So the missus has lost all trust in the KA after the brakes failed and we're going to purchase her a new car today.
The shell is pretty solid but there is a lot wrong with the car.
Needs a new master cylinder and drivers side brake pipe to be driveable again.
It also needs...
Both front top mounts need replacing.
Both front drop links need replacing.
Both anti roll bar bushes need replacing.
Thermostat housing keeps leaking.
HCV has failed.
Rear trailing arm bushes need replacing.
And it could do with four wheel bearings.

Nothing major but a fair list none the less. But it nothing I can't do myself.

I've never had a track car and thought this could be a bit of fun.

My plan was to fix what needed to be fixed, shove a set of lowering springs on it with a new set of shocks. A set of powerflex trailing arm bushes and rear axle spacers.
But what else can be done to these fairly cheaply.
If I can get it to handle and stop nicely then maybe I'll consider throwing a SportKa lump in it.


Bailes.

 

It's a scrapper - not worth the effort of fixing it and putting another engine in ( and the sport Ka 1600 is a horrible engine - heavy wheezy and not powerful enough to be any kind of fun on a track car).
You could just buy a cheap puma for a few hundred quid and you'd have a far better car for a track day.

 

Everything above can be fixed for sub Ł200.
Not sure how buying a Puma for a few hundred quid, which is likely to need the same wear and tear parts replacing is a cheaper option?

 

I get what your saying but as said above Pumas aren't worth anything I got one as my daily driver and it owes me Ł200 with a years mot there's loads on auto trader for no money so defiantly something to consider IMO

 

You say everything can be fixed for sub Ł200.

So with that fixed just so the thing just drives ok you then have to fit a new decent set of shocks and springs, new trailing arm bushes and the spacers you want to fit. Then how about a set of brakes that will actually work properly on the track, decent set of wheels and tyres etc...........

Once you've sorted all that, you're then left with a car that might stop and go round corners but then the engine you have in the car wouldn't have the power to pull the skin off a custard so you then will want to put another engine in it.

If you can do that for under Ł200, I'll be be the first to shake your hand

Buying a better and more suited car from the off makes a hell of a lot more sense IMO.

I understand you want to use the Ka as you already have it but I think you are better off getting shot and getting something else if you want a track car

 

When do projects ever make financial sense? Never!

A friend of mine runs a 2.0 Zetec on Gixxer 1000 bodies, RR'd at 160 odd, but he's running AVO coilovers, polybushed all round, 6 point cage, Mondeo brakes and slicks for Time Trials in our local motor club. He keeps up with Westfields around the twisties!

 

You and your mrs dont like your Fords do you lol.

Just get a pooma bought. There a fun car.

 

Fitting a sportka engine will be a waste of time and money. Reliable but not going to cut it for a track car power wise and you can buy a complete sportka for next to nothing anway so its a pointless conversion,

 

I'd do it but stick a 2.0 in it instead of a sport ka lump, better engine with more potential, most of the stuff you mention would be changed when building a track car anyway, so why go elsewhere for a base, if anyone ever went with financial sense then no project car would ever be created, if that's your reasoning, your in the wrong game! Ka's are excellent handling cars, go for it!

 

I know the KA inside out. I've had it apart more times than I can think of. It's a very solid shell, just tired. I could buy a Puma and be in the same boat.
And even if I spent a few hundred on a Puma I would still have to buy new shocks, springs, trailing arm bushes etc etc to make it handle as I want it to.

Not sure why you'd think that? We've owned 5 Fords in 5 years between us?
I've just bought a brand new Focus?
Although I did buy her a Citroen C3 yesterday.
You can pick up a SportKA engine for sub Ł200. The KA in question already has a SportKA box and a brand new clutch.
You're probably right about the power. I know you can get cam kits for them that will take them up to 125bhp but I imagine after a few hours driving it would feel pretty tame.
That said I'm not planning on racing. I just want something for a bit of fun for track days.

I would love to stick a 1.6 Sigma in it. Unfortunately I can't weld so fabrication would be an issue. Sigma is light and has pleanty of tuning options.

I have to get the brakes sorted first though!

 

The KA's HCS engine is a strong old lump. How about getting a decompression plate made and turbo it using a T2 and a renault 5gtt carb? Something bit different. Scrap yard tuning.

 

Have you got your focus sorted yet.

Just get a pooma bought. There nippy and handle really well. With a few mods like rear axle spacers, strut braces and mk3 mondeo caliperd with ST170 discs they will be ok for a track tool.

 

Nope. Focus still drives like a pig.
The salesman had it for 3 days last week and says he didn't have any issues with it which is a load of nonsense.
I'm taking it up with Ford direct now.

 

Or well fingers crossed matey.

 

The above parts that I said need replacing are worn, but still serviceable for the time being.
I'm hoping to do a track day on the 18th April providing I get the brakes sorted this weekend.
I was wondering if it was possible as a temporary fix to fill the rear trailing arm bushes up with a polyurethane sealant? I've seen it done on engine mounts but never done to suspension buishes. Was hoping to stiffen them up a bit until I get around to changing them.

 

why is it whenever you hear of someone refusing a drive a car because of a breakdown, even if it is subsequently fixed, its always a woman?

You never hear of blokes like that.

Dont they realise it could happen to any car in the future.

 

Anyone got any advice about bench bleeding the new master cylinder?
Is there anywhere in the UK that you can buy bench bleeding kits? I've found loads online in America buy sod all in the UK.
I've got advice off a few people but would like to do it properly?

 

Buy a eazi bleed a sealey pressure bleeder for about Ł35. Fit new cylinder to car bleed as normal.

 

Would a vacuum bleeder suffice?
I bought a sealey one last week.

 

Don't see why not, although tbh with a simple brake system like a ka you should be able to bleed the brakes with just the help of a assistant.

 

Clio 172.

 

I've found it can help to prime the mastercylinder with fluid using a syringe after refitting it. Makes it just that little bit easier to get the initial lot of fluid through.