Here are the pic\'s of the elfore before I start work on it, The last picture of the white one was taken in 1983 when I was a little nipper, it is an original new example which was bought new from elford engineering ltd by my step father, i think it had about 900 miles on the clock when the photo was taken. I wonder where it is now, in the great scrap yard in the sky I would think!!!!!!!
Lots of space under the bonnet!
whats the plan then ? going stick another 12a in it ?
Whats the bodywork like was it as good as the advertiser said ?
Yes, I just want to get this one up and running ASAP, I hate having half finished things hanging around and with the FC in bits still my workshop is quickly filling up with "stuff".. work has turned busy at the moment which does not do well for project time so I have not had a minute to have a good look at the bodywork yet. The paint is not that old with no visable rust anywhere, But as we all know that is not always the case when you really start looking. It has only got 1 previous owner from 1986 when it was imported from the channel Islands, it does at first glance look like it has been looked after very well, with quality tyres and clean interior etc, so I will keep my fingers crossed. I am calling on Kevin yorks tomorrow to look at his engines then work from there.. watch this space...thanks for the interest
you will love kev\'s cosmo
he started up at the last meet and gave a few blast of the loud pedal - never seen so many people turn round and stare :D - its one hell of a car to be honest :D :D :D
I forgot to ask, In the advert on Ebay it did say it was a 1986 B reg, but that was the year it was imported, It is actually a 1983 Y reg, What series gen 1 does that make it????? was there 3 series or only 2... Manythanks
steering wheel and oil cooler all point to it being a series 2, so its got the 4x110 stud pattern and the slightly smaller brakes compared to a series 3 or B Reg
Quote from: alban1973I forgot to ask, In the advert on Ebay it did say it was a 1986 B reg, but that was the year it was imported, It is actually a 1983 Y reg, What series gen 1 does that make it????? was there 3 series or only 2... Manythanks
Does it have rear disc\'s?
it should be a mark 2 i belive but they may have upgraded the brakes
mark
Quote from: mpk490pDoes it have rear disc\'s?
it should be a mark 2 i belive but they may have upgraded the brakes
mark
Only the series 1 had drums as far as I know.
Thanks for your assistance, and to Kevin Gordon for supplying the engine.. the car is now up and running, needs a good service and a tune up, I will sort all the brakes out now wait until i get the Log book back then I can get some number plates and an MOT..body under side appears to be very good, front end anyway, When I have all the wheels off and it up in the air I will see what the rear end is like.... Can anyone tell me what the oil metering pump delivery is at a particular engine speed so i can check it out, I do not think that is working but I do have a spare one if this is the case, lastly, what should I set the timing to on this particular setup, do I take the reading from the leading 1 plug and the first mark on the pulley when rotating clockwise.. manythanks
Update on the progress.. Finally had a proper look around the car, about time too, seems a very back to front way of going about it, usually I do the looking, list making sesion and planning first.. anyway ho hum.. front and rear under body is excellent, I cannot believe a 24 year old jap car which I have no history for and at the money I paid being so good. It has been waxoiled, but unfortunatly when it was painted they have sprayed black under guard eveywhere. All the gaps and edges are all there and it is not full of filler , which is more than can be said for the doors. the paint is reasonable standard, I will machine it up and see what it looks like and wax oil everywhere. I went through the brakes, discs are rusty as you would expect but cleaned up well enough to pass the MOT for now, front pads are shot, drivers caliper is slightly sticky, handbrake mech and cables like new. Shockers work but are very rusty so i will replace them soon, not sure what type i will get yet, rear exhaust is "thin" might pass the mot.. front exhaust is starting to blow now as things are waking up but is ok ish when warm.. oil cooler is leeking, but have sorted one of those. number plates are on their way, need a rear fog light. So not a bad old bus really. Need the ignition sys replacing and a good tune up, and we may be on our way................ If anyone has a rear silencer, electric window switch, or any bits of exhaust lying around that i can prise away from you let me know...
try putting an original FD rear silencer on it, it makes it really quiet and flows plenty for a 12A. I have fitted one on my 12a elford and my 13b turbo first gen. fits easy aswell.
You can pick a good 2nd hand one for 30 quid
Quote from: alban1973Update on the progress.. Finally had a proper look around the car, about time too, seems a very back to front way of going about it, usually I do the looking, list making sesion and planning first.. anyway ho hum.. front and rear under body is excellent, I cannot believe a 24 year old jap car which I have no history for and at the money I paid being so good. It has been waxoiled, but unfortunatly when it was painted they have sprayed black under guard eveywhere. All the gaps and edges are all there and it is not full of filler , which is more than can be said for the doors. the paint is reasonable standard, I will machine it up and see what it looks like and wax oil everywhere. I went through the brakes, discs are rusty as you would expect but cleaned up well enough to pass the MOT for now, front pads are shot, drivers caliper is slightly sticky, handbrake mech and cables like new. Shockers work but are very rusty so i will replace them soon, not sure what type i will get yet, rear exhaust is "thin" might pass the mot.. front exhaust is starting to blow now as things are waking up but is ok ish when warm.. oil cooler is leeking, but have sorted one of those. number plates are on their way, need a rear fog light. So not a bad old bus really. Need the ignition sys replacing and a good tune up, and we may be on our way................ If anyone has a rear silencer, electric window switch, or any bits of exhaust lying around that i can prise away from you let me know...
I have plenty of switch\'s and any other bits and bobs (no back box) i do have a original fog light but you might aswell buy new?
Mark
Thanks for the exhaust advise, I will look into that if I cannot source an original one.. Thanks Mark for that, I did actually try to PM you to see if you have any parts, but as you are a non menber I could not do it.. Leave me some contact details and I will be in touch...
I took the car down the road today, does not drive too bad for a live axle setup, it splutters around 1000 to 1200 pulls well 1200 to 4800 then power does seem to drop off after 4800 rpm, but I will test it better with new dist cap, leads, plugs etc........it Does help though when you have the coils leads plugged into the right part of the distributor cap, amasing that it did not make much difference in the running and starting of the engine, In fact the only reason i noticed was that when I put the timing light on the trailing lead it was flashing before the leading mark... I think it might be the distributor conecters that are the wrong way around though!!. as the vac units also seem to be the wrong way around when trying to adjust them.... I have now bought a manual from Ebay, that might help me a little...
mpk490p@hotmail.com
must join, must join, must join
Mark
Quote from: mullinsOnly the series 1 had drums as far as I know.
It has front and rear discs, so it must be either a series 2 or 3, not really sure the difference between the two???
Got all my service items for it this week, pads, dist cap, leads, all the filters, fog light, Not sure what plugs to run with the turbo, Any ideas!!!! I
The series 2 has 4x110 stud pattern and the series 3 has 4x114.3
Another update on the car.. Got my new oil cooler today, thanks to Kiwimazda. So have now fitted that,put some antifreeze in, changed the oil again with the filter this time, now I know the engine works, done all the ignition system and fuel filter, I just need to work out the best plugs to use and I also will fit 2 new coils as one is cracked and arcs under load, Everything else is now ready for the MOT, plates, Fog light, Pads. etc so I will see if my MOT garage has a slot tomorrow..
Quote from: mullinsThe series 2 has 4x110 stud pattern and the series 3 has 4x114.3
Also series 2 had solid disc series 3 was vented
Well, The Elford is now back on the open road again :Giggle 7.30am this morning was the only MOT slot he had for the next few days or so, so I bit his hand off. It failed drasticly! and I had to spend 1 minute adjusting the headlight aim..... :rollin. I have just taxed it, and now am waiting for a new water pump to turn up, hopefully withinn the next hour or so, as the old one decided that is was not really wanting to be a water pump anymore but more of a water tap..... I will try to tune it this afternoon It runs ok but on low revs (under 2200rpm) in a high gear it coughs and splutters a bit, and after over run it pops through the exhaust. JOB done then I think... better get the miles clocked up on it and see what falls off :cool
Well the car has now covered an uneventfull 300 miles. It took a while for the correct water pump to turn up, but very cheap for a jap car @ £22+VAT. so no more water leaks now. got the plugs as well. Did not make a lot of difference to the tune of the engine it starts fine hot and cold and goes quite nicely but does vibreate at speed which I will investigate. steering is better than i thought it would be as I see people mention on here that their cars wander, But there is no free play in the box and it is very light at slow and parking speeds.. I did try to tune it up, but it had to be quite rich at tickover about 8% co for it to run well through the rev range.. I have now taken the carb off stripped it and ordered a rebulid kit and new needle so will see what difference that makes.....Hopefully for easter weekend......
I got my SU carb rebuild kit just before easter, So got it all rebuilt for that weekend, new butterfly, spindal bushes and spindal, all new seals, and needle and jet. It has transformed the car now. I have covered over 650 miles without any drama, a few squeeks and rattles have materialised the harshness at speed a calmed down a bit helped by getting the wheels balanced, The rear pads are rattling like mad so i have got new one to fit, I will also replace the pitted discs at the same time i think. the exhaust mainifold was getting worse, so I have stripped the car tonight for the new gasket coming tomorrow. i also fitted a thermostat to see If it will run hotter. i took pics last weekend of the finished product, well before i took it to bits again tonight...
looking good, could you take a picture of the dizzy with the pully on the leading timming mark? im trying to set mine up and it would really help if you have the time
thanks
mark
I will do it tomorrow for you as i put it back together, Did you get my PM
got it left reply, thats a big help
thanks
Mark
An update on the car. I have covered over 3000 miles in it now, I have driven it locally and to various jap meet not so local. Went down to RS3 which was a good week end even tho I did have a stomach bug all week end and was not on best form. Even won a cup for the car. It has not missed a beat, always started, the only issues I have with it are the brake pad fixing anti rattle clips are all missing and it drives me mad, I have made some temp ones until i can find some, Mazda do not do them as a kit. Also after I fitted the new manifold gasket sometimes the turbo heat cover rubs on the servo making a horrid noise, so I will have to move the engine on the mounts at some point. The only real problem i had was on the way back from RS3 the clutch master cylinder decided to pack up, due to age and then the extream heat from the turbo on the prolonged drive.( I blame Grinder as he was having problems with his as well) So i got a new one and it is as good as new. Found a few pic of the carb rebuild.
Looking good i hope to have my weber 45 on the car within the next couple of month\'s now i have the lower manifold just got to find the time!!!
mark
It would have been nice to have a proper chat with you an see the car at RS111, but then it poured down, and then you went soon after. I\'m sure our paths will cross one day..
i know what you mea n there did\'nt seem much point in hanging around in the rain!!
i will be going to Peterborough at the end of July think there will be a big turn out again if the weathers ok
Mark
any info on where getting the kit for overhauling the SU carb?
Burlen Services, Salisbury will have parts to overhaul any SU.
It is about a year since the story began on this project. I have covered nearly 9000 miles in the old bus, and as it is only really a 3rd to 4th car in the fleet is quite good going.. only a few problems, and lots of fond memories. If only i was in the country for the old skool meet that would have really made a good finish to the year.. High points were traveling to the top of scotland and back in the depths of winter, with the clutch master cylinder melting due to the turbo heat on the 6 hr + drive up. shame a scotish meet was not organised in time, but i did meet a guy from Forfar with his gen 3.. All the meets local and not so local attended, and meeting excellent people along the way.. Low points were a few months ago when selling the car was very much on the cards, but for now we have over come that issue...
I have learned a lot about the car. the original performance issues seem to be with intake heat, as all winter the car has performed very well and is much much faster, get a warm day and it is back to struggling. Just have to live with that for now......On the last drive before I went away 2 weeks ago I was making progress on my way home from a concert and blew the rear exhaust off after a large backfire on a down change. But to sum up, it is a very usable and drivable car with bags of low down torgue, good brakes even with the added performance. the car is excellent on long journeys with fuel consumption that is not even an issue, fantastic performance when you look at the simplicity and the era of a car which has not been changed from its original elford conversion, a good alround package. and most of all to date reliable.
So, where to from here. MOT is due soon, I am now going to go through the complete suspension system, all the bushes look as if they have been on the car since new, and after the miles and abuse it has received in the last year do need changing, the shockers are well past their sell by date and I think I will try for lowering springs even thou I didnt want to do this in the begining, I want to see what it looks like ..I am very happy with the ride and handling of the car so i am not after any more grip of harder suspension so shocker rates I will try to keep the same..I ordered a complete poly bush kit yesterday from Superflex. I have used their stuff a lot in the past to excellent results. I am looking into lowering springs, which i think P.i look to be ok, shockers seem difficult to get hold of but as I want standardish ones I will try kyb, used those a lot in other applications and find them up to most jobs. so when I recieve all the parts the car will have all its axles, suspension ripped off and reconditioned painted and then the car will be at phase 2 standard.
So once again let battle and work comence.. I will ofcourse keep things upto date on the work as we go...
i have just taken so KYB shocks off mine, the rears are fine, (not cheked the fronts yet) but i know the guy who had the car before me replaced everything from bushes to shocks so i would imagine they have only had 1 years use from me (3,000 miles)
if you intresed,
i have changed them as i have just lowered the car and thought the fronts were shot but it turns out it may be the top mounts
Mark
they have a bit of overspray on the rears and where the fronts have moved because of the top mounts being shot it has rubbed the paint off, but all four are good and strong on compression and fully recall
best thing to do is pop in when you come to pod for some shows?!
Mark
This week I had the very hard task of opening the package to reveal my new blue bushes from superflex. I have a couple missing that are still on order, but no excuse for getting on now. in the end i opted for spax springs which will take 2 weeks for them to be made. I am going to have the suspension alinement checked before i start messing around and take a note of the settings, then I can see where to start with settings after completion ,the cars tread wear is good and drives very well and straight at the moment.
http://www.superflex.co.uk/SuperFlex_Mazda_RX7,_MKI_&_II_Prices.pdf
If anyone wants the same bushes, this is where to get them from
Finally got round to the car . All bushes are here, springs will be here by the 4th. Attacked the rear suspension today, took me over half a day to get the bloody thing off due to most of the bolts sheering, and then I had to extract the seized bots to get the suspension arms free from their locations. it is ready for stripping now...
i need a garage that big :D
looks like one hell of a job matey
ah memories of mine, did you still want the shocks i have, open to offers on them, its nice when all the new bits turn up lets hope you can get them all on in time for some shows!!
Mark
Not really sure what to do on the shocks front, time is moving on, and bits are arriving thick and fast, hope to have the rear painted and ready for the springs after the weekend. problem is I cannot find shocks in the uk easally. and not sure what I need for the lowered springs due to the poor roads up here????..
i have King Spring super lows on mine and the shocks coped fine as i say the problems i had were with the top mounts rather than the shocks, but i didnt know how old the front were untill i pulled them out, thought it was a good opertunity to upgrade them, the guy i brought the car off said everything under the car had been changed but i only had his word for it but he was true to his word!
dont mind even loaning them and pay me in a month, there only sitting in my garage!!
Mark
At least all your control arms are straight. I\'ve got the bushes sat here and i need some straight control arms :wiggle
Looking good though, took me a whole day to get the anti-roll bar off to change the bushes !
Shaun
had another few hours on the car today, got most of the hard work done. Will crack on over the weekend and hopefully will have most of the rear done, ready for the springs next week.
Looking great :D
What paint did you use ????
Shaun
thats just standard red oxide out of a tin:eek , I will use stone chip primer on top of that and then I am still trying to decide what colour top coat, I think either red or blue.. not a lot of things go with gold, but you wont see it anyway so as long as it look clean..
You\'d be supprised, there is quite alot of rear diff showing when its clean :D
See what you mean about gold, maybe a Racing beat Red would look really cool :D
I was looking at safety barrier yellow for mine with red anti-roll bars :D
Who did you get the bushes off in the end ???
Shaun
More done today..... Got the front end in peices as the rear is nearly ready for re assembly. I have stone chip primered all the rear bits, and painted the axle in bright red:2eek hope it goes ok with the rest.....I will press out the old and press the new bushes tomorrow morning, then paint the arms. make up two new rear brake pipes, and the rear end will ready hopfully in the evening for putting back together. Front end wise.. there is a lot less to go at, as long as the shockers come out ok, it is just a case of a good clean and paint same as the rear, I will sort the bushes out in the front arms, and the tie rods are easy, just front and rear drop links bolts and spacers need replacing and various bolts. that will take us into monday to get those bits. thats the rest of my weekend sorted then:3Confused ..
Shaun, got ther bushes as above a few posts, from Superflex. lowering springs are coming from Spax, hopefully the 4th.April. Yes I have painted it red already. I had to decide this morning........
looking good, what could i do with a garage like that................
wow, at least I know who to pm when i get stuck :D
Looking great !
Shaun
Thought i would update half way through today, well just feeling a bit lazy and any excuse for a sitdown.. Got the bushes pushed out this morning. only one very tight one.. they have been in there for a long long time.. This afternoon I will clean up all the internal surfaces and and paint the rest of the bits, and then I will get the fresh new ones in later, time permitting.
looking good and now we know you have a press:D
Mark
glad to see its getting well looked after wish i had all your space!
chris
Quote from: mpk490plooking good and now we know you have a press:D
Mark
Thats good you missed it in the carb photos, I got it over 10 years ago, never new how handy it would be until I got it.....:D ..
Well didnt get the bushes fitted, cant be bothered now. but got the rest of the stuff painted and ready for re assembly, need to visit my friendly bolt supplier tomorrow for the bolts i have ground and bust. put in my bushes, hope my other bits turn up now, hint hint Mark....:wave last photos for today. glass of wine i thinks:evillaugh
looking good as the sun sets across the garage!!
no problem i will get you a quote on postage tomoz and i can post them Tuesday Morning or sooner if you happy
Mark
Feel if i amk getting there now. Got all the bushes fitted this morning and got all the new bolts for re fitting . this evening got staight on with it. got all the front arms back on with the tie rods, And all the brackets with the anti roll bar. then got the rear axle back up in position. Next is to do the rear brake pipes, clean and paint the calipers front and rear. I still have the struts to strip, clean and get ready for the springs and shockers to arrive. So still a bit to go at yet...
Looking fab. How did you find the front bushes on the arms ?
Really giving me some inspiration to get mine done !
Shaun
Which ones do you mean, and do you mean the condition before removed... The bottom arm old ones werent too bad, but interesting to fit the new ones as they are quite large on the outer edges... Lots of hot water helped..
The front lower arms ? Im thinking of swapping mine for new ones with fresh ball joints but haven\'t got a cost yet !
Definitely looks like it makes a huge difference. Can\'t wait to see how you find the handling of the car :D
Shaun
yer the front arms are dead easy, two bolts under the ball joint see below, one track rod end, and one bolt on the inner side, easier to drop the sump gurad off, also the drivers side inner bolt was seized in the bush, but there is enough room to get a grinder up between the arm and the cross member, cut both sides and it just drops out.. just take it steady with the ball joint bolts, abit of 1/4 turn out and 1/2 turn back in, they were very tight..
very good Allan :D
i dont like the fact that you are trying to get me up between the arm and cross member ... some prior warning would have been nice !
so i take it that you arent selling the car now and keeping it ?
Quote from: grinderi dont like the fact that you are trying to get me up between the arm and cross member ... some prior warning would have been nice !
Do you really want me to go there???
Works slowed right down now, I am playing the waiting game for my, springs, shocks, some bushes for the rear drop links that were missing, did get the new front discs today tho, cleaned up the old front struts, and stripped them ready to remove the shocks, removed all the bearings to refit into the new discs, checked the strut top mount bearings. thats about all i can do..:(
That makes such a difference. Can\'t wait to see it in the flesh.
Shaun
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200095447398&rd=1&rd=1
Something else to do!
Well at long last...... all the springs turned up at the last minute, about 3 weeks late, then I have issues with the front shockers, But finally the phase 2 is complete...... I will post some more pics up later.. So all bushed up, painted, new front brakes, new rear exhaust that I had to make, finished 10 pm last night... MOT 8.30 this morning,, And it failed, serious rust around the steering box on the chassis rail front and back of it , sort of a stress cracks.. so mad panic... jacks, grinders, welders, stuff flying everywhere...... not bad to get at, so by lunch it had a nice new shiny MOT certificate............. It drives supurb... It needs harder front shocks, but the new ones to fit are being adapted with the struts and should be ready thursday......... so can compare then. much more positive and direct, hasnt effected the steering at all... So all in all a result.. Pics to follow.....
Would love to have a ride in it now the suspension is fixed !
Shaun
Quote from: alban1973Well at long last...... all the springs turned up at the last minute, about 3 weeks late, then I have issues with the front shockers, But finally the phase 2 is complete...... I will post some more pics up later.. So all bushed up, painted, new front brakes, new rear exhaust that I had to make, finished 10 pm last night... MOT 8.30 this morning,, And it failed, serious rust around the steering box on the chassis rail front and back of it , sort of a stress cracks.. so mad panic... jacks, grinders, welders, stuff flying everywhere...... not bad to get at, so by lunch it had a nice new shiny MOT certificate............. It drives supurb... It needs harder front shocks, but the new ones to fit are being adapted with the struts and should be ready thursday......... so can compare then. much more positive and direct, hasnt effected the steering at all... So all in all a result.. Pics to follow.....
Which shocks are you using? did you get them all sorted or is this what you are wait on?
the welding near the steering box is a common fault, mine first 2 7\'s went there
Mark
Quote from: mpk490pWhich shocks are you using? did you get them all sorted or is this what you are wait on?
the welding near the steering box is a common fault, mine first 2 7\'s went there
Mark
The shocks that are on at the moment are standard ones. Yours will fit fine, but just need the top nuts machining, unfortunatly my lathe is all packed up at the moment so I have left the lot with an engineering firm to do, it should be done by thursday hopefully, then I can get them on before saturdays drive to Birmingham...
shame about me smashing the front spoiler tho.... bit of filler!!
Quote from: alban1973The shocks that are on at the moment are standard ones. Yours will fit fine, but just need the top nuts machining, unfortunatly my lathe is all packed up at the moment so I have left the lot with an engineering firm to do, it should be done by thursday hopefully, then I can get them on before saturdays drive to Birmingham...
Glad they will be sorted was felling bad about that:2eek
what springs did you go with PI?
Mark
Quote from: shaunwilWould love to have a ride in it now the suspension is fixed !
Shaun
So,, is there a 12a going cheap??
engine, but the compression isn\'t at all good. I have another spare engine if your in need of any parts !!! Im i mad thinking of 13b ??? Trying to figure quite a bit out !
Shaun
Quote from: alban1973Well at long last...... all the springs turned up at the last minute, about 3 weeks late, then I have issues with the front shockers, But finally the phase 2 is complete...... I will post some more pics up later.. So all bushed up, painted, new front brakes, new rear exhaust that I had to make, finished 10 pm last night... MOT 8.30 this morning,, And it failed, serious rust around the steering box on the chassis rail front and back of it , sort of a stress cracks.. so mad panic... jacks, grinders, welders, stuff flying everywhere...... not bad to get at, so by lunch it had a nice new shiny MOT certificate............. It drives supurb... It needs harder front shocks, but the new ones to fit are being adapted with the struts and should be ready thursday......... so can compare then. much more positive and direct, hasnt effected the steering at all... So all in all a result.. Pics to follow.....
Noticing that the car is a Y plate - 1st generation Mark 2 am I right? We had a Y plater Mark 2 that developed exactly the same chassis cracks, but on the idler side. Neither of the 1st Gen Marks 3\'s that we\'ve run, nor a Mark 3 that I scrapped developed these cracks. Hmmm interesting ?
I think the letters NW in the reg also say that it\'s a Leeds car originally. Although didn\'t the Powers-that-Be centralise the old number plate system sometime late 70\'s? So it\'s perhaps a West Yorks reg?
The car was imported from the channel islands in 86, by the previous owner, I assume that he would have got it registered in Leeds, as he lived in weatherby
Yesterday the car decided to play silly, keeps draining the battery,, havent changed anything, But willl have to have a look to see what current it is drawing, then find out from where,????/
Quote from: alban1973The car was imported from the channel islands in 86, by the previous owner, I assume that he would have got it registered in Leeds, as he lived in weatherby
Imagine that car in the Channel Islands! Unused 4th and 5th Gears!
Hi all, some tuppenyworth from me.
convenient site for PU bushes, http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=StoreMade003.
These are the same make that Victoria British sell. And they are a bit cheaper, and you can use paypal to pay for them. Just bought a set for the \'new\' 1st Gen.
Does anyone know the sizes of the various nuts, bolts washers etc for the suspension? Last one of these I had, I got all new from Victoria British, and ended up paying as much for them as for the bushes.
Quote from: CycadukHi all, some tuppenyworth from me.
convenient site for PU bushes, http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=StoreMade003.
These are the same make that Victoria British sell. And they are a bit cheaper, and you can use paypal to pay for them. Just bought a set for the \'new\' 1st Gen.
Does anyone know the sizes of the various nuts, bolts washers etc for the suspension? Last one of these I had, I got all new from Victoria British, and ended up paying as much for them as for the bushes.
How much did they quote you for shipping?
it seems like a good price for the set
Mark
Postage was $51 or so, for 3-4 days express (thats all they do for europe, apparently its the lowest cost where we can get tracking, and sometimes less on the customs etc) so all in I got the bushes for close on £100.Plus VAT etc, so probably nearer £130.
I also got them in \'red\' which will look a bit prettier.
I\'ve got a set of them waiting to be fit, ordered some straight bits off tim !
Shaun
A bit of an update on the project. The poor old thing has had some stick over the last week. my citroen decided it to loose its rear suspension so whille I was waiting for bits and time to sort it the little elford has been "works van". I have covered 1189 miles in the week including the trip to the dyno day. that was very interesting and does show up some issues on paper that I have been aware of all along, the power was 90Bhp at the hubs at about 5500rpm and lots of torque at 3000 rpm... the battery issue was just the battery, The suspension has made a huge difference, even thou I havnt got the struts back. it is now well settled in. the thing needs a good check over and service, it has developed a sight misfire at tickover and still has issues with the clutch master cylinder........
Quote from: alban1973A bit of an update on the project. The poor old thing has had some stick over the last week. my citroen decided it to loose its rear suspension so whille I was waiting for bits and time to sort it the little elford has been "works van". I have covered 1189 miles in the week including the trip to the dyno day. that was very interesting and does show up some issues on paper that I have been aware of all along, the power was 90Bhp at the hubs at about 5500rpm and lots of torque at 3000 rpm... the battery issue was just the battery, The suspension has made a huge difference, even thou I havnt got the struts back. it is now well settled in. the thing needs a good check over and service, it has developed a sight misfire at tickover and still has issues with the clutch master cylinder........
Sweet, 1189 that 6 months driving in mine!! (mind you its not moved for the last 2 months!) bet you noticed the difference in MPG though, do you need a new clutch master cylinder?
when are you hoping to get the struts in? take it the rears are on
Mark
Did you really just say only 90bhp? That\'s less than a stock 10a engine. Elford turbos are supposed to make in the region of 160bhp aren\'t they? Something not right there.
i thought the same but didnt like to say, mines going on the dino next week when the weber goes on, hoping to make 140 / 150bhp
Mark
Quote from: mullinsDid you really just say only 90bhp? That\'s less than a stock 10a engine. Elford turbos are supposed to make in the region of 160bhp aren\'t they? Something not right there.
I stand corrected, it was actually 90.5Bhp at 5500rpm how much more do you need??
thats at the hubs - i bet mazdas figure was at the fly
Remember mine was only 63bhp on pips dyno without a turbo. Have you got anybody local that could do a compression test ?
Shaun
Also what you have to think, if you read the whole thread, this project is following the path of a car that is actually used.... The car was bought after being off the road for a few years, no engine, in just over a month it was back up and running with an engine of unknown quantity, which I believe is an early small port 12a. all cobbled together,the rest of the car is being improved a bit at a time in the important areas, no good having 100\'s of hp in a car that is a pig to drive, as other members have found out. basically its down to the whole package rather than the power of the engine. The actual power of the car is really not an issue, the actual torque figure is not huge either at 119 .6ft ibs but this is achived at 3000 rpm. this relates in real terms a big kick at that rev range, hence it is not actually that slow on the road, try to thrash the thing and you are wasting your time, just go for another gear and off you go again, in saying that on a good road the speedo will nearly run out of numbers. the thing is there to enjoy,improve, most importantly use. which it gets plenty of.
Quote from: alban1973Also what you have to think, if you read the whole thread, this project is following the path of a car that is actually used.... The car was bought after being off the road for a few years, no engine, in just over a month it was back up and running with an engine of unknown quantity, which I believe is an early small port 12a. all cobbled together,the rest of the car is being improved a bit at a time in the important areas, no good having 100\'s of hp in a car that is a pig to drive, as other members have found out. basically its down to the whole package rather than the power of the engine. The actual power of the car is really not an issue, the actual torque figure is not huge either at 119 .6ft ibs but this is achived at 3000 rpm. this relates in real terms a big kick at that rev range, hence it is not actually that slow on the road, try to thrash the thing and you are wasting your time, just go for another gear and off you go again, in saying that on a good road the speedo will nearly run out of numbers. the thing is there to enjoy,improve, most importantly use. which it gets plenty of.
here here, i will be quite happy with mine and dont intend on modding the engine any further (would rather buy a gen 3 for more power) i enjoy the way the car drives and the way it looks along with the rare factor, to be honest it is all fiquires my car feels quick enough for me and my chasis i wouldnt want to put 250bhp through it for fear of ripping the thing in half!!!
Having said that i did have a little look at blow through turbos!!
Mark
Exactly, Im in the same boat with the lovely black 1st gen i got off you ! Its used daily and is slowly having quite a few projects happening on it !
Thats half the reason why i didn\'t go for a Turbo2 engine for the new engine, its used daily and that will include very wet weather and even snow :D
Shaun
Quote from: CycadukPostage was $51 or so, for 3-4 days express (thats all they do for europe, apparently its the lowest cost where we can get tracking, and sometimes less on the customs etc) so all in I got the bushes for close on £100.Plus VAT etc, so probably nearer £130.
I also got them in \'red\' which will look a bit prettier.
How did you get on with the bush kit?
also did where are you guys getting replacment nuts and bolts, looking to do mine now all the shocks and springs have been done, i have a good vice i can use as a press for the bushies (will this do the job? or are they a pig)
Thanks Mark
well I started to do them, undertray off, then bumper and grille, and wht do I find. More Rust. Spent the rest of the weekend making more bits of steel for the front Chassis Frames.
They (the bushes)really are a pig to push out, a press is best, but melting the rubber with a hot air gun or torch is quick(er) although more messy. My last lot I pushed out with a drill press, these I might cheat and use the lathe.
Im hoping to get to reading on saturday to pick up a 13b engine, gearbox and propshaft and exhaust.
Are you in wollaston now then?
mark
Yes, Im now permanently in Wollaston. We finally got the House in Cheshire sold, and bought down here.
good stuff, well im in the same place if you need a hand with anything
Mark
Curses, the 13b engine was full of water, so i did not bother with it. long journey for nothing.
i did my front bushies at the weekend and have the rear to do (gonna borrow my mates 4 poster and press) did you have to burn them out too? also did you replace all of the rear with poly as ive read this (http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/penesaar/index.htm) and they dont recormend changing the upper rear arms to poly
Thanks
Mark
Hi Mark,
yeah I burnt them out, then cleaned up the arms, repainted them, and put the new bushes in a few days later. Its the second car Ive done this to, and I never had any trouble with the rear or front suspension. Maybe it depends on how wildly the car is driven?
I got replacement nuts and bolts from the usa, because they were cheaper than here, for the right quality, however this cars buts and bolts were mostly good, so it was only a couple needed doing.
Quote from: CycadukHi Mark,
yeah I burnt them out, then cleaned up the arms, repainted them, and put the new bushes in a few days later. Its the second car Ive done this to, and I never had any trouble with the rear or front suspension. Maybe it depends on how wildly the car is driven?
I got replacement nuts and bolts from the usa, because they were cheaper than here, for the right quality, however this cars buts and bolts were mostly good, so it was only a couple needed doing.
nice one well i will see if i can get a blow torch from somewhere then!!
did you have no problems getting them in either? fairly liquid and a hammer?
Mark
Hi, getting them in is not too much of a problem, I used a vice to squeeze everything together,then allow it to \'relax\' for a couple of minutes, then push into place with plenty of lube. If you leave it too long the bushes tend to expand out of the arms, and you have to start over.
regards
Dennis
more new bits!
my new headlights arrived this week (would of been handy for the tunnel run)
i was considering HID\'s but cant justify £100 really for how much i use the car at night have just put them on and the difference is amazing, here\'s a shot with the left one being the new headlight. the light is far crisper and i would say at least 40 - 50% better one of the best upgrades i have done so far:Thumbsup!
Sorry guys posted the above post in the wrong thread!!
Thanks Dennis i will give this a go over the Christmas break, hope to have my Noltec top mounts by then and i really want to get the car tracked up.
plus i know where you live so you can give me a hand:eek:
Mark
Quote from: alban1973;382140A bit of an update on the project. The poor old thing has had some stick over the last week. my citroen decided it to loose its rear suspension so whille I was waiting for bits and time to sort it the little elford has been "works van". I have covered 1189 miles in the week including the trip to the dyno day. that was very interesting and does show up some issues on paper that I have been aware of all along, the power was 90Bhp at the hubs at about 5500rpm and lots of torque at 3000 rpm... the battery issue was just the battery, The suspension has made a huge difference, even thou I havnt got the struts back. it is now well settled in. the thing needs a good check over and service, it has developed a sight misfire at tickover and still has issues with the clutch master cylinder........
Just 90bhp? My 12A with exaust and carb have done 106CV at whell... Sure the engine is ok?
Alban seemed to stop posting around the end of this thread in 2007. I never did find out what happened to him and this car.
Quote from: David Nock;596844Alban seemed to stop posting around the end of this thread in 2007. I never did find out what happened to him and this car.
i was thinking that aswell - he just seemed to disappear of the face of the earth :(
He went in panic after the dyno day? :p
Joke, I hope all fine otherwise to him :)
I\'m still here. The car still taxed and tested and on the road, little use in the last year or so due to and life changing circumstances when last august my child was born at only 26 weeks and 1 Ib 2oz. She is still in hospital now and quite ill, so not really had time for the car. It will be up for sale when the MOT is renewed mid this month, I did tax it last week again. Maybe it can stay in the club and bargin for someone due to all the work carried out... take care folks..
Sorry about your baby being ill, hope she is better soon.
Hope your little one is getting better.
Hope things get better for you. Sorry to hear your having such serious things going on.
Shaun
thoughts with you for the little one, my friends had a very early birth and there daughter was in hospital for 9 months, glad t say they pulled through it all even when some days were very bad.
Mark
Hiya Alan,
sorry to hear about your little one being ill - i didnt realise you ( partner ) was pregnant
glad to hear that you are still OK though
take care
Stu
Same from me Alan. Take care and all the best. David.
Hi Alban, be strong.
All the best from Italy.
Take care Alan, my thoughts are with you.
We had some good weather last week so I spent a few afternoons recommisioning the car as it has been stood for a while, the car now has got a full MOT today with no problems. so the sad day has come when we have to part company. It has just over 5 months tax, loads of fuel and as you will see from this thread all the work that has been done and ££££\'s spent. The car is now on sale, I will hope you can spread the word and if I dont get any interest towards the end of the week it will go on ebay and sell to the highest bidder. I will list the bad and or annoying bits, I had the front bumper repaired and painted + a replacement drivers front wing, the guy who mixed the paint must have been blind, it is a slightly different shade of gold, very annoying. I have some elford side skirts which were painted at the same time, but have not fitted them. The bonnet has a scratch and chipped paint on the leading edge, the drivers rear wheel arch is bubbled under the paint, it is fine and solid on the underside. the doors are the same as when I got the car 3 years ago with a funny crack by the door mirror. The running issues with the car I think I have traced to fueling issues, I have put a different fuel pump on the car this week but I think that is not man enough for the job either, if you use half throttle it really moves, if full throttle it is flat. as you will read in the thread, I have put an uprated soundsystem in the car which while not blowing your ears off it does sound very nice, it has a tape and 12 stack cd changer in the back with the amps neatly fitted to the rear seats. I have spent a fortune on the suspension with spax lowered springs, gas adjust shockers, every single super flex suspension bushes replaces with all new nuts and bolts,, all costing over £400, 4 excellent new tyres with now an average 6.5mm tread, The engine was replaced 18 months ago for a good second hand unit, it starts fine hot and cold. I do have 1 spare engine which does have slightly better compression I would say and 2 stripped engines, there are loads of other bits including full elford body kit and spare elford front bumper, these are all blue apart from the side skirts mentioned earlier. the car starts drives and stops perfectly in a straight line, and is a joy to drive. the mileage is now 74269 miles. the underbody is excellent, there are a few minor repairs around the steering box and idler mount and a couple other very old repairs, It has always been kept clean and painted.. thats all I can say, cant put any photos on. I would like it to stay in the club if possible so as mentioned before if i dont get any interest here it will be on ebay by the end of the week.............
send me some updated photos and i will post them for you:Thumbsup!
mpk490p@hotmail.com
alan i dont think i have your email adress any more but i might be interested in this, my email addy is arrouk@ntlworld.com.
matt
Car now sadly on ebay....
Sorry Alan just didn\'t get a chance to get those photo\'s up, i tried one day last week but the uploader wasn\'t working
http://http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RARE-1983-MAZDA-RX7-ELFORD-TURBO_W0QQitemZ320367127430QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item320367127430&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50 (http://http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RARE-1983-MAZDA-RX7-ELFORD-TURBO_W0QQitemZ320367127430QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item320367127430&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)
alban,sorry to hear you had to let your elford go,a cracking buy for someone.
i have just bought an elford kit,but it doesnt have an etl black box,what is it for.
the last one i had years ago didnt have one im sure
ta jp
You have bought the one on Ebay?