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What tape is that? do you mean ally speed tape?
If so I don't think that would do, I'll see if I can get any data on its spec, any idea how hot manifolds get? it is wrapped.
The cheapest heat material I could find is around £18 per 25cm X 33cm patch and my funds are now non existant.
Also after some small diameter tubing for the brake ducts. I have quite a bit of (I think) 76mm ID tubing if anyone wants to swap! And also something to make the trumpets other than demon thieves
I went to pick up my new (read old )runaround from Grimsby at the weekend as I've been without a car for 2 months so got a bit done to the car.
Not the work I had in mind though :angry:
Unfortunately the splitter/airdam has been damaged whilst being put on a ramp at the garage.
Its not too bad, just a bit annoyed as a lot of work went into it. I was thinking of glueing it back in and reinforcing the damaged wood with some thin metal but the garage are going to get another piece cut to shape.
Removed the undertray/splitter, and drilled out any rivets that were pulled (I'm glad I used ally rivets and nothing stronger). These came out easily enough, then after the bumper was removed, the airdam was 'massaged' back into shape.
I then re-riveted some of the angle brackets back on.
I also cut out a slot in the airdam directly in front of the fixed towing eye. This is to allow a fabric tow strap to protrude through.
Whilst I was tinkering I noticed one of the IC pipes has been rubbing on the inner wing. Its been on there a few years...
The metal pipe wall is fairly thick but I hope to get it welded up in time.
Out came the airsaw (I think this is my favourite tool in the garage!) to enlarge the hole in the wing, just need some beading on it now for added protection.
I also cut into the nearside fog cover to add an ally duct, this was bonded in, and the support bracket cut/hacked at to allow ducting to go to to the fog cover. The idea is to fix tubing on directed towards the brakes.
The other (offside) side, currently the engine airfilter feed is to be used for the other front brake, and I need to find another place for ducting, I was thinking either a hole in the airdam, or in the slots where the OE brake ducts were (these had to be removed to fit the FMIC), some ducting can be squashed alongside it though.
So a few bits left to do and only about 1/2 a day to do it
Fit new undertray
Brake cooling pipes ( these maybe a PITA, not much room)
Get IC pipe welded
Get/apply some brake disc temp paint
New Airfilter feed needed
Oil change/filter
Bleed brakes
Made a better (neater/lighter) bonnet vent over the weekend. The last one wasnt great looking....
I used the old one as a template then decided a 2 piece design instead of bending the vents out of one piece of metal
I didn't have an airsaw so cutting the slots took a while with chain-drilling and a grinder.
Everything cut out, and slot covers angled and drilled ready for rivetting
Everything was then scrubbed a bit and cleaned before using etch primer( i was told that this is what is needed for ally to provide a good base)
I gave it 2 coats of primer and just one of gloss black as I ran out!
The paint still hasn't taken very well so if anyone has any tips for better prepping or paints to use let me know.
The finished (well it will be after some more paint) article.
Also made a heat shield for the plywood undertray to stop scorching from the engine manifold.
Well I got a day to sort out my car prior to Snetterton on Sunday.
As usual, all simple jobs, never made simple - its always the same.
RASP got me a replacement splitter/undertray cut out using my old one as a replacement.
I got the front lip painted prior to starting the other work.
I got my car up on the ramp (very slowly with blocks of wood to reduce the angle) for an oil change, oil out, I noticed it was brown in colour and had a solvent smell to it. Possibly due to the fact the car hasnt been used in anger since Oct 09. Its just been in and out of the garage each day, which will be 'rich' in fuel as its on start up.
The replacement filter had its O ring displaced and as I pushed it back in I noticed that the 'flared' portion of metal it sits against wasnt correctly formed so ordered another one, but that didn't arrive until mid afternoon.
I added the heat shield which is fixed ontop op the undertray to prevent heat from the exhaust headers...
I also got some ducting to the brakes. Its not entirely finished as I'd like them to go closer to the hubs/discs. At present they are just angled at the brakes. I considered this a safer option of bodging something together last minute, as if something came loose it could cause a lot of damage.
I also added some extra security to the undertray by adding an 'L' shaped piece of ally from the plywood rearwards to the support bracket.
New oil filter arrived, filled, and primed engine before starting and everything appeared OK, no leaks etc.
Loaded up on my mates '*****' wagon which he lent me (we had to replace the front bearings and fit another alternator and support bolt for it to be useable for towing).
Got to Snet, offloaded, trailor parked up and away to a B+B for the night (Thompson Chequers, thoroughly recommended!)
Back in the morning and a friend Neil soon arrived to help out prepping the car. Suspension set, tyres checked. Paulo and Gossy then appeared who were also to be helping for the day. Oil checked along with everything else and onto warm up.
Started slowly, getting heat into tyres and brakes. The new Dixcel pads seemed OK, good bite. Then lap 2 red flagged due to a mini off on the 1st corner.
All temps ok, after a bit of a wait out again. 1st time gunning it down the pit straight CEL was flashing, suspecting it could be a loose earth again I backed off again then hammered it again.
Got round to the bombhole then CEL, then a dull pop (sounded like a IC pipe had come off), the terrible sound of a rumble, and some smoke out of the newly fitted bonnet vent.
I managed to got to the pits, bonnet up and getting ready for a fire, but was lucky not to.
Further inspection revealed a hole in the top of the engine.
There are a number of reasons that I can think that this happened such as failed oil pump, spun bearing, bad fuel?, residual old oil with fuel in it, that would have been in oil cooler, reducing grade of oil that I put in? returning problem of heads lifting/head gasket?Or just general wear and tear on the car.
The engine has now done 65K. I've owned it since 35K, and its been tracked from early on with a lot of track miles done, and at each event lots of laps completed, more than anyone else I would imagine.
So plan now is to remove engine and inspect extent of the damage, salvage what I can and get another STI engine to replace it, all of course on a near zero budget. It will be a long process though due to family commitments, where car is stored and getting time/tools etc to do everything.
I'd like to say a very big THANK YOU to John and Debbie at RASP Ltd, Opie Oils for their continued support and to Dixon of DMS Racing Ltd for the brake pads.
I'd also like to thank Neil, Paulo, and Gossy, for helping out (sorry I could do any more laps!)
Think I saw a pic of your car on another thread, hows it coming along?
I moved my car closer to where I work as it wasn't practical to keep it in GY anymore.
John was (and still is) great and gave me lots of help and support over the last few years, and great prices too. I'd recommend him to anyone from an oil change to a full rallycar build. I hope his business carries on well in his new premises.
The engine is being stripped to see hopefully what caused the failure, and if items like the valves, turbo etc can be re-used.
The builder has a block already built, think its another STi engine, but slightly larger capacity, he says he has some plans up his sleeve too, not sure what they are.
I'm not looking for more power/torque as I can't afford the g/box and clutch, plus reliability issues, although once tracking a car I suppose failures can occur whatever the power level.
I don't I will be doing Time Attack again I.
The plan is a few track days, perhaps a hillclimb, scooby shoot out etc? And I sometimes think I wish I'd left it all as standard....but where is the fun in that
So,
Its had a lot done to get it running, with a mixture of parts.
A different block with pistons, rods, nitrided crank, sump oil pick up, oil cooler modine, bent valves replaced, skimmed the heads, re-shimmed all 16 valves,new gaskets,oil pump modified, filter and oil to run it in. Unfortunately there wasn't time for a port and polish as time was spent sorting the valves out.
All done by a friend, took my ally radiator off and put back in OE item with 2 rad fans.
More pics of the damage caused at Snetterton in 2010.
It was run up and checked. Then a few road miles. One of the fans (nearside)that put on shed a blade and was vibrating the whole car. I don't think it was catching, it was 2nd hand and I suspect damaged, so have another replacement to put on.
The car has done about 70 miles and I went to pick it up, but it appears it may have a leak. This has been sorted and should be getting it run up today.
Then it will need a few hundred miles, an oil change, plugs and a map. A different turbo has been recommended too.
Its taken a while (got 2 more kids!so having a car can actually save you money!!!), but I was in no rush, and needed lots of time to get the funds.
I'm on the look out for some gauges too, oil pressure, temp, boost.
A big thank you to Jim for all his work, and Paul for helping out too, and Mickey for the transportation in the 1st place.
Still a few more miles to do before an oil/filter change.
Started removing the decals to give a clean up and polish.
The 'banzai' stickers on the rear 1/4 windows were terrible and left nearly all the glue on the window.
The big sticker panel which was on the passenger door decided to keep hold of the paint laquer!
And a couple on the wings
well here it is with most of them removed...
So a bit of extra work to do, I'm going to take the door off to strip the paint and have a go at spraying...how hard can it be???
the wing i'll have a go at 'repairing' and try doing the rear 1/4s where the WRX stickers were masked over by a previous owner leaving a ridge after spraying.
Hi Dill
This is a thread I have allways followed.
I like your get stuck in approach.)
I spoke to you briefly in the pits at brands a few years back about ideas for my car that was being built. So thanks for that.
All the best
Steve
Damn shame about the paint mate I guess you didn't use a hairdryer or something before removing the stickers? I was going to ask you if you wanted me to removed them the other week, glad I didn't now!!!!
Hi Dill
This is a thread I have allways followed.
I like your get stuck in approach.)
I spoke to you briefly in the pits at brands a few years back about ideas for my car that was being built. So thanks for that.
All the best
Steve
Hi Steve,
Hows your car going now? I'll do what I can myself, but somethings I have to get others to do usually due to time and space.
Damn shame about the paint mate I guess you didn't use a hairdryer or something before removing the stickers? I was going to ask you if you wanted me to removed them the other week, glad I didn't now!!!!
How many miles has it covered now?
Pasty,,
these things happen so if you'd have done it I wouldn't have been bothered (i'd just key your car)
I'm helping a mate with his Dodge Charger, completely stripped etc for a show/strip car. He's got some paint gear, so if i can get a paint match I can spray the door no problem (he sayss) as I can remove it, nitromors it, prime, flat, colour, laquer and leave it in the warm.
Theres no room to put my car in his garage with his tanker sized car so doing the rear 1/4 and wing in situ is a problem, unless Jims mate wants to do them for free
I can leave it in work overnight but it has to be out 1st thing in morning, and would have to bring our own compressor in as the work airlines have oil in them.
Should be getting some 2nd hand wings, so could either repsray them and roll arches, or have a go at making some arch extensions. Could do with a set as a mould to take though.
I did use a heat gun, that laquer started coming off at the bottom a couple of years ago but as it was just before an event I didn't have time or money to sort it. Then last year I entered ripped a bit more off, and this time its taken the Mc****ing lot off!
*****
Not done any miles in it since I bought it back, getting funds for the oil first, and also still on the lookout for another turbo.
Dill - My car is now built (forged 2.5 6speed classic) - had a bit of bad luck. End blew off a plug and buggered a set of heads this last summer. Engine hopefully running again this month
I can't afford to track the car anymore unless theres a market for renting it out for track days???
So spec is
1997 WRX STi Type R, Signature Edition yellow.65kmiles when engine blew.
MOT and Road Tax
Engine:
New Engine:2L Block with v4 heads, STi pistons, ACL bearings,modified oil pump, new belt.
Piper-X induction, FMIC, oil breather catch can, Apexi Power FC and commander, Inlet manifold thermal spacers.Hayward and Scott Turbo back exhaust 3", tapers to 2.5" to centre, then back to 3".Wrapped headers.OEM vf23 turbo. Walbro in tank lift pump, bosch boost pump, swirl pot (can run on track until tank empty), Fuel pressure regulator.
Suspension:
AST adjustable coilovers,height, camber, castor, high/low speed bump, rebound (remote dampers), white line anti-lift kit, roll centre mod, lower strut brace, OEM STi top strut brace. Wheels (2 sets) 17x8J Rota Force bronze alloys with 235/35 R888 tyres ET35
Brakes: Goodridge braided hoses, CDF brake stopper kit, Stoptech big brake kit 328mmx28mm with dixcel prototype pads (front), Subaru 2 pot rear calipers, heat shields removed.
Bodywork/Interior:
Weld in multipoint cage by Roelands Race Rally with FIA approved padding, Stripped interior, flocked dash, lightened doors and boot lid, plastic4performance windows, OEM Nardi steering wheel, Cobra suzuka GT spec driver seat, Cobra Imola Passenger seat, K sport 4 point harnesses(with 6 point straps supplied), fire extinguisher.Flared arches to accomodate wheels, ally front airdam, plywood splitter/undertray. Lacquer flaked on passenger door and front wing (removed decals). Weight 1177kg 1/3tank fuel ready to run.
Transmission:
OEM Type R 5 speed gearbox, 3/4 synchro replaced at 42k, Exedy uprated clutch, Zen Performance lightened flywheel.
Its had a oil change after initial build and run up, a further 300 miles and another oil change. All it needs is an engine map (quoted £200 but this can differ for each mapper).
Also supplied: 2 green front wings L+R, WRX bumper blue, 1 front brake disc
So whats needed???
Essential:map
Recommended:spark plugs, Oil pressure gauge (can be supplied at extra cost, perhaps with pressure manifold to accomodate OEM pressure switch and a oil temp probe)
Recommended for track: oil cooler (pipework and sandwich plate supplied)
Offers around £6k
Anyone who has driven, or been in this car, knows how well set up, and neutral feeling the car is, consistently punches above its weight (was c320BHP, 12.3s 1/4@Santa Pod, full weight bar seats), done a few track days, Time Attack Silverstone 06, full season 07/08/09, Snetterton 10 (where engine blew)
Running settings supplied for various tracks around the UK.
Thread erection. So never did sell the car. Wife was so pleased. Finally got the engine ran in couple of oil changes, swapped turbo to a 2nd hand VF35 and mapped by FBtuning.
So so a few more jobs to do, removed the bonnet vent as it was tatty and refitted the OEM scoop, couldn’t find the bolts and replacements are around £30 for 6 so I made my own to see what works
Vintage Brew up mid job👍🏻 Neil out in the finals Backing out for the final
Last edited by Dill_typeR; 26 June 2018 at 07:45 PM.
Uploading pictures meant I couldn’t carry on typing.
Anyhoo, car loaded up and went to TA Round 3 at Brands with a few track sessions booked as well as helping a friend with his (mental) civic.
so did some tinkering in between running mine, which tbh interferes massively with helping out, so sorry for that Neilo.
My car ran spot on, new tyres which were all over the place on the road, scrubbed in quickly and were predictable, came up to pressure and seemed ok. Track etiquette was appalling so couldn’t really give it full run out round the corners but more than happy, so thanks to everyone that helped getting this back on the road again including Jim Holt and FBtuning.
Next job, needs an oil cooler, and OEM scoop needs 2 more bolts at the side or repaint(re-make?) the the vent I made.
Ill get some pics up unless anyone happened to take any at the weekend???
Been a while sorry, I'll try and get it in some sort of order.
So after the Brands track sessions in July 2018 and creeping oil temps I got an oil cooler from Merlin Motorsport and a sandwich plate. Not much space for piping around headers and other parts. I could have also mounted it on top of the engine I suppose and gone back ti the bonnet scoop, rather than vent, although I
believe that area to be lower pressure so not sure how efficient it would be.
I've protected the tubing from chafing the car/tube with plastic and also used thermal sleeving. I do have some Nimbus sheet but to fitted that yet. I've tested it out and it doesn't actually get that hot at all.
Last edited by Dill_typeR; 18 June 2020 at 01:57 PM.
Reason: time
Its an endurance race, 12 hours long, split over 2 days, and theres a pause for a Remembrance Service on the Sunday in the pitlane, after which the drivers jump back in their cars and carry on racing. I've been a volunteer for this Forces charity for a few years now, they run events all over the country, if you want to help/donate, go along to one of their track days, karting, drag strip, Autosport International etc.
This is a pic after I'd been lucky enough to go as a passenger in this Ferrari up the Goodwood Hillclimb, all part of the perks of volunteering
So before the race starts on the Saturday, there is 'Supercar Saturday' where lots of people turn up in their pride and joy supercars and give free passenger laps to the marshalls, beneficiaries etc. I was also permitted to take passengers around. So a 3 hour stint, around 40 laps, about 80 miles at a decent pace and the car performed great.
It was a handful in the wet on semi slick Nangkang NS-2R so just had to take it easy, a couple of lock ups, but not massively out paced by the supercars. The 'Pinderwagon' (Mk2 Golf 400bhp+ aero) was also lapping and flew past me.
There are several classes from Caterhams, Elise, Citroen C1, BMW and an invitational class. If you get the chance its a great event, just take a full rainsuit! If you volunteer you end up working with all sorts of people from the Forces and celebrities too.
So onto 2019, a lot more events volunteering for Mission Motorsport. It can be varied from pit work, cooking, liaison to industry etc.
So I decided I wanted to race my car and started down the path getting my race licence, there were several delays, but got there in the end.
Did the practical at Thruxton, trying to do neat laps whilst Tiff Needell is coming past sideways in his BMW M4 giving passenger experiences.
The car used was the tracks Skoda Octavia VRS, and it shifts, Obviously trying not to spin off (thats a fail) but also push on and take a good line. It was quicker that the focussed track cars, even the single seaters
So started prepping my car for racing, mainly safety related items needed. Plumbed in fire extinguisher supplied by www.lifeline-fire.co.uk
They did an excellent deal, all part of the team I'm racing for. www.trs-motorsport.com supplied a 6 point FHR compatible race harness. There was nothing actually wrong with the older K-sport item, but it ran out of date in 2012. Its also 3" shoulder straps and 2" are better with FHR. They also supplied the recommended Tow straps, more on them later.
Got a new helmet and FHR from www.hedtec.co.uk again great deals.
Another visit to Anglesey for Race of Remembrance (RoR) 2019, this time I was mechanicing on a JOTA MX5, drivers were Sophie (Ex Army) Dario Franchitti (Indy 500 legend) his brother Marino Franchitti (car racer) and Dickie Meaden (Evo Magazine Editor). The team did well, and we finished most important of all. It was Sophies first ever race, having sat her ARDS exam with me at Thruxton.
Again, prior to the race I did the Supercar Saturday (I'll try and find the pics), car ran well again, it was pissing it down, and still don't have rain tyres, managed to come out of Church backwards, only just managed to get off the infield grass once we'd stopped. So slippery and soft ground.
02 September 2010, 09:03 PM
)runaround from Grimsby at the weekend as I've been without a car for 2 months so got a bit done to the car.
)
s) as I can remove it, nitromors it, prime, flat, colour, laquer and leave it in the warm.
