4722 replies to this topic

[VXT Tim]

Agree, you could continue doing a bit here/there, spend some on this/that. You are right to pick and chose based on it's purpose. I'm not sure of the full cost of a fast back like badsters for eg?

[Ormes]

I've posted a pic of it to startle you

OMFG that is, erm, startling!

Not sure if I've said this before but maximum respect for the project and the blog. Awesome.

Hope the final stages don't prove too troubling.

[Nev]

Thanks Ormes.

I've now completed just about all my little jobs (small write up and pics added). Am off to buy some gearbox oil and some brake fluid this morning. Once i've bled the clutch and brakes I will attempt to turn the car over without ignition. This should get the fuilds circulating and let me test various things such as water + oil leaks, oil coming out of the turbo drain, fuel delivery (fuel pump working), electrics working.

PS: I am particularily impressed with the new engine bay pics. At least it looks good even if it doesn't work !

[Harry0075]

Great project thread! Looking forward to you turning the car over for the first time, good luck!!

[Nev]

Poop. i have just got back from the garage. I put the fluids in and discovered a crack in the pastic of the oil/water heat exhanger. I have now spent 1.5 hours getting this off to inspect it. It has 2 stress cracks in it that are quite long. I could epoxy over them, but I'd prefre to replace it with a fully working item. More delays :o/

[SteveA]

Just had a good read, interesting stuff. Not that keen on the blingtastic engine bay tho

[Duncan VXR]

Nev on my recirc pipe work I went the other way round to the intake pipe to reduce the run of pipe work and feed closer to the turbo - what pipe size did you go for? I retained the 25mm oulet of the forge recirc valve iirc or was it a bit more? Bugger with the leak but replace it and be worth flushing the cooler if its 2nd hand to be sure if clear DG

[vxr36]

I've seen some interesting fixes for the useless heater but exposing the turbo is the best one so far. Good effort and excellent blog btw.

[Nev]

Dunc, I had wanted to do exactly what you said and return the recirc air far closer to the turbo, however becuase of the 76 mm and 102 mm pipework near the turbo there is bugger all space near there. I suppose I could/should really re-consider this at a later date as I know it makes sense and it probably is possible if I really try. I have gone ahead and gound/keyed the surface of the cracked oil cooler and have epoxied it and am waiting for it to dry (in the warm airing cupboard!). I am tempted to install it and give it a go to see if it works, I guess the water pressure in it is prretty feeble, maybe just 10 PSI so the expoxy wont be under too much stress. The alternative is to bid for one on eBay and delay the project by yet another week.... Its a tough call. On a more positive note I have now put oil into the gearbox - even this was harder than I imagined as I have a breather and the bloody oil wouldn't go down the hole initially, I had to use a sirringe to 'power squirt' it down the pipes under a bit of pressure. Thanks for the kind comments guys.

Edited by Nev, 11 March 2011 - 01:46 PM.

[goodeg]

Looking good, but is venting the oily residue out of the cam breather down towards the exhaust a good idea?

[techieboy]

Bloody hell, Nev, it'll be a miracle if your boot lid fits on there without fouling on some of the pipework. Have you thought about the raised Sprint style turbo bootlid from Motobuild? Would probably be sensible for just the added venting for the heat. Comes in black gelcoat and they reckon this finish is good enough that you could run with it unsprayed.

[Duncan VXR]

Yes will be worth a revision but worth it imo Which hole did you fill the oil with? The hole is a good size at the top, I have a oil funnel thing and just chuck it in Nev you will be amazed at how much you have learned from doing it all and you def do it quicker next time round DG

[Nev]

Goodeg, barely any oil comes out of the cam cover vent to be honest (maybe 5 drops per 1000 miles). I may install a small breather tank later on if it becomes an issue (which it might be as this engine has completely different components and CR so might vent with different characteristics). Dunc, I didn't bother unscrewing the main top F23 filler hole as it was clustered with too many pipes, hence my use the of the breather pipe. Next time (which hopefully wont be soon (if you get my meaning)) I will open up the top bolt on the F23 and fill it directly. Techie: Yup, getting the boot lid on might well be a nightmare, if it is I may just leave the fcuker off ! I have done some visual clearance checks and it looks possible, but I agree I might have to apply a hammer to the aluminium pipe to flatten it a bit (backup plan 'A'). If that doesnt work, then I will instigate backup plan 'B': To route the entire 76mm pipework through the cabin (ie through the bulkhead). As you can probably tell, I am getting a bit slap dash at the moment as I am just keen to get the thing on the road and drive it around (even if it is just under 3500 revs to bed the engine in). The only other job I have to do once the oil cooler is back on is bleed the hydraulics and get the exhaust downpipe re-welded.

Edited by Nev, 11 March 2011 - 02:26 PM.

[Judderman]

Thats one hell of a beast Nev, looking epic. how far off are you from testing it all give or take the week if you get another oil cooler to replace the repair?

[Nev]

1 day away if my oil cooler fix can hold back the water pressure !

[VXT Tim]

Couple of extra washers on the bootlid hinges, job done on the clearance

[Nev]

Yes, thats a good tip Tim, as well as some low profile nuts on the underside of the hinges. I am fairly confident I can get the lid on somehow. I keep going into the airing cupboard to see if my epoxy has set yet !! Time is crawling by while all I can do is think about starting Nipper !

[Nev]

Woohoo, I turned the engine over today - write up and video here.

[techieboy]

[jaylin]

Great blog Nev... Not been around this neck of the woods for a long time...but a very interesting read. Definitly no shame trying to start with the key after a long stretch out of the car, think we've all done it Best of luck with the final stages...