Shandylegs

Although 2 years later than originally planned and with 4 wheels still pointing in different directions, I will definitely make this one. I really can't understand the lack of support for this event. Look at the prices for track days these days with many of them are nearing £250-00 per day, it's an absolute bargain. For those who have not entertained doing something like this, or have previously been put off, I would strongly recommend having a go. The track is more like a sprint course with a specified start and finish to each lap (You pass through a cool-down section prior to restarting your next lap. Cars are released at specified intervals so there is no danger of a silly idiot taking you out by driving way beyond his abilities, it's just a matter of you testing your car without the constraints of driving on the road. It's not all about who has the fastest car or best driving skills. For example my main aim is to put some mileage on my car in a safe environment, hopefully ensuring nothing (Major) falls off when I get round to SVA. Make a weekend out of it, get your tents out and have a few beers on Friday evening. Then enjoy a good days driving with like-minded individuals on the Saturday.

Just been in exactly the same position as yourself. Car was virtually complete with various minor jobs to complete. The more I thought about what was left the worse things seem to get. After not touching the car for a couple of months I ventured into the garage, instead of thinking about things I just got stuck in with the spanners flying. Result - Car is almost complete and I was actually able to have a brief drive under it's own steam. Next plan is to -sort out a proper fuel tank in order to get to Barkston on 21st July - time to go hunting those Westfields (In my dreams!) -May even book an SVA for autumn. What more encouragement do you need!

Boggie Did you definitely set the inlet valve to fully open and not the exhaust (The cam lobe nearest to the front of the engine is the exhaust valve). It sounds a silly mistake to make, but if the head and cam are timed without any ancillaries attached it is easy to overlook (Believe me!) Thanks......

Also signed up. Having owned and been a fan of both Classic and Kit cars for many years it really does make you wonder what the future holds for those who do not choose to drive an everyday type car! It's absolute madness to think just because a car is old it's inefficient. Although I hold my hands up that my choices have not been particularly fuel efficient, but there are plently of people driving sub 1300cc cars over 20 years old. How do these compare with some of the new monstrosoties around (Look at any of the modern luxury 4x4's - just what is thier purpose!).

Get my car togehter, you're having a laugh..............perhaps next year, but didn't Isay that last year!

Tom You're probably tightening it up too much. Figer pressure then a littlebit more on each boltis allthat it takes. Ta Duncan

Jason Try Tony Law based in Leeds. Although they only manufacture in mild rather than stainless, thier manifolds and systems are absolute quality. After getting silly quotes for my bike engined car (CBR1000 so nothing available off the shelf) how does £340-00 for a fully fitted system with matched length headers sound!

You can never have too much on a pinto! especially if using high revs on a regular basis (7k plus) The tank on the left is a remote filler (As well as a breather) to make up for the lack of one on the rocker. If a normal vented cap is used on the rocker at high revs the oil mist gets everywhere, even with a baffle plate under the cap. The rocker cover was tapped directly behind one of the cam bearings (Not too much oil being thrown around) and anything that made it's way into the small filler tank drains back to the sump via a return pipe. The tank on the left was purely a catch tank for the crankcase breather, about £40-00 from rally design. Would recommend using an proper block breather elbow as the diameter is much wider than what would be used as standard (15mm internal diameter pipe from memory) Hope this helps, thanks Duncan

Tom Attached photo is of a set-up previously used on both mine and Steve's cars Depending on how much breathing you want I would recommend removing what is left of the crankcase breather as the elbow sold will allow you to use a much wider pipe to the catch tank. Ta Duncan

It was me who stated you could use the thermostat housing from a 1300 ohv mk5 escort. I can't understand why people can't get this to fit as it was a straight swap for the usual pinto housing, it may be that there are several version in the Escort although I don't think the bolt pattern would have changed. Another possible explanation is that I don't like using the cam cover on a pinto (Another can of worms that i'll not open here) so it maybe this that is causing the problem for other people. I don't own the car anymore but I beleive it is (was?) owned by someone who occasionally pops onto the board under the name of Snoopy (also mate of Bazwaz) so if might be worth contating him to see if he has any photos. Thanks Duncan

Alex Been done and covered many times fro series 7 & 3/3a cars, if you try a search there are some good pictures and explanation of what is required. While no doubt possible, I would not convert to coilovers while retaining the standard top shock mounting on a S7 as all forces would be passed to this point. An easier and cheaper option would be retain the current spring location and replace the shocks with those from a VW Caddy (Golf pick-up) and create a new top mounting in a better position with suitable reinforcement. Thanks Duncan

As has been said in past posts, there are many Kits that have been registered using documents from a donor car, or an older kit car. Is there really any difference between this and a Cobra replica carrying a v5 that states Jaguar convertible or someone registering a brand new MK using a v5 that states Ford Sports on it? All of the examples above would have circumnavigated the SVA so are potentially not of sufficient specification to have been on the road. I have a couple of questions for everyone: -Does this not apply to any car registered prior to the SVA being introduced? -Have any of you altered your car since it has been SVA’d? -Yes it’s an extreme example, but is it really any worse than any of the original examples quoted above? Yes in my opinion it stinks, but there will always be people who are prepared to push the boundaries of legality. Unfortunately things like this will eventually lead to over legislation and the death of the Kit Car industry!

Nige From memory you can use one from the 1300 Mk5 escort (Valencia OHV crossflow engine) with the added advantage that it has a temp sensor for an electric fan built in. Thanks Duncan

Does your engine use a 205 block? If so then the exhaust side is normally used as a oil return from the bottom of the catch tank not as a breather (Non 205 blocks do not have this therfore it is necessary to weld/tap a return into the sump). Ta Duncan

Can I recommend Tony Law in Leeds. They only work in mild not stainless but their systems are designed to work rather than look pretty - Function over form. Best part of it: Full custom made system for my CBR1000 powered kit (Not a popular bike engine fitment) came to less than £350-00! Tanks Duncan

Or was it that the overall Robin Hood products were called into question. Whereas I can understand people defending their cars / build standards, of late there appears to be some heavy moderation / pro bias towards the manufacturer. Is this site idependent or do RH/GBS now contribute to it's upkeep, hence the need for moderation?

Be aware of the 'Chips' floating around, these can totally wreck an engine in a short space of time (Without even mentioning getting through an MOT - Most will fail the smoke test). When I had my Saab re-mapped it totally transformed the car. Can't recommend Motor Sport Developments enough (based in Blackpool). Drop the car off, day out at the seaside to please the wide & kids, then enjoy the drive home! Thanks Duncan

A little off topic I know but does anyone have any further picturs of a RHE1000, especially the engine installation. Thanks Duncan

Tim www.wscc.co.uk Then click 'The boardroom' Thanks Duncan

Jason originally from Anston, but have close ties with Brecks / Stag area. If you are still struggling give me a shout and I'm sure it can be sorted out. Thanks Duncan

Tom I do have one that is spare. P.M. me your address details and I'll forward it on. Thanks Duncan

Tom I think I have a couple floating round in the back of my garage. Let me know if it's any use I'll have a look when i get home from work. Thanks Duncan

Jason where in Rotherham are you based? Thanks Duncan

Hi 20-50 may be old technology but then again so is the Pinto. Personally if the engine is standard (Or only mildly tuned) I wouldn't worry too much and use a normal 20-50 variety such as Duckhams etc. If the engine has been modified substantially I would be looking at a quality brew such as Valvolene Racing 20-50 (Ensure it is the Racing variety), costs a little more but if you have thousands invested in an engine...........need I say more. Ta Shandylegs :D

Pete Most of the models prior to the 2B were of a monococque design. I was involved in building and SVAing a series 7 last year. If you take a common sense approach to areas such as seat belt mountings etc.. there is no problem getting these cars through an SVA. If required I can forward any pictures required (If I have them) Thanks Duncan