V8 Sierra 3dr Track Day Car - Adios!
11-10-2011, 09:41 PM
#1
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
V8 Sierra 3dr Track Day Car - Adios!
Hi Everyone,
It’s high time I offered up a thread of my car. I’ve been lurking long enough, and chiming in here and there for a little while. It’s a biggie, so get a cuppa and come back and get comfortable.. Here we go!
I started this project so long ago I can’t remember when it was.. 3 or 4 yrs ago maybe. I bought a LHD 2.3D over from Germany for 500 euros. 1 owner, 75,000km. I work with a German lad, who drove it back for me after visiting home for a quick holiday. 1 pair of beam deflectors, and a cable to swap sides on fog light and the MOT was mine. Registration etc followed, and not long after I tore it to pieces.
Long story short it, went from this:
To this; with a fair bit of jiggery pokery and a few years in between.
This is a 5.8 (351w) V8 of a rebuilt but unknown spec, with Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, Holley 650. It’s got a C4 auto box and B&M Quicksilver shifter. Custom single piece prop; comp struts. All the other Cossie bits and pieces you see are original. A lot were new old stock items, like the glass and lights which were removed from their original boxes to be fitted.
The general theme was to go for a sunny Sunday cruiser that could take the family out for a spin or to a show or whatever.
As you can see I also had Compo CXN split rims (16’s). The exhaust is a nice job. That was custom from JP exhausts in Macclesfield at a very reasonable cost. I wanted it a little quiet for cruising, but with a bit of a bark when I put my foot down, and I would say it was spot on. Almost everything else was reconned or replaced as I went along.
Currently an external hard drive which housed most of my pics has gone to the wall, so most of my pics are unobtainable at the moment sadly.
Anyway, fast forward a few years and I finally finished it this summer and got it through the MOT. I had a few running issues to tidy up (eg keeping it cool) but pretty much got there.
All the way along in the background I was being distracted by this..
It is a Mk3 Escort with sierra floor plan, and a fair bit of additional rally influenced fabrication work, such as the cage, group A engine mounts, welded up crush holes etc, and of course as you can see an RS1700T kit. It was a bit rough when I bought it, but years later now looking a bit rougher around the edges. Nonetheless it’s solid, and the original work is good quality. This was always going to be ‘the big one’ for me and I’d been collecting bits for years. As you might tell from my forum name the RS1700T’s are a big passion of mine.
What put a spanner in the works was the fact that the Sierra turned out a helluva lot better than I expected.. ! I was expecting a bit of a barge to be honest, but it surprised me how good it was. It clearly had a bit of potential. As I wasn’t really using it with the family, I thought ‘what the hell’ I live 15mins from Oulton Park; why not track it?’ As you do!
So I’ve spent the last month or two passing on loads of YB, 909, Gp A type stuff I’ve collected and formed a bit of a budget to move forward with the Sierra, and I’ll abandon the RS1700T project instead.
So this brings me a bit closer to present day, and my current plans for the car...
I dropped on to a Tim Adams built 351w, which hasn’t even been used in anger yet, at a price too good to say no to, so I snapped that up. A fair bit of my other engine hardware will simply swap over.
You might wonder why I didn’t want to slide the YB in the Sierra. Well at the outset with this car I wanted a reliable and basic (ie cheap and easy to fix) project, devoid of electrics and so on. Once you hear and experience the thrill of planting your foot with something like an old school V8, it’s hard to go back! By contrast the YB scene is very expensive, and rebuilds seem the norm. Due to where I am in life I’m likely to only get one shot at this, so I want to build something I can afford, is reliable power, and can fix myself (preferably with a hammer). I admire you fellas that continually evolve the YB and show there’s plenty of life left in them, (and I’ve drooled over enough) but trust me I don’t think I could buy four decent YB forged pistons for what my engine stands me for!
In order to stay with the reliable theme, the Sierra diff has to go. The 3.36 unit was good ratio wise for a V8, but with in region of 400lb/ft of torque it’s a question of when, not if it will go! Reading what James90RS is doing with his Saph on here inspired me to go down the Jag diff route. The car is going to have a full cage anyway, so it will give me some liberty in strapping the thing to the car somehow.
£150 later and this big ol bugger was in my boot and I was heading home from the midlands.. It’s 3.54 XJS Powrlok unit (LSD). Inside it’s massive, and mint. A lick of paint and an oil change will do nicely. James put me on to Wilson Drive Shafts in Nottingham to sort drive shafts out. Not long after, these arrived in the post.. (Not cheap but I don’t want drive shafts to be a consumable..)
James, many thanks for your help on that mate, much appreciated.
So, I also needed to stop the thing if I’m on a track day, which means bigger brakes, which means bigger wheels.. The Comp CXN’s went (mixed feelings about that one, might regret it someday), and I got these..
I simply wanted motorsport pedigree, and brake clearance. Hopefully they’ll look ok when on. These are 18’s by the way. Any suggestions for tires and sizes? They’re 8” wide, so I’m thinking 205/40 on front and 225/40 on the rear – or should I be looking at 35 profile?
I’ve got some big AP 6 pots and discs from Dan Lacey this week to help slow the car.. Cheers Dan. I'll post a pic when they arrive. I’m really looking forward to trying those out! I need to look at upping the back brakes bit to help with balance now. That’s one for the list...
I’m also looking into suspension. I’ve been running basic Gaz coilovers with 550lb springs up front and 185lb on the rear. But once again, the ‘I’m only doing this once’ motto struck when I saw Tim Garrington offering some nice rear units for sale. Many thanks to Tim – they will sit under a V8 powered Ford afterall. All I need now is some fronts to match. I had a cracking set of Leda’s with remote reservoirs for 4x4 hubs, so something similar for 3dr hubs is what I’m after. I’ll go harder with the springs as well. I’m running comp struts on the front, and no ARB’s front and rear. It handled bloody well to be honest, so I’m keeping an open mind on that area at the moment, and will probably wait ‘til I get it on track to decide how things should evolve.
I’ve also been busy collecting the fun stuff:
And I’ve also recently picked up some 6 pt TRS harnesses, and a Sparco steering wheel from Garret on here, which is winging it’s way over from Holland. Many thanks Patrick for that.
As you can see it’s a sun roof model, so that’s going to go. There doesn’t seem to be many solid roofs floating around on the market these days, so I think Steve the Plumber, and Ronnie have inspired me to go carbon. I’ll enjoy hacking the old roof off! I’m waiting on a price from Phil at carbondelight – pull your finger out please Phil!
Sticking to the exterior for a moment, I was going Vitaloni touring car mirrors a la Steve once again, but rather than clone Steve’s car, I’ve decided against it. They only arrived this week, but I’ll happily shift them on at Europa Spares prices rather than Demon Thieves prices. (PM me)
Instead, I’m going for these babies.
The answer has been staring me in the face for years. These are boggo 82-83 Sierra mirrors. If they look familiar you might have seen them on Chris Hodgett’s Brooklyn touring car. They’re not as light as the others as the backing plate is metal, but I like the reference to the Brooklyn car. I’ll get the mirror cover painted white to match the car I think.
The whole touring car theme is an inspiration to me, as I grew up watching the Sierra’s leave everything in their wake. Obviously the engine is a major departure, but as I’m tracking the car there’s alot of influences creeping in. Chatting with Paul Linfoot whilst drooling over his car at the RS Owners day last month only reinforced the desire to go big with a touring car livery.. One thing I’m really tempted to replicate is this car.
Shaun Walker’s – a trakstar prepped car but never even raced in anger if my facts are right. I think official race practice was as close as it got, but it’s cracking livery and straight forward for me to do with graphics on a white base car. I could add in a couple of personal touches to boot. What do you reckon?
Also on the agenda, and an expensive one at that, is a new gearbox. I’ve got to get a TKO600 to nail behind the V8. If anyone’s got one to sell let me know, ha!
So there we go, that’s me up to date. I’m waiting now to hear from MDA motorsport up my way for the call to get me car in, so all of this can be put together! Unlike the first time round, spending 3-4years battling on the driveway no longer appeals, so it’s over to more experienced hands to move things forward. Hopefully we'll see a full cage, internal fuel cell and more besides.
I’ll keep you posted as the project moves on, and thanks again to the guys that helped me get this far already with parts, info and advice.
Cheers
Iain
It’s high time I offered up a thread of my car. I’ve been lurking long enough, and chiming in here and there for a little while. It’s a biggie, so get a cuppa and come back and get comfortable.. Here we go!
I started this project so long ago I can’t remember when it was.. 3 or 4 yrs ago maybe. I bought a LHD 2.3D over from Germany for 500 euros. 1 owner, 75,000km. I work with a German lad, who drove it back for me after visiting home for a quick holiday. 1 pair of beam deflectors, and a cable to swap sides on fog light and the MOT was mine. Registration etc followed, and not long after I tore it to pieces.
Long story short it, went from this:
To this; with a fair bit of jiggery pokery and a few years in between.
This is a 5.8 (351w) V8 of a rebuilt but unknown spec, with Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, Holley 650. It’s got a C4 auto box and B&M Quicksilver shifter. Custom single piece prop; comp struts. All the other Cossie bits and pieces you see are original. A lot were new old stock items, like the glass and lights which were removed from their original boxes to be fitted.
The general theme was to go for a sunny Sunday cruiser that could take the family out for a spin or to a show or whatever.
As you can see I also had Compo CXN split rims (16’s). The exhaust is a nice job. That was custom from JP exhausts in Macclesfield at a very reasonable cost. I wanted it a little quiet for cruising, but with a bit of a bark when I put my foot down, and I would say it was spot on. Almost everything else was reconned or replaced as I went along.
Currently an external hard drive which housed most of my pics has gone to the wall, so most of my pics are unobtainable at the moment sadly.
Anyway, fast forward a few years and I finally finished it this summer and got it through the MOT. I had a few running issues to tidy up (eg keeping it cool) but pretty much got there.
All the way along in the background I was being distracted by this..
It is a Mk3 Escort with sierra floor plan, and a fair bit of additional rally influenced fabrication work, such as the cage, group A engine mounts, welded up crush holes etc, and of course as you can see an RS1700T kit. It was a bit rough when I bought it, but years later now looking a bit rougher around the edges. Nonetheless it’s solid, and the original work is good quality. This was always going to be ‘the big one’ for me and I’d been collecting bits for years. As you might tell from my forum name the RS1700T’s are a big passion of mine.
What put a spanner in the works was the fact that the Sierra turned out a helluva lot better than I expected.. ! I was expecting a bit of a barge to be honest, but it surprised me how good it was. It clearly had a bit of potential. As I wasn’t really using it with the family, I thought ‘what the hell’ I live 15mins from Oulton Park; why not track it?’ As you do!
So I’ve spent the last month or two passing on loads of YB, 909, Gp A type stuff I’ve collected and formed a bit of a budget to move forward with the Sierra, and I’ll abandon the RS1700T project instead.
So this brings me a bit closer to present day, and my current plans for the car...
I dropped on to a Tim Adams built 351w, which hasn’t even been used in anger yet, at a price too good to say no to, so I snapped that up. A fair bit of my other engine hardware will simply swap over.
You might wonder why I didn’t want to slide the YB in the Sierra. Well at the outset with this car I wanted a reliable and basic (ie cheap and easy to fix) project, devoid of electrics and so on. Once you hear and experience the thrill of planting your foot with something like an old school V8, it’s hard to go back! By contrast the YB scene is very expensive, and rebuilds seem the norm. Due to where I am in life I’m likely to only get one shot at this, so I want to build something I can afford, is reliable power, and can fix myself (preferably with a hammer). I admire you fellas that continually evolve the YB and show there’s plenty of life left in them, (and I’ve drooled over enough) but trust me I don’t think I could buy four decent YB forged pistons for what my engine stands me for!
In order to stay with the reliable theme, the Sierra diff has to go. The 3.36 unit was good ratio wise for a V8, but with in region of 400lb/ft of torque it’s a question of when, not if it will go! Reading what James90RS is doing with his Saph on here inspired me to go down the Jag diff route. The car is going to have a full cage anyway, so it will give me some liberty in strapping the thing to the car somehow.
£150 later and this big ol bugger was in my boot and I was heading home from the midlands.. It’s 3.54 XJS Powrlok unit (LSD). Inside it’s massive, and mint. A lick of paint and an oil change will do nicely. James put me on to Wilson Drive Shafts in Nottingham to sort drive shafts out. Not long after, these arrived in the post.. (Not cheap but I don’t want drive shafts to be a consumable..)
James, many thanks for your help on that mate, much appreciated.
So, I also needed to stop the thing if I’m on a track day, which means bigger brakes, which means bigger wheels.. The Comp CXN’s went (mixed feelings about that one, might regret it someday), and I got these..
I simply wanted motorsport pedigree, and brake clearance. Hopefully they’ll look ok when on. These are 18’s by the way. Any suggestions for tires and sizes? They’re 8” wide, so I’m thinking 205/40 on front and 225/40 on the rear – or should I be looking at 35 profile?
I’ve got some big AP 6 pots and discs from Dan Lacey this week to help slow the car.. Cheers Dan. I'll post a pic when they arrive. I’m really looking forward to trying those out! I need to look at upping the back brakes bit to help with balance now. That’s one for the list...
I’m also looking into suspension. I’ve been running basic Gaz coilovers with 550lb springs up front and 185lb on the rear. But once again, the ‘I’m only doing this once’ motto struck when I saw Tim Garrington offering some nice rear units for sale. Many thanks to Tim – they will sit under a V8 powered Ford afterall. All I need now is some fronts to match. I had a cracking set of Leda’s with remote reservoirs for 4x4 hubs, so something similar for 3dr hubs is what I’m after. I’ll go harder with the springs as well. I’m running comp struts on the front, and no ARB’s front and rear. It handled bloody well to be honest, so I’m keeping an open mind on that area at the moment, and will probably wait ‘til I get it on track to decide how things should evolve.
I’ve also been busy collecting the fun stuff:
And I’ve also recently picked up some 6 pt TRS harnesses, and a Sparco steering wheel from Garret on here, which is winging it’s way over from Holland. Many thanks Patrick for that.
As you can see it’s a sun roof model, so that’s going to go. There doesn’t seem to be many solid roofs floating around on the market these days, so I think Steve the Plumber, and Ronnie have inspired me to go carbon. I’ll enjoy hacking the old roof off! I’m waiting on a price from Phil at carbondelight – pull your finger out please Phil!
Sticking to the exterior for a moment, I was going Vitaloni touring car mirrors a la Steve once again, but rather than clone Steve’s car, I’ve decided against it. They only arrived this week, but I’ll happily shift them on at Europa Spares prices rather than Demon Thieves prices. (PM me)
Instead, I’m going for these babies.
The answer has been staring me in the face for years. These are boggo 82-83 Sierra mirrors. If they look familiar you might have seen them on Chris Hodgett’s Brooklyn touring car. They’re not as light as the others as the backing plate is metal, but I like the reference to the Brooklyn car. I’ll get the mirror cover painted white to match the car I think.
The whole touring car theme is an inspiration to me, as I grew up watching the Sierra’s leave everything in their wake. Obviously the engine is a major departure, but as I’m tracking the car there’s alot of influences creeping in. Chatting with Paul Linfoot whilst drooling over his car at the RS Owners day last month only reinforced the desire to go big with a touring car livery.. One thing I’m really tempted to replicate is this car.
Shaun Walker’s – a trakstar prepped car but never even raced in anger if my facts are right. I think official race practice was as close as it got, but it’s cracking livery and straight forward for me to do with graphics on a white base car. I could add in a couple of personal touches to boot. What do you reckon?
Also on the agenda, and an expensive one at that, is a new gearbox. I’ve got to get a TKO600 to nail behind the V8. If anyone’s got one to sell let me know, ha!
So there we go, that’s me up to date. I’m waiting now to hear from MDA motorsport up my way for the call to get me car in, so all of this can be put together! Unlike the first time round, spending 3-4years battling on the driveway no longer appeals, so it’s over to more experienced hands to move things forward. Hopefully we'll see a full cage, internal fuel cell and more besides.
I’ll keep you posted as the project moves on, and thanks again to the guys that helped me get this far already with parts, info and advice.
Cheers
Iain
Last edited by IainRS1700T; 19-10-2015 at 08:12 PM.
12-10-2011, 12:21 AM
#7
Regular Contributor
Hi ian shame about the escort .Came across a picture of it a while back and thought nice project. Carnt believe you not going to finish it .17t replica or not better than a sierra even if shell is mint.hope you change your mind.Was talking to brian betridge at national day his proper rs17oot making progress should be ready next year.makes me wish my rs turbo wasnt as original as it is so i could do my own replica not much to turn a mk4 it a mk3. Good luck with project. paul
Trending Topics
12-10-2011, 06:17 AM
#8
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
I got that one in the pic off uk eBay last weekend, and I've got the other side coming to me from German eBay this week. The German one was only a tenner, and both are new!
Cheers
Iain
12-10-2011, 06:32 AM
#9
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
Hi ian shame about the escort .Came across a picture of it a while back and thought nice project. Carnt believe you not going to finish it .17t replica or not better than a sierra even if shell is mint.hope you change your mind.Was talking to brian betridge at national day his proper rs17oot making progress should be ready next year.makes me wish my rs turbo wasnt as original as it is so i could do my own replica not much to turn a mk4 it a mk3. Good luck with project. paul
If you buy my shell from me, you won't have to worry about doing anything to yours
The sad thing is that is actually my second attempt at a replica. My last one was bought be GS Escorts in Widnes, and he did a great job with it and it ended up in one of the mags.
This next one was going to be a Pikes Peak inspired effort - a loose replica - made as lightweight as possible and 4x4 with the YB etc as that's where Ford were looking before it got canned.
In the end to do it properly was going to cost too much and I'd come such a long way with the Sierra at this point I want to continue with it. And I think it would be better on track than the Escort.
I spoke with Brian at the RS Owners day too. I'm looking forward to seeing it. It's ended up taking a lot longer than he first thought. The surprised look on his face when I asked him if it still had the Saab steering rack was priceless! (It does)
Cheers
Iain
12-10-2011, 11:41 AM
#12
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
What I did notice about the pukka touring cars back in the day, was that they looked like they used something similar to these, but maybe used them on the wrong sides, and lifted them right up, so they're sitting nearly vertical next the the a-pillar/door frame. They hugged the car more like a DTM style mirror than sit proud the way folk are using them at the moment.
Having had a quick look at mine I think a quick dremel would be in order just to relieve a little material away and help it lift that high..
It's just a hunch - I haven't looked into it too much as I'm not using them - but might be worth a look. If you google Dick Johnson RS500 you might see what I'm on about!
Cheers
Iain
12-10-2011, 11:43 AM
#13
Regular Contributor
would love it mate but no where for it to live.Remember reading about the steering rack in an old for mag i bought years ago.First talked to brian at croft he seemed a bit cagey about telling me anything.Talked much more at donington will be nice to see it in south african spec and paint.Might build one one day got enough pictures to build one as close to factory.running gear is the stumbling block original too rare and expensive but dont want to use porsche 944 set up either nothing wrong with cosworth running gear but if i did one would like it to be as close as i could get it factory
12-10-2011, 12:40 PM
#15
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
would love it mate but no where for it to live.Remember reading about the steering rack in an old for mag i bought years ago.First talked to brian at croft he seemed a bit cagey about telling me anything.Talked much more at donington will be nice to see it in south african spec and paint.Might build one one day got enough pictures to build one as close to factory.running gear is the stumbling block original too rare and expensive but dont want to use porsche 944 set up either nothing wrong with cosworth running gear but if i did one would like it to be as close as i could get it factory
As you know every version they produced was different, so the worlds your oyster there. I know what you mean about the BDT type stuff - it's mega bucks - Julian Godfrey would be the man there. By the time you add all that up, plus shell fabrication, bespoke uprights, struts and so on, it's silly money. Brian snapped his up for a fair price, but I would say he's probably spent at least 75% of the purchase price rebuilding it, maybe more.
Cheers
Iain
12-10-2011, 12:48 PM
#16
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
How are you doing? I didn't realise you were on here
Yep pm me on the jag diff and you can give me a bell sometime. I'll be happy to help anywhere I can. Everything I know came from James90RS on here. He's got MK Motorsport (also on here) to tackle his rear beam (oo-er), and his is still a bit road car biased, which might help you more than I can.
I've got plans to shoot the rear part of the cage between the turrets down to the floor and use that to pick up the top of the diff. I tell you what I can do - when I get in tonight I can take some better pics of the diff, and you'll see what I mean. There's also enough mounting points lower down the diff like the cossie one, that some arms or plates fabbed from the beam can pick up.
I think James was due to pick his car up in the next week or so, and he promised to post pics!
Cheers
Iain
12-10-2011, 05:44 PM
#17
Hi Iain,
Not done much to mine apart from make a start on fixing the rust!
Any info or pics or info on Jag diff installation would be welcome, I want to try and get away with using a Cossie 7.5" diff to start with and only change it if they keep going pop.
cheers
Mark
Not done much to mine apart from make a start on fixing the rust!
Any info or pics or info on Jag diff installation would be welcome, I want to try and get away with using a Cossie 7.5" diff to start with and only change it if they keep going pop.
cheers
Mark
12-10-2011, 08:34 PM
#19
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
12-10-2011, 08:44 PM
#20
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
I've got a couple more pics of the jag diff, so you can see what's what. Unfortunately a couple of them have rotated in uploading somehow and I can't for the life of me get them back the right way (They're fine on my lap top, yet rotate when uploaded.. ho hum)
This one is the right way round and with just the cover laid on:
As you can see it has lower arm and spindle arrangement which offers some scope for mounting to a fabricated arm from the beam perhaps? These are even lockwired by Jag..
This one (wonky) shows the underside. You can see the lower arm piece on the far side, and on the near side the mounting holes on the diff case. Maybe the arm could even be discarded, and you can mount direct to the case..
And lastly this (wonky) one shows the flat top section and the four mounting holes on the flats. It's these I hope to use to tie in with the cage, but I'll still need to secure the lower mounts somehow.
Hope that gives you some inspiration! If not, I can sell you my 3.36 sierra diff when you blow yours up
Cheers
Iain
14-10-2011, 06:38 AM
#23
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
It's your fault I'm doing this Paul
Admitedly I already happened to have a 3dr with a v8 knocking around to start with, but your Caltex car showed me the light!
Think mine will be a bit more rough and ready than yours tho...
As you're here Paul, what tire sizes are you running please?
Cheers
Iain
Admitedly I already happened to have a 3dr with a v8 knocking around to start with, but your Caltex car showed me the light!
Think mine will be a bit more rough and ready than yours tho...
As you're here Paul, what tire sizes are you running please?
Cheers
Iain
14-10-2011, 07:56 PM
#24
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
Ok here, we go; goody time!
The postman's worn himself out coming to mine this week
Here's the steering wheel from Garrett in Holland which came yesterday. Thanks Patrick.
And here's my new front brakes courtesy of Dan (Lacey) also from PF world.. I'm going to enjoy planting my foot on the brake pedal knowing these on the the other end. CP5555's and 355mm (if my memory serves me right) discs.
And to complete the line up from Tim Garrington are my new rear shocks - Ford 909 items with 350lb springs. Perfect for me straight out of the box. (Thanks Tim)
I now need to find some suitable fronts to match these now!
So I'm well chuffed with getting my hands on these bits and pieces this week, as it takes me along way into prepping a car that will be up to a track day or two. Thanks to the guys above for packaging up the stuff so well and sorting couriers etc so promptly. It's great to sell stuff when you need to get rid, but getting the stuff packaged up and sent out is a bit of a chore I know, so thanks again.
I've not heard any more back from Carbondelight about the roof skin, so I'm going to have to chase them up again and force them to take my money...
By contrast I've been in touch with Repower over the course of the last week or so regarding a Tremec TKO600 gearbox and exchanged quite a few e-mails with them. I've been strongly tempted by going down the Getrag 265 route (from a manual Jag for example), but I'd still need to source a fair bit of kit to make it work, from bellhousing, to clutch and so on, that even after I've sourced a basic unit from a breaker I would still have to spend a fair bit making it work. By contrast the Tremec is a complete bolt in solution (and obviously brand new), and I can be confident it's up to the job straight out of the box. With it being rated to 600ft/lb of torque it's also future proof for further engine work, as I will only be in region of 375lb to begin with. Anyway, I've put my money where my mouth is, and it's coming on Monday That gives me a few days to think about how I tell the missus....
I'll post a few piccies when it arrives if I'm alive to tell the tale
Cheers all,
Iain
The postman's worn himself out coming to mine this week
Here's the steering wheel from Garrett in Holland which came yesterday. Thanks Patrick.
And here's my new front brakes courtesy of Dan (Lacey) also from PF world.. I'm going to enjoy planting my foot on the brake pedal knowing these on the the other end. CP5555's and 355mm (if my memory serves me right) discs.
And to complete the line up from Tim Garrington are my new rear shocks - Ford 909 items with 350lb springs. Perfect for me straight out of the box. (Thanks Tim)
I now need to find some suitable fronts to match these now!
So I'm well chuffed with getting my hands on these bits and pieces this week, as it takes me along way into prepping a car that will be up to a track day or two. Thanks to the guys above for packaging up the stuff so well and sorting couriers etc so promptly. It's great to sell stuff when you need to get rid, but getting the stuff packaged up and sent out is a bit of a chore I know, so thanks again.
I've not heard any more back from Carbondelight about the roof skin, so I'm going to have to chase them up again and force them to take my money...
By contrast I've been in touch with Repower over the course of the last week or so regarding a Tremec TKO600 gearbox and exchanged quite a few e-mails with them. I've been strongly tempted by going down the Getrag 265 route (from a manual Jag for example), but I'd still need to source a fair bit of kit to make it work, from bellhousing, to clutch and so on, that even after I've sourced a basic unit from a breaker I would still have to spend a fair bit making it work. By contrast the Tremec is a complete bolt in solution (and obviously brand new), and I can be confident it's up to the job straight out of the box. With it being rated to 600ft/lb of torque it's also future proof for further engine work, as I will only be in region of 375lb to begin with. Anyway, I've put my money where my mouth is, and it's coming on Monday
That gives me a few days to think about how I tell the missus....I'll post a few piccies when it arrives if I'm alive to tell the tale
Cheers all,
Iain
14-10-2011, 08:34 PM
#25
I've found that life I needed.. It's HERE!!
I am glad they arrived and even more so you like them mate , I will try and get so pic,s to you this weekend , there was some front shock go match your rears on eBay the other week
15-10-2011, 08:39 PM
#26
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
Just a quick update today peeps.
I began the task of stripping out the painted in sound deadening panels from the shell floor.
A quick blast from the blow torch and a DIY style scraper did the trick quite nicely. Having not done it before I didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I could get a large panel scraped off, and wiped clean back to primer with turps substitute in less than an hour. That means on a nice day like today I can sneak out of the house and quickly do a panel before anyone notices I'm out! Hopefully I can do a couple more tomorrow.
One thing that shocked me today was what was going on underneath the sound deadening.. As you can see from the pic below there's a shitload of holes in these things in some seemingly crazy places. There was no shortage of water hiding underneath a seemingly dry interior! It was quite a shock to see as I was scraping back the sound deadening panel in the footwell. My car does sit outside, but under a pukka cover which whilst not completely waterproof is a decent breathable jobbie, but it's not been driven in the rain. I think rain water is coming through the scuttle panel in front of the screen, and working it's way down the bulkhead and seeping through the mutlitude of vents/slots you can see.
I'm not sure how the pic is coming out, but in case you can't see, the shady corner towards the left is a little puddle! Anyway, I'm glad I got to this point with the car, as i can look into a solution, maybe a solid replacement panel?
Anyone been here before with this?
Oh, and I've got a couple of observations for this job; wear a glove on the scraper hand in case you slip into the path of a blow torch - don't ask me how I know that... And keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case. Fortunately I didn't need the latter, but safety first folks
Cheers
Iain
PS In case i get asked; as you might see in the pic my original intention was to paint the car moonstone, so when fully stripped that's what I had done inside, bay, door shuts
and so on.. then I changed my mind half way through, but i couldn't bring myself to strip out all the stuff I'd just refitted, so I left the floor as it was out of sight, and did the rest in white!
I began the task of stripping out the painted in sound deadening panels from the shell floor.
A quick blast from the blow torch and a DIY style scraper did the trick quite nicely. Having not done it before I didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I could get a large panel scraped off, and wiped clean back to primer with turps substitute in less than an hour. That means on a nice day like today I can sneak out of the house and quickly do a panel before anyone notices I'm out! Hopefully I can do a couple more tomorrow.
One thing that shocked me today was what was going on underneath the sound deadening.. As you can see from the pic below there's a shitload of holes in these things in some seemingly crazy places. There was no shortage of water hiding underneath a seemingly dry interior! It was quite a shock to see as I was scraping back the sound deadening panel in the footwell. My car does sit outside, but under a pukka cover which whilst not completely waterproof is a decent breathable jobbie, but it's not been driven in the rain. I think rain water is coming through the scuttle panel in front of the screen, and working it's way down the bulkhead and seeping through the mutlitude of vents/slots you can see.
I'm not sure how the pic is coming out, but in case you can't see, the shady corner towards the left is a little puddle! Anyway, I'm glad I got to this point with the car, as i can look into a solution, maybe a solid replacement panel?
Anyone been here before with this?
Oh, and I've got a couple of observations for this job; wear a glove on the scraper hand in case you slip into the path of a blow torch - don't ask me how I know that... And keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case. Fortunately I didn't need the latter, but safety first folks
Cheers
Iain
PS In case i get asked; as you might see in the pic my original intention was to paint the car moonstone, so when fully stripped that's what I had done inside, bay, door shuts
and so on.. then I changed my mind half way through, but i couldn't bring myself to strip out all the stuff I'd just refitted, so I left the floor as it was out of sight, and did the rest in white!
17-10-2011, 09:47 PM
#27
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
Wahey, 55kgs of gearbox loveliness arrived today!
These guys; http://www.roadcraftuk.co.uk/ do a full package for the small block Ford V8's (and others). I recieved a professional service from start to finish. As I mentioned before I wanted a full bolt in package to boost my chances of compatability, function and durability.
Along with the 'box I got a SBF specific bellhousing
A 10.5" McLeod clutch. Never having picked up a clutch plate this size before I was shocked how heavy it was!
Although I've got a standard flywheel already with the engine in decent condition, it seemed like an obvious time to upgrade to a billet item. As this comes in the package, it wasn't worth making such a minor saving by opting out.
It came with all the goodies necessary to ensure a smooth swap over, plus I ordered a yoke to build into the propshaft. Everything came bagged and labelled up. You might just spot the clutch slave cylinder in there also. I think going with a slave cylinder is a slightly safer bet than a hydraulic release bearing. Knowing any leak or maintenance issue of a hydraulic bearing would mean the box coming out would be a bit of a downer. Hopefully a slave cylinder like this offers more scope for maintenance and trouble shooting with everything in situ if the need arises.
Ages ago I bought a powerlite starter motor. I was motivated by the weight and space saving potential over the standard (ie massive and bloody heavy) Ford item. However when I fitted it, it never actually worked very well. In the event as time was short at the time I refitted the original one with a new remote solenoid and had no problems. It was possible the powerlite one was incompatible with my flywheel (no. of teeth perhaps) but either way I'll be tempted to try it again this time around and see if it works this time. It must be a good 3kg lighter than the original one!
Talking of weight saving, has anyone ever weighed the floor sound deadening panels in a 3dr.. I'm about half way through the scraping and blow torching and I reckon I'm close to 10kg already. I'm bagging it up as I go along and I'll see if i can weigh it after I'm done.
I got word today from MDA Motorsport that the car can go in the weekend after next, so I've got a bit more to do on the sound deadening, and that's about it. Oh, and I need to put the cover back on the diff and fill it. I might see if i can get some tyres on the new Comp mo's, and I can sell the Rev's it's rolling on for now.
So my question for now.. Which track day tires and what size.. Any expertise out there? The reading I've done is suggesting maybe 205 or 215/35 R18 front, and 225's on the rear. My rims are 8" wide. Any ideas welcome!
Cheers
Iain
These guys; http://www.roadcraftuk.co.uk/ do a full package for the small block Ford V8's (and others). I recieved a professional service from start to finish. As I mentioned before I wanted a full bolt in package to boost my chances of compatability, function and durability.
Along with the 'box I got a SBF specific bellhousing
A 10.5" McLeod clutch. Never having picked up a clutch plate this size before I was shocked how heavy it was!
Although I've got a standard flywheel already with the engine in decent condition, it seemed like an obvious time to upgrade to a billet item. As this comes in the package, it wasn't worth making such a minor saving by opting out.
It came with all the goodies necessary to ensure a smooth swap over, plus I ordered a yoke to build into the propshaft. Everything came bagged and labelled up. You might just spot the clutch slave cylinder in there also. I think going with a slave cylinder is a slightly safer bet than a hydraulic release bearing. Knowing any leak or maintenance issue of a hydraulic bearing would mean the box coming out would be a bit of a downer. Hopefully a slave cylinder like this offers more scope for maintenance and trouble shooting with everything in situ if the need arises.
Ages ago I bought a powerlite starter motor. I was motivated by the weight and space saving potential over the standard (ie massive and bloody heavy) Ford item. However when I fitted it, it never actually worked very well. In the event as time was short at the time I refitted the original one with a new remote solenoid and had no problems. It was possible the powerlite one was incompatible with my flywheel (no. of teeth perhaps) but either way I'll be tempted to try it again this time around and see if it works this time. It must be a good 3kg lighter than the original one!
Talking of weight saving, has anyone ever weighed the floor sound deadening panels in a 3dr.. I'm about half way through the scraping and blow torching and I reckon I'm close to 10kg already. I'm bagging it up as I go along and I'll see if i can weigh it after I'm done.
I got word today from MDA Motorsport that the car can go in the weekend after next, so I've got a bit more to do on the sound deadening, and that's about it. Oh, and I need to put the cover back on the diff and fill it. I might see if i can get some tyres on the new Comp mo's, and I can sell the Rev's it's rolling on for now.
So my question for now.. Which track day tires and what size.. Any expertise out there? The reading I've done is suggesting maybe 205 or 215/35 R18 front, and 225's on the rear. My rims are 8" wide. Any ideas welcome!
Cheers
Iain
Last edited by IainRS1700T; 17-10-2011 at 09:49 PM.
18-10-2011, 07:09 AM
#30
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
I'm only doing the one project James! Two would bankrupt me.. I decided to ditch the RS1700T project in favour of the Sierra. I've sold most of what I'd collected for the Escort to give me the budget for the goodies you see here just now. I just need to sell off the Escort shell now and it will be pretty much all gone...
Cheers
Iain
18-10-2011, 07:11 AM
#31
Great thread mate 
lovely car! The leak could be the fusebox gasket, I think ford made that floor area like that for a crumple zone or something. It really doesn't make any sense as it must be so weakened! Keep up with the up dates this is going to be an animal mate
lovely car! The leak could be the fusebox gasket, I think ford made that floor area like that for a crumple zone or something. It really doesn't make any sense as it must be so weakened! Keep up with the up dates this is going to be an animal mate
18-10-2011, 07:15 AM
#32
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
I think the slots might be a bit wide to be bridged by a weld.. I'm doing a bit more scraping this morning so I'll have another look. It's possible to get rally inspired replacement footwell panels but chopping out a solid panel (albeit one with slots in) seems pretty drastic?
Perhaps it could plated and welded up from the engine bay side?
Either way I don't want to leave them as they are!
Cheers
Iain
18-10-2011, 08:19 PM
#33
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
[QUOTE=Ade500;5666444]Great thread mate lovely car! The leak could be the fusebox gasket,QUOTE]
Cheers for that Ade, that's a good tip. I'll definitely look into that.
Iain
lovely car! The leak could be the fusebox gasket,QUOTE]Cheers for that Ade, that's a good tip. I'll definitely look into that.
Iain
19-10-2011, 09:25 PM
#34
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
Hi Folks,
I had a few more hours spare today to continue the sound deadening scrape fest! It's straight forward enough, but just takes time.
Blow torch to heat it up; DIY scraper to lift it off;
Fill a big bag up..! I weighed it at the end of today with all the panels scraped off. I got it at 15kg.. Cheapest 15kg weight loss for any track day car I reckon - not as sexy as carbon fibre bits though
After the sound deadening has been scraped off it leaves a pretty sticky residue behind. In the first instance I found going back to the blow torch and scraper helps get rid of some the bits I missed. Then after that I used turps substitute and rough kitchen scouring pad to get down to bare paint/primer. It gets a bit messy at this point!
By the close of play today I'd managed to get rid of the last panels, clean up the glue, and sand the floor in prep for the paint it will receive after the cage goes in. I don't want to see a scraper again for sometime!
Cheers
Iain
I had a few more hours spare today to continue the sound deadening scrape fest! It's straight forward enough, but just takes time.
Blow torch to heat it up; DIY scraper to lift it off;
Fill a big bag up..! I weighed it at the end of today with all the panels scraped off. I got it at 15kg.. Cheapest 15kg weight loss for any track day car I reckon - not as sexy as carbon fibre bits though
After the sound deadening has been scraped off it leaves a pretty sticky residue behind. In the first instance I found going back to the blow torch and scraper helps get rid of some the bits I missed. Then after that I used turps substitute and rough kitchen scouring pad to get down to bare paint/primer. It gets a bit messy at this point!
By the close of play today I'd managed to get rid of the last panels, clean up the glue, and sand the floor in prep for the paint it will receive after the cage goes in. I don't want to see a scraper again for sometime!
Cheers
Iain
19-10-2011, 10:04 PM
#36
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
That looks tidy Blue Oval; thanks for the pic.
I take it you just did the inside panel?
I love the red oxide by the way - reminds me of doing the underside of mine!
Funnily enough as I was working on the car today (on my driveway of course) the rain was coming down as I was scraping away inside and I managed to track the leak I'd seen. It was coming in via the rear lights, and as the car points nose down on my sloping driveway, the water basically trickled it's way down all the way through the car into the footwell...
The mad thing is that the floor panels have a little valley carved in which takes in all the various vents and slots etc and the leak follows this route all the way to the front of the car as if Ford thought, 'those rear light gaskets are going to leak eventually, lets channel the water this way..' But they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by then covering the vents with the adhesive sound deadening panels so the water basically trickles through your car and just sits at the lowest point
Well I'm glad I've stripped it so I became aware of the leak, and obviously it's an easy fix. Fortunately it hadn't been like that for long so I didn't rot my interior away either. But it makes you wonder how many cossies are rolling along blissfully unaware of all these little water traps. It could look a million dollars, but until everything came out you'd have no idea!
Now I'm in two minds about the vents.. Now they're uncovered they could actually function properly - could get a bit drafty though!
Cheers
Iain
I take it you just did the inside panel?
I love the red oxide by the way - reminds me of doing the underside of mine!
Funnily enough as I was working on the car today (on my driveway of course) the rain was coming down as I was scraping away inside and I managed to track the leak I'd seen. It was coming in via the rear lights, and as the car points nose down on my sloping driveway, the water basically trickled it's way down all the way through the car into the footwell...
The mad thing is that the floor panels have a little valley carved in which takes in all the various vents and slots etc and the leak follows this route all the way to the front of the car as if Ford thought, 'those rear light gaskets are going to leak eventually, lets channel the water this way..' But they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by then covering the vents with the adhesive sound deadening panels so the water basically trickles through your car and just sits at the lowest point
Well I'm glad I've stripped it so I became aware of the leak, and obviously it's an easy fix. Fortunately it hadn't been like that for long so I didn't rot my interior away either. But it makes you wonder how many cossies are rolling along blissfully unaware of all these little water traps. It could look a million dollars, but until everything came out you'd have no idea!
Now I'm in two minds about the vents.. Now they're uncovered they could actually function properly - could get a bit drafty though!
Cheers
Iain
19-10-2011, 11:33 PM
#37
Regular Contributor
Hi ian looking good.Sound deadening removal is a boring job mate.Used heat gun and scraper on mine.then used my wire wheel on my angle grinder to take off the gluey mess.Just a quick one on your jag diff ,years ago when we did a full service and changed axle oil on xj6 and xjs v12s fitted with lsd, we would also add an adative was something to do with the plates in the lsd.Dont want to teach your grandma how to suck eggs,but if it needs it and you are not aware of it dont want it to damage your lsd ,mate .anyway back to your crumple zones in floor some one on here did a piece on them for rally regs a while ago,and they were all plated up like blue oval 24v.Think his look the dogs nads you should definitely do yours like that.will keep watching for more updates paul
20-10-2011, 07:00 AM
#38
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
Cheers for that Paul.
I agree it does look good plated over.
Funnily enough I was chatting with James90RS from here yesterday about Jag diff oil. I'd read on the cobra forum about how sensitive they are to the right oil. I think Jag suggest a basic oil then put in an additive, or you can use a decent spec oil from the outset. Cobra (replica) builders have been putting Jag diffs behind small block Fords for years, so there's quite a bit of expertise there. The suggestions were castrol hypoy LS90, or valvoline HP LS 80w90.
As it turns out they're not easy to find on the shelves, but Demon Thieves have got the Castrol in for £9/L which isn't too bad so I might have to pay them a visit..
Cheers
Iain
I agree it does look good plated over.
Funnily enough I was chatting with James90RS from here yesterday about Jag diff oil. I'd read on the cobra forum about how sensitive they are to the right oil. I think Jag suggest a basic oil then put in an additive, or you can use a decent spec oil from the outset. Cobra (replica) builders have been putting Jag diffs behind small block Fords for years, so there's quite a bit of expertise there. The suggestions were castrol hypoy LS90, or valvoline HP LS 80w90.
As it turns out they're not easy to find on the shelves, but Demon Thieves have got the Castrol in for £9/L which isn't too bad so I might have to pay them a visit..
Cheers
Iain
20-10-2011, 07:55 AM
#39
Regular Contributor
Thought you would be on the ball mate sort of sussed from your thread that you no clown, but sometimes its the small thingsl that get over looked that make big problems later,even to smart people, but no worrys you got it coverd paul
21-10-2011, 09:26 PM
#40
PassionFord Regular
Thread Starter
Well, I've now completely spent out until pay day!
I picked this up today;
It's a proper foam filled jobby, with a Bosch 023 pump inside, plus a fuel gauge sender, plus a filter and plenty of braided fuel hosing.
As you can see it's also sitting in an alloy box, and whilst I need to sort a lid, it's got a big screw top for filler access ready to be fitted.
I also need to sort some straps to keep the cell in place. I'm a little tempted to get the container powder coated black and get a carbon lid.. we'll see about that in due course. Before that I need to get some more hose to sort a return and a breather.
The question is, should I now be looking to chop the spare wheel well out and go with a flat boot floor? Has anyone done it, and could offer some pointers?
Cheers
Iain
I picked this up today;
It's a proper foam filled jobby, with a Bosch 023 pump inside, plus a fuel gauge sender, plus a filter and plenty of braided fuel hosing.
As you can see it's also sitting in an alloy box, and whilst I need to sort a lid, it's got a big screw top for filler access ready to be fitted.
I also need to sort some straps to keep the cell in place. I'm a little tempted to get the container powder coated black and get a carbon lid.. we'll see about that in due course. Before that I need to get some more hose to sort a return and a breather.
The question is, should I now be looking to chop the spare wheel well out and go with a flat boot floor? Has anyone done it, and could offer some pointers?
Cheers
Iain
Last edited by IainRS1700T; 21-10-2011 at 09:27 PM. Reason: can't spell