M52 2.8 Compact Stage Rally Car (previously 4age/XE )

[is-si]

thanks for the guidance, we've got a bit of a tube and dash issue....

[rearwheelsteercompact]

My tube runs through the middle of the steering column housing/brace. By careful pruning the dash sat on top of the heater outlet without a problem. I think you have removed your heater and modded the bulkhead - if so you will be able to remove all the gubbins from the underside of the dash (I think)

[is-si]

Internally the bulkhead hasnt changed, i've filled in the intake hole (firewalled) and removed the intake from the engine side, but theres a lot of tubes inside that `locks' the dash in.
We still intend to fit a good sized heater but its looking like a bespoke job,
...its the same story with the fusebox

[rearwheelsteercompact]

Not a rally report - hey ho

Gave the car a shakedown yesterday at Elvington near York. It was a track day jobbie. It used to be a rally venue some years ago. Richard Hammond crashed that rocket powered car there on Top Gear!

It was a shakedown exercise in order to assess the car and whether I could be motivated to finish it. Standard pads on the discs/calipers off the road going donor 2.8 saloon and wearing standard road going boots - oh and no rear anti roll bar as I couldn't find one of the bushes. It also ran an open 4.45 diff on 17" wheels.

It was sporting brand new polycarb door windows with sliders

We expected the car to handle and brake like a twQt. It didn't The brakes were surprisingly adequate. Felt strange to be braking without a servo again.

Despite no LSD etc etc it was off like a scalded cat. Lots of power and torque. Gearing 2nd to 5th was perfick. Hit the limit in fifth at 110 mph and a bit. Didn't use oil or water (did use £100 worth of petrol - kept going all practically day) lack of tyre wear was surprising as Elvington is known for being abrasive

I was a little apprehensive about the noise check as we have the m3 exhaust manifold then it's a 2 into 1 ending in a single Ashley competition silencer. At 4.5k revs it registered 89db on the old scoreboard. I was chuffed. On tick over and pottering it's as quiet as a mouse but when opened up !!! .

Thoughts on the day.......

The Car..well pleased. It will make a good rally car or any other type of competition car. It got lots of interest and good comments throughout the day.

Track day...relaxed and enjoyable. As much miles and time in the seat as you want (open pit lane) for relatively little money. However must remember not to throw it into corners. We both got reminded (nicely and fairly). Oh and I got black flagged for over exuberence - far too fast, crappy line into the corner - thought I'd caught it but it continued to develop and finally spat me out a lot further on

Motivation.. I'm still not convinced that I will be returning to rallying. Although I would love to drive this car on the stages I don't think that competition is for me any more

[avtovaz]

glad you have used it mate!

So when is the first event then??? ))))))

[rearwheelsteercompact]

It's not (any where near) log book ready Jon so don't hold your breath

[avtovaz]

neither was mine when i got it logbooked

[david t]

Go on Andy, get it logbooked and out there enjoying yourself.

Great to see that you've had the car for a good run and all is well.

[M3 Compact]

Glad it went well RWSC.

When/where's the next one?

[hsr2.6]

He needs to get down to RBMR and see us all racing that'll give him some passion.........

[mef]

Hey Andy, what's all this, I heard you've sold it and finally retired (again)?

Martin

[rearwheelsteercompact]

You've been speaking to the man with the Chimaera

Yes it is all gone car, spares etc etc. I've retired for a variety of reasons and this time there will be no comeback.

Hey ho back to the crocheting.

[bruvs1]

sorry to hear this!who owns it now? but your always welcome to drink our tea andy, maybe we can find you a job as the forums northern reporter/photographer!!!

[mef]

You've been speaking to the man with the Chimaera

Yes it is all gone car, spares etc etc. I've retired for a variety of reasons and this time there will be no comeback.

Hey ho back to the crocheting.

Yes Andy, you're correct, I have!

Sorry to hear it, hope you dont get too involved with crocheting! see you around no doubt?

Martin

[avtovaz]