Modifying a Bentley
 

I've always fancied a nice old Bentley Continental T. (non of this bland VW rubbish). But I want something a bit "more" just to have a laugh down the drag strip and show who is boss :D

So I propose "Project Bentley" using a cheaper Continental R modified to suit...details follow:

Engine:

Now I know the old 6.75 unit can take more power. At best it pushes over 600lb/ft. despite its age it is a very highly deveolped and well built engine, alloy heads and block, good tolerances and wedge shape combustion chambers

So say if i bought a "cheap" Continental R (with "only" 550lb/ft, the lastest version of this engine pushes 738lb/ft :( ) What would I need to do to bring out more horses (and more importantly...Torque :norty: )?

I'm thinking different turbos, probably a twin setup like newer models. better exhaust headers (current ones look rather restrictive for port scavenging) also removal of a few cats and less restrictive exhaust system would go hand in hand. Also, swapping the charge cooler for a intercooler (may not be possible due to space restrictions, so maybe just bigger capacity charge cooler rads and uprated pumps and fans). Maybe fitting roller rockers off the new engines would allow for a higher rev limit.

Getting a new camshaft ground up maybe a good plan, as no doubt the stock one is suited to comply with emissions (Overlap, scavenging, low lift etc) but hopefully the turbos would negate the need for this..

Not sure what ECU these things run, I believe its a Zytek unit, so not sure what can actually be done with this, besides a complete swap for an aftermarket system.

If the engine output falls below my expectations, then Nitrous will also be fitted :norty:

Gearbox:

The GM 4L80 4 speed box doesn't have a short enough 1st gear and is combined with a tall final drive which affects off the line launches, depsite high power models pulling 0-60 in under 6sec, they bog down on launch. Also at 600lb/ft its pretty much at its limits in standard tune.

So I'm thinking a complete swap for the new GM 6L80 corvette 6speed autobox. Being a GM 'box the bolt pattern should match, leaving only clearance, spline differences and electronics as the main worry. Having 6 speeds means I can change the axle ratio with a bespoke ratio more suits for 0-120mph rather than 160mph cruising :)

Although I do wonder if it maybe too many gears, as the engine has a very wide powerband so doesn't need as many gears as a typical rice burner would to keep in the powerband. So maybe just an uprated 4L80 with a uprated torque converter and bespoke axle ratio would be called for.

Brakes:

Early Continental models were blessed with the dual 4pot calipers on each front wheel, like most Rolls/Bentleys of the era. Essentially Jaguar calipers, they are still underrated for the vehicle weight and speed - warping discs is a past time hobby on these :D

So a complete swap for some after market brakes, front and rear. But the question bodes as if after market calipers are suitable for use with LHM fluid (bit like Citroen - they use the suspension fluid to work the brakes ). Seeing they use Jaguar calipers, and later cars use Brembo, I'm not seeing this as an issue. The only big issue is getting them to fit inside the wheels.

Wheels/tyres:

Getting larger discs and calipers to fit probably will call for new wheels. As well as fitting the widest possible rear wheels to help with traction (cutting and re-sectioning the rear wheel wells, if need be) Finding wheels than can take the weight of this car is an important factor (recally how flexy wire-wheels affect handling). Moreso with the tyres, as current tyres are bespoke Avons Turbospeeds, which were specifically devolped to cope with the weight and speed capability of the car. Using other tyres at speed may result in a "Hamster" inccident. :(

Suspension:

This car uses an active hydraulic self leveling system, not too far from that on a Citroen Xantia. It also has the ability to stiffen when in sports mode. This sytem is completely automated. So what I would like is manual control, how to achive this I don't know.

Body:

Completely stock, barring the possible need to cut into the rear wheel wells to allow for wider rear wheels....don't want to give the game away, now do we? :lol1:



Right then, thats the criteria down. Anyone know any tuners who could help me do this work? :D

Maybe I should have posted this in "projects" :wonder:

Good lunch was it?

Yup, Friday daydreaming :D

Still, would like to know if anyone has done it :)

I've found myself a project car: http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www...TAL&locale=STF
http://www.enterprisespecialistcars....12200&pageid=2

£45K...Bargain! :cool:

I wonder if the number plate is included :wonder:

I think Practical Performance Car magazine have turned an old Rolls Royce into a "track-day" car...... ;)

Nutters :lol1:

I love the concept though...I'm still waiting for that Merlin powered SD1 to get on the road ;)

what about a Veyron engine conversion(rear mounted) in addition to the existing engine, Nos.them both and strip the interior(must be 900kgs plus in savings there). Hmm where to we get a 4wd transfer box to cope with that.:freak3:

The same Veyron? :)

Oh come on. I'm trying to keep within £100K :lol1::p

This looks like a giggle http://www.pmcuk.com/BentleyRacing.asp

Vid: http://www.pistonheadstv.com/videos/672.AVI

Sounds lovely too :cool:

If you really fancy a go try here..

TDI

Ha ha ha!!!


http://www.pmcuk.com/images/DSCF6718.JPG

Cool idea, get on with it !
Always fancied going the drag route with an old Shadow, junk the RR motor, big block with blower sticking out of the bonnet, tubbed rear end, nitrous etc.

It's passed it's MOT now :eek2:

... and it went up the hill at GFOS didn't it?

DO IT DO IT DO IT