Back's not too bad Floyd - could have been worse.

FWIW RCM's 3 inch exhaust has the option of a "quiet" centre resonator section which I'm told is compatible with other 3 inch exhausts if you don't fancy a full exhaust from them. Ollie reckons it's something like 98dba with it from memory.
They were chucked off Bruntingthorpe one day with their straight though version (that's now on my car), fitted the quiet centre section went back the same day and all was Ok with the noise trolls - maybe worth a look? I'm probably going to fit it to mine as well once I'm back on the road as I don't fancy being kicked off tracks/the Ring either.

 

95db at the ring now ......

 

As Duncan says it's 95 now. A long way to go to be chucked off. They measure it in a 'worst case' way too... Not worth the risk IMO.

 

:-(

 

I finally got around to fitting the cage today:

It was very easy but it required helping hands unless you're an octopus:

The harness fits well and I conclude that the extra control it gives you is worth it:

 

Looks good Floyd (and very familiar!)

 

It all fitted very well without trouble.

 

Any feedback from the Bedford excursion?

 

The car feels stiffer than it was, due to the bracing at the rear I guess. Handling wise the car is very neutral with the pilot cup sports and the new front A/R bar is doing it's job of killing roll without adding more understeer. The car can be adjusted on the throttle after initial steering input at the start of the bends. There seems to be no snappyness with the direct 'darty' steering I have now.

Power wise I didn't feel short changed and the only cars to pass me were a GT3 RS when I lifted past the infield microphone (I didn't want to be sent home for a noise violation) and the 500BHP Supra as he wanted me to film him! I managed to pass a well driven Exige S too. If I had a criticism it would be that I need a little extra response, which I have plans to address already. Jim Cameron thought my car was 'deceptive' and I think this is because it's so quiet (84dB static test). When we were on the back straight he thought the speedo was reading KPH... I regularly reached 130MPH and on one pass I hit 140MPH - this is GPS speed.

The brakes were good most of the day, only at the end of 30 minute sessions did they go off and I put this down to the pads, which wore out after two track days. I think it needs a fluid change and a tidy of the cooling ducts.

I suppose the next issue is what next? I've considered the 2.5 route that 'everyone' seems to need but what ever way you look at it, it's going to cost real money and the economics just don't stack up just yet! So, it'll be tweek the handling and weight loss but I don't want it to be a total track tool just yet although I think it's inevitable...

 

This is gonna be one hell of a thread resurrection, but I cant help it...what a great read!

Anymore updates? Still waiting for that ride in yours, would love to hear that gearbox whine!

 

Sorry for the camera angle, which put the rear view mirror right in the way:
YouTube - Exige S chase Bedford

I have the parts to relocate the power steering reservoir as I'm going to fit a later 'hard' inlet pipe to allow a harder boost profile to bring the torque in earlier. I may go bigger on the injectors too.

Bedford was one of the first times I'd driven without a passenger and I felt the difference. I'll be getting a smaller battery and removing stuff but as said earlier I don't know quite where this is going...

 

Looks good Floyd...... now get 500bhp and get some wings!

 

floyd - i have a spare hard inlet pipe

 

So im guessing the hard inlet pipe stops it from collapsing even slightly? hard to fit? I'm guessing its a larger size hence having to relocate the PS resevoir.

Im planning on embarking on a very similar journey to yours and already have the Samco (unfitted) but might skip that idea if this will work better.

PS love the gearbox whine in those clips

 

No, the hard inlet pipe is to reduce surge. My car is mapped to avoid it, which has given the car a very even power delivery but I want more oomph low down. I am keeping the Samco for possible future mods as it breathes well and I haven't seen any collapsing with it.

If I could have found a Spec C inlet then I would be trying that.

Thanks for the offer Duncan. If I mess this up I may need it

Shaun, I don't need 500BHP. I've had driver training

 

 

No such thing as "I don't need 500bhp".... the only people that say that are people that havent got it! I don't do driver training.... I just chuck the keys to someone else, it's easier!

I *might* have a Spec C inlet pipe you can borrow mate if you want? Let me know.

Also.... if the Spec C is sold as is (i.e. without the spares package including the original Spec C engine) that original Spec C tall engine will be available to buy mate. I havent quite worked a specific price but it will be circa £2500 complete. Another option for you, as it has the better heads and cams. The Hybrid turbo would also be available. That engine and turbo runs around 380bhp..... with no surge and full boost by about 2900rpm if I remember (1.7bar).

 

Shaun, I'd love to borrow that inlet pipe please

I'll have a think on that tall engine too

 

Thinking of going back to the small scoop! Now that my under tray is sealed properly the temps seem under control on a 30C day

 

Back to a sleeper then

Are there any other benefits to a larger scoop....cooler temps for high speed runs?

 

That is a question I intend to find out. The sealing seemed to make a big difference but also the TD05 ran very hot when I was using that.

I may tweak the scoop to try and catch the air that lifts off the leading ege of the bonnet at high speed. I only need effective air through the scoop up to 150 mph for very short periods of time.

 

** cough cough ** front mount ** cough cough **

 

** cough cough ** front 'lag' mount ** cough cough **

I just think the OE underbonnet look is spoiled by all that long pipework!

 

lag ... no lag here mate ... cough ** cough ** flat throttle shifting

 

Floyd if Shaun cant help you with a spec-c inlet pipe I have one lying in my garage you can have which came off mine ....it woulnt be going back on.

 

Hi Gussy,

You PM box is full!

Cheers

 

Sorted now Floyd

 

Many thanks for the inlet pipe Gussy Top chap! It's bigger and straighter than the STi7/8 inlet pipe and miles bigger than the Phase II inlet. It was designed to work with the twinscroll so hopefully it will be better than the Samco.

 

If anyone is interested then this is what the 3 inlet pipes look like from MY00 to STi7/8 and Spec C

 

Floyd,
Did it sort your surge problem?