I can't believe that my last post was 18 months ago. I have had a couple of building projects going on at home, so progress on the car has been rather slow.
I did take the axle out and get it over to Rob at Sprintspeed. He did a complete re-build on it, including fitting the Helical LSD and one of his rear disc conversion kits.
He also machined some longer Ford 7/16" studs and fitted them to the rear hubs, and supplied me with another 8 for the front hubs. These will be necessary to fit the Minilite wheels later.
The longer studs meant that I was unable to re-fit the Sprint wheels, for now, so I have added some spacers.
Rob modified my rear tie bars to make them adjustable, and got the trailing arms powder coated. I fitted them up with the Superflex bushes but I have kept some of the standard bushes from the trailing arms, in case I need to revert to them later.
I have blasted and painted the front calipers, ready for re-building.
I had originally sourced my turbo from Jermaine Kinge (who is well known in CA18 DET circles) and last year I noticed that he was selling a slightly better specification one. I messaged him about it and he very kindly took my original one in part exchange, giving me back the full price that I originally paid him. The new one is a rebuilt Garrett GT2554 that has been upgraded with a high flow GTX billet compressor wheel. Capable of producing 280-290hp, with fast spool up & response. It has a 11/0 Billet High Flow Compressor (42/58mm), an inconel Turbine Wheel and ceramic Dual Ball Bearing Cage
I started plumbing in the turbo with a set of pre-made stainless braided hoses but they didn't work particularly well for length, so I bought some black PVC coated hose, and various fittings, and made up my own hoses to suit.
Finally, I have started working on the intercooler and radiator mounting. I have added a flat mounting plate to the top of the original radiator brackets, which avoids drilling any more holes in the front panel. I am then going to add another lower mounting rail further back, to support the bottom of the radiator, although I will probably have to add some rivnuts to the chassis rails to support the outer ends of this. The top of the intercooler will be held in place by an additional plate fixed to the front bonnet gutter, which will also help divert air into it. The radiator top mounts will be the standard S13 ones, bolted to the intercooler plate.
I probably have another 3, or 4 months finishing off the building work, then I should get more time at weekends to get on with the Dolomite.