BMW powered 280 project

[Zacky94]

I was thinking about the top cover also but I'm not sure yet ,
I haven't got as far to look at the rear too much I know the o/s UJ on the drive shaft are batterd , and the bushes don't look clever so they will be replaced ,

I've found the rt racing site and had a ganders , and a few bush kits here and there but haven't had a proper read up yet , thanks for your knowledge on the trailing arm pins/tubes I will keep that in mind! I'm not sure on the poly bush bit or the trailing arms I was just guessing there would be a kit of some sort
(Guessing is never good!)

[Zacky94]

Here you go ziga ,

[mrzigazaga]

Zacky94 said:

Here you go ziga ,

Cool..Blue it is then....
As regards to the manifold cover thingy..I can't help myself and do love a bit of engine bling..(Think i was a magpie in a previous life)...Mind you i only do it if there is a need for the plenum and/or rocker covers to come off...

My V8 engine bay....


I was going to set up a powder coating and detailing service but my money run out...
Still i experimented with some VHT paints and so far this one is ok..

As regards to the mounts i would strongly recommend the Superflex type even though they are more expensive...I had to change mine twice in 12 months..RT is a good source but i found the mounts to be "Old" new stock which may have lost their elasticity....

Here was a discussion on the subject.
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&...

[Zacky94]

It was more of a green to be fair in the flesh it is a strange colour tho ,
I admire your attention to detail looks awesome !
I don't know if I would have the patience for that!
I get my kicks out of fabricating things , should have been an engineer ha ,

I've just had a ganders on the superflex site looks like I'm goin to be taking out a morgage for a full chassis set!
Oh we'll it needs to be done I don't plan on taking the body off again after its done for a long time!

Just out of intrest does anyone know where to source some new / recon rear calipers?
And a power steering rack , is it off a cortina or a mk3 granada I'm not positive !

Thanks in advance
Zack

[mrzigazaga]

Hi mate...Im only suggesting using the Superflex as far as the trailing arm mounts go...The rest of the chassis is fine with standard OEM style bushes...Although given the opportunity i would use the same trailing arm mounts in the diff carrier top mounts as they are the same thing..I realised when i went the Supercharger route that if you are putting more power through a trailing arm suspension set up then was really designed for then its good to make sure that the bushes and UJ's in these areas are the best you can get...

There was an early 390SE with trailing arm suspension if I'm correct and the power output was taking the biscuit and I'm not sure how that faired TBH...The 350i on a trailing arm as i understand it was about the limit it can handle.

Rear calipers: There is a company called Ward Engineering who do a refurb/Exchange service...
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&...

The steering rack was from a mk4-5 Cortina..They do come up now and then but you are better off getting the old one refurbished..Is it a power rack?.....PAS...Ziga

[gmw9666]

Zacky94 said:

Sorry this is the other shell !
I brought off a chap not far from me witch I believe is on this forum somewhere!

Glad it went to a good home Zack, nice to meet you the other week

Your project sounds great :-)

[Zacky94]

I see sounds like your speaking from experience!
To be honest I think I'll get the lot front and rear while its in bits it would be worth it in the long run I would have thought i' have a think about it
, thanks for the info! The calipers are a pain to get hold of! Mine arnt much good I had a go at rebuilding them but I'm not happy with them at all! Would rather another set to be honest

I have a recon rack on it at the moment but was thinking of swapping it out to power steering , it's still ridiculously heavy! (Awaits for the grow a pair comment haha)

Didn't they swap the rear suspension set up on the later models from the trailing arm set up ?

Thanks for all your help appreciate it!



Thank you , it was good to meet you too mate ,
I'm sure you will see it about when it's done

[V8 Fettler]

Interesting to read that a straight six will fit into a Wedge engine bay, does this mean that a Jag XJ X300 engine will fit? Easy 300bhp or so.

[Zacky94]

I wouldn't like to say to be honest , an m3 lump would fit giving the same sort of power if not abit more after all they are a similar size to the M5X series of engine

[Quinny]

Zacky94 said:

I've just had a ganders on the superflex site looks like I'm goin to be taking out a morgage for a full chassis set!
Oh we'll it needs to be done I don't plan on taking the body off again after its done for a long time!

If you're only in Shrewsbury, it may pay to take trip up to Bonaprene, on the wrexham industrial estate..

They have a sales counter, and I've always saved a few quid when I've dealt face to face......also they can advise on which is the best bush for each part of the car

[Zacky94]

Thanks! I'll have a read up seems as tho its not far to travel

[Quinny]

Zacky94 said:

Thanks! I'll have a read up seems as tho its not far to travel

Sorry.... I didn't explain....Bonaprene is, the industrial arm of polybush.....they're one and the same....

Bonaprene do the industrial side, polybush the motoring side...but it's the same facility with a trade counter for the polybush side...

[Zacky94]

Ahh I see ! That sounds like a good plan of action to be fair , thanks for the info!
Appreciate it!

I've been having a look at the upper wishbones today and ordered a few bits ,
I've designed a camber adjustable upper wishbone and hope to start some fabrication some time this month
It consists of 2 inner polyurethane bushes and a rose joint that will bolt to the hub
With a threaded insert for the adjustment pritty basic design really but hopefuly effective
The caster and toe is obviously already adjustable be nice to be able to set up the lot spot on

Will post some pics of the progress!

The price people are asking for bushes and ball joints for these wishbones is awful if you ask me! And the wishbones them selfs!

[Zacky94]

Got myself a few more goodies this month ,
Got a full set of front super-flex bushes and hope to fit them some time soon and also got a roof on my 'man shed' at last
So the TVR will finally be under cover to sort the chassis out

Will keep the updates coming as I go havnt spent a massive amount of time on it recently due to building the shed
And other projects on the go

[wedgeinald]

Will be interesting to see it "in the flesh" when you get it on the road.

Do you hsve a timescale in mind? or are you being sensible and just seeing when you get it sorted! I kinda wished I'd planned my wedge re-commission over 2 winters and not one, might have made less mistakes, but glad I have it and despite the odd niggle I love it.

Keep up the good work, great to see the next generation getting into this.

[mrzigazaga]

+1...Looking forward to any updates.....Ziga

[Zacky94]

Its very much a prototype as it stands , alot of bits and bobs ive fabricated like engine mounts i want to send off to get engineered properly out of aluminium etc so it looks tidier doing the hard Part myself makes There life easier and my wallet abit easier to bare!

I'm hoping to have it MOT'd by next summer I don't want to rush it as I know I will regret something ,
But as most of you will know these projects are never actually 'finished' always something to do lol

There is defiantly something about them isn't there! I love mine can't wait to get it road worthy and get all the creases ironed out

Plus i work on new cars every day they bore me to be honest too much technology it's nice to have a simple car where it's just man and machine (how it should be!) engine facing the right way and the right wheels are driven , it's not driving anymore it's just a computer doing it all for you where's the fun in that?

My generation the majority of them don't have a clue about carbs ,distributors and points etc. how are you supposed to understand if colleges don't even teach you the basics!

It's quite sad really because who will keep all the classics going in the future

[Zacky94]

Good news! Finally managed to get some rear callipers in good working order!

And some EBC green stuff pads to go with them
Already have new disks

Starting to see a ray of light at the end of the tunnel

Also rang up a place to price up an exhaust system
Today so I will be saving to get that sorted


To do list now is :

Fit rear calipers and pads
Finish off brake pipes
Full set of rear superflex bushes
Finish off painting/treating various bits and bobs
Couple of bits to go to the engineers to make up
Fit the new wilwood calipers and pads
Bit of welding
Refit interior and fabricate harness mountings
New hood
4 tyres few other fiddley bits for mot
Service
MOT!

Keep me out of mischief!

[Zacky94]

Quick update

Callipers have arrived so I've cleaned and greased the carriers and slotted the green stuff pads in
Hopefully fit these tomorrow morning

Ordered some braided brake hoses should be hear next week ish

Bit of interior back in now I've tidied all the wiring up
Found my seats to be knackerd! depressing!
Subframes are rotten!
So nicked the bucket seat out of my bmw for now , grown on me slightly may be staying yet I'm not sure
Thoughts?

All the near side front bushes are in , tedious little things those poly bushes are!
Another update tomorrow

[mrzigazaga]

Hi mate...Those seats look okay...Are the frames on the originals all thats wrong with them as I'm sure a frame could be made up...DONT chuck the seats if you are not going to use them....Cheers...Ziga