Diary of Scott, aged 29 and 1/4.

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Carsreunited · #1 Post by **Carsreunited** » Mon Oct 06, 2003 10:30 pm

Well, as the Subject suggests, this is going to be my diary covering the following areas: 
 
1) The costs relating to paying somebody to fully prepare a shell into a racing (not necessarily competitive) road legal, racing Dolomite Sprint. 
 
2) The progression of our submission to be included in the TSSC/TR Register Race series. 
 
3) Providing that our submission goes in the direction which will allow me to compete in a Dolomite Sprint, in any class deemed fit by the organisers in all events for 2004, then I will also include details of my personal preparations, race-craft training, equipment purchased for attendance at meetings etc. 
 
The purpose of doing this is to give some people who may well be interested in going racing an exact idea of costs. You can look at the way I am doing it and see where you can save a few quid by doing it differently or spend more because you would have stayed overnight in a hotel rather than slept in a tent like an Eco warrior! 
 
At present, I am the only person wishing to take this particular route into Motorsport for 2004 but there are others who wish to see how I get on. Graeme is going to continue with Sprinting and Hill climbing. If he has the option and funds permitting, he may well enter a race or two later in the season by invitation (assuming an invite is offered!). Martin wishes to see how both myself and Graeme get on in our respective events. There are others who have expressed an interest and I am sure that as the year progresses more people will continue to do so. 
 
I will keep all posts within this 'Diary topic'. Costs will be added to the end of each post as they are calculated. 
 
After meeting me, Graeme and Mart would probably be the first to say that I am fumbling a bit when it comes to technical and hands on know how. I am hoping and inviting people to make any comments whether critical or constructive on how I am doing things. I'm a big boy and can take any criticism. Plus, I'm a private investigator and can find out where you live quite easily! 
 
My motivating factor for getting involved in this is that I love cars, especially older cool cars such as Triumphs, I love watching all types of racing and had one day of track fun that has infected me. That's simply it. At present, I can just about afford to do it (from rough calculations in my head). Most people would probably be putting any residual income into a bigger house with a bigger mortgage. Fair play to them, they would probably make more money long term that way. I've decided to stick with my 3 bed semi with no garage (aaaggghhh!!), 2 kids, 1 wife (can't afford another one), 1 dog, 1 cat, 2 rabbits, 1 horse, 1 snake and use any left over monies to have a bit of fun! 
 
If any people out there run a business such as myself, I'm open to any donations preferably in kit rather than money in return for some advertising space on my car. I will be giving the TDC a free slot somewhere (Probably on the prop shaft!). I found my 1st Sprint in the classifieds section of the website and I'm proud to be associated with the club. 
 
Anyway. Costs so far. inc Vat 
 
Cost of stripping rotten shell and purchase of rust-free shell: £1000 
 
Installation of Full FIA Roll Cage: 
£793.13 
 
(Recouped from sale of seats and webasto from old shell £110) 
 
Total so far: £1793.13 
 
Scott

Carsreunited · #2 Post by **Carsreunited** » Sat Oct 11, 2003 7:51 pm

My shell is now back from Fabricage who have done a marvelous job of it. I have taken some pictures and will post them on the Triumph Owners website in a few days time. 
 
The shell is now going to be prepared for the paintshop, bumper holes and petrol tank filler point are going to be welded(?) covered up. After having a chat with Mark, I'm going to have the shell painted Mimosa rather than it's current Inca which I'm told his Spa 24 car was originally. Decided that I'm going to go for Gold coloured Classic Range Superlites rather than the more common silver. 
 
Further Costs Inc VAT 
 
Additional adjusted cost of Shell strip £355.00 
 
Shot blasting suspension components £100.00 
 
Delivery costs to and from Fabricage: £123.38 
 
Total So far: £2371.51

Carsreunited · #3 Post by **Carsreunited** » Mon Oct 13, 2003 7:09 pm

One picture added to http://www.triumphowners.com website under Special Interest. Couldn't get anymore on for some reason. Ignore the first listing under my name on the site as it was eneterd in error trying to get other pictures up. 
 
Scott

Carsreunited · #4 Post by **Carsreunited** » Sun Nov 09, 2003 8:42 pm

Things are still progressing. Had a problem with my original block in that upon inspection, it is cracked between the caps. Having posted a request on the main forum, I have had a number of offers of a replacement. 
 
Other bits have been inspected now that they are off the shell. My diff has been confirmed as a Salisbury type plate LSD which is in excellent condition. It doesn't bear the signs of previous competition use and has only required the fitting of new bearings and seals. Which is nice! 
 
The sub-frame has been cleaned, prepared and painted. I've been billed for a few more things now so here they are: 
 
Total from Previous Entry = £2371.51 
 
Further Costs inc Vat: 
 
Strip down Sub Frame, clean, prepare and paint components and sub frame: £185.06 
 
Transportation of Gearbox and Axle to and from Specialist Workshop: £41.13 
 
Black Spray Paint: £33.00 
 
Polybush Suspension Bushes for Rear Lower Trailing Arm: 
£51.70 
 
Gearbox and Rear Axle Reconditioning parts: 
£17.50 
 
Pinion Seal Bearing and seal: £6.50 
Rear pinion bearing: £20.00 
2xSprint Outer Seals: £12.50 
2xSprint Wheel Bearing: £55.00 
 
Total So far: £2793.90 
 
Next step is going to be the most expensive part of the whole project. Stage 2 Engine Tune coming in at around 2.5K (estimated). Bear in mind that I already have the STR139 cam which is apparently in good order. It will however be re-profiled. This should lighten the estimated cost by a couple of hundred quid as the quoted price of 2.5k is if you go to them with a completely standard engine. The vast majority of the above costs will be for Pistons. Purchasing a good quality set of pistons is the key to reliability apparently. My engine was running standard pistons. God knows how it stayed together with the abuse I used to give it! 
 
Scott

Dave · #5 Post by **Dave** » Mon Nov 10, 2003 12:30 pm

So what is the failure point of stndard pistons? what can be done to improve them?

Carsreunited · #6 Post by **Carsreunited** » Mon Nov 10, 2003 5:17 pm

Don't quote me on it but I think it is something to do with the material they are made from(Brittle or soft?). I don't think they fair well in track conditions. I wasn't listening that well when I was told about their limitations. Cost wise, the standard ones are pretty close to the cost of lower end forged items. Call Mark at Jigsaw if you want a decent answer. Sorry<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... rassed.gif ALT=":o"> 
 
Scott

Carsreunited · #7 Post by **Carsreunited** » Sun Nov 16, 2003 7:14 pm

I attended the TR Register meeting today where they discuss the series and any proposed changes to the current format. 
 
In essence, I have been granted what I was expecting. Realistically, I knew that I wouldn't be slotted straight into an existing class because of the very slim possibility of me winning races or the series. The Dolomite Sprint is an unknown quantity to them although the engine is used in some TR7 sprints that race in Class D. 
 
I will be allowed to apply for invitation to at least two races. At the end of the two races, they will then look at extending it to a further two races, at the end of those two races..........etc etc until the end of the season. It will give me the chance to make sure that I'm getting what I want out of it and that the TR/TSSC people are happy with my conduct and the suitability of the car in terms of performance to the series. 
 
I would envisage that at the end of the season, they will review things and vote on what to do with anybody who enters a Dolomite Sprint. 
 
I was pleasantly suprised by amount of support from the drivers in particular. Most seemed to be of the opinion that if it has Triumph badge on it then it should be allowed to race. Anyway, that's the first hurdle, hurdled! 
 
Scott

SMIFTER · #8 Post by **SMIFTER** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 8:57 pm

Great news Scott! Sorry I couldnt get more involved with the race meeting. 
 
I assume it means that you cant actually score points in the series though at this stage as your racing by invitation. 
 
Even so I hope you do well and prove that our old tintops can cut the mustard with 'proper' sports cars. I'll have to get some pics of you in race action when the season starts. 
 
Graeme 
 

<a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a>

Carsreunited · #9 Post by **Carsreunited** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 2:30 pm

Graeme, 
 
Exactly right. I won't score any points, but what I might do to give myself a rough idea is look at my qualifying time and see where that would have put me on the grid amongst the Group D cars and then look at race completion times to see where I would have finished. I know it's not going to be 100% accurate but still it should help. 
 
At this stage, I don't know whether they run the invitation vehicles in with the modified group e or f vehicles, i.e. I'll be at the back out of everyones way. Maybe they look at qualifying times and the size of the grid and just slot you in somewhere that will give you a race rather than extended qualifying style racing. 
 
Anyway, no need to be sorry you couldn't get more involved. It's a period of assessment for everyone. By the end of next year we should all be able to see the pros and cons of all the different motorsport genres and place ourselves better for the following year. 
 
By the way, the season opener is at Silverstone on April the 10th. We will be there with the MGCC. Can't wait! 
 
Scott

Carsreunited · #10 Post by **Carsreunited** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 10:15 pm

Total So far: £2793.90 
 
Changed my mind on the wheels side of things for now. Got hold of some as previously described by me 'more common' silver Minilites in 5.5Jx13. 
 
Just ordered some bits from Sprintparts in OZ which I won't add yet as I don't know the converted costs. 
 
Anyway, the cost of the minilites (secondhand) were £180 for a set of 4. 
 
New Total: £2973.90

Carsreunited · #11 Post by **Carsreunited** » Sat Dec 13, 2003 12:31 pm

Just had another one back for the following: 
 
Previous Total: £2973.90 
 
Rebuild of rear axle complete with Limited Slip Diff and reset for racing. 
Strip down and rebuild axle shafts and rebuild into racing axle (Bearings invoiced previously) £365.00 
 
Travel costs for collecting axle. £41.13 
 
New Total: £3379.13 
 
Pistons have been ordered from JE so the engine rebuild is now underway. I recently collected a spare engine block from MadMart which he kindly donated to the cause so hopefully things can now progress. Also in the process of sourcing some new 48's. My 45's will be going to a good home. 
 
Scott

Carsreunited · #12 Post by **Carsreunited** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 5:00 pm

Purchased some items from a company called Rallynuts in Cornwall. Very, Very good service and I don't think I've done too badly out of it. 
 
Including the VAT, I spent exactly £1000 with them. Here is the breakdown: 
 
2 x Weber 48 DCO/SP Carbs £408.52 
1 x Balance Link £7.50 
1 x Fuel Elbow £11.95 
1 x Linkage Kit £51.07 
2 x Seats £276.61 
Carriage £15 (2 parcels) 
Vat £134.86 
 
I then ordered 2 Corbeau Pro Side mounts which are normally £65 each. I told the guy that a round £1000.00 all in had him a deal to which he agreed. 
 
The 48's normally retail for around £245 each but they were doing a christmas reduction on them so they were reduced by about £40 each and were delivered direct from Webcon. 
 
The greatest savings were made on the seats. They were initially offering 2 Corbeau Sprints in black for a special price of £250 a pair. Normal retail is £160 each through Rallynuts. My own price list from Corbeau states £210 so I don't know how they get them so cheap. 
Anyway, one of the seats had been sold, so he offered me a Pro Series seat (%%WORD125%) in Black for as near as damn it £150. This seat is the excel size so the arse area is 2" wider than normal. I was told that his normal retail for this seat is £282 but again my Corbeau price list shows it as being £335! So basically I've paid £276 (ex Vat) for 2 seats that would have cost me £545 through Corbeau or £442 through rallynuts at normal prices. Either way, I reckon I've had a good deal. 
 
The other plus point is that I can switch seats depending on seasonal weight fluctuations! They are both very similar in appearance so I don't think they will look odd in situ. 
 
Previous Total: £3379.13 
 
New Total: £4379.13 
 
Have a look at http://www.rallynuts.com and speak to Nick if you need any assistance.Mention Scott and 'Dolomite Sprint' and he will hopefully extend similar deals<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /happy.gif ALT=":D"> 
 
Scott

Carsreunited · #13 Post by **Carsreunited** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 8:47 pm

Well, after this post I will have gone past the 5k mark! Quite a milestone really. I could have purchased two very nice sprints for that but that's not the point. First and formemost, my car is going to be a track car. I don't think I would have wanted to turn a very nice original Sprint into a track car but turning an emty shell into a track car that has Sprint DNA is fine by me. 
 
Anyway, as mentioned previously on the Autosports dedicated thread, there are good deals to be had. For example, I purchased the 4ltr electrical lifeline 2000 extinguisher system. Lifelines price is £455 inclusive of VAT, I paid £275.00 inc. There are alternative systems out there which I could have picked up for around the £350 mark. Put it this way, if it wasn't for that particular deal I wouldn't have gone for the Lifeline brand as you seemed to be paying more just for the name. 
 
For the car I purchased: 
 
Lifeline 2000 4ltr electrical extinguisher system £275.00 
(£454.89 from DemonTweeks) 
2x Sabelt 4 point,3 inch harnesses £210.00 
(£259.09 Demon Tweeks) 
 
For me (Racewear): 
 
Sparco Pro-Jet open face helmet £120.00 
(£151.85 Demon Tweeks) 
Sparco Sprint triple layer nomex £220.00 
(£223.25 from Rally Design.Saved enough to buy a sarnie) 
Sparco Profi 2 Nomex glove £40.00 
(£48.12 Demon Tweeks) 
Sparco 2layer nomex open balaclava £13.00 
(£18.80 Demon Tweeks) 
 
That's a total cost of £890.00. If you are interested the normal retail cost for all these bits would have been £1156.00. That's a saving of £256.00. Justifies the £14.00 entrance fee as far as I'm concerned. Just need a couple of pairs of nomex socks and some boots now. 
 
Still needed for the car: Batterybox, alloy fuel tank, Hi Torx starter motor, uprated battery, Hi Spec or Willwood brake calipers and discs, control tyres (Yoko AO 32's I think). I'm sure I've forgotten some things but that will do for now! There is obviously all the other things that Mark is doing which need to go into these costs. Re-spray and Stage 2 engine build being the largest cost bearing jobs. 
 
Previous total: £4379.13 
 
New total: £5269.13 
 
 
Scott

Carsreunited · #14 Post by **Carsreunited** » Wed Jan 14, 2004 9:03 pm

Just a couple of other things to chuck in. If I'm going to race in the TSSC/TR Register series, I need a National B Race licence. To do this you need to go to <a href="http://www.msauk.org/">www.msauk.org/</a> and part with £45. You get everything you need to prepare you for the ARDS course which of course you have to complete and pass to get your licence. 
 
I've booked myself on to an ARDS course at Mallory Park which starts at 11am on the 20th March. I'd been advised against doing it at curcuits like Silverstone, Brands or basically anthing that was Octagon as they tend to push extra tuition and the theory is that they are likely to fail you on the practical side of things to achieve that. 
 
The other advantage with Mallory is that I've never been there and it is a curcuit on the calender so I will at least have a slight idea of where the track goes when it comes to racing there. The cost of the ARDS course is £200.00. 
 
Car into paintshop next week. 
 
Previous Total: £5269.13 
 
New Total: £5514.13 
 
 
 
 

Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub52.ezboard.com/bthetriumphdol ... eunited</A> at: 14/1/04 9:24 pm

Carsreunited · #15 Post by **Carsreunited** » Sat Jan 24, 2004 4:26 pm

Not much to add at the moment apart from the Medical that you have to have before you can even think about getting a race licence. The medical took about 15 minutes and cost £60! I'm told that most Surgery's charge £90 for this type of thing so bear that in mind if the price varies from town to town. 
 
Needless to say I passed. Usual stuff tested like Colour Blindness, Eyesight, urine, limb movement and strength, blood pressure etc. The annoying thing is I had a more in depth medical 12 months ago before my wife and i were approved for fostering but it wasn't recent enough to carry the results of that test over to the MSA application. Could have saved myself £60. 
 
Popped over to Jigsaw today to look at the bits that I had ordered from Sprintparts. They took about 10 days to arrive which isn't bad in my opinion, especially when you consider the freight charge of Aus$32.00. That's £14.72!! My package was fairly light but I think that's still pretty amazing. So, I wondered let any anticipated freight prices based on what we pay in the UK put you off buying from the other side of the world. Rip off Britain as usual. 
 
Costs were for these parts: 
 
Fibreglass Cold Airbox. $72 = £30.37 
Carbon Fibre radiator shrouds. $110 = £46.40 
12 Vane Water Pump Impellor in Bronze. $90 = £37.96 
Exhaust Manifold Gasket. $11 = £4.64 
 
I paid using Paypal so paid sprintparts 5% charge for receiving it via this method. In total, I sent the equivalent of £140 so this is the figure I'm going to use. The parts them selves are excellent, the impellor itself I am told is fantastic. I haven't seen it as it has already been fitted. The cold airbox requires the various holes associated with induction and carburettor mating made but I suppose that is sensible. At least you can decide on the size of hole you cut depending on the diameter of the induction pipe you end up using. 
 
Car is being sprayed as we speak and I really need to start making a dent in the list of goodies previously mentioned a few threads ago. I'm going to be taking a hub assembly, a standard sprint wheel and my minilite style wheel down to Hi-Spec Motorsport <a href="http://www.hispecmotorsport.co.uk/index.htm" target="top">(Hi Spec link)</a> 
They will basically measure everything up and let me know what options are available to me. I spoke to one of the guys from there at the autosport exhibition and he seemed keen to know what would go on a sprint as they don't currently have a listing for it. Their items look like a viable alternative to Wilwood and it would be nice to spend the money in the Uk rather than sending it dubya bush land. 
 
Pprevious Total: £5514.13 
 
New Total: £5714.13 
 
Scott

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