My track Corsa - and so the season ends...

Post by **Mud Dog** » Sun Jan 25, 2015 11:56 pm

Despite the bum alignment / steering issues, it looks to me that you were able to keep your line pretty well, except maybe that last left-hander towards the end of the clip where you came out a bit wide (touching on the gravel verge?).

Motor sounds happy!

Die$eL · Post by **Die$eL** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:40 am

I saw you on track. Cabbie looked good!

You went into the pits before I could get proper video or time your lap.

here is a video. Was on your cool down lap unfortunately

http://vid1284.photobucket.com/albums/a ... j7xf4i.mp4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:12 am

Thanks, Guys.

Shot for the pics, Diesel! I think that was in the second session when the alignment went wonky and I pulled into the pits to find the problem. Didn't want to risk running until I knew for sure what the problem was.

I checked through my in-car videos, and I was running 22's and 23's. Was the same as that plain white Peugoet that is in my class, so I'm quite happy with that - I still have a bit in the bank wink-wink, nudge-nudge ;)

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:14 am

Oh ja - was it at least lifting the inside-rear off the tar?

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:24 am

Mud Dog wrote:
Motor sounds happy!

Yeah it ran like a charm. It is a bit dead over 5500rpm, but that is due to the cams - this engine came out of an auto Vectra, so the cams are much tamer than those from a manual car. It will have to do for now though

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:27 am

Just had a look at that video - was the first session when I was bedding in the brakes hehe. You'd have to time that lap with a caledar haha

Die$eL · Post by **Die$eL** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:32 am

Yip, it was puppy dogging in the turn. Rear right wheel was lifted

1:22 is a blerry good time!!!

I timed the following cars:
Alfa t-spark (road car) at 1:30
Alfa 158 (i think thats what its called. White one, track built) at 1:26
Audi A4 (road car) at 1:28

track built Mazda Soho at 1:20

There was a fair amount of traffic on the track so the times just give an idea. I dont suppose they show true potential

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 9:52 am

Ja that white Alfa was really holding me up. He was so early on the brakes....

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 9:14 am

Let's try this again

Image Link Broken

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 9:16 am

did you get the allignment issue sorted ?

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 10:34 am

Ja - car's running straight again.

Will check if everything is properly vas tonight. Was alsothinking of adding an M8 bolt to the setup there to basically lock the camber. Then I also want to add studs on the hubs to get away from using bolts to fasten the wheels. For some or other reason studs with wheel nuts work better than bolts. Heard a couple of guys saying bolts tend to come loose when racing

Post by **pietpetoors** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 10:51 am

Is easier and faster also to put wheel on with studs, sometimes a bit ch to align those holes for the bolts.

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 11:45 am

Especially if you need to do it in a hurry

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 10:09 pm

Farted around a bit in the garage tonight. First did the harness up the way a scrutineer advised, then set about making the rear anti-roll bar stiffer. Also tightened up the bolts properly after the alignment.

While I was stripping the car, I found these in the dash:
Image Link Broken

Immediately had a plan to use them (eventually). So tonight I finally put the plan into action:
Image Link Broken

Brake ducts!

Don't have too much to still do in order to be completely ready:
- Get some tiny split pins for 2 of the harness buckles
- Install the cable for the cut-off switch with the appropriate sticker
- Wire-tie the oil filter
- Change the sump plug to one that can be wire-tied
- Replace the broken bumper
- Get proper brackets for the extinguishers
- Find and install studs and nuts to replace the wheel bolts
- Make that bloody ignition/starter panel work. Might have to consult an auto electrician about that
- Apply the vinyls once they are ready (Kindly sponsored by Creative Identity )

Really getting excited (or is that nervous) about the first race meeting.

My wife asks me 'So - any tactics for the first race?'

I replied 'Yup - gonna try to not do something stewpit'.

Hope I manage to do that haha

Post by **Mud Dog** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 11:57 pm

Cool! Two questions ....

• Are those 'brake ducts' really going to work? The volume looks to me like it's going to far to small and too far away from the brakes. You already have ventilated discs, so correct me if I'm wrong - it's really the callipers and the fluid inside that you might need to keep cool, - maybe a bit of a funnel / scoop at the intake for more volume and direct it more directly at the callipers?

• What's the thinking / logic behind studs being better than bolts? To my mind, the rim locates very quickly on the hub rim and then can be quite easily rotated that extra bit to line up with the bolt holes whereas with studs you don't have that luxury and you cannot see the stud through the rim so you have to find the hole while holding up the full weight of the wheel.

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 6:42 am

These ducts are about the same size as those that came on the Superboss, so I think they should work. My thinking is that ANY extra airflow on the brakes is a good thing.

Oddly enough, I found fitting the wheels with studs in place is actually faster than having to line it up with the bolts. I'm only using 15 inch wheels, so they are not quite as heavy as the 31's we use on our Hiluxes lol

Die$eL · Post by **Die$eL** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 10:45 am

nice idea with the brake ducts. do they need to be that long? I notice with the newer cars like the BM and stuff they just have a short piece of plastic to just direct air to the discs

Are you running racing brake fluid? I think you should

WRT sump plug, check this out.

Makes draining oil a breeze. You plug your flexible hose to it and open the tap. Simple

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 12:10 pm

Well the ducts should work ok - it will direct air onto the disk and a part of the caliper. Most of the guys with Corsas have no ducts and they don't have issues. Brake fluid I'm using is a fancy Motul synthetic

Only issue with the sump plug is that it must be wire tied so it can't fall out. That is a nifty device though

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 12:55 pm

Dodging wrote:Well the ducts should work ok - it will direct air onto the disk and a part of the caliper. Most of the guys with Corsas have no ducts and they don't have issues. Brake fluid I'm using is a fancy Motul synthetic

Only issue with the sump plug is that it must be wire tied so it can't fall out. That is a nifty device though

can just imagine the James Bond moves with remote activation when the competition gets too pesky ...

Thabogrobler · Post by **Thabogrobler** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 2:13 pm

Whete can I get a sump valve like that?

Die$eL · Post by **Die$eL** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 2:24 pm

Thabogrobler wrote:Whete can I get a sump valve like that?

X-press commercial components

011-4555701

I was quoted R340

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Tue Feb 03, 2015 1:59 pm

Tick tock...

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 9:43 pm

Ummm... Bought another complete head today... Flowed, tripple seated valves etc...

Might've found a sub assembly as well, and just waiting to see what it'll cost to have a set of throttles sent over from the States.

Would like to build a second motor, taking my time, planning exactly how to make it deliver the power I want the way that I want. Probably gonna have to get some cams made for it... Want something that makes power all the way to 7000rpm

Not high on my priority list now though...

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 9:46 pm

what is your take on a variable inlet manifold length for longer power delivery ?

was dit lank vir bottom end en kort vir top end, of so iets ....

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:35 am

That's correct, yes. The std intake manifold of this engine has some sort of a flap that makes the runner length short or long. I just locked mine in the short position - was a bit too fiddly to set it up to work as it should, plus I'm always fairly high up in the rev range

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 12:09 am

Update time again

Did a couple of the things that still need to be done before Sunday.

Wire-tied rhe oil filter, bought a bolt-type sump plug and had holes drilled through it so that it can be wire-tied. Still need to drain the oil and fit the new sump plug. Also made the new door cards - came out pretty well in my opinion. Added straps to the doors so there is at least something to pull it closed with haha. Had the other set of semi's put on my old rims, so now I have 8 rims with semi's (only 6 of them are within are the allowed width though, the other 2 are too wide).

Then I finally figured out a way to make that bloody Ray Singh ignition panel work. Decided to just leave the original ignition switch in place (minus the barrel and steering lock bit), and leave it in the 'on' position like it would be when the engine is running. I cut the constant 12v wire leading to it, and wired a relay in with the toggle switch. The starter button is just wired straight to the starter's signal cable. Voila! It now finally starts with the button. I can now take the screwdriver that was acting as a key out the car haha. Really chuffed with myself for getting it to work, because I suck at car electrickery.

Will take a pic of the doorcards tomorrow when there is better light.

Not much left to do now. List is:

Fit & wire-tie sump plug
Fit the cut-off cable on the outside of the car
Replace the fubar bumper
Pu some m8 bolts at the point where the shock mounts to the carrier so as to ensure the alignment stays as it should. I think this will also be a good thing if I need to loosen a shock for whatever reason at the track - will then be able to get the alignment pretty close to where it should be when I re-assemble

Can't wait for the first race!

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:20 am

Watch "Startup" on YouTube - Startup: http://youtu.be/xhghlwrDhhs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

4x4BEES · Post by **4x4BEES** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:45 am

Dodging wrote:Watch "Startup" on YouTube - Startup: http://youtu.be/xhghlwrDhhs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That's awesome

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 6:43 pm

Doorcards in

Edit by F_D: Fixed image

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Sun Feb 08, 2015 7:31 pm

Went to the registration & dyno day today

Stuck the car on the dyno, and the car was short about 7kw of the class limit - woooohoooo!

Might be odd that I sound so happy about it, but it is because I now have reason to put the other cams in and change the intake. This is going to resolve sort my biggest gripe I have with the car as it is now - HOW it delivers the power. Will now be able to have it making peak power higher up in the rev range so I can actually rev the car.

Will tackle that in the week and then take it for remapping at the control dyno. Actually rather chuffed with the way the car ran on track taking into account that I was actually 10% short on power

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:23 pm

Got a fair bit done today. Put all the supplied stickers on that must be on the car. Really chuffed with the little hamper so generously given to us by the kind folks at Castrol - 2 x 5l Castrol Edge (fully synthetic), 2 tubs of grease and 2 bottles of brake fluid. Seeing as I need to drain the oil to replace the sump plug, might as well do an oil change too

Image Link Broken

Also fitted the outside cable to the cutoff switch

Image Link Broken

Changed the cams. Thought the cam cover looks a bit shoddy, so I changed that same time.

Image Link Broken

As you can see I started with a different intake. To my dismay I'll have to go with a cone filter... Will just get a decent brand - least I can do...

So here is the hickup for the day. Took it for a drive to see if all is well. I can hear and feel a real change with the other cams, but it first needs to be re-tuned before I can really TEST it. Stopped and switched it off have a look for any oil leaks - all is well. Get back in and start it - oil light is on. Drat... Tow it home...

I do however think I know what the problem is - there is a hole where the oil filter housing sits that needs to be blanked off when fitting an adaptor for the pipes leading to the cooler. I made a steel gasket for it, and I think it may have shifted position slightly. Gonna put a plug in there to resolve the issue once and for all. Everything is already stripped, ready for the fix.

Actually reminds me - need to make a plan for a bigger oil light....

4x4BEES · Post by **4x4BEES** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:29 pm

When do you plan to put your custom stickers on?

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:55 pm

Just got word today that they are ready - hope to go pick them up before the weekend

rigardt · Post by **rigardt** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:08 am

how does the intake and cam change work ? I thought you said last time after they dyno the car they seal the motor.
does that mean they will have to dyno and reseal it again ?
and what happens if you make to much power now ? tune it down or move up a class ?
also what oil light did you talk about ?
oil pressure or oil temp or no oil ?

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:16 am

Yup - gonna have to re-dyno, then they will re-seal. Should be able to bring the power down to where I want it without generating too much extra heat.

Basically want to add a second oil light that I want add on top of the dash, so if the oil light comes on I couldn't possibly miss it

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Fri Feb 13, 2015 12:29 am

Quick lesson on how to know you are in poo:

It's 8 days before race day, and your car is looking like this:

Image Link Broken

Oil pump is stuffed. After stripping it, I noticed some grit in it. Found a fair bit of it in the sump and in the oil. Don't know what the hell it is - feels almost like the grit used for sandblasting.

Seriously miffed.

Apart from replacing the oil pump, I'll have to replace the bearings as well. Have not stripped them out yet, so I am rather stressed about what the crank might look like.

Really flippin' annoyed

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Fri Feb 13, 2015 12:35 am

eina !!!

HOPE you get it all sorted !!

Post by **FIRSTGEER** » Fri Feb 13, 2015 6:21 am

WOW Andre,you'r a bugger for punishment.Great to see the resolve and fortitude you show in your project and the way you have not let all these problems you've experienced get you down.Keep it up,we are all backing you on race day.

4x4BEES · Post by **4x4BEES** » Fri Feb 13, 2015 7:32 am

Good luck mate

Hope it's the last straw before race day

Die$eL · Post by **Die$eL** » Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:21 am

Oh no!!!

Hope you find the culprit so as to avoid the same thing happening again

dd6 · Post by **dd6** » Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:16 pm

The grit is probably due to the previous owner's rock separator.... (Cone filter for those who do not know)

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Sat Feb 14, 2015 1:09 am

I think it was just a case of a shocking maintenance regime. You know them poms drive a car until the MOT becomes too much and then just dump the car...

Another late night... Actually, early morning...

First thing this morning (or is that yesterday morning?) I headed off to Alert as I knew they have the correct oil pump in stock, plus they are pretty close. Got an oil pump, 5l cheap oil, big ends, mains and a new oil filter, then headed off to work. Only got home close to 8pm, so work started late.

Started by cleaning out the sump, then set about the tappet cover I got with the engine originally. This here seems to have been the culprit - found a shedload of crud in the breather area. Probably used about 5l of petrol to get it properly clean.

Next I pulled out the big ends - they still look perfect, not a mark on them. So I am quite happy to not worry about the mains.

Put the new oil pump in with the pickup, put the tappet cover on and then started on the cambelt's back cover and the rollers. Didn't do the cambelt yet, as I'm a bit tired - not a task to be done without full concentration.

So still to do - cambelt, exhaust, add oil...

Then I can crank that sucker up!

Hopefully I get home at a decent hour this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon, then I can finish up.

Monday I need to take the car for alignment (again), dyno and the last of the stickers...

Hope everything works out that way...

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Sat Feb 14, 2015 6:14 am

glad to hear it is not terminal.

VASBYT !!

Post by **pietpetoors** » Sat Feb 14, 2015 5:39 pm

Do you think a 4x4Direct sticker will fit your colour scheme?

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Sat Feb 14, 2015 9:09 pm

pietpetoors wrote:Do you think a 4x4Direct sticker will fit your colour scheme?

enough time to change the colour scheme ...

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Sun Feb 15, 2015 5:36 am

pietpetoors wrote:Do you think a 4x4Direct sticker will fit your colour scheme?

Of course yes :D

Oupa Stig · Post by **Oupa Stig** » Sun Feb 15, 2015 6:11 am

Oh man, can you just hear the comments if you have an "off" with a 4x4direct sticker on your car...

Hehehe!

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Sun Feb 15, 2015 9:01 am

Hell yeah - will get some really appropriate comments on TV :D

Post by **FIRSTGEER** » Sun Feb 15, 2015 8:50 pm

Sticker would look great and then maybeee a bit of SPONSORSHIP ?????

4x4BEES · Post by **4x4BEES** » Sun Feb 15, 2015 11:19 pm

Oupa Stig wrote:Oh man, can you just hear the comments if you have an "off" with a 4x4direct sticker on your car...

Hehehe!

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 3:08 pm

Update time. And it's a good one.

Oil pump replaced. New intake fitted. Took it to Braam to have it re-tuned. The man is a legend - tuned it to exactly the numbers I wanted. The car feels much more lively now, and the curve looks much better. The motor now also seems much happier at high revs.

Taking the car to Fourways quickly to get something done now, then I just need to sort the alignment out on Wednesday, put the front bumper back...

....and then I'm ready to race

Post by **pietpetoors** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 5:56 pm

Nice, let's hope it is smooth sailing from here on.

Make sure the alignment guys tighten everything properly this time.

Post by **Mud Dog** » Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:32 pm

Good to hear! Best of luck!

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Tue Feb 17, 2015 7:18 am

A little teaser

Image Link Broken

4x4BEES · Post by **4x4BEES** » Tue Feb 17, 2015 7:28 am

You're such a "car-tease"

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Tue Feb 17, 2015 11:07 am

Hehehe

Will see if I can do a proper shoot of the car tomorrow. Best to get some pics while it's still fresh haha

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Tue Feb 17, 2015 12:07 pm

Now the waiting for Saturday...

ChrisF · Post by **ChrisF** » Tue Feb 17, 2015 12:48 pm

Dodging wrote:Now the waiting for Saturday...

WRONG cartoon !!

VOORSPOED !!

Dodging · Post by **Dodging** » Wed Feb 18, 2015 9:58 pm

Seriously can't think of anything that still needs to be done before Saturday, except to give the car a good clean and change the wheels...

Today I fitted the front bumper, put the last stickers on, locked the flap on the intake manifold to the short position with Pratley Steel, had the alignment sorted, fitted a different fire extinguisher...

Image Link Broken

Got everything that needs to go along ready to just be packed in the van, like the wheels with the slicks I intend using, tools, odd spares, compressor etc...

Helmet, racing suit, boots etc are packed and ready to grab...

Basically just need to get the trailer on Friday afternoon, load up and head to Fourways where we will be sleeping over...

Don't know how the heck I'm going to focus at work tomorrow and Friday haha

If I manage to drag my arse out of bed early enough tomorrow morning I'm gonna give it a quick clean and try to do a quick photoshoot with some remote flashes while the sun rises...

rigardt · Post by **rigardt** » Thu Feb 19, 2015 7:21 am

good luck for Saturday man.
we will come through to watch so I will come say hi.
do you have any idea what time the racing starts on Saturday ?