cal16v's WIP

[cal16v]

Small update...

Taken the aftermarket shift gaiter frame I've used for a long while and wrapped it in leather. Have used the same leather to make a new gaiter and will use some spring wire on the inside of the frame to hold and spread the gaiter in place. Seats will come out over the coming weekend for recovering and will probably take a week. Gives me some time to tidy up under the dash and get the carpet steamed in place without the seats being in the way.

[Cliff]

Nice job, enjoying the updates - haven't had the time or inclination to crack on with mine recently

[cal16v]

I can relate. Lately I'm finding it difficult putting so much time into the minor stuff, which to be honest, you stand back from at the end of another week and can barely see what you've achieved. I try my best to mix it up as much as possible when I can and when only the minor jobs are left I try to remember how annoying constantly seeing a half arsed job was...

[cal16v]

...

[cal16v]

I noticed the power steering pump is leaking fluid from the front so it's time to replace it and fit a new engine belt as well. Since I'll be ordering parts from the UK I might just bite the bullet and replace the water pump and timing belt as well while I'm at it.

[cal16v]

I asked a local parts supplier today for a price on some Bosch ignition leads for a c20xe... $441 a set. Manufactured where? China.

[Cliff]

That's just ridiculous!!! You could buy magnacore and airmail them for less than that I'd imagine

[cal16v]

That's just ridiculous!!! You could buy magnacore and airmail them for less than that I'd imagine

Yep... they must be very special

Anyway back on planet earth I've just placed the following order with Autovaux... timing belt, water pump, engine belt, PAS pump, ignition coil, rear shock mounts, check strap washers

... all for the price of 5 Bosch ignition leads!

[cal16v]

These came into my possession by sheer coincidence...

[cal16v]

Guilty of schoolboy error, I admit it.

I ordered a bunch of bits for replacement... water pump, PAS pump, timing belt and pulleys, engine belt etc etc and stripped the car ready for the new bits to go on. Only I didn't check the part numbers beforehand and received a brand of timing belt I won't use.

So I need to get the right belt quick smart...

So it's just a plod along double checking the parts I fitted and cleaning about the place until the new belt is sourced and I can finish up.

Edited for accuracy

[cal16v]

It's been a little while since I updated this thread.
PAS pump is fitted and system drained for a much improved steering feel and response. GM timing belt and new pulleys, water pump and I have peace of mind once again. For the first time in ages I can say I am leak-free from cam cover to sump and throughout the rest of the engine.

Took a trip down to Wakefield Park for the HSRCA event which was a 450 km round trip and the Cally went like a dream without any issues. Just reward for perseverance I'd say. I did notice that in the cold mornings (-1 deg) gear selection from a cold start was a little more difficult. I guess this is normal until a little heat transfer to the box occurs. 5 mins in and all is normal again.

Anyway some pics I took there for my own purposes so I'll throw them up for what they're worth...

Had the pleasure of meeting Paul Finch (ex Manchester lad) who runs the PRB. Funny funny guy. He's currently the Australian Hill Climb Champion and can really peddle. Paul introduced me to another gent who I thought was the landowner... turned out to be Malcolm Oastler (ex BAR, Jaquar) and Webber's chief engineer for over 10 years. He's into hill climbs these days.

The Camaro pictured is run by the Taites, a father & son team on a limited budget. Nevertheless this didn't stop young Andrew out qualifying John Bowe on the Saturday and finishing a very close second in the main race of the day. Such a stark contrast was this team's means and approach against the might of the resources that were in the Bowe garage. The Taite's obviously have gained a new follower.

Cheers

[cal16v]

New IACV on order and after a little deliberation I've also ordered a new fuel damper to go back in. Today the front end gets sorted... arms, bushes, springs/shocks, boots etc It's been a long time coming

[cal16v]

Little update...

The fuel damper arrived and so it is now fitted. This is subject to confirmation bias of course but I do believe it has made an improvement in how the engine runs.
Front end is also finished with a full 30mm drop in the front. This with the body kit and just one word comes to mind... low.

[cal16v]

Currently experiencing a strange issue where the front end seems to bog down then bite and launch forward under rapid acceleration. This only happens when the n/s front is loaded. I suspect this might be an engine mount(s) issue. It's a very strange feeling for a second or two as if the front is floating and then the car suddenly launches forward. There's no steering pull to any side nor does it occur when booting it and pointing straight ahead.

[cal16v]

Ok narrowed down the issue above to one or more engine mounts so that's the next task on the list. Surprising isn't it how you only just cross one job off only to quickly add another

Air con filled with gas today and it's nice to have the system all working again.