My Nova 16v Project

[trackdaynova]

Could possibly get away with 2mm, but with them being 50 profile tyres, and quite low pressures, they tend to bulge, and they're not far way from the "lipless" arch as it is... but as you say - will give it a go for sure!

I'm intending on going on the PNG session as Lee has a ticket for me, and already threatened me if I don't go on, and I want to book another 4 if possible!

Just had confirmation email cah0000000t

"We are pleased to confirm that your 2008 Competition Licence has been sent
for printing today and you should receive your credit card licence within 6
working days."

[Adam]

I'm intending on going on the PNG session as Lee has a ticket for me, and already threatened me if I don't go on, and I want to book another 4 if possible!

lol

Cool :cool:

[Lee]

Just seen the pics, fook me those 888's were well passed there best,Lol.
Have you tried a 2/3mm spacer on the rear? May sort that rubbage issue.

pfft, you should see mine! Ollies old ones have loads of life left, hes just being a tart lol

[Adam]

Have Olly's old ones then,Lol.

[Lee]

Nope, ive got something all together different turning up this week ;)

[trackdaynova]

hey if i trailored my car i wouldn't have bought any new ones either lol

i have to actually get to combe on these badboys don't forget! :p

[trackdaynova]

wah00000t, got my licence through today, and the 'blue book'.

seems like its all go go go from here!

[fearless]

and the 'blue book'.

seems like its all go go go from here!



Nice bit of 'bed time reading' for you there :thumb:



Dave

[trackdaynova]

Hell yeah - theres some awesome information in there

Local sprint circuit for me is Curborough, so been watching some vids on the old Tube!

[trackdaynova]

Another poor excuse of a PNG member, so I see



hi mate, sorry but the rack was sold the day after i pm'd you..

i got ?100..couldnt say no.

i will keep an eye out for you as i realise you are looking for one and have been let down.

[greg1.4]

hardly a poor excuse..

i did tell you it was prov sold!

[greg1.4]

and another reason why i let it go was because it saved me wrapping it up and posting etc and i dont have paypal..

[R1CH]

You planning on doing some sprints / hill climbs or summet, now you've got a licence ??
I got mine thru a couple of month back, planning on doing a couple of Sprints with a local motor club start of May / June, i was told i had to get a log book tho as it has a bigger motor fitted than it came from the factory with.
Few small bits and bobs to do to the car but other than that its good to go, can't wait !!

[trackdaynova]

Yo Rich, thats the plan :thumb:

Exactly the same as you really - planning on 'getting on it' asap!

I can't wait either... :)

[trackdaynova]

More weightloss happening with the car lol every little helps, also in preparation for the car to be ready for Sprints.

Got bored of the "sleeper" look, so removed the rubstrips ready for my white door squares for my race number, and removed the badges and the "NO INTERIOR LEFT..." sticker
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0641.jpg

Toffee/ Fudge wheel makes it effortless
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0642.jpg

Shiney rubstrip free doors
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0643.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0644.jpg

badgeless and stickerless tailgate
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0645.jpg

Removed my heater blower so I could respray that part of the bay so it matches the rest (as it was previously black around there)
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0646.jpg

Resprayed the front lower valance again to give it a freshen up
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0647.jpg

New and used 888s ready for a thrashing at Castle Combe!
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0648.jpg

[novashed]

couldnt resist could ya lol

[trackdaynova]

whassat? entering competition stages?

[Lee]

WTF is a heater still doing in there anyway??!!!

You big pansie! lol

[vaughanmc]

Minted mate :)

Love this car

[trackdaynova]

pansie yessss sirrrr rreeeeee :D lol

[boffer8]

can you please tell me where you get a toffee/fudge wheel from cos im after one to debadge my car?

[Lee]

any good auto paint shop mate. (that doesnt include halfords lol)

[smcgsi16v]

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0630.jpg




Just a quick question, what pressures do you you run in them from cold?

Oh and super build.:thumb:

[trackdaynova]

boffer - bought mine from eBay for ?1.99 lol

smcgsi - on that particular day I ran them too high, around 26-28 from cold... eeek!

[smcgsi16v]

What would you normally run them at from cold.

sorry about the questions, its just I've got a set on 15's for a lightish corsa and just wondering what people would run them at.

[Lee]

22 front, 18 rear :) Thats never let me down, and I got my second set to run lovely and flat on those pressures.

[smcgsi16v]

Will have to try them pressures, cheers Lee just got to get them on the wheels first.

[trackdaynova]

Yeah - as Lee said, he advised me too.

If you can see on the pic on the previous page, of the 8 wheels, you can see "F22" and "R18" on them in yellow chalk, so I know which are fronts and which are rears lol

[boffer8]

cant find any of these toffee fudge wheel thingy magigies any where! any ideas of what to type in on ebay?

[Adam]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Moulding-Stripe-Removal-Remover-Wheel-Drill-Adaptor_W0QQitemZ360038423794QQihZ023QQcategoryZ30 923QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l12 47QQcmdZViewItem
(http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-NOVA-PIERBURG-1-4SR-CARB_W0QQitemZ250233463117QQihZ015QQcategoryZ27384 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[trackdaynova]

lol @ that price

here's the one I bought for reference

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=290220115086&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=019

[Lee]

Im surprised you bought that mate, there arn't nearly enough pictures!

[trackdaynova]

i know, its ridiculous isn't it - my update today has plenty of pics of nothing in particular, just because i know you enjoy looking at them lol

[trackdaynova]

right then... tonight updates, got my FIA 2litre extinguisher, again for MSA purposes, and began fitting my FIA cut off switch... will let pics do the talking...

great service once again from Peter Lloyd Rallying, got my 2litre hand held extinguisher
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0649.jpg

quick pic of engine bay now paint has dried on drivers turret area (behind wiring) and around heater blower
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0650.jpg

Inside with tunnel untouched and switch panel same old
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0651.jpg

Removed switch panel, and got the hole saw out
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0652.jpg

To accomodate my FIA Cut-Off Switch
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0653.jpg

Wiring goodness... uh ho
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0654.jpg

Refitted but not wired up just yet - need some more 35mm2 welding wire
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0655.jpg

Sunstrip fitted, however it might be too low that it will get in the way of the camcorder - gonna test it out tomorrow
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0656.jpg

[trackdaynova]

In preperation to do the internal shifter mod, I removed the excess metal tonight
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0657.jpg

During... spot weld drill bit made a mess, ended up going through both layers! doh
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0658.jpg

Metal gone...
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0659.jpg

Got fed up with poxy drill bit, do got the grinder on the passenger side - much neater lol
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0660.jpg

Extinguisher tucked up ot the way, yet easily accessable
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0661.jpg

[greg1.4]

looking good..

switch panel looks the same as mine..ha ha

[vaughanmc]

Internal shifter will look the buisness like :)

[Lee]

lol, you weren't wrong when you said you lunched the thranny tunnel lol.

Hammer it all down, seal and fill it mate, will look fine.

[trackdaynova]

hey lee, am i gonna experience problems cutting the hole for the shifter to go through, with the dash/ heaters in do you reckon?

[Lee]

Yeah, your going to need to take the dash and heater out to get a drill in there methinks.

[trackdaynova]

No can do, due to welded in cage - i'll have a go at using my air nibbler...

[trackdaynova]

OK so I cracked on with the job in hand from yesterday...

Took the internal shifter than I bought from John H, and cut the kink out by removing 3 inches, as per the guide written by Dar (http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93293), however the kink wasn't as great as some I seen - but Lee had told me it needed to be straight straight
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0662.jpg

However the other end of the shaft has a slight bend in it - is this correct? or has it been damaged previously?
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0663.jpg

Welded back up, 3inches shorter and kinkless
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0664.jpg

Made sure it was straight by putting the two halves in a vice and putting a spirit level across the join
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0665.jpg

Then painted it black
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0666.jpg

Then hated it, it looked tacky, so I soaked it in a tub of Nitromorz for 20mins, and its come out looking cleaner than ever
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0667.jpg

Then I marked out the 100mm x 30mm hole, however I went to 40mm wide just so I had a bit more clearence, and I set about using the air nibbler to nibble the hole out, as there is no space for a drill and jigsaw with the dash & heaters in place, the outcome... fairly neat!
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0668.jpg

[Lee]

Good work. Glad you got rid of ther paint as well, that would have looked awful!

[trackdaynova]

Whilst chatting to Lee at nigh 2am this morning, we got onto the subject of cleaning cars for some reason, as we're both anti cleaning lol

However, it got me feeling a bit guilty that I've not gave mine a good wash and polish in a while - so I set about doing that... my excuse is that I'm doing it for less drag and more aerodynamic in time for Combe, I think it needed it though...

Before & After
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0669.jpg http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0670.jpg

Same again
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0671.jpg http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0672.jpg

Removed all the Toyo 888s that were splattered up my wings and doors, they've not been this clean in years lol (brake cleaner is good for this, as it melts the rubber which enables you to just wipe off)
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0673.jpg

Then I fitted my FIA white square door stickers, look big - but they're the regulations of the "Blue Book", and I need them to enter stages

You have to be a part of a recognised club to get "invited" to stages, events, so I joined the NSCC, and entered their Sprint Competition
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0675.jpg

[trackdaynova]

And just because it was clean, and the stickers are new... i took some more pics, shock horror
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0674.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0676.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0677.jpg


It's getting there... slowly but surely!

[Adam]

Nice work.
Paints come up well.

Looks cooler without the rub strips fitted IMO :cool:

[nathan.]

Looking good now Olly.
I've just been looking at NSCC website, looks quite good to get into, not too expensive either. I may join at a later date (when the weddings out the way lol) :cool:

[trackdaynova]

Yeah, it's £77 to enter a stage, and you get £6 off for being a member :thumb:

Thats for 5 runs... 2 practise runs and 3 timed runs.

I want to go to Curborough on 11th May, but thats my 1st Year Wedding Anniversary date lol typical!

Off to Mallory tomorrow to watch some of the other cars from the NSCC

[trackdaynova]

Sorted - been out and sorted the holes in the trans tunnel, and hammered down and smoothed over any sharp edges - and gave another lick of paint... no pics.

[Adam]

NO PICS?

Are you feeling ok? lol

[Ernie]

Looking good fella.
See you at combe.

[trackdaynova]

Yeah - looking forward to meeting y'all new faces!

Should be a corker of a day! :thumb:

[trackdaynova]

Strut brace received today, courtesey of blue_peg_16v... thanks very much for the awesome delivery!

Sparco Upper Alloy
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0678.jpg

[corsakid]

looking good mate

[chris gsi]

looks very smart looking forward to meeting you and the car at combe

[trackdaynova]

Cheers Chris - likewise! :thumb:

Well today I took delivery of some very fancy adjustble rosejointed tie bars, lowered tie bar brackets and strengthened bottom arms from Jonboy - thanks very much.

Got them, stripped them down, cleaned them up, gave them a few coats of the ole' satin black, and built them back up again.

Fitting them tomorrow in time for Combe - and some piccies:

Waiting to dry and Nova in background not knowing whats gonna happen to it
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0679.jpg

Uber neat welding on the brackets
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0680.jpg

Stengthened TCAs
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0681.jpg

Standard balljoints for now, however on the lookout for some Uniballs maybe
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0682.jpg

Semi built up
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0683.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0684.jpg

All done... bring on the castor!
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0685.jpg

[Jonlem]

Look great mate, I thought you would enjoy painting them lol

[vaughanmc]

Has this Nova got anti roll bars mate ?

If it has do you think they make any difference ?

[burgo]

this has to be the most track preped nova on the site now surely

[Will F]

Seems a shame to have boggo ball joints on there... sort of defeats the object...

There is a chap on here selling some uniballs for £150 ish.

I was going to do all that to mine (and I bought all the stuff!) but decided against due to fact I use it on road too...

See you Sat:)

[craig green]

Just to add. Rosejoints dont make the front end any more jarring over bumps etc.

Common misconception dreamt up by people that havent tried them. Bits look spot-on Olly.

[craig green]

Has this Nova got anti roll bars mate ?



Fr end I'd say no. Rear end maybe (if one has been added). general opinion is to leave fr one off. Can help with sloppy suspension though.

[Will F]

Just to add. Rosejoints dont make the front end any more jarring over bumps etc.

Common misconception dreamt up by people that havent tried them. Bits look spot-on Olly.

Have you tried them?

Not quite sure what you mean by 'jarring', but it deffo makes the ride more harsh... its meant to! (at least its meant to get rid of the 'squash' of teh bushes)

If you were to go over a pot hole for example with rose jointed everything you WILL notice that the 'effect' would be more noticable to say the least!

Also adds extra pressure onto other components of teh shell, and they dont last as long as rubber/poly bushes. Thats what I was referring to when I said I chose poly.

[Lee]

Indeed Will, thats why I went the route of Nylon bushes. They need replacing every season, but its cheaper than replacing a rosejoint!!

When Chris T let me have a go in his, there was about 4mm play in the tiebar ones. made for an interesting drive lol

[craig green]

Just to add. Rosejoints dont make the front end any more jarring over bumps etc.



I've got the TCA's running RJ's, Have done since 2002.

[Will F]

I've got the TCA's running RJ's, Have done since 2002.

Probably need replacing then.

If you dont notice any difference between them and your old rubber bushes they will need replacing. lol

[trackdaynova]

Thanks for the comments/ discussion

Will - as said, the standard ball joints are "for now", however I think £150 is better spent elsewhere to get me more prepared for Hillclimbs & Sprints, namely Quikrak kit, for one.

Also, I can't see how having standard bottom ball joints "defeats" the object of the whole package really.

> The lowered tiebar mounts help improve turn in, and prevent "digging in" under hard braking
> The tiebars are now adjustable in length to gain castor is the main reason for the setup. Again - to improve turn in again.
> The bottom arms are now strengthened, which appealed to me because I have the 14 Harry Hockley plates on - I've wanted to plate them for ages anyway
> The fact they are rosejointed, in my opinion - is just a bonus the fact it gets rid of another 2 polybushes.

Also - I know they'll need replacing, as does every consumable, but not in my life time in owning the car - despite the car being road legal - I very rarely take it out on the road.

[Jonlem]

Have you been smoking or been near anyone smoking crack today Craig ?

Rose jointed bars don't make the ride any harsher ?? LOL

Clearly not used a set, I've sold those with a disclaimer to Olly that he MUST avoid big potholes etc..

The original Pro tec mounts that Chris and I used do suffer from them knocking the bearings out, christ knows how many sets I put in mine and Chris had mentioned to me his had failed.

Olly, why are there no pictures of these fitted yet lol

[OllyTB]

looking good dude!

[Will F]

Thanks for the comments/ discussion

Will - as said, the standard ball joints are "for now", however I think £150 is better spent elsewhere to get me more prepared for Hillclimbs & Sprints, namely Quikrak kit, for one.

Also, I can't see how having standard bottom ball joints "defeats" the object of the whole package really.

> The lowered tiebar mounts help improve turn in, and prevent "digging in" under hard braking
> The tiebars are now adjustable in length to gain castor is the main reason for the setup. Again - to improve turn in again.
> The bottom arms are now strengthened, which appealed to me because I have the 14 Harry Hockley plates on - I've wanted to plate them for ages anyway
> The fact they are rosejointed, in my opinion - is just a bonus the fact it gets rid of another 2 polybushes.

Also - I know they'll need replacing, as does every consumable, but not in my life time in owning the car - despite the car being road legal - I very rarely take it out on the road.

Didnt mean to sound negative dude... it doesnt 'defeat' the object your right.. just a shame thats all! ;)

And tbh on the road I cant hear anything anyway over the TBs, so who cares!? lol

[trackdaynova]

Oh yeah, I hear ya!

Exactly, regarding noise, and I can't really hear the TBs much, over the gearbox whine lol

Not trailoring it down anymore, nor are we going down on Friday... now we're driving the Nova (hardcore) and on the Saturday morning :thumb:

[craig green]

Have you been smoking or been near anyone smoking crack today Craig ?

Rose jointed bars don't make the ride any harsher ?? LOL

Clearly not used a set, I've sold those with a disclaimer to Olly that he MUST avoid big potholes etc..

The original Pro tec mounts that Chris and I used do suffer from them knocking the bearings out, christ knows how many sets I put in mine and Chris had mentioned to me his had failed.

Olly, why are there no pictures of these fitted yet lol

Crack is whack mate... My kit is a TAS kit for just the inner TCA's. Admittedly I've only done about 25k on them. But the joints are still smooth & offer some resistance to movement like a new bearing does. I live in a town with mostly poorly patched road surfaces, the rest of the front end is bushed with Poly Race 'hard' compound bushes. Personally it feels no worse in terms of jarring or harshness than the previous setup I had other than IMO the steering feedback & accuracy is massively improved.

Lets leave it to Olly to decide, however I was just offering a little advice prior to trying them that they might not be the teeth shattering addition everyone thinks they are.

[t45_ste]

Olly if your after a set of uni balls got a pair here you can have for £100. Sorry if im being cheeky :D

[Adam]

Oh yeah, I hear ya!

Exactly, regarding noise, and I can't really hear the TBs much, over the gearbox whine lol

Not trailoring it down anymore, nor are we going down on Friday... now we're driving the Nova (hardcore) and on the Saturday morning :thumb:
2/3hour drives in a stripped out nova rules ;) :cool: lol

[Jonlem]

Crack is whack mate... My kit is a TAS kit for just the inner TCA's. Admittedly I've only done about 25k on them. But the joints are still smooth & offer some resistance to movement like a new bearing does. I live in a town with mostly poorly patched road surfaces, the rest of the front end is bushed with Poly Race 'hard' compound bushes. Personally it feels no worse in terms of jarring or harshness than the previous setup I had other than IMO the steering feedback & accuracy is massively improved.

Lets leave it to Olly to decide, however I was just offering a little advice prior to trying them that they might not be the teeth shattering addition everyone thinks they are.

Without doubt the conversion to using those type of rose joints on the tie bars makes it a VERY harsh ride.

I was wondering who originally made the rose jointed tca's, TAS did make some ok products, shame their service was so poor :mad:

[trackdaynova]

My videos have now been uploaded, can be found on my YouTube Channel: http://uk.youtube.com/user/trackdaynova

They're all mega resolution so should be good to view in full screen, all over 60mb+ in total, so video and sound quality should be ace... *fingers crossed*

Direct links:

Session 1 - 9m 43s - Passenger: Michelle Hewitt
Driving behind Dar & Dars Dad (in the Escort)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VWJ2tC7MtFg

Session 2 - Passenger: Ben Need (ben21)
Alongside & behind Lee for a while, lots of sideways out of Bobbies (2nd chicane)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZXsq1ErEww

Session 3 - Passenger: Chip (www.VauxSport.com (http://www.vauxsport.com/))
Most enthusiastic, yet wettest session, muchoes sideways out of Bobbies (2nd chicane)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugj_Xm3-Xrk

[Benn]

Dude, have just read the whole thread.
Amazing work with the old girl. I didnt know you had done some much to it.
Looks like(well i know you have) build a weapon, yours skills have come on a long way from back in the astra days, Cant say how impressed i am with all the bits youve done.

Great work.

[trackdaynova]

Thanks for the nice words Benn.

Right then - now Combe has been and gone - on with the next set of modifications to be fitted.

Firstly - as its my build diary, I would like to add these photos of my car on track at Combe, my personal favourites so far, that I've seen.

Thanks to LEE69 from MIG for this photo
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0686.jpg

Thanks to Benn for this photo
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0687.jpg

Unsure where I have saved this photo from - but thank you if you read this
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0688.jpg

Last but certainly not least - thank you Spanishfly for this photo
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0689.jpg

All very good - thanks to everyone that took a pic of my car whilst on track

[trackdaynova]

OK then - out of the list of bits to do, I decided to get my new fancy tiebars etc on.

So off with the drivers old, and a photo to compare the two, new & old
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0690.jpg

Drivers fitted
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0691.jpg

Some detailed pics, fitted on the car
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0692.jpg

Welding is beaut
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0693.jpg

Strengthened wishbones
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0694.jpg

[trackdaynova]

Gotta love stiffies
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0695.jpg

Passenger before & after
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0696.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0697.jpg

Still love the quality of the welding
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0698.jpg

Dropped to the floor, not lower than the manifold which is good
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0699.jpg

and finally - photo number 700 (yup, seven hundred) lol in my total build thread! lol dirty engine bay photo from the motorway miles
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0700.jpg

[Lee]

lol. Whussed out on the shifter then :)

Nice bits there, especially the boxed TCA's ;)

[Benn]

They look hard core as funk! Made by lee303?

[Jonlem]

Looks great mate, glad your happy with them.

Benn, The TCA's are the original ones made by Lee303, they have been slightly adapted and the tie bars and brackets are a totally different design.

[Benn]

Ah ok, was gonna say they look very much like the ones he and fly run.

[trackdaynova]

What he said above :) :thumb:

[scott.parker]

Ol it's looking fapping ace now mate, not a hell of a lot left that you could do really, aprat from stip it and re-build it lol

[ben21]

Some when is its next outing then Olly?

[trackdaynova]

It'll be in a couple of weeks I should imagine... Donington Park or Rockingham Raceway again, as they're both fair local - and I love them...

Ben - MSN for hi res track action pics of yours ;)

[ben21]

Cool!

Ps, you have PM

[craig green]

FUNK!

I had no idea you were running un-boxed TCA's up until now! Thats crazy!

Car is ace Olly, proper tool.

[trackdaynova]

Yup, I am a proper tool lol

Cheers for comments - yeah - just never got around to plating the TCAs

No need now hey! lol

[Adam]

Post up sometime if your going Donny sometime, i'll pop along to get some track pics/vids as its only along the A50 :)

[trackdaynova]

OK - no updates as the car hasn't been touched.

However I have today received my new OMP 3-layer FIA approved race suit, which I got for a fantastic bargain as it retails at £369.99 + VAT :thumb:

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0701.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0702.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0703.jpg


Also - booked onto my first competitive Sprint Stage, which is going to be held at Curborough Sprint course on Sunday 11th May, looking forward to running against the clock.

Downfall is that I'm going to do poorly due to lack of quickrack lol hey ho - there'll be no footage posted of that then! lol

[scott.parker]

nice one mate, so how much did it set you back then?

Scott

[Benn]

369.99? christ on a bike.

[trackdaynova]

£92.00 + £7.50 postage :thumb:

Just got to get out in the Nova, setup the castor on the tiebars, then try and source and fit a quickrack asap lol

[Jonlem]

Nice suit Olz, whats the problem with sorting a rack ?

I have a rack here I can build into a quick rack if you get me a kit ?

[trackdaynova]

OK cool - I'll order, buy and pay for a kit - and get it delivered to yours? that OK?

Cheers Jon!

[Jonlem]

No problem mate, you know my address ?

[tom reid]

Oli, guess what Iv'e got sitting here?

[trackdaynova]

something long and hard with 2 ends? lol

[tom reid]

yes, but it's quick too

[trackdaynova]

Excellent Smithers - PM sent!

[ace-media]

Also - booked onto my first competitive Sprint Stage, which is going to be held at Curborough Sprint course on Sunday 11th May, looking forward to running against the clock.

Dude, hoping i've finished the Ashtray, i'll be there to spectate and photograph!

Curborough rocks, can give you a talk through of the circuit at some point if you like?

[trackdaynova]

been there many times dude :thumb:

would be good to see you there though dude!

hey - just bought a 300mm f2.8 for my D2x :cool: tis phenominal!

[ace-media]

Ah fair play dude, didn't realise you'd done The Curb! Such a good place. Really hope it doesn't get built on!!

Am cracking on with the Dis-Astra this weekend, so even if it doesn't quite have an exhaust, it'll be there :p

[chrisritchie]

However the other end of the shaft has a slight bend in it - is this correct? or has it been damaged previously

hi did you find out if this is ok and which site did you weld it back on to?

thanks for any help

[trackdaynova]

Not sure I understand your question, I've not fitted this yet - so unsure as to whether the kinked end is going to be a problem.

As for the welding, all you do it cut out the 3inches where the kink is just after the gate.

Hope this helps

Thanks

[chrisritchie]

sorry about that, thanks for your help

[trackdaynova]

hey no probs - have you figured it out now?

[chrisritchie]

i am going to get it done this weekend. so with a bite of luck

[blue_peg_16v]

strutbrace looks well mate glad your pleased with it

[trackdaynova]

yes mate - chuffed... thanks very much!

it'll get a bit of satin black treatment though... lol

[trackdaynova]

OK, with my first competitive Sprint stage looming at Curborough (http://www.tvrspeedchampionship.co.uk/images/VENUES/CurboroughLayout.jpg)

Thought I'd better actually look at the car, as I haven't done since Combe, all apart from fitting the tiebars.

So this morning I got up and washed it as it was thick of motorway film from the journey back from Chippenham, also did a bolt check on the tiebars as I hadn't actually driven it since.

Then a trip to my local motorfactors for new handbrake cables, as mine have been melted through from the mapping session for ages, along with some Underseal with Waxoyl for inside the rear arches where it'd rubbed off, and some Satin & Matt black paint for my beam breaker/ timing strut.

The MSA Blue book states:
"Timing Strut - Where timing is activated by a light beam, the vehicles will be fitted at the front with a vertical timing strut, minimum vertical height 254mm, the bottom of which shall be not less than 180mm and no more than 200mm from the ground. The strut will be in matt black on both sides, over its total area, which shall be not less than 254mm by 51mm. No other, or further forward, part of the vehicle my interupt these dimension or actuate the timing"

This said, I made a 'to scale' template to take to my alloy fabricators to have one made in 2mm thick alloy, a couple of mm bigger on each edge just to be sure, as it seems they are mega strict!

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0704.jpg

Whilst changing my handbrake cable thougth I'd snap a "under bay" shot
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0705.jpg

Exhaust path soon to be changed
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0706.jpg

Rear drums resprayed satin black, and inner rear arches waxoyled again
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0707.jpg

Soon to be gone
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0708.jpg

Hole underneath soon to be put to use
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0709.jpg

[trackdaynova]

wtf - looking at that top pic again - it appears that my crappy camera phone took the liberty to horizontally flip the photo lol

sorry about poor photos btw...!


EDIT: ignore me, it hasn't been flipped at all - that correct lol

[Adam]

Going for a new straight exhaust system then? OR modding the current one?

[trackdaynova]

not too sure at the moment, as i like the system I have - i'll probably just make a straight section with a big circular middle silencer :)

[trackdaynova]

So then, have the 'Final Instructions' through for my Sprint next weekend.

I'm race number 43, here is our class:

Toyota MR2 - 1587cc
Peugeot 205GTI - 1905cc
MGB Roadster - 1798cc
Vauxhall Nova - 1998cc
Toyota MR2 - 1587cc
Nissan Sunny GTi-R - 1998cc
Lada Samara - 1575cc

On the subject of noise - static noise limit is 118dBs, so I'm OK there, which means I'll probably by OK on the driveby too.

Sorting a Donington trackday for Friday 30th May if I can get the time off! :)

[Ste L]

where is the sprint being held?

[trackdaynova]

Curborough Sprint Course, Litchfield

Curborough is situated off the A38 trunk road between Burton on Trent and Lichfield in Staffordshire.
The venue is Brown Signed once you are off the A38, and also the A515 from the West.

http://www.curborough.co.uk/graphics/corners.jpg

[R1CH]

Looks cool, reckon your car seems to be pretty well sorted for the track so should do ok.
Good luck with it !! you'll have loads of fun !!

[CP]

Good luck with it mate. You should have a great time!:thumb:

[Adam]

Is spectating free at that sprint course?
Might pop along

[trackdaynova]

Yup - I believe it is! :thumb:

Had beambreaker made today from 3mm ally, so I'm now all set for Sunday! :)

[Adam]

Doh, its on Sunday?
I thought it was on Saturday lol

What times it on from/till?

[trackdaynova]

I'll be there on Sunday from about 06:30am, until late afternoon I'd imagine :thumb:

[Lee]

Good luck mincer :)

[trackdaynova]

Cheers Lee lol :thumb:

OK, so the sprint is tomorrow, plan is to be up and left by about 06:30am, to get there for 07:30am, in time for scrutineering @ 07:45am.

Last minutes bits done, despite my race numbers not turning up - I had to find a local signwriter to do some for cash, which they did, else they'd have been made out of black tape lol

Checked all levels, and gave the engine bay a bit of a tidy up in general, and added all my relevant stickers that need to be on the car.

Fairly nervous with it being my first competitive event, but its a socialable event too - so looking forward to having a good chat with all the other people there, and talking cars all day in the sun :)

In my usual style, even with no updates to speak of - there are still pics because that I do.

Bay with resprayed covers, brace polished lol, inner wings resprayed
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0710.jpg

Yep, thats right - get me out via here when I'm in the (delete as appropriate) a) gravel b) tyres c) upside down in the gravel heading towards the tyres
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0711.jpg

and Yep, prior to you dragging me out, turn this (actually, dont bother as i've not wired it in yet - just turn the key)
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0712.jpg

Aforementioned numbers, Rainsports have been removed in favour of dry whether and my Mod Prod 3B class allows me to run 888s so I shall be doing so!
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0713.jpg



Thanks for the constant comments, and interest - next up will be the report on how I did, or didn't lol

[Ash]

stop it! Im itching to start sprinting and hill climbing now lol

Car looks great, very well prepared machine :cool:

[Adam]

Nice work, looks cool with the numbers on the side :cool:

Hope it goes well tomorrow, shame i cant make it :(

[Lee]

If you do roll it and die, i want your cesarios :)

Break a leg mate, main thing is, have fun!

[Adam]

lol

[benji]

I'll see you there in the morning.

Good Luck

[Benn]

Look luck. Have fun. Kill em all.

[chrisritchie]

good luck :thumb: and did you have to put an external cut of swich on your car?

[dhdev (Oli)]

Hope all went well today. If I was up in the Midlands I would've definately been there, used to regularly spectate at Curborough, no better place on a sunny Sunday :thumb:

[benji]

When i left at 1ish olly had done the (i think) fastest time in his class on 1st run and ditched it on the 2nd run. Mother and Baby are ok :D. not sure how 3rd run went but i'm sure he will be on here to tell all later.


http://www.derbywargamessociety.co.uk/images/project/img_0506.jpg

[ashtal]

Thats a sorry sight !

[benji]

not a mark on it. Didn't even snap off his beam breaker.

[Adam]

Good to see he was pushing/trying hard then :)

[Lee]

LOL, i bet someone was behind the hedge with a 'FOR SALE, QUICK RACK' sign lol

[R1CH]

All the best drivers crash !! lol
Hopefully it got pulled out and he managed to finish the day.

:thumb:

[dhdev (Oli)]

Whoopsy!
Was that the exit from the molehill? Catches quite a few out there.

[Lee]

Oli D, remember the vid of Craig from PVG at curb? :)

[dhdev (Oli)]

I don't actually :cry: Remind me? I take it, it was V similar!

[Lee]

It was more rally style, serious **** out on every corner, and then snapped a shaft on the last bend lol

[dhdev (Oli)]

Ahhh, I DO remember! :thumb:

[trackdaynova]

Full Sprint Report here: http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97949

A couple of my favourite pics, with it being my build diary...

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0714.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0715.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0716.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0718.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0717.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0720.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0719.jpg

[Benn]

ooo dude thats not good, much damage?
Glad you did well witht he rest of it tho.

[scott.parker]

Hey Ol, nice to see you had fun and the car came out ok, you were flying though!
I went round curbouough a few years back in my old one and it's an ace little track, the the PVG didn't have the full track as it was a weekend and the locals normally moan lol

good going mate.

Scott

[ashtal]

I can see why you binned it, the wheel came off ! Chatting up the marshall !?!

[trackdaynova]

lol marshall was a cutie!

thankfully it was a very soft landing, as you can see on the YouTube vids lol just 2 scratches, and my mirror was knocked out of joint - other than that, i continued to do my remaining sprints and completed my fastest lap of the day!

thanks again all for continually reading :) :thumb:

[castanhas_15td]

very nice!!

keep up with the good work!

[trackdaynova]

OK, so with another trackday booked, at Donington Park for two weeks tomorrow, and with my next Sprint also booked for four weeks on Sunday. I began with my upgrades.

I've ordered an FIA hologomated OMP full face white helmet for my next sprint.

First off, removal of throttlebody backing plate, trumpets and airfilter in order to get an airbox made, as I'm a little concerned about Donington Parks limits, as I remember a couple of years ago lee303 getting black flagged for an identical setup.

Then it's off with the standard steering rack, which was a bit fiddly with everything in situ, but it's do'able, so I've removed my rack as I've ordered a quick rack from Harry Hockly Motorsport, which will be here tomorrow.

One with a couple of pics, and a mini 'How-To' on how to remove the rack with engine in situ.

But if anyone has ever bought a quick rack kit and built it into their own rack, please can you help me out (see below, after photos)

In a poxy single garage, you have to park on the pith in order to get enough space on the nearside, off with the wheels, and on stands
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0721.jpg

Strut brace and filter offski
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0722.jpg

Then I did the trackrod ends, just undone the nuts for now
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0723.jpg

Then went under the car and done two of the four 13mm nuts
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0724.jpg

Then the top ones, this one is fine, the other one (behind gear linkage holder) is a bugger
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0725.jpg

The knock out the rod ends
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0726.jpg

Inside the car, remove the 13mm bolt
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0727.jpg

Upon removal, to get it out the nearside wheel arch, above the gearbox, you have to rotate the rack 45degrees so the bit inside the car is pointing down
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0728.jpg

[trackdaynova]

Standard rack off, all stripped down, boots off, rod ends off
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0729.jpg

Rackless bay
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0730.jpg

Rack teeth
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0732.jpg

Is this 26mm bolt what I have to remove in order to install the quickrack kit?
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0731.jpg

[Benn]

Good work dude.
Great guide to removing the rack too..

[fearless]

It's been a long long time since I fitted a quick rack kit but
from memory (which may not be 100%)

Undo the larger locking nut which will allow you to undo the preload nut -
Remove the circlip and IIRC the pinion gear is pressed into a bearing which needs to be transfered to your new quick rack pinion

More pictures may refresh my memory !!!!!!!

[Adam]

Nice work/guide :)

[trackdaynova]

Thanks Dave, when I get my kit tomorrow, I'll proceed with taking it to bits (with pics)

So is the procedure able to be done without any special tools? ie: pressing bearing etc. Oh, also, I presume my steering arms have to be removed and put onto my new rack... but unsure how to remove them either? nothing obvious?

[fearless]

IIRC the white plastic sleeves simply slide back to reveal a place to put your spanner to undo tie rods

Is there a guide in haynes manual ??

[trackdaynova]

Not sure lol I don't own one lol

I'll proceed tomorrow and post with pics - you online tomorrow?

[dhdev (Oli)]

I'd get down to Halfrauds and get a haynes, I did mine myself using Haynes but it was years ago and I can't remember the procedure. I do remember there was a fiddly/awkward bit, but that's not a lot of help to you I know! Sorry!

[Ash]

I did one recently, be warned tho, you will probably need a new bearing. I followed the Haynes method (0.99p on eBay :D)

and yes you do need to remove that 26mm cover thing.

EDIT: James did one recently to... http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93159&page=2

[xxspudxx]

ref steering rack : just buy a new bearing from the begining, couple quid and will save you so much time and ass ache, stick some paint or something on the 26mm bolt thread and locking nut so you know roughly where to do it back up to, to tight and you'll crack the alloy casting, easy enough to do though, would advise to loctite things in and do arms etc up nice and tight, dont want them coming loose now do we.

then once all back on the car, turn wheel full lock one way, turn back turn and a 1/4, take steering wheel off and put on straight and jobs a goodun

[fearless]

Seem to remember it being critical as to how tight you tighten the 26mm bolt before locking it up with the other nut -

Too tight and the steering is tight to turn - prematurley wears the pinion
Too slack and you get a knocking/free play when turning the steering !!!

Best to clamp the housing in a vise - spanner on the pinion to get a feeling of preload - before stripping to fit quick rack !!!


Dave

[trackdaynova]

and the quick rack pinion should be no stiffer to turn with a spanner, is that correct?

where is the bearing that needs to be replaced? i mean - are you talking about the two at either end of the rack, before the steering arms?

[xxspudxx]

nope, the big bearing on the pinion shaft, cant remember size of it off top of head

[Prey]

My nova says that it would like to be like yours......

[novashed]

i managed my quickrack build like 3 years ago with haynes jobbie so should ahve no probs ols.

[fearless]

where is the bearing that needs to be replaced? i mean - are you talking about the two at either end of the rack, before the steering arms?

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/xxspudxx/Nova%20Rally/Oldpinion.jpg

[fearless]

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/xxspudxx/Nova%20Rally/Pinion.jpg

[adam c]

i changed my rack for a quick rack the other week.as has been said above it would be easier buying a new bearing(i used my old one but it was a bugger to get off!).make sure you use plenty of grease on the new rack before you put it back in and i used a pair of small molegrips on the end of the shaft that goes into the steering coloumn to check the movement on the rack.i got told to tighten up the big nut until i could feel the rack getting stiff and then back it off a little.

[trackdaynova]

OK cool - thanks for the advice everyone, i'll try and source a new bearing tomorrow - anyone have any idea on what I have to ask for? ie: size? type of bearing etc?

No updates on progess, but took delivery of my expected bits

Harry Hockly Rack Kit
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0733.jpg

OMP FIA Helmet
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0734.jpg


Which means my current trackday helmet & chrome visor is for sale should anyone be interested, size 64. :thumb:

[xxspudxx]

not sure on bearing size but it says on original, 30 something or other i think?

[trackdaynova]

OK, back in the garage again this morning... did as you guys recommended - thanks very much!

So off with the big 26mm preload nut
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0735.jpg

becareful as the spring inside will still be loaded
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0736.jpg

remove the spring, to find the rack positioner
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0737.jpg

remove that, with a magnet
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0738.jpg

turn rack 45° to expose bearing cover, jap in a screwdriver in the edge
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0739.jpg

prise the plastic cover off
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0740.jpg

remove circlip, ideally with a circlip remover, not two screwdrivers, twisting and mashing the circlip as it comes out lol
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0741.jpg

I then used a punch on the underside to punch out the pinion
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0742.jpg

Greased up pinion out
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0743.jpg

[trackdaynova]

However, upon doing so, i've actually knocked out the end of the ally tab - is this gonna cause me problems? if so - shall I just disregard this rack an buy another now?
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0744.jpg

I presume if I call a bearing place, and give them this number, they'll know what I mean? lol
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0745.jpg

Old & New
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0746.jpg

Part number for Harry Hockly Motorsport one, should anyone want to buy one £112 delivered
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0747.jpg

Still struggling getting the steering arms off the old rack, how do you go about knocking these out?
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0748.jpg

[scott.parker]

Oli sir your Helemt is MASSIVE!

Looks like your having fun mate, cant say i would like to be doing that to the rack my self..

Scott

[ashtal]

Still struggling getting the steering arms off the old rack, how do you go about knocking these out?
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0748.jpg

Dont them unscrew rather than knock off ?

[BRoadGhost]

Correct they are to be wound off not hit :o

[novashed]

they do unscrew, have knocked down tabs rather like steering wheel nut ollie

[trackdaynova]

Yes I know they're screwed on, I didn't say knock off did I.

I said, how do you go about knocking these out, as in, the bits that have been pressed/ knocked in, so how do you knock them out, I've tried with a screwdriver, a slim punch, no avail.

Scott - helmet is so big as I used to wear glasses, and wasn't able to put the arms down the side of my head with the correct size helmet

My new helmet is a Large, size 60 :thumb:

[trackdaynova]

Just for people search forums for similar information, here is the steering rack pinion bearing part number

The original part number is a NACHI make, and number 6203z
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0750.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0751.jpg

Not a great deal of play, but as I've been advised, its 20 years old and has done alot of work so must be a good thing replacing it

The new one is SKF make, with the part number 6203-2z/c3 which is identical size, but it has closed both sides, rather than one side having exposed ball bearings
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0752.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0753.jpg
Hope this helps all that are looking for this information, as thats the only reason I post it up!

[trackdaynova]

lol OK i managed to mash my new bearing by accident, so that stopped todays play

Further on to my how-to, the right tools do the job better than 'making do'

In regards to knocking the tabs out, there isn't any need when you have enough leverage

You'll need a 33mm spanner, and an 18mm spanner probably with an extra bar to give you the leverage you'll need to bend the tab out
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0754.jpg

Unscrew them
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0755.jpg

Old & New Rack
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0756.jpg

Casing which I'm going to replace now anyway
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0757.jpg

Due to this, probably not alot wrong with it, but I can just see it being somewhere for grease to escape
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0761.jpg

New bearing on pinion
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0758.jpg

Does it matter that my new one doesn't have the lower collar? I presume not as the circlip holds it all in place
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0759.jpg

Closed bearing this time - which I can't see being a problem
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0760.jpg

So I want a new standard rack, as I need to replace the casing, and the circlip anyway, I'll buy another bearing, and whilst it's off I'll buy some Poly rack mounts - cheers for reminding me Iain! :thumb:

[xxspudxx]

i put mine in without the collar, by time grease all rammed in and got circlip back on cant see a lot moving, looks like done alright though mate, pain in the ass but worth it in the end :)

[Ash]

same here, no collar just the circlip. ;)

[trackdaynova]

Thanks chaps, however I don't regret taking up Harry Hocklys offer up on them building it into my rack for and extra £50, I said no, not only because I wanted to save the money - but I want the experience and I like doing things myself to learn :thumb:

Anyone know of a standard rack going for sale? or just the casing will do...

Also - where to buy poly rack bushses?

Thanks in advance!

[Ash]

You'll find polybushes on eBay - theres a shop that sells 'those orange ones' If there not listed then email the bloke ;)

[Adam]

This is turning into a good how-to :)

[dhdev (Oli)]

Alloy rack mounts?

http://www.eurorallye.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=8_13&products_id=964

[nova ian]

Glad you got your helmet sorted, and quickrack, will be awesome with that on.

Shame about the fitting turning out to be a nightmare, but thats cars I suppose, whatever you do to them it always ends up being harder than first imaged or something goes wrong... (unless thats just me!)

Sure you will get it sorted. If you need a hand or can't get hold of a rack case in time your welcome to mine as I don't need it in a rush.

You know where I am, just give us a shout.

Catch you later

[trackdaynova]

yo Oli, yeah, thought of buying them, but can't see the benefit of them? is it just weight?

[trackdaynova]

Ian, if I can have your rack ASAP (read: tomorrow) then I'll more than happily buy you a replacement one when we find one - All I really need from it is the casing, but obviously I'll take the lot...

[trackdaynova]

three posts in a row, I know - just thinking regarding that hole in the rack -its not going to be a gaping hole how it looks, as the hole will be filled with the end of the pinion...

[CP]

yo Oli, yeah, thought of buying them, but can't see the benefit of them? is it just weight?

I think apart from being a tad lighter they quite a bit stronger which is important for rallying which is what nearly all nova competition stuff has been developed for? Steering takes a beating in rallying.

Some of competition stuff and mods are, IMO, a bit OTT or not all that relevant to road/ trackday use.

Good work on the rack - I did the same as you - cheaper and just as good

[dhdev (Oli)]

Tad lighter, look cool, stronger as CP says, and a nice solid mount for the rack. I'm sure polybushes will be fine, personally I've never seen them tho!

[trackdaynova]

Found some - thanks to Iain...

http://www.floflex.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=87_88&products_id=219

http://www.floflex.co.uk/images/Nova%20Steering%20rack%20Mounting72dpi.JPG

[Iain]

Annoying how I only payed £5 a set though!

[Benn]

Great write up for anyone wanting to change the rack up, good work.

[trackdaynova]

Right, seeing as my rack quest couldn't go any further today with it being a Sunday, I turned my attention elsewhere, to something else that needed my attention... Internal Shifter & FIA switch wiring up

First off is to clear all of my Cesaros out of the sides of my garage so I can open the doors on my car... poxy single garage
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0762.jpg

The offending item
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0763.jpg

After the ballache of removing seats & harnesses, and masking & papering up windows and polycarbs, due to grindage... we had this
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0764.jpg

Removed, showing exposed exhaust
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0765.jpg

1mm thick steel plate cut to size
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0766.jpg

Not necessary, but I'm getting quite good, so I seam welded it up - tack welds would have done really
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0767.jpg

Then applied seam sealer & some paint, and udnerseal with Waxoyl underneath
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0768.jpg

Whilst that was drying, turned my attention to my battery earth that has to be yellow in accordance with the Blue Book
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0769.jpg

And whilst everything was masked up, and seat & harnesses was removed, I decided to lob out all the excess metal that I didn't get around to doing first time around, back seat brackets etc
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0770.jpg

Finally shifter in, linked up - and can get all gears spot on, thanks for my wife for the help!
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0771.jpg


Thanks for reading.

[Ste L]

Found some - thanks to Iain...

http://www.floflex.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=87_88&products_id=219

http://www.floflex.co.uk/images/Nova%20Steering%20rack%20Mounting72dpi.JPG



wonder if they will fit a corsa too, as i want some

[Adam]

Good work as always, nice welding too :cool:

[novashed]

look at you getting handy with the mig!

[trackdaynova]

Wahoo!

Received the new steering rack today, along with Poly Mounts from www.floflex.co.uk (http://www.floflex.co.uk), great next day delivery, also thanks to Iain for the link.

Big thanks tonight to Matt Newey (m17tty) for your help, couldn't have done it without ya! Although, I think my smells didn't please him too much lol Tea serving was a bit slack, which was a bit harsh considering the circumstances lol

So some pics...

New rack with poly bushes
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0772.jpg

Standard mounts covering them for now
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0773.jpg

Personal joke for someone
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0774.jpg

and if that isn't good enough because its not in view
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0775.jpg

Cheers to Matt for taking the pics aswell :thumb:


Still to do before Donny, new track rod ends on, adjust castor, drop to the wheels, seats back in, fia switch on, track by eye, take it to be tracked, lighten doorhandles, drill holes in rear bumper to prevent paracuting! :) goodtimes!

[Benn]

Lighten door handles... nice.
Is that a wire witha ring on the end yeah?

Rack looks good.

[nova ian]

:D :D WAAHHEEYY! Good stuff mr Olly, glad its all sorted now mate:cool:

[trackdaynova]

thanks chap - well chuffed :thumb:

looking forward to Donny even moreso now :)

[trackdaynova]

today, we made this (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/oliver.hewitt/AFab.wmv)

another step closer to being forever noise friendly on track lol

[t45_ste]

Cool vid :D

Air box looks good too, should get the noise down.:thumb:

[Adam]

Liking the vid,Lol.
Going have a big hose/pipe on that box then, feeding all 4 bodies?


Rack looks cool :)

[trackdaynova]

Certainly am :thumb:

100mm diameter on the nearside, very similar to the Pipercross one I bought, but it won't protrude so much to foul the MC & Servo.

I am having a 25mm protruding out, in order for me to put a large inlet hose on down to the passenger headlight for trackdays etc :thumb:

[trackdaynova]

OK, so airbox is underway, and now compelte and sprayed up... decided to make another vid as it's a damn site, easier, and quick than downloading, resizing, renaming, hosting/ uploading, posting photos all the time. lol

To see finished airbox vid, and new track lol click HERE (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/oliver.hewitt/Afab2.wmv)(or right click, save as)

So thats that sorted, now I turn my attention to my rear suspension setup.

Never wanted to go for the rear coilover route, as I know it could cause clearence issues on certain tyres/ slicks, tyre walls etc without turretting the rears, and then arch scrubbage if you add wheel spacers. So I remain with my initial plan of keeping standalone spring and shock setup, but it's completely custom, with the same outcome as rear coilovers, but without the possible problems. As my shocks are damper adjustable, and now my springs are height adjustable, so it can now be corner weighted.

In short, I have a pair of rear height adjustable platforms that sit on the rear beam, that came with an old FK coilover kit that I never used, problem being is the OD of the platform, were 64mm / 2.5", which causes problems with trying to get a good variety of front coilover springs, to fit the rear. As the most common ID of a coilover spring is 2.25" or 58.5mm to be exact.

So I took my rear height adjustable platforms to the fabricators to have the OD machined down from 64mm/ 2.5", down to 58mm/ 2.25" so I could have a better choice of rear spring, size, length and poundage.

Today I ordered my 2.25" ID, 4" open length, 450lb rear springs. 4" i hear you say, thats rather short lol well, my current 150lb rear springs uncompressed are 6", compressed are 5"... I dabbled with getting 5" rear springs, but then with the height of my adjuster at its minimum, thats 18mm (0.7") which'll leave me no room to drop the car, should it need to go further down at the back, and the maximum height the adjusters go to are 50mm (1.9") so with 4" spring, I can set my height adjuster pretty much central so there is plenty of adjustability either direction when it comes to cornerweighting it.

So with this, I will have complete flexibility height wise, and damper adjustability, along with the ability to now cornerweight the car, along with absolutely no clearence issues with running wider tyres without spacers on the rear.

And with the end of this story, you get another video lol HERE (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/oliver.hewitt/RHAP.wmv)(or right click, save as)


Enjoy! :)

[Lee]

LMFAO @ video's. Really good to watch :)

Seing as you now have a quick rack, and can't be Captain Steer any more, you will now be known as Captain Cheese :)

[Adam]

So its going to handle even better now :cool:
Springs on for Donny next Friday?

Vids on the download,Lol.

[trackdaynova]

lol videos are soo much easier than pics! glad they're OK to watch too, and you can always pause the vid if you want to see the pics more closely lol

Was fluke on the ole' strut brace clearence, all of 5mm :D lol :thumb:

[trackdaynova]

Ad - Yes, quickrack is in, rear springs will be on, internal shifter is done, positive castor has been added, been new exhaust is being made and fitted on Tuesday (also before Donny), fia switch will be done.

With my new 3 silencer-boxed exhaust, and my airbox, you won't even know I've driven by lol

Car won't be cornerweighted before Donny though, but it will be before my next sprint on Sun 15th June, weekend after PV :thumb:

[Iain]

Personal joke for someone

lol Thanks.

Those videos are cool, definitely going to make an effort to come see you/the car at Donington now. :cool:

[nova ian]

:eek: Jesus man, you work fast! I thought I was doing well and getting somewhere but that puts me to shame:p lol

Good stuff mate:thumb:

Looking forward to donny now, be good to see how different the car is than the other weekend.

Speak to you soon.

Take it easy:thumb:

[trackdaynova]

cheers ian... just by request i thought i'd upload a couple of pics

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0779.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0780.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0776.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0777.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0778.jpg

[Paul]

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0777.jpg

SBD Mount, and did the standard leads fit ok?

[vaughanmc]

Looks really smart - Will it make any improvements do you think ?

[trackdaynova]

Paul - yeah, fine, just standard beru leads, it is an SBD mount, but not in the correct position, as i refuse to pay £33 + vat from sbd for a flat dizzy blanking plate lol saying that - might get my fabricators to make me one up.

Vaughan - the airbox isn't designed to make improvements, only to reduce inlet noise for the track :thumb:

[vaughanmc]

Ahh, but it will draw more cold air, right ?

Looks awsome all the same, aslong as it does its job :)

[trackdaynova]

Yeah, I guess it will certainly reduce the warm air being sucked in, as it will only have one air feed, and that will be from the outside of the bonnet, so yep, you're right! :thumb:

[vaughanmc]

Awsome - I can't be ****d looking through the past few pages

But, are you taking it to PVS ? :)

[Benn]

Love the vids dude,
Air box is abit trick, Guessing it wont lose any air flow..

Love that you've done with the plateforms, would never have thought of that.

Good work as allways!

[trackdaynova]

lol @ not being @rsed

no mention of PV in this thread anyway, so you'd be wasting your time

yeah, i'll be at PV comissioned doing photography :thumb:

[vaughanmc]

Will the car be there as well :)

One of those ones...I need to see lol

[trackdaynova]

Yes it will mate... however don't look too close lol

[vaughanmc]

Why lol

Its a track-car made for use and abuse - Not a show car...?

[trackdaynova]

Correcto :thumb: built for purpose! :)

[vaughanmc]

I wouldn't worry about how clean or shiney it is lol

It goes like a bat out of hell, who cares :)

[dhdev (Oli)]

lighten doorhandles, drill holes in rear bumper to prevent paracuting!

Slim-fasting at its best :thumb:

Nice work dude, vids are awesome!

Are you heading to PV on the sat or sun...or both?!

[trackdaynova]

Aye, tis good - and thanks for the idea ;) it was due to reading your WIP that was! :) so thank you!

Slimfasting is good, just need to work on the driver... lost 4 stone... almost there!

PV, not too sure, hadn't given it much thought - possibly just the Sunday, but I hate queuing up!

[Adam]

Get in there early, i just drove straight in last year, not a car in sight.
But it was about 6.50am.
Queues start building from about 8 onwards

[trackdaynova]

Oli - we'll convoy down early doors then! looking forward to the noise lol

[trackdaynova]

no update, just parts have arrived for my long bank holiday weekend on the car...

springs have arrived... phone wasn't apart of the purchase, purely for scale purposes lol
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0781.jpg

4" open length confirmed
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0782.jpg

sat on the height adjusters, markings show length and poundage
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0783.jpg

here you can see the adjustability we have when cornerweighting it, ranging from 118mm (4.75"), right up to 148mm (6inches)
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/nc0784.jpg

[Adam]

Sweet.

Get them on :)

[trackdaynova]

jobs to do this weekend:

> rear springs on
> increase passenger positive castor to match drivers wheel to wheel measurement
> refit seats & harnesses
> get distribution block from halfords to extend cabling to battery
> finish off fia switch
> get down to get it tracked up for now, and for donny
> drive over to Ashley in Walsall to have new exhaust made

they're the important bits that need to be done in time for Donington on Friday... then if I have spare time i'll do the doorhandles, and rear bumper :thumb:

[Adam]

Having a complete new exhaust system then?

[trackdaynova]

Yus, certainly am... keeping my beastie manifold obviously :thumb:

[Adam]

Nice

[trackdaynova]

Wowzers!

100 pages
46,034 views
991 replies

lol

[dhdev (Oli)]

I'm definately up for an early convoy! Wake all the hungover messes up with some throttle body noise when we get there lol

Do you have some way of limiting beam travel? Or some way of retaining the spring? Cos the back of my nova weighs approx 200kg=440lbs this means you'd get 0.5" (450lb per inch per spring) of droop before the springs were uncompressed and free to wobble.

[trackdaynova]

Yup, I have a way of retaining the spring - it's hard to explain but I'm doing it today so I'll come back with pics lol

In short, I'm welding an M10 bolt to the underside of the car, then i'll sit the spring over it, and then i have a 90mm x 25mm 3mm alloy plate with a single hole that will slot through the the very top seat/ coil of the spring, and over the bolt with a nut on the back of the plate, thus holding the spring to the car. Does that make sense?

Wasn't aware the rear weighed so much to be honest @ 440lbs, mine will be weighing more due to wet battery, steel tailgate, wheel well still in tact etc. so I can expect my 4" springs to sit 3" high compressed.

The reason I'm so suprised, is my current 6" 150lb rear springs only compress to 5"... which told me that my rear weighed in the region of 150lb lol lol lol

[dhdev (Oli)]

Well we dropped mine onto my mates corner weight scales to see where it was at, and this was the readout. We didn't do any adjusting, as it was still in the build phase. But the weight is accurate.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e296/dhdev/DSC00492.jpg

Plus if your 150lb/in springs compressed by 1" it'd be 300lb weight as there are 2 of them ;) Although even then, that is still light!

[trackdaynova]

I must be incorrect then :thumb: lol Wouldn't be the first, nor last time...

Got a couple of questions about wiring in my FIA cut-off switch, basically 2 of the 4 spades on the back of the Cut Off, are 'Ignition Switch' and 'Coil', now, by ignition switch I presume they mean ignition live which is cool - but would wire would coil be? any suggestions?

[trackdaynova]

(for search purposes, as it took me ages to find on crappy google: fia cut off switch wiring diagram picture resistor race trackday approved rally ignition voltage)

Here is the diagram of the two poles I'm talking about

http://www.holden.co.uk/productimagesWD/020_011.jpg

[dhdev (Oli)]

IIRC on mine the ignition wire is wired to the switched positive and the coil to the ignition positive feed to the ECU. I can go and have a look later on or 2moro if needs be.

[Dar]

Already had a word with him. Should be sorted now :)

[dhdev (Oli)]

Was I right, or way off the mark?