Classic Alfa Forums

Hi Keith,
Up to Toms next for a big end bearing change.
The oil pressure has dropped a little after I started revving it to 8200rpm.
Tom will fit ARP Renault Clio 16V big end bolts.
Top tip from this forum under the cross-drilled crank thread.
Brgds
Simon

Hello Simon

Is it ARP part number 216-6301 and being M9 is it a direct replacement without modification?
http://arp-bolts.com/kits/ARPkit-detail ... ordID=1293

Thanks

Adam

Hi Adam,
Please see the comment by 902a in the thread cross drilled crank.

I susequently bought a set of these ARP bolts and they are fitted to the SC as a direct replacement no mods required but using ARP fitting procedure and torque settings.

I will have ARP bolts fitted to the 1.3ti Trofeo when the big end bearings are replaced.

216-6301 as stated by 902a (Ali).

Brgds
Simon

adsblacksud wrote:
Is it ARP part number 216-6301 and being M9 is it a direct replacement without modification?
http://arp-bolts.com/kits/ARPkit-detail ... ordID=1293

Direct replacement for the standard conrods, I also use them in my Fulvia Coupe (same thread)

Ali

Simon, Ali,

Many thanks for confirming.


Adam

Hi Guys

Tom has changed the big end bearings, cam belts, oil, filter, checked valve clearances, new brake pads etc etc.
The removed bearings have taken a bit of a hammering. This was the worst one:
Fatigue cracks in the white metal leading to a bit of material liberation.

This is after 7 races. Tougher bearings have been fitted and we will replace them next time after 4 races and study the removed ones.
It may be that the tougher ones will run a season, we will see.

All the best,
Simon

What brand have you fitted ? I use 'tougher ones', King race bearings but still change them every 4 races.

ACL race were preferred but haven't been available for a while.

Hi Tim,
Not sure what Brand Tom prefers.
What rpm limit are you using? My rev limiter is set to 8200rpm.
Brgds,
Simon

A self imposed shift up at 7.5k, max power at 7.8k.

I think Tom will have fitted the Nord spec shells, irrespective of brand I wouldn't recommend a full season at 8.2k on the same shells if they are Nord .

I think Bryan once said he did approx 3 hours on a set, which is about 4 events on double headers, but I could be wrong . Worth asking Tom , let me know if he recommends different.

I have a set removed on this timeline which I will take a photo of.

It is the weakest link on a high revving motor, I have a std crank also so it's perhaps as much precaution as it is necessary on the interval.

I'm aware of boxer cranks ground to use cosworth shells, which are both cheaper, readily available and tougher / longer lasting....but mine is std.

Veesix75 wrote: I'm aware of boxer cranks ground to use cosworth shells, which are both cheaper, readily available and tougher / longer lasting....but mine is std.

Do you know a supplier for cosworth shells..?

Ali

Not personally, but next time I see the person who told me about the cosworth option I will ask for more details.

New fuse boxes today chaps. They took a bit of finding and were quite expensive because they are Ferrari ones.

One of the old ones: New ones: I now have fuse covers - ooh luxury: The car is off to be painted tomorrow.

All the best,
Simon

That looks tidier Simon, looking forward to seeing the paint job.

Great looking install .Very clean

What colour ?

Hi Tim,

Same white and red as it is now for the fibreglass bonnet and boot.
The wheel arches and front spoiler to be painted satin black to match the Trofeo rear spoiler.
The front grille and light surrounds to be returned to black (currently red).
Speed line wheels sent off for full refurb and to stay original black with machined aluminium faces. New fire extinguisher 3.33kg instead of 6.5kg.
New cross bar for rear seat belt attachment will add weight but not sure how much yet. My bhp/tonne is higher now.

Brgds
Simon

Black front spoiler, black grille, black wheel arches and black rear spoiler looks like this. My red and white paint scheme is different.
Brgds
Simon

Oh boy, I love this car!

Is the power-to-weight callout mandated in the regulations, or did you just want to let the opposition know what they are up against?

Looking forward to seeing the new look.
Glad you are keeping the red and white Simon.

I think we all love Simons trofeo. The satin black will look great.

the bhp / ton is impressive, your speed in bends, late braking etc all make it very competitive. I see a 1600 escort has registered, be intersting to see how it fares.

See you at cadwell !

Hi Guys,

You are very perceptive Lauren. I was on a bit of a one man campaign for the classes to be power to weight ratio. Seems to me this would allow the CTCRC to be more inclusive and accept cars with stroked engines etc but have a level playing field.
I think that the actual effect was that it upset the drivers you passed. Such a trifling output. With the weight reductions it is now 134bhp/tonne! The Alfasud is such a great car though that it puts the power to good use.
As Tim said, the cars braking and cornering is just great. I have to say it felt awful when I first got it. Tom Shrubb absolutely transformed it and continues to keep it in fine form for me.
I was keen to keep the main colours Keith as they have been a feature of the car for a considerable time.
All the best,
Simon

The problem with power to weight is whose rollers do you use for consistency, plus maintaining regs if you start to allow stroking etc.

I think you have proven you don't need to stroke ? If you fitted a 1500 race spec in your car you would lap just as fast as you would in a stroked 1600. The latter might have a bit more torque, but you especially are not using torque when at 8200rpm........ plus you carry more weight in a 1600. Probably not that simple but close enough.

What would you rather have, 15bhp more, or 30kg less weight.......the latter for me.

I know one club takes a mobile rolling road and checks cars at events. Another you had to drive to Kent, on a work day, pay £250 just for the privilege of using the rollers and go home again......that's a weekends racing costs and I'd rather just race somewhere else than do that.

Hi Guys,

New paint job is done. I think it looks older which I like.
Rockingham for a practice day tomorrow.

Brgds,
Simon

Hi Simon, I can see what you mean about looking older.
It looks more like the pictures "in the day" now.
See you for your first race.

Yes, prefer that look. much more period in my eyes. Though I might have wiped from my mind how`70's stuff was often garish.

looks more in period with the off white ivory colour, does look superb though

Hi Guys
I am excited to see the lap times at Rockingham.
Go faster paint scheme
The ignition was showing early signs of deterioration last time and the ignition system is now all new and the car is running very well.
And..............I reckon the car is 50Kg lighter than when it was last at Rockingham.

Brgds
Simon

I agree with all other comments and for me it has a slightly more aggressive and purposeful look with the new paint.
Now concerned I will no longer be scampering away down the straights with my 1598cc's

My Class D trophy is not safe this year

Off to eat lettuce between now and Cadwell..

Hi Guys,

Sneaky practice at Rockingham today and according to the official TSL timing my fastest lap was 1:40.167. The car is absolutely flying.
Nearly 4.5sec faster than my fastest lap time from last year.

Four 25 min sessions today and I didn't get much done as I broke it half way through the second session.

At the end of the main straight braking hard next to a Ginetta and it all went pear shaped. Swung violently left, right and so on about six times. The guy must have thought I was an utter idiot. Anyway, thankful you can go straight on at that point by blasting through the cones.

I thought something had occurred mechanically but no idea what.
So I left Rockingham about 11.30am today and fitted another lower arm this afternoon. Really quick job.

Ready for tomorrow.

Brgds,
Simon

Minus 4 sec is some mega improvement. Lucky you had a spare lower arm, must start hunting for bits.