nick.

honie5
06-01-12, 08:55 PM
Maybe 4 coats but there very thin coats and using a heated booth or a hair dryer blowing hot air over it it dries in minutes! whereas 2k goes on thicker! You may have seen different but mine was a very quick process! End of day up to Colin was just pointing a fact out as I prefer water base!

novarally
06-01-12, 10:56 PM
Have you thought of just using a basic grey undercoat and then getting it vinyl wrapped, this is what they do at work on the castrol cars and apparently (from the vinyl guy and the engineers) it saves around 4kg in weight for the car, and in wrc terms, that's a lot! lol using fancy paints (yellow, blue, red and white) can be quite heavy due to the pigments they have and if you add it up for the whole car it makes a big difference. Plus if you get bored of the colour its cheap and easy to change!

It had crossed my mind, but I must admit I assumed the vinyl would have weighed more than paint. This is very interesting if vinyl is lighter.

Anyone know what a typical cost to vinyl wrap a Nova might be?

novarally
06-01-12, 11:00 PM
Colin........ What happened to the idea you mentioned to me sometime ago?

Nick.

Hi Nick.

You're talking about the Ferrari Red idea I guess? I've gone right off reds now.

I'd like to pick your brains about paint anyway, as I can imagine some of it costs a lot of money.

That Ferrari Yellow I posted up is (I think) 'Giallo Triplo Strato', which was an £11k (eek) option on the 458 model.

Is it going to be possible to buy that from a paint supplier, and if so how much is it likely to cost me in raw materials? Any idea?

MK999
06-01-12, 11:03 PM
It had crossed my mind, but I must admit I assumed the vinyl would have weighed more than paint. This is very interesting if vinyl is lighter.

Anyone know what a typical cost to vinyl wrap a Nova might be?

I know your average repmobile BMW/Audi large saloon/4x4 (vinyl magnets!) is about 2-2.5k in good quality stuff, so something cheap and cheerful as a bright, replaceable colour on the Nova, less than a grand I would have hoped?

SimonTW
06-01-12, 11:34 PM
Or you could just have a go yourself if your feeling brave. The Nova would be pretty simple to work with being mostly flat panels. I bought 9m of vinyl for my Mini and me and a mate spent 3 days doing it. It's not perfect but I've yet to see a wrap that is. I think the 9m cost me about £350 for decent 3m controltac.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/179470_10150386626025720_870525719_17004211_270676 2_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/377890_10151063830640720_870525719_21855096_249070 977_n.jpg

I just weighed some leftover stuff from my Mini for you. 1m sq weighs 175grams

autoworksnovasport
07-01-12, 12:15 AM
hi colin the chap that does all my stickers ect also does these vinyl wraps i will get a price for you and a ruff quote on how much material it would take so you can work out a ruff weight if you like??

bazil
07-01-12, 12:20 AM
do it in DG3 yellow wrap, by fook it'll be bright lol,

anyway why bother about paint/wrap, i thought you had it coated so any additional material will now only add weight? are alloy hubs allowed?

novarally
07-01-12, 08:25 AM
hi colin the chap that does all my stickers ect also does these vinyl wraps i will get a price for you and a ruff quote on how much material it would take so you can work out a ruff weight if you like??

Yes, please Phill, that would be great.

novarally
07-01-12, 08:27 AM
do it in DG3 yellow wrap, by fook it'll be bright lol,

anyway why bother about paint/wrap, i thought you had it coated so any additional material will now only add weight? are alloy hubs allowed?

I could run the car in primer I suppose, but I have to balance the weight aspect against the car looking good, and being a promotional tool.

What is DG3 vinyl? Is that the material spec.?

I already have alloy hubs at the back.

If someone can cast the Nova front upright in alloy or magnesium at a sensible price, then I'll gladly buy some.......with a titanium drive flange as well please.

bazil
07-01-12, 11:02 AM
DG3 is reflective material used on motorway signs, you also get it in yellow but it is quite expensive and probably not to your taste,

As for the front hubs, have you ever had a quote on having a pair made?
Maybe a group buy to help with cost ?

Mike
07-01-12, 11:14 AM
You need some CNC machined Ex touring car uprights.

novarally
07-01-12, 11:22 AM
As for the front hubs, have you ever had a quote on having a pair made? Maybe a group buy to help with cost ?

I haven't, and off the top of my head I can't think who to approach to quote for it. There would be a substantial weight saving to be had.

My Group A Escort Cosworth had magnesium front uprights, but they were also available in aluminium. The alloy ones have been reproduced now and are about £1000 per pair IIRC, and that's based on a large number of them having been produced.

So I think the cost of Nova ones would be prohibitive. I also have my doubts as to whether the steering knuckle would lend itself well to being cast in alloy/magnesium, it could end being rather fragile I think. The Cosworth used a bolt-on steering knuckle, so the upright would probably need re-designing to suit.

novarally
07-01-12, 11:24 AM
You need some CNC machined Ex touring car uprights.

With the size of those things I doubt there'd be any weight saving, and there'd be an awful lot of fabrication needed to fit one on a Nova!

SimonTW
07-01-12, 11:36 AM
DJM could design and make some custom front uprights!

novarally
07-01-12, 01:48 PM
DJM could design and make some custom front uprights!

I'm sure they could Simon, but I know what their prices are like! I fancied one of their carbon fibre pedal boxes, so rang them to ask how much..........£2,500 + VAT.

SimonTW
07-01-12, 02:44 PM
Eek maybe not then, well not until your lottery numbers come up.

Ben
07-01-12, 05:15 PM
I know of people who have had wraps done cash in hand for between £750-1k dependent on what car it was. Tbh I think it could be a good idea as you could refresh every couple of seasons without adding extra weight.

stt
07-01-12, 08:54 PM
You might even be able to offset the cost of the wrap by offering the signwriter advertising space on the car

novarally
11-01-12, 08:58 AM
Not content with anything, I've started thinking about lighter steering arms, so picked up these from a 2008 Honda F1 car;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/001-32.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-67.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-70.jpg

They weight in at 200g each, whereas the Nova steering arms are over 700g. If they were just 10mm shorter they would be perfect, but as it stands there's going to be miniscule adjustment available on the tracking.

There's no sensible way of shortening the steering arms, but we might be able to offset the joint on the steering knuckle somehow. This is one for future development, I don't think it will be done for this season with all the other stuff going on.

I've also got all the parts together for my carbon fibre steering column now, more details on that when there's something interesting to show.

istf
11-01-12, 10:34 AM
Where did you find F1 car parts? :o :D

Mike
11-01-12, 05:17 PM
Where did you find F1 car parts? :o :D

Search around in some of the most obvious places & you'll find them too :thumb:

t45_ste
11-01-12, 06:41 PM
Iv been looking into using ex f1 carbon steering arms but didnt dare bite the bullet. I could prbably get away with using the ones you have there colin as the 10mm would be lost in the wide track.

Off to ebay i go lol

novarally
11-01-12, 06:49 PM
Iv been looking into using ex f1 carbon steering arms but didnt dare bite the bullet. I could prbably get away with using the ones you have there colin as the 10mm would be lost in the wide track.

Off to ebay i go lol

Going wide track on mine is a future option, especially as I intend to have custom titanium driveshafts for it eventually. It would only really need a longer track control arm to be fabricated, and maybe some modifying of the top mount.

Of course I could avoid all this and buy the 6R4 which is what I actually want to own.........(apart from the fact that I don't have £60k+)

Novasport
11-01-12, 07:53 PM
Going back 5-6 years, there was a 6R4 road car with 700 miles on the clock iirc and was on Ebay for around £23,000. Don't think it sold.

novarally
11-01-12, 08:04 PM
Going back 5-6 years, there was a 6R4 road car with 700 miles on the clock iirc and was on Ebay for around £23,000. Don't think it sold.

Times have changed, unfortunately, I haven't seen anything much under £50k in the last 12 months.

I'm still kicking myself as I was offered one about 12 years ago for £8k, it was completely stripped down and in about 50 boxes, plus the shell needed work. I had the money, but decided it was too much to take on. Just another one of lifes regrets..........

Tom-Tank
11-01-12, 08:30 PM
Have you got a rough spec list of the car? Havent got a spare month to read all 179 pages

Royston
11-01-12, 08:36 PM
Have you got a rough spec list of the car? Havent got a spare month to read all 179 pages

It's worth the read

Connor
11-01-12, 08:38 PM
I have told him this but hes gay and impatient. Refuse to give him a spec, he doesnt deserve it :p

novarally
11-01-12, 08:50 PM
Have you got a rough spec list of the car? Havent got a spare month to read all 179 pages

I haven't done a spec. list since I first bought the car back in 2009, so it's probbaly time I did. Here goes then;

Nova 985cc Turbo - Approx. 180 BHP
 
Bodyshell
Lightweight shell to ‘Modified Production’ hillclimb/sprint MSA regulations
Full BTEC Racing roll cage in CDS with multipoint fitting, X diagonals, X door bars, harness bar
Carbon Fibre Wide Arch kit
Carbon fibre front and rear bumpers
Modified inner wings
Steel front wings
Fibreglass doors
Fabricated front crossmember
Alloy slam panel
Carbon fibre bonnet
Fibreglass tailgate with carbon fibre Gurney flap
Single wiper linkage
Bronze tint Polycarbonate windows, including windscreen, all window rubbers removed

Engine
985cc Vauxhall OHC
Sleeved down from a 1200cc block
7.5 to 1 Compression Ratio
Metro van pistons
1600 modified cylinder head and camshaft
Engine lowered 1.5 inches and moved back and to the left
OMEX 600 ECU & aircraft spec. engine loom
Turbosmart boost controller
Anti-lag system
KENT CAMS vernier camshaft pulley
Remote oil filter
Total loss electrics (no alternator)
Solid engine mounts
Garret GT2052 hybrid turbo
BTEC Racing alloy intercooler with 3” pipes
BTEC Racing alloy radiator
Alloy water header tank
Carbon fibre oil breather tank
Silicone coolant and boost hoses
Davies Craig electric water pump
2.5” aluminium steel side exit exhaust system

Transmission
F10 five speed Quaife SCCR gearbox with 4.1 final drive
Quaife ATB LSD
Hydraulic clutch with AP master cylinder
Fabricated internal rose jointed gear linkage
Carbon fibre gear lever
Quaife gearknob

Interior
STACK digital dash display with Boost Pressure readout
CARTEK battery isolation system
Push button starter
REVERIE carbon fibre steering wheel
SPA DESIGN quick release steering boss
REVERIE carbon fibre seat
REVERIE carbon fibre seat side mounts
WILLANS 6 point single seater harness with alloy adjusters
Lightweight steering column
VAMOS lithium-ion lightweight battery
Lightweight wiring loom and carbon fibre switch panel
Circuit breakers in place of fuses

Fuel System
1 gallon alloy foam filled fuel tank underneath floor
FSE high pressure fuel pump
Adjustable pressure regulator
Aeroquipped throughout

Brakes
Front; 240mm 4 pot Yamaha R1 calipers mounted with titanium bolts
Solid discs with alloy mounting bells (1.6kg each)
Rear; KAD solid drilled discs and alloy calipers mounted on Mini alloy hubs
Floor mounted pedal box with AP master cylinders, bias adjustable
AP Racing pressure limiting valve to rear brakes, adjustable
Handbrake removed
Aeroquipped throughout

Steering/Suspension
LEDA 2.5” front dampers with alloy top mounts, 375lb springs
PROTECH 2-way adjustable coilover rear dampers 1.9“, 140lb springs
Rose jointed track control arms
Rose jointed tie bars
Quaife quick steering rack with rose jointed track rod ends
T45 steel tubular rose jointed front and rear anti-roll bars, fitted via titanium bolts. Rear ARB is remote adjustable.

Wheels and Tyres
Force Racing split rims, custom made
Front; 7.5" x 15"
Rear; 7" x 13"
AVON ultra soft compound slicks

Other
All unstressed bolts replaced with aluminium lightweight fasteners
Most stressed bolts/nuts replaced with titanium
MSA logbook for hillclimb and sprint
Total weight 540kg

Harvey
11-01-12, 09:07 PM
Anyone know what a typical cost to vinyl wrap a Nova might be?

Try contacting these chaps regarding a full wrap, used them loads for custom stickers and they are very very good at what they do. Saw them doing the bright pink and green Smart and it was an awesome job. Based in Ilkeston, Derby, about 5 miles off M1 J26. They will be able to advise what vinyl is best for the job you need ;)

http://www.the-image-works.co.uk/

Good work with everything by the way, been following this thread since it was started but don't post much.

LEWI007
11-01-12, 10:36 PM
F*ck thats light!

Now get that engine out and get a LET in it :thumb:

Spudly
12-01-12, 07:29 PM
F*ck thats light!

Now get that engine out and get a LET in it :thumb:





That would probably put too much weight in and slow it down in all fairness, remember its a 1.2 SMALLblock in essence, with 180 evil ponies in it lol

peester
13-01-12, 02:33 PM
Cool, never seen the (old) full spec for this. How long does that 1 gallon tank last for, approximately..?

Southie
13-01-12, 05:25 PM
Colin get it chrome wrapped, the photographers at meets will love it ;)

Andy
13-01-12, 05:45 PM
F*ck thats light!

Now get that engine out and get a LET in it :thumb:
Why? in its current guise it would sh1t all over a let nova

paul james
13-01-12, 08:37 PM
How come you are still using steel front wings?

Royston
13-01-12, 08:45 PM
How come you are still using steel front wings?

I think there are some CF ones, plus other panels to come;)

LEWI007
13-01-12, 11:19 PM
Oh i never knew it was a 180HP.

Thats awesome, what a car!

Spudly
13-01-12, 11:31 PM
Oh i never knew it was a 180HP.

Thats awesome, what a car!





How mental is that, its 24bhp behind a 'let' and its essentially a 1.2 carb block lol



Shows what can happen when the money is used/placed by someone who actually knows what theyre doing:thumb:

novarally
14-01-12, 09:48 AM
Cool, never seen the (old) full spec for this. How long does that 1 gallon tank last for, approximately..?

About 4 miles.

novarally
14-01-12, 09:48 AM
How come you are still using steel front wings?

I'm not, they are carbon fibre.....

novarally
14-01-12, 09:55 AM
Spent a very enjoyable day at the Autosport show yesterday, where I picked up these nice lightweight discs/bells which I might be able to use on the front;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-71.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/004-60.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/005-50.jpg

They are 240mm x 6mm and weigh in at 1.7kg each.

I was also looking into custom flywheels and clutches, and would be interested to hear from anyone who has a bespoke flywheel and 7.25" or 5.5" clutch on their smallblock Nova.

Mine has a standard (albeit lightened) flywheel and Sachs fast road/rally clutch on it at the moment, and there is definite weight to be shed from the rotational mass;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/001-33.jpg

I may also get the crank pulley re-machined in alloy to save weight;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-68.jpg

I will post up a thread in 'MECHANICAL' about this subject.

peester
14-01-12, 12:45 PM
i think lee303 has

toymex
14-01-12, 01:37 PM
I have got a ttv flywheel and 7 1/4 clutch Colin i run a sintered plate and and old sachs cover that my mate had ,what did you need to know ?

novarally
14-01-12, 01:55 PM
I have got a ttv flywheel and 7 1/4 clutch Colin i run a sintered plate and and old sachs cover that my mate had ,what did you need to know ?

I know there's limited clearance inside the bellhousing, so presumably it's just a single plate? What release bearing do you use?

Any photos of the flywheel/clutch please?

TTV were talking about a 3kg flywheel, is that what you have? How do you find it to drive with?

toymex
14-01-12, 02:25 PM
I know there's limited clearance inside the bellhousing, so presumably it's just a single plate? What release bearing do you use?

Any photos of the flywheel/clutch please?

TTV were talking about a 3kg flywheel, is that what you have? How do you find it to drive with?

I am not sure on the weight of the flywheel i thought it was 4.5kg but not sure, the release bearing is an interesting question i had been running a standard bearing as i have only recently been informed i need a round release bearing on this type of clutch so i have got to look into a round faced bearing that will fit ,it worked fine with the standard bearing but there was little adjustment available ,the clutch is very fierce i almost everytime stall it the first time i get in it but soon get used to it other than that it is great ,my 16v revs like a banshee but it has forged pistons and steel rods etc and everything has been very carefully balanced,i dont think you get a twin plate to fit as as you say space is tight.HTH
Jezz

toymex
14-01-12, 02:27 PM
I meant to say i have just removed the gearbox for a check over so i will get some pics of flywheel and clutch for you

novarally
14-01-12, 02:30 PM
I meant to say i have just removed the gearbox for a check over so i will get some pics of flywheel and clutch for you

Thanks Jezz, that would be very useful.

toymex
14-01-12, 02:49 PM
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo114/toymex/escortnovaclutch011.jpg
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo114/toymex/escortnovaclutch010.jpg
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo114/toymex/escortnovaclutch009.jpg
Hope this helps
Regards
Jezz

novarally
14-01-12, 03:01 PM
Hope this helps
Regards
Jezz

It certainly does, thanks. If you happen to be removing the flywheel (ypu're probably not), could you stick it on the weighing scales for me?

I just need to find the right 7.25" clutch (and release bearing) to suit mine now. I've been advised to avoid sintered plates for my car, and go for a rally spec.

TTV certainly seem to offer a good price.

lee303
14-01-12, 03:22 PM
hi colin

cars looking great! i run a TTV flywheel and a 7.25 and single plate, the flywheel was 2.7KG

in a small block box room is very limited for even the single plate, but it will handle 190 lb/ft all day with a red spring, i use a cerrametalic plate and its surprisingly user friendly, especially with a bit more torque like you have, all from helix via martin bowyer, i had to skim the inside of the gearbox to gain some clearance though ...

as for release bearings, i run a vectra hydraulic release, with a flat face, the round face is recommended by everyone but its very expensive and involves a bit of fab to make it fit the box, i have had no problems with the flat type though, but i do only use it for pulling away as i have a dog box now, but even with the synchro box it didn’t cause me any issues, clutch spring fingers look fine, no excessive wear or anything after 10k on it so far

lee303
14-01-12, 03:32 PM
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c109/leeh303/1800%20build/08062008133.jpg

toymex
14-01-12, 03:56 PM
Lee can you tell me where you got your box and roughly what they cost ,i am looking to upgrade sometime in the future Thanks
Sorry for the thread hi jack Colin

lee303
14-01-12, 03:57 PM
pm en route mate

novarally
14-01-12, 06:40 PM
hi colin

cars looking great! i run a TTV flywheel and a 7.25 and single plate, the flywheel was 2.7KG

in a small block box room is very limited for even the single plate, but it will handle 190 lb/ft all day with a red spring, i use a cerrametalic plate and its surprisingly user friendly, especially with a bit more torque like you have, all from helix via martin bowyer, i had to skim the inside of the gearbox to gain some clearance though ...

as for release bearings, i run a vectra hydraulic release, with a flat face, the round face is recommended by everyone but its very expensive and involves a bit of fab to make it fit the box, i have had no problems with the flat type though, but i do only use it for pulling away as i have a dog box now, but even with the synchro box it didn’t cause me any issues, clutch spring fingers look fine, no excessive wear or anything after 10k on it so far

Thanks Lee, that's excellent information. I picked up the Helix catalogue at the Autosport show yesterday, and they mentioned those aluminium clutch covers like you've used.

Do you happen to know the weight of the clutch plate and cover?

Does the Vectra hydraulic set-up bolt straight into F10/13/15?

I've just weighed my flywheel - 4.5kg (lighter than I was expecting)

and the clutch is 3.8kg total (it's a paddle plate)

lee303
14-01-12, 07:49 PM
no don’t know the exact weight sadly, i imagine helix could tell you though, but having had it in my hands i would guess it was around 1.5 kg, and as some can attest, my engine revs like a bike even as a relatively long stroke 1800
the slave cylinder bolts straight in but the small block input shaft is thinner so the seal needs modding, no big deal, you can use the standard seal fitted into the hydraulic slave body, or you could do the daewoo style clutch release with a slave outside the box acting on the clutch arm if you don’t fancy that, but i would think with a 7.25 a hydraulic would be a must over a cable

are you running a 5 speed casing still? would have thought you could use just 4 gears on most hill climbs and iirc the 4 speed casing is a good bit smaller and lighter, but then it may also be smaller in the bell housing area like the f13/15 is to the big block box and i may also be talking rubbish about not needing 5th!

novarally
14-01-12, 09:13 PM
no don’t know the exact weight sadly, i imagine helix could tell you though, but having had it in my hands i would guess it was around 1.5 kg, and as some can attest, my engine revs like a bike even as a relatively long stroke 1800
the slave cylinder bolts straight in but the small block input shaft is thinner so the seal needs modding, no big deal, you can use the standard seal fitted into the hydraulic slave body, or you could do the daewoo style clutch release with a slave outside the box acting on the clutch arm if you don’t fancy that, but i would think with a 7.25 a hydraulic would be a must over a cable

are you running a 5 speed casing still? would have thought you could use just 4 gears on most hill climbs and iirc the 4 speed casing is a good bit smaller and lighter, but then it may also be smaller in the bell housing area like the f13/15 is to the big block box and i may also be talking rubbish about not needing 5th!

Definitely I need 5 gears. I need about 110mph, and I can only hit that with a 5th gear (on Quaife ratios anyway).

I have a hydraulic clutch on mine, but it actuates as a slave cylinder pushing directly onto the clutch release lever arm.

MK999
14-01-12, 09:18 PM
Lee are you still running a small block box on yours? I was under the impression you switched to an F20 after finding the bearings on a small block box spit themselves out at 7500+ RPM, or did I make that up/dream it? lol

lee303
14-01-12, 10:21 PM
Definitely I need 5 gears. I need about 110mph, and I can only hit that with a 5th gear (on Quaife ratios anyway).

I have a hydraulic clutch on mine, but it actuates as a slave cylinder pushing directly onto the clutch release lever arm.

ah right ok, wonder if you could get a 4 speed to suit ratio wise, could be a good weight saving, but i digress, the clutch, yes, thats like the daewoo setup, often think of switching to that as its a pain having to remove the box if anything goes wrong with the hydraulic side, which is more common than the mechanical going wrong for sure!

lee303
14-01-12, 10:23 PM
Lee are you still running a small block box on yours? I was under the impression you switched to an F20 after finding the bearings on a small block box spit themselves out at 7500+ RPM, or did I make that up/dream it? lol
no you didn’t dream it, i run a hewland F18 cased 6 speed dog now, i would have stayed small block but with a dog kit to get over the revs issue, with the synchros rather than the bearings being the things that couldn’t keep up, but when i built the 1800 it also started to twist the input shaft splines round on the f13 synchro, was lucky to make it home from germany!, so a stronger option was needed, the big block input shaft being a fair bit beefier and the hewland having the added bonus of a stronger tooth pattern than the small block

but i have run both boxes with a 7.5 clutch, hence my input to this thread :)

MK999
14-01-12, 11:45 PM
Nice one, your box is probably worth more than my build so it might have to be an F20 for me lol Nice to know there's options out there though, I guess from the rallying world mainly. Bit of sequential action would be awesome, DTA handling the flatshifting aspect :d

novarally
15-01-12, 09:24 AM
Nice one, your box is probably worth more than my build so it might have to be an F20 for me lol Nice to know there's options out there though, I guess from the rallying world mainly. Bit of sequential action would be awesome, DTA handling the flatshifting aspect :d

I'd imagine Lee has sourced his gearbox from a Vectra Challenge car. They've always been a good source of tricky bits.

lee303
15-01-12, 10:27 AM
yup, luckily the guy who i got it from didn’t know what it was really, so i got it for a very good price, seen a few complete cars go but haven’t seen just a 'box for sale for a while

OllieKing
17-01-12, 01:18 PM
Have you thought about using a smaller alloy steering rack?
http://www.mambamotorsport.co.uk/components/racerack.html

novarally
17-01-12, 07:27 PM
Have you thought about using a smaller alloy steering rack?
http://www.mambamotorsport.co.uk/components/racerack.html

No, I had never considered it, and I've never seen that particular rack before.

I shall need to do more research!

Thanks.

novarally
17-01-12, 08:22 PM
A few photos of the flywheel and clutch which have been in the car for the last 2.5 years of my ownership (and I suspect since the car was built in 1998);

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-69.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-72.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/004-61.jpg

On closer inspection the flywheel is showing signs of excessive heating, and there are a couple of hairline cracks showing, so it's definitely time for a replacement. The clutch plate is breaking up as well.

I'm going to have TTV make me up a billet flywheel, and Superclutch are going to make me a clutch, the only thing I need to decide now is whether to go for a 7.25" or a 5.5" clutch.

novarally
17-01-12, 08:30 PM
At the moment I have an F10 gearbox, with Quaife straight cut close ratio gear cluster and Quaife ATB. This still used the standard helical type CWP.

The F10 has always been on the margins of the torque it can handle, although it's survived very well considering. But I've been starting to think that traction could be improved with a plate type LSD instead of the Quaife one.

A few weeks back I bought a Corsa rally car, which has an F15 gearbox in it, with the stronger Quaife SCCR gear cluster fitted, and the straight cut final drive. But even better it has a Tran-X LSD in it on 55/90 ramp angles.

So that is going to get fitted ready for the new racing season;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/005-51.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/006-54.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/007-46.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/008-41.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/009-40.jpg

I was worried that the F15 would be heavier, but in fact they weigh precisely the same, which is great news. There are some interesting differences between the casings when you compare them............the F10 'box is the one which has been painted black.

calibra-keith
18-01-12, 10:25 PM
shocked they weight the same, most bits look noticeably bigger on the f10

stt
21-01-12, 06:19 AM
can you lighten the casing at all by drilling holes in the bell housing part or removing webbing etc?

mowgli
21-01-12, 08:21 AM
with the amount of power going thru it, i'd say leave the gbox castings well alone.

novarally
21-01-12, 09:10 AM
can you lighten the casing at all by drilling holes in the bell housing part or removing webbing etc?

There are a couple of external lugs that might get despatched, but as Mowgli says, I shall probably leave it alone internally.

Off to the paint shop (at last) on Wednesday, details of my colour choice will get a public unveiling here when it's finished.......

joshy
21-01-12, 11:20 AM
Have you thought about finding a lighter engine?

The corsa 1.0 I3 12v is all alumininium and must weigh a good 20-30kg's less than your current one.

granted you've just invested in your current engine but I would look at this engine rather than a x14xe devived one in future

you'll have problems with getting suitable parts but It would be worth it to not be lumped with the cast iron block and 2 valves per cylinder.

in PPC this month, theres a dyhatsui charade with a 1.0 3 cylinder turbo making 250bhp

novarally
21-01-12, 02:23 PM
Have you thought about finding a lighter engine?

The corsa 1.0 I3 12v is all alumininium and must weigh a good 20-30kg's less than your current one.

granted you've just invested in your current engine but I would look at this engine rather than a x14xe devived one in future

you'll have problems with getting suitable parts but It would be worth it to not be lumped with the cast iron block and 2 valves per cylinder.

in PPC this month, theres a dyhatsui charade with a 1.0 3 cylinder turbo making 250bhp

The 3 cylinder is not an engine ever factory fitted in the Nova, so it's not allowed in the 'Modified Production' Class.

joshy
21-01-12, 09:23 PM
The 3 cylinder is not an engine ever factory fitted in the Nova, so it's not allowed in the 'Modified Production' Class.

Ahh fair enough.

What about taking the shell to bare metal and just painting it in clear lacquer.... brush finish it first for the delorean look ;)

mowgli
22-01-12, 12:10 PM
erm no.... cos its half composite

joshy
22-01-12, 12:53 PM
erm no.... cos its half composite

sorry smart ass :tosser:

mowgli
22-01-12, 01:14 PM
you can insult me all you like, but i was only answered your suggestion.. which would look good on an all steel car (look up jimmy shines bare nekid pickup truck) but colins car has not got much outer steel left, apart from the roof.

novarally
25-01-12, 05:48 PM
Spent much of today doing a few last minute jobs befre dropping it off to be painted tomorrow.

I'm giving some thought to fitting it with a dashboard (despite the weight penalty!), just because it looks neater really.

So I did some trial fitting of my Lupo carbon fibre dashboard. As you can see, it will need a lot of chopping to make it fit!;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-73.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-70.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/004-62.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/005-52.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/001-34.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/006-55.jpg

My previous Nova hillclimb car had a Mini carbon fibre dashboard in it, so I will have a look at what else is available and see if there's something which will fit a bit better before I make a decision.

Connor
25-01-12, 05:56 PM
Shame for the ill-fitment, because that look amazing!!

scott.parker
25-01-12, 05:58 PM
Collin IMO your better not touching that and selling it, as thats allot of money to loose trying to fit it!

novarally
25-01-12, 06:12 PM
Collin IMO your better not touching that and selling it, as thats allot of money to loose trying to fit it!

I wouldn't be using that original one, don't forget I have the mould, and a company ready and waiting to produce more of them for me........

calibra-keith
25-01-12, 06:13 PM
It is a very nice dash and feels like it weights nothing (1 or 2kg) ?

its a shame about the side vents and the amount it looks like needs cutting away will bring that area to the cage but that distance is more than you have available at the top from the windscreen to the start of the clock/dial surround

if that makes sense

Jonlem
25-01-12, 06:28 PM
Dash makes the interior look better, not sure I could justify chopping up a carbon dash though

novarally
25-01-12, 06:34 PM
It is a very nice dash and feels like it weights nothing (1 or 2kg) ?

its a shame about the side vents and the amount it looks like needs cutting away will bring that area to the cage but that distance is more than you have available at the top from the windscreen to the start of the clock/dial surround

if that makes sense

2.5kg in fact.

Yes, it does make sense, no matter how much I cut out of it the side panels are never going to mate up with the cage. It would need some new side pieces to be made and bonded on to finish it off.

It's never going to be perfect modifying something else.

Out of idle curiosity, does anybody know if anyone has ever made a carbon fibre COMPLETE Mk.2 Nova dashboard? I don't think I've ever seen one.

Royston
25-01-12, 06:35 PM
I can see the car is shedding some weight, is the driver going on a crash course dietlol

I know that I need to;)

Thank you for the info yesterday:thumb:

I have a friend at work, and he hill climb's a LUPO, so will be interested in your dash possibly and maybe some carbon at some point!!!!

novarally
25-01-12, 06:42 PM
I can see the car is shedding some weight, is the driver going on a crash course dietlol

I know that I need to;)

Thank you for the info yesterday:thumb:

I have a friend at work, and he hill climb's a LUPO, so will be interested in your dash possibly and maybe some carbon at some point!!!!

Hi Royston,

I've shifted a small amount of weight off myself, but am planning a proper effort in the run up to the first race meeting! (note the mountain bike in the background of photo)

All the interior panels for the Lupo are available in carbon fibre (or fibreglass for those on a budget, would look very nice flocked, which I can arrange), I have a price list available now, if he wants to e-mail me.

Royston
25-01-12, 06:54 PM
I'll let him know Colin, thanks again;)

MK999
25-01-12, 09:08 PM
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-73.jpg

Aaaand, I'll be taking 5 minutes alone now :)

Mike
25-01-12, 09:15 PM
Dash makes the interior look better, not sure I could justify chopping up a carbon dash though

Pah its only a bit of carbon. Easily produce another.

I say chop it up to fit Colin, will look lovely with the wheel/interior colour!

With regards to Nova dash, Ive been working on a little something here & there so we'll see what happens.

16xe_chris
26-01-12, 07:59 AM
2.5kg in fact.

Yes, it does make sense, no matter how much I cut out of it the side panels are never going to mate up with the cage. It would need some new side pieces to be made and bonded on to finish it off.

It's never going to be perfect modifying something else.

Out of idle curiosity, does anybody know if anyone has ever made a carbon fibre COMPLETE Mk.2 Nova dashboard? I don't think I've ever seen one.


Mk2 complete carbon fibre or fiberglass dash boards will be available from me in the next couple of weeks :thumb:

t45_ste
26-01-12, 12:25 PM
Sweet count me in :)

christurboo
26-01-12, 12:47 PM
Mk2 complete carbon fibre or fiberglass dash boards will be available from me in the next couple of weeks :thumb:
pics of gtfo??????

16xe_chris
26-01-12, 06:08 PM
pics of gtfo??????

Pics coming very soon matey :thumb:

Southie
26-01-12, 06:37 PM
pics of gtfo??????
I've seen them being made, my words are as good as pictures lol

So has it gone for paint today Coiln?

Mike
26-01-12, 07:10 PM
Mk2 complete carbon fibre or fiberglass dash boards will be available from me in the next couple of weeks :thumb:

Wet lay or prepreg Chris?

16xe_chris
26-01-12, 07:28 PM
Wet lay or prepreg Chris?

Wet lay Mike untill I can get a bigger unit sorted out, running out of room here with all these moulds lol

Mike
26-01-12, 07:37 PM
Wet lay Mike untill I can get a bigger unit sorted out, running out of room here with all these moulds lol

I know the feeling LOL

novarally
26-01-12, 08:59 PM
I've seen them being made, my words are as good as pictures lol

So has it gone for paint today Coiln?

Yes, I delivered it to the body shop today, we'll be bonding on the rear wings over the weekend, and doing the few bits of filling, and of course the rubbing down.

MK999
26-01-12, 09:02 PM
Lightweight filler? lol

Jeff16v
26-01-12, 09:23 PM
would look very nice flocked, which I can arrange), I have a price list available now, if he wants to e-mail me.

Hi Colin, Love the carbon dash, I need some bits flocked on HUA as the damp has caused them to flake, any chance of a price if I email you?

novarally
26-01-12, 09:26 PM
Hi Colin, Love the carbon dash, I need some bits flocked on HUA as the damp has caused them to flake, any chance of a price if I email you?

Hi Jeff - the man for flocking is Alan, user name of 'PREY' on here.

He'll be able to sort you out!

novarally
26-01-12, 09:26 PM
Lightweight filler? lol

Of course!

Southie
26-01-12, 09:28 PM
Yes, I delivered it to the body shop today, we'll be bonding on the rear wings over the weekend, and doing the few bits of filling, and of course the rubbing down.

Looking forward to seeing what colour you eventually decided on, what timescale has been given until you get it back from the bodyshop?

MK999
26-01-12, 09:30 PM
Of course!

Carbon fibre+blender with some aerated epoxy resin? (bubbles don't weigh much)

Jeff16v
26-01-12, 09:30 PM
Hi Jeff - the man for flocking is Alan, user name of 'PREY' on here.

He'll be able to sort you out!


Thanks mate, will pm him, how many microns of paint is the car getting :)

Mike
26-01-12, 09:35 PM
carbon fibre+blender with some aerated epoxy resin? (bubbles don't weigh much)

lmfao!

novarally
26-01-12, 10:00 PM
Off to the bodyshop this morning..........

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/006-56.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/004-63.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-71.jpg

Just look at how much it needs a carbon fibre dashboard.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/001-35.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-74.jpg

MK999
26-01-12, 10:11 PM
Colin what rack are you running? is it a standard nova one extended?

novarally
26-01-12, 10:13 PM
Colin what rack are you running? is it a standard nova one extended?

Standard width rack (Quaife internals) with rose jointed track rod ends.

MK999
26-01-12, 10:38 PM
I am a tard, by rack I obviously meant column. You know those 2 things that are basically the same after all lol

novarally
27-01-12, 08:24 AM
I am a tard, by rack I obviously meant column. You know those 2 things that are basically the same after all lol

The column was custom built by BTEC Racing as part of the original build.

I have plans to replace it with a carbon fibre main tube and lighter weight UJ's. What I really need is a lathe, I've got lots of little jobs where I could use one of those.......

MK999
27-01-12, 06:10 PM
The column was custom built by BTEC Racing as part of the original build.

I have plans to replace it with a carbon fibre main tube and lighter weight UJ's. What I really need is a lathe, I've got lots of little jobs where I could use one of those.......

PM/e-mail me some requirements/uses, I can either make some up at work or I knows a man that knows a man that can get it done to aerospace grade accuracies.

novarally
27-01-12, 06:33 PM
PM/e-mail me some requirements/uses, I can either make some up at work or I knows a man that knows a man that can get it done to aerospace grade accuracies.

I can send you the whole column to work from, assuming the price is realistic.

Not sure what you mean by requirements/uses? My layman response is that I require it to operate the steering rack in response to inputs from the steering wheel, and it will be used in a race car..........but I'm sure you know this!

MK999
27-01-12, 07:05 PM
I wasn't sure exactly what bits you needed making up, our lathe at work isn't 110% down to the tiniest measurable amount accurate... but I could get bits made up to be if needed. I assume you were talking more generally than specifically the column lol

TBH it won't be something the boss will entertain as a job, so price will be very realistic if it's a bung me some cash for doing it on a sunday thing lol

novarally
27-01-12, 07:36 PM
I wasn't sure exactly what bits you needed making up, our lathe at work isn't 110% down to the tiniest measurable amount accurate... but I could get bits made up to be if needed. I assume you were talking more generally than specifically the column lol

TBH it won't be something the boss will entertain as a job, so price will be very realistic if it's a bung me some cash for doing it on a sunday thing lol

Bits I'm in need of that require a lathe currently are;

The rods for the steering column and the bushes to support the inner column

Also needing some nylon 'top hat' bushes to support the gear linkage road where it goes through the bulkhead

And I'm considering sleeeving down the inner TCA bushes and the rear beam bushes to allow me to use an M8 titanium bolt, so will need some sleeves machined

MK999
27-01-12, 07:40 PM
Should be doable in our lathe, it's accurate enough for a good interference fit. If you send me the bits or detailed measurements I'll see what I can do.

Southie
27-01-12, 08:07 PM
This project's getting complicated now MK is involved, he's the most grunge scientist EVER lol

MK999
27-01-12, 08:19 PM
I have been involved for a while, still won't let us build an engine though lol

Southie
27-01-12, 08:30 PM
I wonder why lol

boffer8
01-02-12, 09:37 PM
Got my carbon dash ordered colin and got a good deal through the 16v mini forum too ;)
http://www.absmotorsport.net/media/catalog/product/cache/7/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/i/file_246_1.jpg

Get one in there lad, smartens the job up and weighs a negligible amount, liked the one you had fitted in your old car ;)

calibra-keith
01-02-12, 10:42 PM
Ben, do you have a build thread or pictures/spec of your car ? forgot to ask when you came to mine last year

boffer8
01-02-12, 11:32 PM
Ben, do you have a build thread or pictures/spec of your car ? forgot to ask when you came to mine last year
At the minute no i dont, i dont really have a camera to do so for one as id just be using my phone which would be crap tbh, i really should put one together and start documenting it, i suppose im a little ashamed of it too in some ways as it is a competition car and is very tatty on the out side which annoys me, it gets severely used and abused and one day i will re-shell it all in to my decent shell and it will look good, its just getting the time and money to do it right from the beginning really.

novarally
02-02-12, 11:05 AM
Got my carbon dash ordered colin and got a good deal through the 16v mini forum too ;)
http://www.absmotorsport.net/media/catalog/product/cache/7/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/i/file_246_1.jpg

Get one in there lad, smartens the job up and weighs a negligible amount, liked the one you had fitted in your old car ;)

Shame, I could have got you a better price, I'm good friends with Tony who runs ABS!

I'm going to hold fire until the promised carbon fibre replica of the Nova Mk.2 dashboard turns up, hopefully soon as I need to get cracking with my rebuilding!

novarally
02-02-12, 11:39 AM
This just arrived in the post;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/001-37.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-73.jpg

The new flywheel to suit it is being made at the moment, it's just annoying that these things will be hidden away out of view!

MK999
02-02-12, 08:31 PM
polycarb inspection cover!

calibra-keith
02-02-12, 08:35 PM
hopefully soon as I need to get cracking with my rebuilding!

does this mean the cars painted colin ?

novarally
02-02-12, 10:06 PM
does this mean the cars painted colin ?

No, not had a drop of paint on it yet. Hopefully it will get started tomorrow.

joshy
02-02-12, 10:53 PM
Theres an ex F1 titanium rack and pinion on racepartsdirect, 1.5 turns. just needs a lightweight ally housing made up and you could save a good few kilo's.

Its £95 iirc

novarally
03-02-12, 08:08 AM
Theres an ex F1 titanium rack and pinion on racepartsdirect, 1.5 turns. just needs a lightweight ally housing made up and you could save a good few kilo's.

Its £95 iirc

Do you mean 'Racecarsdirect'?

joshy
03-02-12, 10:22 AM
http://www.racecarsdirect.com/listing/40832/new_ex_f1_titanium_steering_rack_bar_gear.html

race cars direct sorry haha. its been a long day

novarally
14-02-12, 04:57 PM
Not really been much to update on for a while, as due to his Father passing away, my painter has been absent from work for a while.

But he's back now, and work has kicked off again. We've had a couple of days of prep work, and today it's all been masked up ready for paint;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/006-58.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/007-48.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/008-43.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/009-42.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/015-28.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/014-26.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/013-25.jpg

novarally
14-02-12, 05:05 PM
Other developments include the acquisition of these (free!) carbon fibre Mini Miglia arches, which I plan to use as inner mudguards to replace the metal I removed previously;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/004-66.jpg

And I've also been expirmenting with using the composite floor from a Mini Miglia to fill the big hole in the boot;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/005-54.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/010-40.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/011-33.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/012-34.jpg

It's going to fit pretty well with some trimming, so I'm now having it made in the lightest weight carbon fibre, and it should be ready for next week.

If all goes to plan the painting will be done by the end of this week, and I can start re-assembly at the weekend.

There are plenty of other things holding me up already;

1. TTV Racing still haven't made my flywheel which was promised to me weeks ago
2. Sleaford Minis are still working on making me some brackets to mount my R1 front calipers (6 weeks+ on that one)
3. The alloy hinges for my composite doors were wrong first time around, and the guy who did them has now vanished, so I can't fit the doors
4. The new clutch didn't fit, and has had to be sent back for re-machining (apparently now in the post to me!)

If only you didn't have to rely on other people.......

Count Vaux Alot
14-02-12, 05:16 PM
I have been involved for a while, still won't let us build an engine though lol

I wonder why lol

It looks great Colin :thumb:

calibra-keith
14-02-12, 06:20 PM
coming on great Colin, wheres the half spare wheel bit that was there wasn't that in the regs ?

shame about the hinges, as the doors was practically on

Connor
14-02-12, 06:22 PM
Great progress, cant wait to see this painted. Same to hear about the other people holting progress, lets hope that the delay is minimal from now :thumb:

MK999
14-02-12, 07:21 PM
I wonder why lol

It looks great Colin :thumb:

Scared him off when I pointed out the 1.5 turbo BMW of the 80's was 1500bhp est. and materials etc have improved since then lol

16xe_chris
14-02-12, 07:30 PM
I should hopefully have this carbon dashboard ready for you by the weekend :thumb:

novarally
14-02-12, 08:04 PM
coming on great Colin, wheres the half spare wheel bit that was there wasn't that in the regs ?

shame about the hinges, as the doors was practically on

Half the spare wheel well is still there as before! It'll just be hidden under the new false floor.

novarally
14-02-12, 08:05 PM
I should hopefully have this carbon dashboard ready for you by the weekend :thumb:

Spot on Chris, very much looking forward to it!

Lewis.
14-02-12, 09:35 PM
Looking good as always Colin, is the colour scheme still top secret?

novarally
14-02-12, 09:48 PM
Looking good as always Colin, is the colour scheme still top secret?

Yes.

Well, at least until the weekend when all will (hopefully) be revealed............

Lewis.
14-02-12, 10:11 PM
Ooh very good :) That clutch looks far too good to hide by the way, as Mark said, you need a clear inspection cover, would be lighter too lol

joshy
16-02-12, 09:29 AM
When I used to scruitaneer with the MSA, we were told bellhousing and clutch cover modifications were a massive no-no.

drag racing seems to be more leniant on it though

novarally
17-02-12, 05:53 PM
Some positive progress today......

11am, and the car has a coat of primer;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/057-1.jpg

11.30am, and the re-machined clutch plate arrives by courier, and actually fits this time;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/058.jpg

And throughout the rest of the day several coats of paint and lacquer are applied;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/059-2.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/060-1.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/061.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/062.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/063.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/064-1.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/065-1.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/066-1.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/067.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/068.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/069.jpg

So the painting is finished, and tomorrow the suspension goes back on so I can get it back to my workshop and start on re-assembly.

To say I'm pleased with it is something of an understatement, the finish is better than I could have hoped for, and I can't wait to see it in daylight.

The colour is a Lamborghini one, known as Grigio Estoque, and found on the Aventador model.

Connor
17-02-12, 05:56 PM
Wow that really looks the part colin

pie
17-02-12, 06:02 PM
looks sweet :thumb:

Tim
17-02-12, 06:05 PM
i bet your getting very excited for re assembly now. looks good.

mowgli
17-02-12, 06:13 PM
I'm off to lie down in a darkened room.......

Edd
17-02-12, 06:59 PM
Very very nice

Royston
17-02-12, 07:13 PM
Have you measured how many micros of paint he put on?:d

Looking good Colin:thumb:, looking forward to see her finished, will she be at NATS?.........

novarally
17-02-12, 07:39 PM
Have you measured how many micros of paint he put on?:d

Looking good Colin:thumb:, looking forward to see her finished, will she be at NATS?.........

I was there for every step of the process monitoring how much paint went on.............trust me, it was the absolute minimum we could get away with to maintain a nice finish!

Thanks for the positive comments, I'll post up some photos of it tomorrow when the wheels are back on.

I certainly intend to be at the National Weekend, with the car in tow.

lee303
17-02-12, 07:40 PM
looks great colin, good choice!:thumb:

SGA33
17-02-12, 07:52 PM
looks awesome.

peester
17-02-12, 07:52 PM
perfect, must feel pleased you know youve made the right choice - worth all those posts and weeks spent deciding.

CorsaBBoomer
18-02-12, 07:35 AM
Mmmmm, fresh paint, mmmm...

Love the colour :thumb:

blue_peg_16v
18-02-12, 08:10 AM
Awsome mate and personally think the Gsi kit is a big improvement

Ben
18-02-12, 08:20 AM
Awsome mate and personally think the Gsi kit is a big improvement

Damn right, certainly put your own stamp on the car!

burgo
18-02-12, 11:55 AM
Nice colour, can't believe how small that clutch is though

Lewis.
18-02-12, 12:19 PM
That colour really suits it actually, I like very much. Is it getting some contrastng decals/accent colour?

Jeff16v
18-02-12, 12:46 PM
Looks well cool mate, can't wait to see pics outside with it back on its wheels.

SimonTW
18-02-12, 12:57 PM
Completely not how I was expecting it to look. I was thinking it would be a solid bold colour but you have made a fantastic choice. I'd be worried about damaging it too much though now. Looking forward to seeing more updates!

Mieran
18-02-12, 01:16 PM
love the colour

novarally
18-02-12, 02:19 PM
Bolted the suspension and wheels back on this morning;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/001-39.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-75.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-77.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/004-67.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/005-55.jpg

And then got it on the trailer ready to come home;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/006-59.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/007-49.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/009-43.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/008-44.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/010-41.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/011-34.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/012-35.jpg

novarally
18-02-12, 02:21 PM
And started fitting a few bits and pieces back on;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/013-26.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/014-27.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/015-29.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/016-34.jpg

pie
18-02-12, 02:24 PM
stunning

burgo
18-02-12, 03:24 PM
Can't beleave how different it looks, looks much more sedate now

Dayle_
18-02-12, 04:19 PM
looks fantastic Colin!

Jeff16v
18-02-12, 06:54 PM
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/016-34.jpg

Im sure i recognise this wiper assembly.

peester
18-02-12, 07:53 PM
so ****ing cool.

scott.parker
18-02-12, 08:24 PM
Colin that is funking cool mate! the rear arches look so dam hard core and wide its ace! the wheels suite it so well now, and Carbon blends/complements the color also, it's like a small block metallic wide broth to Dan's lol

Scott

calibra-keith
18-02-12, 08:53 PM
that looks great Colin, a little lighter than i was expecting from the lambo pictures i was looking at,

surely this has to be the best nova ever

Ben
18-02-12, 09:05 PM
Will look awesome with carbon dash etc

BRoadGhost
18-02-12, 09:35 PM
Paint looks well done :)

That wiper motor might require earthing.

novarally
18-02-12, 09:42 PM
Paint looks well done :)

That wiper motor might require earthing.

It is earthed (brown wire just visible behind it, going to top right mounting hole)

Iain
18-02-12, 09:50 PM
Paintwork/finish looks great, now comes the fun part of bolting it back together eh!

Just looking at the pic Jeff quoted, is that turret literally just cut out larger or has there been any other strengthening in the area? Looks like an easy way to get more adjustment on the eccentric topmounts.

16xe_chris
19-02-12, 07:34 AM
Looks like it been plasma cut out? We did the same on our rally car to get more adjustment on the top mounts, good little trick lol

Adam
19-02-12, 01:28 PM
Looks very well, its come a fair way looks wise from page 1

Mazz
19-02-12, 09:01 PM
Looks very similar to the vauxhall steel grey colour..

Ben
19-02-12, 09:44 PM
Looks very similar to the vauxhall steel grey colour..

Far more bronze colour than steel grey

John
19-02-12, 09:47 PM
Looks fantastic now it's painted Colin! :)

16v Nova Kev
20-02-12, 10:22 AM
spot on with the paint colour. very nice indeed.

novarally
05-03-12, 11:37 AM
No progress at all with my Nova sadly, due to my life being in complete upheaval due to moving house in the near future.

But the new flywheel has at last arrived from TTV, and looks excellent;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-76.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-78.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/012-36.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/001-40.jpg

Ben
05-03-12, 03:07 PM
That's awesome!

Are you staying Lincolnshire Colin? I though your house was spot on for what you do!

novarally
05-03-12, 03:12 PM
That's awesome!

Are you staying Lincolnshire Colin? I though your house was spot on for what you do!

The house is spot on, the problem is the person I own the house with..........things are all up in the air at the moment, I'm undecided whether I shall stay in Lincolnshire or whether to sell up everything I own and head back down South.

Southie
05-03-12, 03:15 PM
I'm really impressed with the colour Colin, it looks fantastic. Have you sorted out a set of livery colourwise?

mowgli
05-03-12, 03:40 PM
The house is spot on, the problem is the person I own the house with..........things are all up in the air at the moment, I'm undecided whether I shall stay in Lincolnshire or whether to sell up everything I own and head back down South.

now that is one bad decision to have to make.....

hope you get it sorted soon & that it doesn't raddle your wallet too much

novarally
05-03-12, 04:59 PM
now that is one bad decision to have to make.....

hope you get it sorted soon & that it doesn't raddle your wallet too much

Thanks for the thoughts Mike. I'm not sure whether there will be a right or a wrong decision on this one, just a question of making the best future out of a difficult situation.

As always, the problem would be simply solved by having lots of money.........

calibra-keith
06-03-12, 06:57 PM
thats a shame colin hope you get everything sorted out, has took me a few years to get back on my feet (sort of)

you have everything you need there aswell hopefully the nova wont be on the list to go .........

novarally
12-03-12, 08:06 AM
Finally got chance to get the new 'prototype' front brakes fitted up yesterday.

A reminder of what I had on there previously, Wilwood 4-pots with 247mm vented discs;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/009-44.jpg

And the new ones are a solid disc with an alloy bell (from an OMS single seater) with Yamaha R1 motorcycle 4-pot calipers;

These are the mounting brackets which Sleaford Minis made up for me;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/004-68.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/011-35.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/010-42.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/005-56.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/006-60.jpg

And here they are mounted up on the car;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/001-41.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-77.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-79.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/007-50.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/008-45.jpg

Total weight saving compared to the Wilwoods is nearly 6.5kg.

I still need to do a bit of fettling on the offside brake installation as something isn't quite square, the caliper body is touching the disc in one place as it passes through a revolution.

I got the pedal box re-installed as well, plus the steering rack, steering column and gear linkage, so there is a little progress.

Ben
12-03-12, 10:23 AM
Looks like a good fit, are they man enough?

mowgli
12-03-12, 10:29 AM
I think the bolts will, in time, need replacing with shanked ones, as those threads will chatter to nothing. Unless you do something with chemical metal over the threads to fill the gaps. And the nuts will definitely need replacing with either 2 small thin ones per side, or some metal lockable ones, as the nylock will melt out with hard braking.

novarally
12-03-12, 10:45 AM
I think the bolts will, in time, need replacing with shanked ones, as those threads will chatter to nothing. Unless you do something with chemical metal over the threads to fill the gaps. And the nuts will definitely need replacing with either 2 small thin ones per side, or some metal lockable ones, as the nylock will melt out with hard braking.

Good point Mike, I hadn't considered the bolt needing a shank on it.

As this was just to test whether the brakes are actually going to be adequate, I haven't worried about doing anything fancy yet.

If they work then I will use a 'K' nut in place of the nyloc, and I will have the brackets and the spacers for the disc properly made.

mowgli
12-03-12, 11:43 AM
They do need making from a decent bit of solid, ally should do

as for the catching, surely thats the disc/hub running slightly warped, and not the caliper?

I know weight saving is your religion, so when you get proper spacers made up, you could get them tapped & run allen head bolts & loctite instead of the type of arrangement in the pic... I know its only about 20g per side, but it all adds up, as you have proved many times.

Rickyb
13-03-12, 10:29 PM
i saw this in the flesh today and all i can say is its truely breath taking.
(also we got home fine and me old fellas ok after the boot tryed eating him lmao)

novarally
22-03-12, 10:43 AM
Limited progress to report, I pushed it out into the sunshine this morning to get a few pictures of how it currently stands;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-80.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/004-69.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/005-57.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/006-61.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/007-51.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/008-46.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/009-45.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/010-43.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/011-36.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/012-37.jpg

As of last night the engine and gearbox are ready to go back in, with the new flywheel and clutch installed and checked for clearances. I've also fitted a new crank seal whilst it was all apart.

I've given up on trying to fit the fibreglass doors, and the original steel/aluminium doors are now being painted reeady to be re-fitted. With a little bit of effort I managed to get the weight of them down to that of the fibreglass ones anyway!

pikey1986
22-03-12, 10:48 AM
looks amazing colin, have you a finish date yet or is it finished when its finished?

thedjse
22-03-12, 11:20 AM
Car looks awesome pal brilliant choice of colour and some serious mods keep it up mate

scott.parker
22-03-12, 11:25 AM
Well i must say this car is now something els, it was imo a very nicely spec'd impressive performance car before you got it, but now its turning into a an extremely impressive all round car, it's looking like it's going to be a dam nice car now, an with the looks to back up what its performance is, i would o far as to say it's possibly going to be show condition when your finished mate, i love it!

Scott

novarally
22-03-12, 11:37 AM
looks amazing colin, have you a finish date yet or is it finished when its finished?

First race meeting is booked for 21st April (2012!!), so it needs to be ready for then.

I have absolutely no idea where I am going to find the time to do it though.......

Mike B GTE
22-03-12, 04:10 PM
I dont post on here much now, but i have to say thats looking amazing! A credit to you sir! :thumb:

Ben
22-03-12, 06:07 PM
Looks ace, the wheels set it off a treat! What's the thin bar going down the centre of the windscreen for?

BRoadGhost
22-03-12, 08:53 PM
I would have mentioned the bolts used on that bracket too, but since it's understood no point harping on about it. What I would suggest is running a complete seam down the 2 faces on that bracket to strengthen the existing 2 stitches.

I can see you getting into ride heights once it's all rebuilt & being run :)

MK999
22-03-12, 08:57 PM
Looks ace, the wheels set it off a treat! What's the thin bar going down the centre of the windscreen for?

Will be to reinforce a thin poly screen.

Car is looking awesome now Colin, and much more up to date! :)

scott.parker
22-03-12, 08:57 PM
Looks ace, the wheels set it off a treat! What's the thin bar going down the centre of the windscreen for?
Reinforcing for the plexi glass front screen..

burgo
22-03-12, 09:01 PM
it looks awesome, i assume the front suspension is just lobbed on temporarily

autoworksnovasport
22-03-12, 09:03 PM
looking good colin not sure if youve mentioned but are you going to get those brackets machines from one peice for the brakes???

novarally
22-03-12, 10:37 PM
it looks awesome, i assume the front suspension is just lobbed on temporarily

Yes, it's very temporary, it will all be removed tomorrow to get the engine in.

I've got some new eccentric top mounts to go on as well to smarten things up.

For a later development I'm looking to replace the pedal box, the one that's in there works well but is quite heavy, and I'm tempted by this one;

http://www.adr-engineering.co.uk/shop-list-item.php?34

At 1.8kg (without cylinders) it's exceptionally lightweight.

BRoadGhost
23-03-12, 03:53 PM
Sweet baby Jebus that is awesome for the money - you could then get the o.e steel nova throttle pedal replaced with something billet ally to further enhance :D

novarally
23-03-12, 04:37 PM
Sweet baby Jebus that is awesome for the money - you could then get the o.e steel nova throttle pedal replaced with something billet ally to further enhance :D

I've already had an alloy throtle pedal made for it.

Today's update; the engine and gearbox are now bolted into the car, although not plumbed in/wired up just yet.

novarally
23-03-12, 05:55 PM
Proof that the engine is back where it belongs;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/005-58.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/006-62.jpg

And here's something interesting which arrived in the post today;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/001-42.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-78.jpg

Anyone want to have a guess at what they do? No prizes on offer though......

Connor
23-03-12, 05:57 PM
Nice work colin.

calibra-keith
23-03-12, 06:29 PM
superbike pro racing lines for R1 brakes ?

novarally
23-03-12, 06:34 PM
superbike pro racing lines for R1 brakes ?

Hi Keith.

Well, they are off a race bike (a BMW S1000), but there's more to them than just a brake line.......

mowgli
23-03-12, 06:44 PM
are those funky things some sort of handbrake cylinder?

Lewis.
23-03-12, 06:48 PM
Was great seeing this in the flesh, Colin. I bet it was a bit hair raising putting the engine back in a freshly painted bay? lol

Those brake lines look like they have some pressure reducing valves or something in them?

calibra-keith
23-03-12, 06:49 PM
Hi Keith.

Well, they are off a race bike (a BMW S1000), but there's more to them than just a brake line.......

G-link or G-line things ?

Jonlem
23-03-12, 06:54 PM
Yes, it's very temporary, it will all be removed tomorrow to get the engine in.

I've got some new eccentric top mounts to go on as well to smarten things up.

For a later development I'm looking to replace the pedal box, the one that's in there works well but is quite heavy, and I'm tempted by this one;

http://www.adr-engineering.co.uk/shop-list-item.php?34

At 1.8kg (without cylinders) it's exceptionally lightweight.

That's who my throttle bodies and dry sump tank came off.

Car is looking good now, not long to go !

novarally
23-03-12, 07:40 PM
G-link or G-line things ?

I'm familiar with G-Strings, but G-Link/G-Line is new territory.........not sure what you mean by those?

SimonTW
23-03-12, 07:44 PM
Quick release fittings?

novarally
23-03-12, 08:04 PM
Quick release fittings?

Correct.

They are dry-break couplings so you can detach the caliper without needing to bleed the brakes.

Lewis.
23-03-12, 08:08 PM
ah that's a pretty cool idea :thumb:

calibra-keith
23-03-12, 08:20 PM
Correct.

They are dry-break couplings so you can detach the caliper without needing to bleed the brakes.

these are what i ment by G-link/G-line, looking at the picture again i think they are the goodridge G-link ones probably because there goodridge lines lol

can get them for anything that needs to be changed quick, im just not 100% sure what each ones are called but they have them for your water, oil and petrol lines aswell

novarally
23-03-12, 09:51 PM
these are what i ment by G-link/G-line, looking at the picture again i think they are the goodridge G-link ones probably because there goodridge lines lol

can get them for anything that needs to be changed quick, im just not 100% sure what each ones are called but they have them for your water, oil and petrol lines aswell

Thanks for that, you're correct that G-Link is the brand name for them. I'd seen lots of dry-break couplings for fuel/oil etc., but the Goodridge range for brake systems was new to me until recently. This set-up came up on EBAY at sensible money, so I decided to go for them. They're not very necessary on a hillclimb car, but I do love trick bits.

burgo
23-03-12, 10:16 PM
i love how the engine is in and yet looks like its still sitting on the floor

novarally
28-03-12, 10:43 PM
The engine is now all plumbed in, just need to secure the coil pack and turbo oil filter to something, as I've removed the inner wings that they used to bolt to;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-81.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/005-59.jpg

The big outstanding job is now the wiring loom, which as you can see I have 'installed';

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/004-70.jpg

It should be a plug and play job, but I hate electrics with a passion, so I keep putting it off!

Dervy
29-03-12, 12:15 AM
looking awesome colin, keep the updates coming, can`t wait to see it all in one piece again

BRoadGhost
29-03-12, 12:29 PM
You so don't need that front ARB.

mowgli
29-03-12, 12:59 PM
i think colin knows what he needs.. its called traction

BRoadGhost
29-03-12, 06:34 PM
For the sake of correct spring rates that ARB is just dead weight.

mowgli
29-03-12, 06:43 PM
people who don't like anti roll bars really annoy me.

making a car over stiff & not having an arb has caused thousands of accidents, both on the road & on the track.. the only place i'd say an arb is not needed is on british forest stage rallying, where massive wheel travel is needed.

stt
29-03-12, 08:14 PM
people who don't like anti roll bars really annoy me.

making a car over stiff & not having an arb has caused thousands of accidents, both on the road & on the track.. the only place i'd say an arb is not needed is on british forest stage rallying, where massive wheel travel is needed.


what he said!

novarally
29-03-12, 08:57 PM
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/010-44.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/011-37.jpg

Managed to get most of today working on the car out in the sunshine, which was nice.....

Installed the Anderson plug, for which I'll need to cut a hole in the front wing to access;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/027-12.jpg

And got the wiring re-installed;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/029-14.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/030-12.jpg

I've only got one wire left over (!), and I have absolutely no recollection of what it was for, and no obvious signs of where it needs to be attached to! I shall have to go over all of my old photos of the car over the years and see if I can spot it. It's got to go in the engine bay somewhere, I know that.

After that I've been fiddling around mounting the seat, and frankly I'm completely unhappy with where it will sit based on the new seat mountings we installed. At the time they seemed right, but I didn't have the pedal box in the car when we did them, and now it's all wrong, it's too close to the pedals. So now I'm going to have to do some major re-working to get myself a comfortable driving position;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/031-9.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/032-7.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/034-7.jpg

I also temporarily fitted some supplementary gauges (boost, wideband lambda and fuel pressure). The STACK dash I have is supposed to read boost pressure, but the sensor is faulty and STACK want £300 for a new one, so they can whistle;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/033-5.jpg

calibra-keith
29-03-12, 09:08 PM
Hi colin,

i take it your no longer putting the rad in the rear or is this still something your looking at in future ? just with the air ducts on rear windows and hole in boot or have i missed something in the thread.

novarally
29-03-12, 09:15 PM
Hi colin,

i take it your no longer putting the rad in the rear or is this still something your looking at in future ? just with the air ducts on rear windows and hole in boot or have i missed something in the thread.

At various times I've considered a rear radiator, but for the moment that plan is on the backburner.

But when I ordered the windows I had the ducts in them, just in case...........and they look good anyway.

Connor
29-03-12, 09:58 PM
Getting there Colin :thumb:

BRoadGhost
30-03-12, 09:06 PM
Yeah those pedals are far forwards; is there no way of making another foot plate, shortening the throttle to o.e throttle linkage, moving it back and across more? Looks like you've got a similar situation to me with the cage restricting the seat going back any further without lowering it more.

I've no idea how not using an arb would make you dislike someone, because what you're saying there is without exception, the car would be overly stiff and cause (or be more likely to cause) an accident. Never heard such nonsense.

There's a million ways to improve traction if that's what's making you QQ, but the truth of the matter is you will never know if the same driver in that exact same situation would have crashed with the arb off or on. If they recently took the arb[s] off and said it doesn't feel the same, then they'd be right. Who knows who can push & survive without, but more to the point who cares. Not my fault if someone makes a fundamental change to setup then crashes. Maybe they pushed to hard because the extra tip gave them more turn in and they then thought you can still throw the thing in as sharply as before and make it at an even higher speed.

Setup is about personal preference and frankly if you're not prepared to learn changes in characteristics when modifying then just go buy a Kia Picanto & live in bliss.

novarally
30-03-12, 09:19 PM
Yeah those pedals are far forwards; is there no way of making another foot plate, shortening the throttle to o.e throttle linkage, moving it back and across more? Looks like you've got a similar situation to me with the cage restricting the seat going back any further without lowering it more.

I could get the pedal box maybe an inch further toward the bulkhead, but then the master cylinders would be touching the bulkhead. And I'm already using the 'short' AP cylinders.

The roll cage behind the seat is in the way of the seat going as far back as I would like, yes.

The ultimate answer may be to get hold of a pedal box where the master cylinders are in front of the pedals, something like this;

http://www.djm-motorsport.co.uk/Products_Chassis.html

Today I've made up some inner wheel arch liners, chopped up from some (free!) Mini Miglia carbon fibre wheel arches;

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/001-43.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/002-79.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll66/hillclimbescort/003-82.jpg

I will be using more of these carbon arches to make some for the rear as well.