Diff ready to go back in

Back on the rear subframe and ready to go back in. It will be interesting to drive the car with a limited slip diferential this year - we expect some improvements! More power to the ground!

Adrian

Rear subframe ready to receive the new differential

All set to get the new LSD differential into the car next week. Just need to put longer shock bolts in and we are all set. Car is now ready to start the whole rebuild process!
Adrian

Engine bay ready for re-installation

All is clear again and ready to receive the engine! New subframe in place and all is looking good.
Adrian

Hydraulic jacks and other things part I

Just one image of one of a series of tugs, shoves and other unspeakables to get subframe in.
Adrian

Engine on stand and struts are Ok

Getting the 2002 engin on the engine stand with the flywheel and clutch on always takes longer than expected, but we are ready to clean the engine tomorrow and get the engine head back on, all of which is great progress.

Also disassembled the struts as the RH one had a worrisome movement at the strut cartridge. Manufactures the tool to open it up and is Ok, seems it will need a small spacer at the bottom of the strut insert to ensure we can tighten it correctly and the issue will go away.

Adrian

Engine and gearbox out

Engine and gearbox are out. And subframe to follow. All on track to rebuild the front suspension this weekend and be ready to receive the new trans and diff next week.
Adrian

Front suspension is off

Front suspension is now off, and we are ready to remove the engine, trans and front subframe tomorrow. Hopefully so we can re install it this weekend with the new parts.

Adrian

2011 Car #288 - finally working on it again!

We are finally really moving on upgrading the 2011 car. This year we are number car #288 because they changed the numbering conventions for the different categories. We have honed in on the changes for the year and have already sourced all the parts we need and are basically in a process of taking stuff apart, cleaning and putting back together.

Major upgrades for 2011 include:
- Close ratio 5spd gearbox. This was available as an option in the US back in the day - but was fairly rare. Based on last years experience, having a better spaced gears in the 2nd to 3rd range is critical for fast corner exits.
- Limited slip differential. Also an option in the 60s and 70s, but not one that our car had. We kept the same FDR at 3.64 given the new gearbox.
- Booster removal. We found last year that with the changes in altitude and lack of vacuum from the engine the booster and brakes were unpredictable. We also found that the car is drivable without booster, so we have removed it and relocated the brake pump right infront of the brake pedal. This should make for pretty good pedal feel, if a bit stiff.
- Induction air box. Without the brake booster, we now have space to get a decent air box for the Webers in place - we'll be using the BMW 2002 Alpina as inspiration - and provide the engine with a true cold air intake.
- Exhaust system. We have secured a series of different headers and plan on testing them for best performance - we are looking for a good solid power band from the 4500rpm range, but that keeps going until 7200rpm...  a lot to ask, but we'll pick the best we can find.
- Improved front camber setting. Shock towers need some minor grinding to get the right camber.


Other than these things, the car stays as last year. No modifications to the engine, cooling system, or suspensions. Inside our cabin worked well, although we are getting headsets for the transit stages and a better way of holding our helmets.

Progress on the car to be posted from now through the race on a regular basis again!

Cheers!

LCP 2010 comes to an end for car 265

We had a great first year in LCP these past 2 weeks, and can only say are more eager than ever to participate in the 2011 event.

We are already working on the upgrades for next year and in brining the car to an even better appearance than in 2010. The minor scratches we took on the last day should be gone in a few weeks, and a few tweaks here and there should make this car an even more serious contender than in 2010.

Thanks to all for following, and I'll keep posting progress and other races as the season goes on.

Leaving for home

So! We finished 'La Carrera Panamericana' on our first try, we have top 3 times for 4 of the 7 days of competition and gained a ton of experience for 2011!

On our way back and ready to get the car ready for 2011. We'll talk about the upgrades soon! - but, the list is not very long, overall a great car, and more importantly a great team.
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Finished!

Ok - so we finished!
Not wothout a minor off road experience, but all in all thos was great.
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Ready for 2nd half of day 7

Just went through service - excellent as usual! - where we changed spark plugs. Car really liked the spark plug change and is running nicely.

I believe we have 5 or 6 more stages today and that's it!....
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Stage 2, day 7

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Start day 7!!

Ready to go!!!!
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Results to date!

Well now... So results to date!

I still don't understand 'Panamericana' style daily awards and scoring...

The times from yesterday indicate we ended 3rd and only 6 second fom the fastest in the group!! But ---- no trophy!!!!! So... The team is starting a formal protest.

We'll see.

Today to enjoy this last day!!!!

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End of day 6!!

Arrival to Aguascalientes! 1 more day!!

It was a good day - we need more camber in the front though!
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Service station day 6

So - the service is now down to an art!!! Service team works great!

Many thanks to: (in alphabetical order)
- Aguirre, Priscila
- Castruita, Azel
- Castruita, Jose
- Moreno, Ivan

More pics of the services later. They really make all the difference!

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Results day 5

So, 4th in our group yesterday. And I'd agree, we were out of pace in the morning and had a better afternoon.

Car feels good today!
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Results from day 4

Picture from the official results. Had 3rd for our category for day 4 which is ok all things considered.

We'll need some upgrades here and there to make a leap to the top 10 tier. Both car and driver wise!
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Ready to start day 6!

Starting from Guadalajara, going to Aguascalientes.

Did some minor tuning to the car yesterday it seems to have liked. New spark plugs, adjusted valve lash and timing chain tension.
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