October 2001
Didn't get my alternator bracket back 'til this week - he forgot to do it for me..... Still, it's ready now. Brazed an extra piece onto the end of the cut-off bracket which I'll need to cut to length and drill. Got hold of a longer fanbelt (1075) which will help move the alternator skyward. I put it on mid-week, and miraculously I now have enough room to get your hand in between the alternator and exhaust downpipes. Much, much better. Unfortunately, didn't get a chance to run the thing up to temperature and bleed the cooling system, so can't drive it yet.... Been rather ill.
Did get a chance early this week though. Still rather ill, so not really up to spending any length of time in a helmet. Did take it for a spin round the block and up to the petrol station though. Feels very good, beautifully responsive! Took the car to work for the first time on Friday, with a mate I lift-share with in the passenger seat. When we arrived, after some fun and a little overtaking on the way along the country b-road route I use, he emerged ashen-faced and made it clear he wasn't used to such experiences..... I took it easy on the way home.
Slightly disturbing petrol consumption though - around 16mpg so far 8-O Maybe it'll improve slightly once it's been properly tuned......
Neil's had his rollbar welded up. Took an evening with an angle grinder to profile the ends of the tubes (basically 34mm scaffold poles) to fit. The idea is adding three extra rods: one diagonal within the existing bar, and a drop link from high up on each side down to the chassis near the bottom. The diagonal to be welded in place at both ends, and the drop links to be welded to the bar at the top and bolting into swivel mounts at the bottom (these are a bit agricultural looking, but they're designed for supporting scaffolding and railing so they're up to the job. And they're hidden most of the time anyway. A couple of hours welding and everything was in place. Pictures below - click on each for a larger version of the images
After the trip to work last week, realised a rev limiter will be required. Got an Omex Speed System on order, which has a digital rev limiter and built-in shift light to let you know it's time to change up. Also getting a few other bits'n'bobs, like a high-ratio rack and pinion kit for the steering rack (that'll be fun to fit!!!) and some new gaskets for the sump and rocker cover (which are leaking). Got a new pot of oil (15W50) and oil & fuel filters ready for the first service which I'll do in a week or two. Ian's got an ally rocker cover which I'll fit in place of the battered (and badly painted) tin one that's on there at the minute. I'll drop that on at the same time.