Chris's Winter Mods

[C J R]

Hi all,
Its been at least a year since I last posted an update, so now winter is upon us, I've started further mods to the FD. Daft time to start really as the FD lives in a garage and there's no room to work on it, so all work is carried out on the drive, in all weathers.

So my R888 were looking tired, so I got some new one's (backs at the mo, fronts will follow).

Rightly or wrongly I've decided to ditch the power steering for manual, (I know I may regret it, but as the FD is used mainly on track, I'll give it a try).
Few pictures of the racks. Total weight saving removing pump, bracket pipework etc; 6kg.

[C J R]

As the garage doors and frame only provide 2" gap either side to the FD, I keep catching the canards pushing the FD in and out sometimes. Roll up garage door is on order which will eliminate the door frames, giving me another 2" either side, so I figured I'd better make some straight canards. Also painted the part of the splitter that's on show.

Only have basic hand tools, so cut the main shape with tin snips and cleaned with files. Cut the apertures with an angle grinder and slitting wheel (that was tense).

[C J R]

Spent this weekend relocating the alternator from its usual position to the space previously occupied by the PS Pump. Bought the bracket to relocate the alternator from Aus and expected it to be 'fit and forget'. Wrong !

Oil pipe restricted the bracket fitting at first, so I heated the pipe a little and bent it enough for the bracket to fit flush to the engine.

Next problem, pulley's did not align when alternator was fitted. I had an old pulley in the garage, so with that pulley, the offset was 5mm. Had to cut 5mm off the back of the mounting bracket and fitted a 5 mm spacer to take up the gap at the front.

All was well, pulley's aligned. Sorted. Well not quite, fitted the belt and noticed it caught on the oil pipe bracket !! Had to modify the bracket to allow belt to flex a little without catching the bracket.

So after enduring a weekend of freezing temperatures, hail stone showers and constant rain, I completed it.
   

[clive]

Well done Chris, or should I say Popeye once you start turning that steering

[Casey]

Great to hear about your work on the FD Chris 

[re japi]

Yes, quite interesting that you desided to get rid off power steering... But maybe it will be ok...

Btw, when your engine has been servised? Looks dirty and seems like it has been there a while now

But looks good, good job

[boosted]

i think youll be fine once you start moving you wont notice the heavy steering atall. mine has no pas and drive to mot and back was fine.

[Arnie_O]

last timer a saw you at Gaydon  John you did have arms like Duane "The Rock" Johnson.

[boosted]

Lol yes the Westory has no pas and 888s problem with that car is the steering wheel is about the size of dinner plate and flat bottomed...but again dont noticed on the move and what you find yourself doing naturally when stopping is pointing the wheels ready for the off. I think feel and feedback on track will outshine the negs on road. Dont swap back til you been on track Chris.

[C J R]

That's what I'm hoping Jon. Don't use the FD much on the road, so I look forward to trying it on track.

[shaunwil]

Looks like good progress That bracket doesn't do you any favor does it !

Shaun

[Mr Froggy]

Nice work buddy I like the idea of moving alternator
You can see more of the engine.

[C J R]

So this weekends activities; Bought a Davies Craig EWP and Controller. Take some of the strain off the engine driving belts around etc. Should be worth at least 1bhp extra  .

I also contemplated the 'state' of the visible part of the engine (not up to my usual standard). So cleaned and painted.

Still have a bit of work to do routing the new water hoses etc, but it'll be a better layout when its finished.

Also bought a bigger catch/swirl tank.

[shaunwil]

Nice

Some good progress.

Shaun

[exiled-viking]

some Nice Fabrication work there Chris and winter jobs coming along well like the mods