Winter Projects

[Eric Falce]

I'm glad there are other people unsure of what direction to take, but any idea the value of a Mk1 Lotus cortina minus engine/gearbox and more than likely a lot of other bits and pieces plus will need a total rebuild from the ground up. Not sure whether to just sit back and enjoy a little bit of retirement / track days or even help laughing boy refurb his Land Rover.

[bauble]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Not exactly smug zone here, but quietly happy after Tango fired up this afternoon. Was back together yesterday but wouldn't start. Battery had it, low fuel pressure, clutch cable unhooked from pedal, and suspicion that plug leads weren't pointing to correct cylinders!

Slept on it, and went back after lunch. Battery swapped, so that bit easy. Clutch pedal awkward to get at, but bit of bent wire came in useful. Low fuel pressure solved by putting some more petrol in. Firing order correct, but found timing mark on camshaft pulley referred to #4 rather than #1. Had to take cam cover off to check, which fortunately isn't too big a job.

After all that, the lump burst into life, sounding sweeter than all time have had the car. Typical, obviously trying to sway decision about selling..... One issue to sort, oil pressure too high. When I raced with the dud head (damaged cam bearing) I tweaked the pressure relief valve to compensate for the low pressure. Today the needle went off the end of the scale, so obviously can revert to standard! And the temperature gauge reads true for first time ever- turned out the by pass pipe the sender was fitted in didn't have any through flow, but a drill sorted that.....

To complete a happy afternoon, took Gilbert for first drive after the recent work. All fine, and diff silent. Result. Celebrated with a small beer.

... and then found time to post here ......

[Mike Harte]

Mike, have you managed to sort out the fuel pressure/starvation problem that you had with Gilbert last year? And, any outings being considered for the yellow canary, which I must admit is my favourite in your stable? I would have loved to have owned it.

[Mike Bell]

Mike, the fuel starvation would appear to be nothing more complicated than a partially blocked filter! I did some flow tests while engine out and was waiting for something. Car runs a small glass pre-filter between tank and pump, which is great because you can see dirt, but seems can't cope with long races! The flow went from 60l per hour to 110 after removing it...... For Spa, will run with pump filter only, as it is many times the size.

Canary needs new HTP if want to race in high profile stuff. Will have to wait until funds available! Dream would be to ship over to US for Daytona and Sebring in next year or two, but wouldn't do that without a refreshed engine. More outlay! I made mistake few years ago of doing one more race before rebuild than recommended. The head gasket failed.....

[Mike Harte]

I sympathise with you over the costs, which is what put a stop to my racing. I was lucky because I had struck up a very good relationship with a local road car engine specialist who supplied me with unlimited items such as pistons and rings as well as all the bearings, plus as many gaskets as I needed. It meant that the engine came out for a rebuild after every two races, which I certainly couldn't have afforded if I'd had to pay. All it cost me was a bit sign-writing everytime we re-sprayed the car.

Funnily enough, the only time I had a DNF was because I had a blown head gasket; half-way through the first heat of the Redex Final at Brands. Turned out it was poorly manufactured.

[Mike Bell]

Rebuilds on BDGs don't come cheap if done by a respected specialist! Mine is an ex rally engine that has been looked after by same bloke for yonks. I like that, and you get what you pays for- that failure was the one and only. The gasket was one of those very expensive American ones, and no reason could be found for the problem. All we could confirm was that it had failed.....

[Malcolm Smith]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Not exactly smug zone here, but quietly happy after Tango fired up this afternoon. Was back together yesterday but wouldn't start. Battery had it, low fuel pressure, clutch cable unhooked from pedal, and suspicion that plug leads weren't pointing to correct cylinders!

Slept on it, and went back after lunch. Battery swapped, so that bit easy. Clutch pedal awkward to get at, but bit of bent wire came in useful. Low fuel pressure solved by putting some more petrol in. Firing order correct, but found timing mark on camshaft pulley referred to #4 rather than #1. Had to take cam cover off to check, which fortunately isn't too big a job.

After all that, the lump burst into life, sounding sweeter than all time have had the car. Typical, obviously trying to sway decision about selling..... One issue to sort, oil pressure too high. When I raced with the dud head (damaged cam bearing) I tweaked the pressure relief valve to compensate for the low pressure. Today the needle went off the end of the scale, so obviously can revert to standard! And the temperature gauge reads true for first time ever- turned out the by pass pipe the sender was fitted in didn't have any through flow, but a drill sorted that.....

Pleased to hear your repairs to Tango were successful - maybe we'll see it on-track before too long ....

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by Malcolm Smith

Pleased to hear your repairs to Tango were successful - maybe we'll see it on-track before too long ....

Thanks Malcolm, looks like Barry's race at Spa! Me and Mr Ryan enjoyed that. Lack of grunt made up for by not having to slow down for many corners. Nice to see that famous Anglebox and even more famous driver as well!

Removal of the high tech M6 nut (well, it was stainless) from behind the pressure relief valve spring has returned oil gauge reading to a manageable number. The needle doesn't start a second lap of the dial now....

[midgetman]

Lucky you! Mine never started the FIRST lap of the dial

That 924 was my last winter project, quite miss it really. Need to find myself a cheap project car to store somewhere.

[andy97]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Lucky you! Mine never started the FIRST lap of the dial

That 924 was my last winter project, quite miss it really. Need to find myself a cheap project car to store somewhere.

Fancy a 924S?Already race prepared but Needs an engine refresh and tlc but some nice bits on it.

[Cliff Ryan]

Correct Mike, that's me in the first photo in a full face helmet & you in second.

Great weekend, I started Barry's race in my XJS & then swapped into Mike's Tango & fulfilled an ambition of racing two cars in the same race - happy days

[terence]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Rebuilds on BDGs don't come cheap if done by a respected specialist! Mine is an ex rally engine that has been looked after by same bloke for yonks. I like that, and you get what you pays for- that failure was the one and only. The gasket was one of those very expensive American ones, and no reason could be found for the problem. All we could confirm was that it had failed.....

Mike,'those' gaskets are not bullet proof! Had one fail after 15mins on the dyno on my B engine.Head was new, block had been decked etc rtc.Good old off the shelf cheap Payen did its job perfectly for two seasons after.

[zefarelly]

I don't use MLS heads gaskets, a good quality composite is far more forgiving and reliable.

[Mike Bell]

BDA/G only engines I've used them on, composite for anything else. On the B series, have found applying that sticky orange spray helps stop oil or water seepage on plug side, but pain in the butt when need to clean faces up again!

[zefarelly]

Marmalade?

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by zefarelly

Marmalade?

That would be a waste....... But it is as sticky!

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by zefarelly

Marmalade?

I can't for the life of me see why not; I mean, we used to paint the Anglia in jam back then. Bloody lovely, it was!

[delta]

.
You may remember I got T boned at the Classic in 2015.The chassis is now finished and I have sourced and made all the parts I need for the Lotus. I dont normally build "christmas trees " but this car is going to be an exception.I have made all my own wishbones, driveshafts and all now bright nickle plated.I have also had all new body work made.
Anyway started last night on the build hope to wheel her out in the spring 2017. Ready for Monaco 2018.

[Peter Mallett]

Great stuff Iain.

[VIVA GT]

Crikey! This time of year does seem to come around quicker every time!
Keep the stories coming though, it makes interesting reading...

[terence]

My "winter project is being held up by the lack of one 45 dcoe 9.
Anyone have one lurking in the cobwebs please?

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by VIVA GT

Crikey! This time of year does seem to come around quicker every time!
Keep the stories coming though, it makes interesting reading...

My wife and I find that time just goes quicker and quicker as we get older, do others find the same ?

[Tim Falce]

Dunno Gordon, I'm not getting any older

[zefarelly]

Last years winter project is still at the fabricators, cage made, tank too, and mounted under boot floor as per original, ally bulkhead added, a few minor repairs and chassis reinforcements ( a few known weak points ) seat mounts are also done, Imthink a fe harness points are being added and it'll be off for blasting and powder coating after a quick dry build.

[VIVA GT]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

My wife and I find that time just goes quicker and quicker as we get older, do others find the same ?

It most certainly does Gordon and I think I know why:
When I was ten years old a year was a tenth of my life, so quite a significant amount of time. Now that a year only represents a 60th of my life it doesn't seem very long at all...