Chris Scott

2 hours ago, Sparepart said:

Have you seen the information at the link below ?  It list the Engine code for the variants, the code should be stamped on the engine block.

 

https://toyne.org.uk/zetec-engine.html

 

That’s an excellent link!!! Thank you so much!

Thanks, we’re wondering if we have a 1600

and an 1800?

if so does anyone know if cranks and rods etc are the same? Is it just bore size that’s different?

although the heads seem to be different too! 

Evening everyone.....I’m hoping someone can help!

When I got my car it came with 2 engines (with faults) both zetecs, both look the same externally (both silver tops)

The idea was to make a good engine out of the pair...however we have had the heads off and one has 76mm bores one 80mm 

Is there an easy way to tell what I have, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0? What bits might be interchangeable etc?

ive tried Googling and it doesn’t appear to be that straight forward! Thanks 

Evening all, I have a 3a

Has anyone any pictures of how their radiator is mounted. 
 

The new rad has a couple of lugs on the bottom, so that side of thing is relatively easy. However I’m not sure how to mount the top as there is no obvious mounting point 

Thanks 

I’ve managed to acquire a pair of Weber DCOE 40s to go on my Zetec 

I wondered if anyone has an inlet manifold gathering dust? 
 

Thanks 

Hmmm....that’s really good advice. I’m handy enough but definitely a newbie when it comes to anything more than soldering!

Maybe I’ll phase it....phase one new loom (nice clean install) but keep the switch gear as is for now - and then tackle that as a future job when all else is sorted 

many thanks 

Firstly, sorry that this is so similar to other recent posts, but I have a different engine/existing setup to those topics so thought it easier to ask a fresh.

About 3 months ago I bought a 3a ready to go...all I can say is that may have been a generous description

Luckily I wanted a project!

One of the big jobs is it needs rewiring - it’s an 1800 Zetec on bike carbs with an auto sparks loom and mega jolt ecu (allegedly)

The wiring has been butchered and messed with beyond recognition - so I want to replace...as well as get rid of all the Sierra stalks.

Would autosparks be a good way to go (their standard front engine kit car loom) or are there better/easier alternatives?

Thank you so much

I’ve finally got round to fitting new front track control arms. The tread on the ball joint seems to be different than the nylocs I have. Does anyone know what the thread is or will I have to have a measure up? 

Thanks all, my factors universal gaiters did the trick It’s nice to start putting bits back on rather than stripping them out

I’ve had a couple of sets of gaiters from my usually exceptional local factors.

The small end is the correct OD but the other end is way off (too small). I assume my rack is Sierra as all the other bits seem to be. Any idea on what gaiters I need? These are the measurements 

I’ve solved the mystery - the pattern ones have the big bush moulded in rather than pressed in. They also seem to have been machined and then sleeved to a different size so the poly ones don’t fit even if you remove the moulded bush (don’t ask me how I’ve found this out...but hasten to say I have a knackered brand new arm )

So...on closer inspection the ball joints in the track control arms are worn out...I have a few questions.

1) I assume these can’t be replaced and that it has to be a whole arm?

2) On Burtons the pattern arms say “not suitable for poly bushes” and idea why as I have some poly bushes coming.

Thanks in advance, Chris 

Brilliant, thanks all...I'll have a look now

Hi all, 

My RH 3a has the Sierra track arms on the front (at least I think that’s what they’re called!). Does anyone know if anyone does polyurethane bushes for them? I’ve had a quick google and got thoroughly confused!  

Yeah....it’s crazy how sharp everything is! 
 

At the moment I’m working from the front to the back as there is not one single bit of the car I trust. Currently I’ve rounded the edges off and gone over the panels with 600grit - looks nice. Obviously that won’t work for visible bits but it’s a big improvement. I am going to have a think/experiment with vinyl and see how it comes out 

Oddly I did think about that and the panels are small and relatively flat so that might actually be the easiest and simplest option. 
 

Thanks  

Evening all,

I’m stripping and rebuilding the radiator cowling at the front of my RH 3a.

I’ve googled but can’t get a clear answer, does anyone have any experience or advice of painting stainless steel? Do I just need to run it down and use a good etch primer? 
 

Don’t want to make it worse but am keen to tidy it up a bit! 
 

Thanks 

Cool, I’ll bear all that in mind - the engine needs to come out over half term anyway so I’m a long way off having that worry yet

That’s helpful to know, I’m going to fabricate a new mounting system and integrate some rubber mountings for sure.

Wondering what constitutes old/new antifreeze? Any ideas? 

It’s 100% a brace, probably part of mounting the seats. But having it as the lowest point on the car is the issue. Will make a flat plate to reinforce the weak/damaged spots 
 

Got in the garage and started the strip down - such a good feeling

Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about appearance. I love a car that has been used - that's why I bought it.

There are things on the car (from an engineering stand point) that frighten me! Bits of fence bracket holding the battery loosely in place, a massive piece of angle iron under the floor which has been catching on the road and bent the floor. The throttle cable going through bare steel and wearing away.

However, this is not a criticism, I am over the moon with the car and can't wait to get cracking at recommissioning it

So after a hiatus of 18 years I've returned to kit car ownership, I had a GTM Rossa as my first ever car - but not knowing one end of a spanner from another it didn't end well.

I purchased this 3a off of ebay on Saturday. It looks good but in reality the MOT isn't worth the paper it's printed on! I wanted a project and have definitely got one.

I wondered if anyone on here knows/knew this car...I have a copy of an ebay sale from 2012 when it was immaculate. It is also covered in RHOC stickers from 2010 (it even went to Le Mans) - one of the previous owners was clearly an avid owners club owner.

Sadly the last 8 years haven't been kind...the car has been used, abused and somewhat neglected. I'm looking forward to getting her back to former glories.