Time Attack ST170 - Few new pics 24/06
10-12-2011, 06:32 PM
#1
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Time Attack ST170 - Few new pics 24/06
Well, I figured it was time for a new thread as the old one was very long, very cluttered, had wandered off topic in numerous places and was a huge deviation of what I’d originally set out to do.
So, as things are moving along with a little pace now, I thought I’d start something new to keep everyone in the loop without them having to sift through all the out of date stuff!
For those of you not familiar with my project, it all started out when I bought a 300bhp Supercharged ST170 a few years ago. I took it on track and had oil temp problems and the engine started knocking. I decided to pull the engine apart to rebuild it and things got a little carried away from there!
Having worked for a number of tuners who’ve previously run Time Attack cars, I’ve been knocking around the pits since 2006. Last year I decided it was something I wanted to have a stab at so decided to build the Focus into a Time Attack car.
I managed to find an unregistered Ford Motorsport bodyshell that was already fully caged with a T45 Safety Devices cage:
So sent Wenny to go and collect it!
After cluttering Wennys workshop for a while, I finally got round to getting up to the North East to transfer all the relevant bits from my old car onto the new shell:
KW Variant 2 coilovers and AP Racing 362mm 6pot brakes:
Powerflex polybushes and Vibra-technics bushes all round.
Everything where possible was powdercoated before the rebuild.
Brand new heated windscreen fitted:
Panels all fitted up:
Ready for the journey home:
Then it was time to fit the single wiper conversion! As it was originally a LHD shell, getting wiper linkage in proved a little tricky:
I already had the engine built from after its oil temperature problem.
Quick spec:
Nitrided Knife Edged Crank
IASA Forged Pistons
Saenz Forged Connecting Rods
ARP2000 Rod Bolts
ARP Main Stud Kit
ACL Race Bearings
Precision 46mm External Wastegate:
Garrett GT3076R Turbo
Tial V Band Exhaust Housing
-10AN Oil Drain Fitting
All assembled onto the Top Speed Performance Manifold
Fortunately as I’m now in the final year of my degree as a mature student, I get access to some incredibly powerful engine modelling and simulation software…
And use of other seriously cool kit like Cam Doctors:
As I’ve now moved away from the compound charged setup and gone turbo only, I opted for a Jenvey inlet manifold setup:
I’ve also changed ECUs and moved onto an EC2 unit.
Not only does the EC2 allow me to run drive-by-wire and full traction control, it is also one of the only ECUs out there that specifically supports Variable Valve Timing mapping:
I’ve also taken the opportunity to move with the times and gone onto a Bosch 3.5bar TMAP Sensor setup:
Gearbox wise, I’m still using a variant of the Getrag MT285 6 speed ST170 box, however, I’ve rebuilt it with a shorter ratio straight cut final drive and Quaife ATB diff, as seen in the pics below. Top speed now is 150mph at 7200rpm in 6th.
And linking the engine to the gearbox is a Clutchmasters FX400 6 paddle clutch:
Wiring wise, I chose to completely rewire the car from scratch so started out by getting a good friend of mine to laser etch every wire with my choice of idents:
To keep everything nice and safe, the remote battery is fully isolated by an Armtech isolator system:
I’ve also done my own DR-25 Raychem spec engine wiring loom:
And used heatshrink labels to identify everything:
I’m running all new power distribution, fuse and relay boxes:
And just to prove that some of it works already!
To try and keep both me and the car in one piece, I’ve gone for a full Lifeline Zero 360 plumbed in system:
And mounted the control box as part of my switch assembly:
Inside the car, the dash has been subjected to something of a haircut!
Hydraulic AND cable handbrake setup – cars technically have to be MOT compliant for Time Attack!
Full Aeromotive fuel system mounted in the spare wheel well:
Polycarbonate windows all round:
All new stainless brake fittings ready to plumb in the brakes:
And the new Tilton pedal box:
And a huge thank you to Alan at Airtec for his sponsorship of radiator, intercooler and header tank:
Now that all the bits of the jigsaw are here, it’s time to finally get the car built. It’s heading off to the bodyshop on Monday morning for a few bits and when it comes back, it’ll be getting vinyl wrapped and stickered up.
It’s not too late to get your name on the car if you’re interested in sponsoring me
So, as things are moving along with a little pace now, I thought I’d start something new to keep everyone in the loop without them having to sift through all the out of date stuff!
For those of you not familiar with my project, it all started out when I bought a 300bhp Supercharged ST170 a few years ago. I took it on track and had oil temp problems and the engine started knocking. I decided to pull the engine apart to rebuild it and things got a little carried away from there!
Having worked for a number of tuners who’ve previously run Time Attack cars, I’ve been knocking around the pits since 2006. Last year I decided it was something I wanted to have a stab at so decided to build the Focus into a Time Attack car.
I managed to find an unregistered Ford Motorsport bodyshell that was already fully caged with a T45 Safety Devices cage:
So sent Wenny to go and collect it!
After cluttering Wennys workshop for a while, I finally got round to getting up to the North East to transfer all the relevant bits from my old car onto the new shell:
KW Variant 2 coilovers and AP Racing 362mm 6pot brakes:
Powerflex polybushes and Vibra-technics bushes all round.
Everything where possible was powdercoated before the rebuild.
Brand new heated windscreen fitted:
Panels all fitted up:
Ready for the journey home:
Then it was time to fit the single wiper conversion! As it was originally a LHD shell, getting wiper linkage in proved a little tricky:
I already had the engine built from after its oil temperature problem.
Quick spec:
Nitrided Knife Edged Crank
IASA Forged Pistons
Saenz Forged Connecting Rods
ARP2000 Rod Bolts
ARP Main Stud Kit
ACL Race Bearings
Precision 46mm External Wastegate:
Garrett GT3076R Turbo
Tial V Band Exhaust Housing
-10AN Oil Drain Fitting
All assembled onto the Top Speed Performance Manifold
Fortunately as I’m now in the final year of my degree as a mature student, I get access to some incredibly powerful engine modelling and simulation software…
And use of other seriously cool kit like Cam Doctors:
As I’ve now moved away from the compound charged setup and gone turbo only, I opted for a Jenvey inlet manifold setup:
I’ve also changed ECUs and moved onto an EC2 unit.
Not only does the EC2 allow me to run drive-by-wire and full traction control, it is also one of the only ECUs out there that specifically supports Variable Valve Timing mapping:
I’ve also taken the opportunity to move with the times and gone onto a Bosch 3.5bar TMAP Sensor setup:
Gearbox wise, I’m still using a variant of the Getrag MT285 6 speed ST170 box, however, I’ve rebuilt it with a shorter ratio straight cut final drive and Quaife ATB diff, as seen in the pics below. Top speed now is 150mph at 7200rpm in 6th.
And linking the engine to the gearbox is a Clutchmasters FX400 6 paddle clutch:
Wiring wise, I chose to completely rewire the car from scratch so started out by getting a good friend of mine to laser etch every wire with my choice of idents:
To keep everything nice and safe, the remote battery is fully isolated by an Armtech isolator system:
I’ve also done my own DR-25 Raychem spec engine wiring loom:
And used heatshrink labels to identify everything:
I’m running all new power distribution, fuse and relay boxes:
And just to prove that some of it works already!
To try and keep both me and the car in one piece, I’ve gone for a full Lifeline Zero 360 plumbed in system:
And mounted the control box as part of my switch assembly:
Inside the car, the dash has been subjected to something of a haircut!
Hydraulic AND cable handbrake setup – cars technically have to be MOT compliant for Time Attack!
Full Aeromotive fuel system mounted in the spare wheel well:
Polycarbonate windows all round:
All new stainless brake fittings ready to plumb in the brakes:
And the new Tilton pedal box:
And a huge thank you to Alan at Airtec for his sponsorship of radiator, intercooler and header tank:
Now that all the bits of the jigsaw are here, it’s time to finally get the car built. It’s heading off to the bodyshop on Monday morning for a few bits and when it comes back, it’ll be getting vinyl wrapped and stickered up.
It’s not too late to get your name on the car if you’re interested in sponsoring me
10-12-2011, 06:42 PM
#2
Some very interesting stuff going on with this, nice to see a tidy thread for it.
I have a couple of questions though...what's the shell all about? I never really got what Ford had those Focus shells done for, as they weren't WRC, and 2.0 FWD stuff had all but died in rallying by that time, so seems a bit odd.
Any reason for running a hydraulic handbrake? Would it not be redundant in Time Attack? Pretty sure you shouldn't be pulling handbrake turns everywhere
I have a couple of questions though...what's the shell all about? I never really got what Ford had those Focus shells done for, as they weren't WRC, and 2.0 FWD stuff had all but died in rallying by that time, so seems a bit odd.
Any reason for running a hydraulic handbrake? Would it not be redundant in Time Attack? Pretty sure you shouldn't be pulling handbrake turns everywhere
10-12-2011, 06:45 PM
#3
Borg Warner EFR Equipped!
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Some very interesting stuff going on with this, nice to see a tidy thread for it.
I have a couple of questions though...what's the shell all about? I never really got what Ford had those Focus shells done for, as they weren't WRC, and 2.0 FWD stuff had all but died in rallying by that time, so seems a bit odd.
Any reason for running a hydraulic handbrake? Would it not be redundant in Time Attack? Pretty sure you shouldn't be pulling handbrake turns everywhere
I have a couple of questions though...what's the shell all about? I never really got what Ford had those Focus shells done for, as they weren't WRC, and 2.0 FWD stuff had all but died in rallying by that time, so seems a bit odd.
Any reason for running a hydraulic handbrake? Would it not be redundant in Time Attack? Pretty sure you shouldn't be pulling handbrake turns everywhere
Hydraulic handbrake, whilst i'm not 'intending' to need it in Time Attack, it can come in handy on a few of the really tight hairpins around Cadwell Park. Primarily I put it in for the occasional trip to the pod so that I can preload the transmission prior to launching. I've never really found the cable stuff quite up to the job!
10-12-2011, 06:49 PM
#5
Borg Warner EFR Equipped!
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Well, time and money permitting i'd like to get out for a couple of rounds of Time Attack in 2012 for shakedown and testing. If all goes well, then hopefully i'll be back in full time employment by September next year so can afford to do the full championship in 2013.
I'm still using the standard Focus fuel tank and pump, the in tank pump will feed the swirl pot and the Aeromotive pump will feed the fuel rail.
10-12-2011, 06:53 PM
#6
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Is this running piper reprofiled cams? I'm part way through fitting mine, the shimming process with the valve top shims provided is a pain in the arse! 
Trending Topics
10-12-2011, 06:55 PM
#8
Looking awesome Will and will be following this with GREAT interest!!!
Out of curiosity, what power are you aiming for? Do you think the GT3076 will be laggy? Im considering one for my FRS however am debating between the 3076 and 3071...it will be a road car and see track use not very often...
And one last thing...did you design the wiper mech yourself? I need one designing if you can help out? My Previa has sheared the metal bulk head apart where my wiper motor mech bolts onto
Out of curiosity, what power are you aiming for? Do you think the GT3076 will be laggy? Im considering one for my FRS however am debating between the 3076 and 3071...it will be a road car and see track use not very often...
And one last thing...did you design the wiper mech yourself? I need one designing if you can help out? My Previa has sheared the metal bulk head apart where my wiper motor mech bolts onto
10-12-2011, 06:56 PM
#9
Borg Warner EFR Equipped!
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They're made from billet so can be any profile, including custom, and they're ground on the correct base circle so don't require top hat shimming. Sadly i've had problems in the past with top hat shims coming out at high revs.
10-12-2011, 07:00 PM
#10
Borg Warner EFR Equipped!
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Cheers Andy. Trying to over engineer everything so that I only have to spend once. Even if it is a lot first time round...
I felt the 3076 would be more suited to outright track use, my compression ratio is in excess of 9.0:1 and i'm using the variable valve timing to adjust the overlap to help bring the turbo on boost as quickly as possible, so no, I don't feel it will be too laggy.
Power wise i'd like to see around 450bhp with 400lb/ft.
The single wiper kit was actually one from Storm Wipers for a RHD car that I cut and shut to make fit on mine!
Looking awesome Will and will be following this with GREAT interest!!!
Out of curiosity, what power are you aiming for? Do you think the GT3076 will be laggy? Im considering one for my FRS however am debating between the 3076 and 3071...it will be a road car and see track use not very often...
And one last thing...did you design the wiper mech yourself? I need one designing if you can help out? My Previa has sheared the metal bulk head apart where my wiper motor mech bolts onto
Out of curiosity, what power are you aiming for? Do you think the GT3076 will be laggy? Im considering one for my FRS however am debating between the 3076 and 3071...it will be a road car and see track use not very often...
And one last thing...did you design the wiper mech yourself? I need one designing if you can help out? My Previa has sheared the metal bulk head apart where my wiper motor mech bolts onto
Power wise i'd like to see around 450bhp with 400lb/ft.
The single wiper kit was actually one from Storm Wipers for a RHD car that I cut and shut to make fit on mine!
10-12-2011, 07:01 PM
#11
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Coming out! Whoops. I can see why that might be a problem on the inlet side as both side of the shims need machining so not to fowl the valve collets. Any advice apart from changing to CAT cams? lol
10-12-2011, 07:10 PM
#13
Ford Focus Specialist
Some very trick looking pieces being put together now.
Looking forward to getting my hands dirty helping spanner this bitch together and get her out on track next year!
Looking forward to getting my hands dirty helping spanner this bitch together and get her out on track next year!
10-12-2011, 07:15 PM
#14
Borg Warner EFR Equipped!
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Next major mod that i've got planned is to make a tubular front end to allow repositioning of the radiator, intercooler, oil cooler etc.
Something a little like this:
Something a little like this:
10-12-2011, 07:28 PM
#17
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Fantastic project Will,
I have a question though....... You said you have to keep the cable handbrake so the car is technicly MOT compliant, but if you have polycarbonate windows all round surely its not MOT compliant anymore? genuine question as I though the front window needed to be glass.,
I have a question though....... You said you have to keep the cable handbrake so the car is technicly MOT compliant, but if you have polycarbonate windows all round surely its not MOT compliant anymore? genuine question as I though the front window needed to be glass.,
10-12-2011, 09:25 PM
#26
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Excellent project mate.
He says he has a heated front screen, that will be glass.
Fantastic project Will,
I have a question though....... You said you have to keep the cable handbrake so the car is technicly MOT compliant, but if you have polycarbonate windows all round surely its not MOT compliant anymore? genuine question as I though the front window needed to be glass.,
I have a question though....... You said you have to keep the cable handbrake so the car is technicly MOT compliant, but if you have polycarbonate windows all round surely its not MOT compliant anymore? genuine question as I though the front window needed to be glass.,
He says he has a heated front screen, that will be glass.
10-12-2011, 09:36 PM
#28
Fantastic project Will,
I have a question though....... You said you have to keep the cable handbrake so the car is technicly MOT compliant, but if you have polycarbonate windows all round surely its not MOT compliant anymore? genuine question as I though the front window needed to be glass.,
I have a question though....... You said you have to keep the cable handbrake so the car is technicly MOT compliant, but if you have polycarbonate windows all round surely its not MOT compliant anymore? genuine question as I though the front window needed to be glass.,
great project will
steve
11-12-2011, 07:21 AM
#35
No. I don't use Piper any more. I use CAT CAMs from Belgium in all my builds now.
They're made from billet so can be any profile, including custom, and they're ground on the correct base circle so don't require top hat shimming. Sadly i've had problems in the past with top hat shims coming out at high revs.
They're made from billet so can be any profile, including custom, and they're ground on the correct base circle so don't require top hat shimming. Sadly i've had problems in the past with top hat shims coming out at high revs.
Steve
11-12-2011, 07:36 AM
#36
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Long time no see mate. Hope you're well?
Yes, I know exactly what you're referring to I think, using deep top hat shims like on the RS200?
I just prefer now to use cams with the correct base circle and take the shim (that wasn't ever there from Ford) out of the equation!
It balances out cost wise too, what extra you pay for the cams you save on machining.
11-12-2011, 09:45 AM
#39
I got this shell from Chris Birkbeck who runs a rally school in the North East. This was his 'spare' shell from when he used to compete. He bought it, caged it, painted it and then it just sat there!
Hydraulic handbrake, whilst i'm not 'intending' to need it in Time Attack, it can come in handy on a few of the really tight hairpins around Cadwell Park. Primarily I put it in for the occasional trip to the pod so that I can preload the transmission prior to launching. I've never really found the cable stuff quite up to the job!
Hydraulic handbrake, whilst i'm not 'intending' to need it in Time Attack, it can come in handy on a few of the really tight hairpins around Cadwell Park. Primarily I put it in for the occasional trip to the pod so that I can preload the transmission prior to launching. I've never really found the cable stuff quite up to the job!
So what did Birkbeck use them for? Were they 2.0 FWD things? I know he had a couple that he used for tuition, and I've seen a couple of Group A Focus' before, but they never really seemed to feature in much, as they just seemed to focus (excuse the pun) on the WRC and the Puma kit cars. Curious as to what the plan was with them. Maybe an intended replacement for the RS2000 Group A perhaps.
On a slightly different note, where did you get the gear kit from? Didn't know there was much available for the Getrag!
11-12-2011, 09:58 AM
#40
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Fair enough, I'll let you off then
So what did Birkbeck use them for? Were they 2.0 FWD things? I know he had a couple that he used for tuition, and I've seen a couple of Group A Focus' before, but they never really seemed to feature in much, as they just seemed to focus (excuse the pun) on the WRC and the Puma kit cars. Curious as to what the plan was with them. Maybe an intended replacement for the RS2000 Group A perhaps.
On a slightly different note, where did you get the gear kit from? Didn't know there was much available for the Getrag!
So what did Birkbeck use them for? Were they 2.0 FWD things? I know he had a couple that he used for tuition, and I've seen a couple of Group A Focus' before, but they never really seemed to feature in much, as they just seemed to focus (excuse the pun) on the WRC and the Puma kit cars. Curious as to what the plan was with them. Maybe an intended replacement for the RS2000 Group A perhaps.
On a slightly different note, where did you get the gear kit from? Didn't know there was much available for the Getrag!
Gear kit was a lucky find - its actually for a Mini Cooper S!
Not seem them since though which is a bit of a shame
