History of a Lola T492 Sports 2000 chassis?

[911thillclimber]

With the first event in about 4 week's time finally got the fresh AVON slicks on the car today.
Not as simple as it might seem, but all done in 2 hours inc the trip to BMTR who are about 18 miles away from me.
BMTR are the only outlet for the race tyres, but I bought my 'fresh' set 18 months ago when it became true that the factory was closing down.

Decided to buy set while I could.

I use crossply tyres (as used in the day) on this 1978 car and they need to go on the rims in a particular way which is not too obvious, so took the lot to BMTR as the local tyre fitter may have issues.

The positioning is as the sketch below. There is no 'Outer' marking on these tyres, but each has a moulding date etc and that individual mark is shown as a big black dot on the sketch.



So, all done back onto the car and all is well, the balance weights are all aluminium taped over and painted black and the odd touch up done on the rims.

Tomorrow will be down to the ground and set the tyre pressures, 13 psi Fr and 15 psi Rr and see what has happened to the front chassis ride height.

These new tyres are smaller diameter than the old one (which are no longer available) so the front springs need a few turns on the spring platforms to restore the height to 3.5" where Sean at McClurg Motorsport set the car nearly 15 years ago!.

Two things left to do, fuel and start the engine to temperature and a really good clean.
Then the car is ready, not too sure about the pilot.





Hard to see how these brakes hide inside 13" rims...

[911thillclimber]

Double post somehow!

[Gerard C]

Not obvious at first glance but its the rotation that counts. Just for the joke I don't recommend you race a monoposto Graham, because "nearside" and "outerside" will say nothing to the tyre shop mechanic! Have fun!

[911thillclimber]

Life is never simple...

To the 'stance' of the little Lola.

The new front tyres are smaller diameter than the old ones, and with the old ones @ 13 psi inflation/ 15 psi rear the front edge of the tub was 3.5" off the floor.

With the new ones, 2.75" so more drop than the data sheets of the AVON tyres say.

To address this the lower spring platforms of the coil overs would need to be higher, and i remember Sean at McClurg's saying some months ago a turn or so would restore the height.

Armed with my C spanner I raised the platform 1 turn to see how that affected the 'ride-height'.
This resulted in a 3.25" height off the floor a so that is the new setting.
This also minimises the geo change (toe) and keeps the corner weights so carefully set by Sean.

The car looks right (to my eye), so that is where it will stay.

[morninggents]

Are the tyres a bit softer? Are we looking at new PBs?


I will be keeping my fingers crossed.

[S griffin]

Good luck for the year ahead. Your preparation is top class as usual

[911thillclimber]

Same grade as before, but new and not 3 season's old.
They felt a bit iffy late last year esp at Prescott and Loton.

New they feel very soft indeed, A15 grade, but there is a softer grade still, but too soft for a heavy car like the Lola. (560 Kg).

I've tried that grade and the car was worse!

Had an assuring email from Sean at McClurg motorsport about the change so ready for Loton in late April.

Car needs running up soon and a very deep clean, some race numbers and we are away!
Gulp...

I'll be 73 very soon, should know better.

[911thillclimber]

Just found this great picture of the Lola at Loton Park coming through Cedar Straight which is anything but straight.
Fell off this part of the climb about 10 years ago..

[911thillclimber]

Just found this great picture of the Lola at Loton Park coming through Cedar Straight which is anything but straight.
Fell off this part of the climb about 10 years ago..

Picture by David Harbey Photography.