Resurrection and development of V8 Project GT1

[mike_sekinger]

More running in...  

 

 

 

 

[mike_sekinger]

Explaining the sequential gearchange to one of my lads.  Still very happy that the gearchange has worked out so well.

 

 

[Gjk]

I would love a sequential gearbox. Very well done sir.

[mike_sekinger]

I cannot take credit for the gearbox.  The pioneering work here was done by Andrä Schroers on his hillclimb Esprit V8 project.  He found and sourced the unit, which due to it`s original conception (for Renault rally cars) works directly with a UN1 clutch housing bolt pattern.  I`m simply levering off the work that he has done.

My challenge was just to set-up the cable based gearchange mechanism as opposed to using a paddle based actuation.

 

 

[Gjk]

Still very well executed. Is the box semi automatic?

[mike_sekinger]

No.  The gearbox is a manual 6-speed, straight cut, dog engagement.  It is really a competition gearbox that has found it`s way into a road car.

The real appeal is the torque capacity (over 700lb/ft) and that clutchless flat throttle upshifts are possible.  The engine can now be tuned to provide a really healthy output.  Seeing Andy on the hillclimb brings home the different in performance that comes from such a transmission.  Of course, there are some cons associate, but as a road legal track oriented car, it should be a real blast to drive.

[Gjk]

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I can only imagine what a blast it will be to drive! Stunning work Mike. 👍

[mike_sekinger]

First oil change - dumping the initial start-up oil and linking-in of the oil cooler circuit.

Initial start-up oil looks as it should. 9.5 litres of Millers CRO, zero`d compression and oil pressure re-established on the starter.

 Wiring preparation for the ignition cut and throttle blip. Solenoid and MOSFET driver board ordered. Initial driving will be done using the clutch.

[mike_sekinger]

Now that the clutch related stuff is done, the chargecoolers and plumbing can be done.  Filled with coolant for the first time, but ran out of distilled water to dilute the concentrate.  At least everything is back together and leak free.

[Escape]

That's pure loveliness! 😍 (if you're an engineer or petrolhead)

[mike_sekinger]

Secured the coolant lines and positioned the rear extinguisher nozzles.

I know it`s detail, but in the case of a fire I will rely on it.

[mike_sekinger]

Long awaited progress on my 918 engine tubular manifold project.

I`m hoping that these will be completed this month, so that we can move across to the EFR turbos

[LotuStuart]

 Stunning. Artwork in engineering.

[mike_sekinger]

More electronics.  New enclosure for the ignition cut and throttle blip solenoid circuitry. Still need to fit the blip solenoid.  Not a huge amount of space.

So little time to work on the car in these last few weeks.

[mike_sekinger]

Exhaust manifolds are getting closer.  The welding has been done and they should be ready for collection very soon.

[mike_sekinger]

Free weekend so some more time for running-in.  Still some way to go and also my coolant header tank has a pin-hole leak, so that needs to be sorted.

 

 

 

 

[Bibs]

Sounds very good!

 

[mike_sekinger]

Finally, my tubular manifolds are finished (to the collector) and ready to be shipped.

Really looking forward to the next stage of development, which will tie-in with the completion of the running in of the engine.

 

[mike_sekinger]

Reunited with the high downforce rear wing.  Very happy to have the aero-package back together.

[mike_sekinger]

Finally managed to get the full information from the gearbox/shift ECU provider to sort out the reverse lights.

Different connector and pinout to the first info and also a small piece of config in the shift ECU.

Small victory and another tick list items for the upcoming vehicle inspection.

[mike_sekinger]

Ongoing challenges satifying the TüV guy and getting road approval.

He didn`t like the crankcase breather catch tank to atmosphere.  Now that is plumbed back into the clean side of the air filter.

He still doesn`t like the rims as they do not have certification. These are the same rims that have been used last season to great success during Andräs hillclimbing.  They just don`t have the right paperwork.

Currently looking for some alternative rims that do..... Sometimes I really hate being in Germany.

[Escape]

You'll get there Mike!

And Germany really isn't that bad for modifications. Over here, it's usually a case of 'that's not standard, you need to change it' and that's the end of it. Just going up one size in rims, like from an SE to an S4 can be a real nightmare... So a project like yours would have no chance without some serious bending of the rules.

[mike_sekinger]

Finishing off some small jobs whilst waiting for the TüV situation to be resolved.

The rear deck rod cradle .... such a cute detail  🙂

[mike_sekinger]

Motorsport style plenums back from welding of reference ports and the adjustable throttle cable bracket.   Throttle cable is on the way from the UK..  plenum spacers are in fabrication to provide clearance for the fuel rails.

This is all for the second stage of the engine, but I keep chiselling away.

[Escape]

Looks great!

What are those clamps in the second to last picture? Are those to connect the crossover pipes? Never seen that type, looks very useful in a number of applications instead of using a piece of hose and 2 standard clamps.