COMPLETE KIT CAR CAR KIT COMPLETE SUPERCHARGED WORKSHOP WESTFIELD MEGA S2000 IMPROVE YOUR CAR’S COOLING UPGRADED TO OVER 400BHP OUR CARS UPDATES ISSUE JULY 2021 ISSUE THE ULTIMATE SPECIFICATION? HOW FUEL INJECTION WORKS LATEST RUNNING REPORTS CHESIL SPEEDSTER BUILD #BuildDriveEnjoy 181 Healy Enigma V8
Anu Dimension GTB RS HEALY V8 DRIVEN NEW LIGHTWEIGHT ENIGMA 100kg OFF BUT STILL PUNCHING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT Westfield Mega S2000 Chesil Speedster build Cooling Fuel injection
GT3 RS LOOKALIKE Not just for the weekend – the Boxster rebody that’s used every day www.completekitcar.co.uk £4.95 On sale June 18 to July 15 Issue 181 JULY 2021
001 Cover.indd 1 04/06/2021 2:26 pm 2 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
ad Layout.indd 2 04/06/2021 10:25 am COMMENT | WELCOME
THE CKC TEAM /CKCMagazine
Editor Adam Wilkins @CKCMagazine [email protected] @CKCMagazine Editorial Assistant Jack Wood WELCOME [email protected] s someone who’s e impracticalities of my car – probably most convincingly takes the Roving Reporter Ian Stent usually an advocate which lacks such basics as a roof, challenge to mainstream sports cars on [email protected] of using kit cars windscreen and boot – are thrown into their own terms. Technical Editor John Dickens all year round, I’m sharp contrast by three of the feature For too long now there has been an [email protected] ashamed to confess cars in this issue. Despite looking like over-riding impression that the kit car that my Riot languished on SORN for a six- gure Porsche 911, Paul Lucas’s market only o ers Cobra replicas and Columnists Gary Axon, Richard Heseltine over a month after it passed its MoT. Anu Dimension GTB RS has been sevenesque roadsters. While there’s After missing the unseasonably good built to tackle the daily grind – just as no doubting the dominance of those Contributors Jeroen Booij, A weather in April, May was a complete his previous body conversions have. two genres, there’s still plenty else James Horsley, Peter Rosenthal, washout and there seemed little point Another kit car that’s more on o er to those who are looking for Martin Scott in handing over a month’s road fund practical than most is the Chesil something di erent. Running Reporters John Clements, licence when opportunities to drive the Speedster. While it lacks the modern And none of the above mentioned Trevor Crout, Rob Davenhall, car would be few and far between. underpinnings of the Porsche Boxster cars would need to be SORN’d to keep Mark Davenport, Pete Dawson, I’ve never been afraid to use the car based GTB RS, it still has plenty of them out of the rain. Ross Maynard, Simon Skelding, in all weathers, but previous abandon space and weather protection that Claire Spindloe, Nathan Watkins, Adam Wilkins Andy Westgate when it comes to rain and salt have make it suitable for regular use and admittedly taken its toll on the car’s long trips. Editor Race Diarists Ollie Batten, condition. It’s overdue some TLC, e Healy Enigma is another car Ian Chapman, John Pick, Alisdair Suttie and I don’t really want to worsen its that bucks the trend for extreme track @AdamWilkins_ [email protected] Graphic Designer Sarah Scrimshaw condition before it’s attended to. and sports cars. Of the three here, it [email protected]
Proof Reader Andy Bliss
Advertising Manager Karen O’Riordan T: 0330 1234 885 [email protected]
Subscriptions manager Jessica Zwerdling-Wilkins T: 01476 978843 [email protected]
Online Classi eds Sell Your Car Fast! W: www.completekitcar.co.uk
Editorial T: 01476 978843 [email protected]
Distribution Marketforce UK Ltd
Newsstand Sales Imagine Magazine Sales And Marketing Ltd. E: [email protected] W: www.imaginemag.net MEET THE TEAM
Postal Address Performance Publishing Ltd, Unit 3 Site 4, Alma Park Road, Alma Park Industrial Estate, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 9SE. Complete Kit Car is published every four weeks by Performance Publishing Ltd. Sorry, but lack of time prevents us answering technical queries over the phone. We would much prefer you contact us by email or ADAM JACK GARY PETER write, enclosing an SAE for a reply. While every e ort is made in compiling WILKINS WOOD AXON ROSENTHAL the editorial and accepting only bona de advertisements in Complete Kit Car, the publisher Editor Editorial Assistant Columnist Contributor cannot be held responsible for any e ects arising therefrom. Freelance features and photographs “This is a car for pointing “In isolation there’s nothing “Ex-microcar maker “Excessive engine are submitted at the owner’s risk and, whilst in the direction of the other to suggest this is anything Messerschmitt is making a temperature can cause all every care is taken, no responsibility for loss or damage can be taken by the publisher or their end of a continent” but the real thing” surprise comeback” sorts of damage” agents. Copyright Performance Publishing Ltd. Healy Enigma, p24 Anu Dimension GTB RS, p32 Misplaced Enthusiasm, p19 Cooling, p60 All rights reserved. ISSN 1754-1271
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 3
003 Welcome.indd 3 04/06/2021 11:08 am 24 38
FEATURES REGULARS EVENTS 24 HEALY ENIGMA V8 7 NEWS 21 RETRO RIDES Adam Wilkins reviews Healy’s latest Enigma, New owners for the Marlin range and a couple James Horsley went along to Retro Rides at which features an all-new aluminium chassis. of incoming EV kits this month. Goodwood, and found some cool builds. 32 ANU DIMENSION GTB RS 13 NEW PRODUCTS Jack Wood takes a look at a practical kit car All the latest gear for you, your garage that mixes the extreme with the everyday. and your kit car. Tempted to splash out? 21 38 WESTFIELD MEGA S2000 14 CLUBS We meet a man who took one of Honda’s best e latest from the kit car club world. engines and bolted a supercharger to it. Done something interesting? Let us know! 17 LETTERS We love hearing what you have to say 32 about kit cars, so get in touch! 19 AXON: MISPLACED ENTHUSIASM Gary talks us through the history and resurrection of a popular microcar. 46 RACE DIARIES e 2021 season is nearly here and our 7 reporters are working hard to prepare. 46 80 CLASSIFIEDS e place for both pristine and project kit cars. Your next weekend car could be here. 82 FINISH If it didn’t make it into the magazine anywhere else, you’ll nd it on the back page.
4 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
004 Contents.indd 4 04/06/2021 11:56 am JULY 2021 | CONTENTS
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE COMPLETE KIT CAR DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR JUST £45 FOR 13 ISSUES! WWW.COMPLETEKITCAR.CO.UK
WORKSHOP 54 READER’S BUILD: CHESIL How Neil Gleghorn built his ultimate custom Porsche 356 replica. 60 COOLANT SYSTEMS Peter Rosenthal explains how to keep your engine cool this summer. 66 OUR CARS It looks like Ian has decided the Cyclone’s fate in this edition of Our Cars. 70 TECH TALK: FUEL INJECTION John Dickens explains the di erences between several fuel injection systems. 76 RUNNING REPORTS e latest progress from our team 54 of real-world kit car builders. 60 66 70
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 5
004 Contents.indd 5 04/06/2021 11:56 am We can supply you with VehicleVehicle a comprehensive range of wiring products for repair, modification WiringWiring or complete rewire to ProductsProducts your kit car.
FREE Catalogue
Visit our website, phone or email for a free catalogue www.vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk Tel: 0115 9305454 Email: [email protected]
Vehicle Wiring Products (CKC), 9 Buxton Court, Manners Ind Est, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8EF
NEW
PRODUCT HELICAL & STRAIGHT CUT 4 AND 5 SPEED GEARBOXES, GEARSETS AND PARTS 280+ bhp Proven Quiet T9 Helicals
FORD GEARBOX SPECIALIST KOSO MS-01 MULTIFUNCTION GAUGE FROM ANGLIA TO T9 SIERRA With multiple readouts in one package, 50 years of Experience in Design, this LCD screen displays all the information Modifi cation & Manufacture you need in one universal gauge For Reliability at High Power Tel: 01564 775522 Telephone: 01580 714114 [email protected] www.digital-speedos.co.uk www.bghgeartech.co.uk
6 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
Digital Speedos June 2021.indd 1 05/05/2021 11:44 am ad Layout.indd 6 04/06/2021 10:25 am NEWS ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST KIT CAR INDUSTRY NEWS
EV CATERHAM INBOUND
aterham Cars road and track testing. The new sports rear-wheel-drive platform similar good time. It has been increasingly has unveiled its car, which is as yet unnamed, will to the Seven. Macdonald confirmed difficult for both marques to book type production plans for retain the Seven’s DNA but features that Caterham intends to find a approval test slots due to the volume the remainder of the a new chassis and suspension set-up mainstream manufacturer to supply of mainstream models that are in the decade, following the that better suits the extra weight, and the batteries and motors in a deal pipeline prior to 2030. Both brands manufacturer’s recent acquisition by different weight distribution, of the similar to the one it currently has with are to share test slots and several Japanese automotive retail group VT batteries and electric powertrain. Ford. He added that Caterham doesn’t components for this reason. CHoldings. Speaking with Autocar The current top-of-the-range intend to purchase any ‘ready-made’ While Caterham confirmed the new magazine recently, CEO Graham 620R, which is capable of reaching architecture. Instead, it wants to have model – which will be its first range Macdonald announced that the Seven 62mph from rest in 2.79sec, is the the freedom to cater the batteries and addition since the 21 of 1994 – could manufacturer aims to release its performance benchmark for the new motors to suit its unique needs. be on the road in as little as two years, first EV model as soon as 2023. He car. It will also do without the KERS Other Caterham changes include Macdonald has stated that it will confirmed that development of the and all-wheel-drive systems found a new working relationship with continue to produce petrol Sevens for new model is already under way, with in many EV sports cars, to ensure a Morgan, which was formed to ensure as long as regulations allow. one prototype currently undergoing recognisably simple, lightweight and the new model hits the market in W: www.caterhamcars.com
ALSO THIS MONTH: GBS MOTUL ■ ELECTRIC IBEX ■ MARLIN MOVES
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 7
007 News.indd 7 04/06/2021 11:57 am NEWS & EVENTS
JACK WOOD
TELLING PORKIES There’s a bit of a Porsche theme to my content in this issue, as I met up with two replica builders this month who were inspired by the Stuttgart marque. Despite their similar tastes in brands, the cars couldn’t have been any more diff erent. STONELEIGH CONFIRMED Paul Lucas’s Anu Dimension GTB RS (Page 32) is modern through and Grosvenor Shows has confi rmed the welcome news that the haulage and storage company. Th erefore, the show will be through, taking its inspiration from National Kit Car Motor Show at Stoneleigh will go ahead held in Hall 2, with space for additional traders outside. a car that only left series production on the Saturday and Sunday of the August Bank Holiday Developments on the site for HS2 also mean the club a year-and-a-half ago, while Neil weekend (28-29). Manufacturers, traders and clubs will all pitches will be rearranged. Gleghorn’s Chesil Speedster (page be welcomed back to the venue following 2020’s sabbatical, We’ll bring more details in the next issue and via 54) takes its from the marque’s fi rst and we’ll be able to bring more detailed news about what our website and Facebook pages. Meanwhile, ‘proper’ model. As well as using will be at the show in the next issue. Grosvenor has previously off ered provisional dates for source material from two diff ering For now, we know that there will be some changes to the the returning Newark kit car show in July. Th is has now ends of the back catalogue, both regular format. Hall 1 is currently a coronavirus vaccination been cancelled as it’s too soon after the planned nationwide Paul and Neil went in two diff erent centre, and will be for the foreseeable future, meaning that lifting of coronavirus restrictions to leave time for the directions during their builds. Paul it cannot be hired out for the show. Similarly, Hall 3 is necessary planning. wanted to create the most Porsche- now occupied – it has become the permanent home of a W: www.nationalkitcarshow.co.uk like evocation possible with his car, whereas Neil relished the creative freedom the kit car label allowed MARLIN RESTRUCTURING him and went his own way. Last year we reported that Marlin Despite their many diff erences, Sports Cars was for sale after over Paul and Neil’s cars do share one rare 40 years of continuous production. common trait. Both were created to We can now confi rm that its name, be used heavily, rain or shine. Paul’s models and IPs have found new thoroughly modern Porsche Boxster homes. Previous custodian Terry based 991 replica is his everyday Matthews, who co-ran the marque transport and Neil’s Volkswagen with her husband Mark (until his Beetle based 356 evocation is one passing in 2014) since the mid ’90s, that can be enjoyed to its fullest on confi rmed the Marlin brand has now The marque’s modern styled mid- address ([email protected]). the road instead of the track. been taken over by long serving engined 5EXi model has a new, yet The 5EXi derived Avatar trackday From 356 to Taycan, Porsche built employee Kevin Richardson, who to be named, manufacturer, which range continues to be manufactured its reputation by manufacturing will handle all future production, is being set up by engineer and 5EXi and sold by Avatar Sportscars. sports cars that could handle sales and parts support for both the builder Tom Sloan. Until then, enquiries W: www.marlinsportscars.co.uk everyday life, so why should the kit Sportster and Cabrio. can be made through Tom’s email W: www.avatarsportscars.co.uk cars it inspires be any diff erent?
REPLICAR RE-ARRANGEMENTS IN BRIEF ANC Sportscars has announced that all Mk2.5 donors which feature the later future Replicar kits will feature a revised Mazda engine. The VVT module that Keep up to date online between issues at www.completekitcar.co.uk bonnet, which incorporates a new sits atop these engines had previously or on our social media channels teardrop bulge to accommodate the made fi tting diffi cult due to the lack of later Mazda 1.8-litre VVT engine. clearance. The revised bonnet removes The move has been made due to this issue entirely. /CKCMagazine @CKCMagazine @CKCMagazine the increasing use of Mazda MX-5 W: www.ancsportscars.co.uk
8 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
007 News.indd 8 04/06/2021 11:57 am DON’T MISS...
SILVERSTONE CLASSIC 30 July -1 August Silverstone, Northamptonshire. Watch classic kit cars battle it out with established racers on the track at this well supported historic racing car show.
GBS ZERO MOTUL EDITION
Great British Sports Cars has signed everything from the cutting oils used a new partnership with Motul and its in the production of the car to the oil, UK Distributor Witham Motorsport, greases and screen wash provided on NATIONAL KIT CAR which will culminate in a new delivery. It will also don an entirely MOTORSHOW specification Zero. The new edition new livery, which is to be designed 28-29 August is to feature a 2.5-litre, 240bhp via a competition hosted by Motul – Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Ford Duratec powerplant specially entries will have closed by the time of The return of the biggest kit car prepared by Formula 4 engine publication. to 1 August. GBS will also host its event in the world. We’ll be there, supplier Neil Brown Engineering. It The Zero Motul Edition is to own Cars and Coffee open day at its will you? will be the first car ever to be built be unveiled at the Silverstone Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, workshop and run using fluids from just the Classic, which takes place at the on Saturday 26 June. one manufacturer, which includes Northamptonshire circuit from 30 July W: www.greatbritishsportscars.com
ELECTRIC EXPEDITION Rotherham based manufacturer Foers Engineering was once a familiar name in the UK kit car scene, better known in the ’70s and ’80s for its Mini based Nomad kits, prior to the introduction of its first Land Rover based IBEX in CKC TRACK DAY 1988. Since then the company has continued to develop the 29 August extreme off-roader over eight generations, with the latest Blyton Park, Lincolnshire. F8 featuring a laser cut steel monocoque, patented Vector Come and join us at our own kit car winch system and the option of GM LS3 V8 power and only trackday. six-wheel-drive. There are six different F8 models in all, W: www.performancepublishing. with 21 different body and driveline configurations available co.uk in fully built or kit form – with the option of new or donor components for both. Later this year the F8 will be available in electric form, All events and dates were and Foers are now taking fully refundable deposits. correct at the time of writing. W: www.ibexvehicles.com
XCS DESIGNS OPEN DAY Despite the coronavirus pandemic, manufacturer will host its first open day will be offering hot and cold Essex based Cobra and Seven replica from the new Saffron Walden workshop refreshments throughout the day. manufacturer XCS Designs has had a and showroom this summer. Interested parties are advised to busy couple of years. In that time it The event is to take place on keep an eye on XCS’s Facebook page expanded both its manufacturer base Sunday 15 August. The show, which for further updates. and model range considerably. To is open to all, will see several cars and W: www.xcsdesigns.co.uk display all of its hard work, the projects on display and local traders F: www.facebook.com/xcsdesigns
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 9
007 News.indd 9 04/06/2021 11:57 am CLASSIC NEWS
MARKET WATCH BEACH BUGGIES
hen Bruce other hand, a poorly executed build as poor ‘cut-and-shut’ jobs remain Porsche engined example instead – Meyers or wrongly registered car will not be prevalent in the marketplace; these can although these cars will be much more launched the worth the time or money. be incredibly dangerous in the event of expensive to run, and wayward to drive Meyers Manx The original Meyers Manx will be at an accident. You also need to be sure if the suspension, steering and brakes dune buggy in the top of most would-be owners’ wish that your car is properly registered, as haven’t been uprated to match. 1964, he changed the international lists, though their sought after status the DVLA takes a dim view of anyone Otherwise the main assessment kit car scene forever. His new and relative rarity within the market who hasn’t declared such a significant should be the quality of the build. clubmanW off-road race car became make them incredibly expensive to chassis modification – post-1998 It’s lucky that there isn’t a lot to the synonymous with California surf purchase today – we reported on one builds should also have been through assembly process, though that doesn’t culture, with its connection to the early example selling for over $100,000 an SVA or IVA test. A quick MoT mean shortcuts can’t be taken. Tell-tale Beach Boys assuring it international at auction only a few months ago. check online to check that the car is signs of a bad build or restoration icon status among car and non-car As mentioned previously, there is correctly registered could save you a lot tend to be ‘spaghetti’ wiring behind fans alike. no shortage of alternatives available, of heartache here. the dash, wobbly steering columns Meyers simply couldn’t keep however this variety does bring with it No matter which chassis you have, and poorly cut holes in the GRP. That up with demand for the model in a disparate range in quality. it’s important to have a good feel of said, beach buggy projects can be a period, and the cute off-roader’s The first decision you need to make, any steelwork for signs of corrosion, good way to dip your toe into amateur simple make-up and easy-to-access prior to any search, is whether you and if your potential purchase has ‘fat’ mechanics, as the aftermarket support Volkswagen mechanicals would see it want a short or long wheelbase car. tyres or a steep rake angle you should for the donor is second to none. become the most copied original kit Long wheelbase buggies retain the check that the suspension is up to the car design of all time. It’s a tradition Beetle’s full floorpan, which makes task. It’s common for buggies to use SPECIALISTS: that continues unabated today all them a little less fun on the road, a mixture of early and later Beetle Kingfisher Kustoms: across the globe, the most notable however a good one can sit four components here, though all are well- www.kingfisherkustoms.co.uk homage being Volkswagen’s own ID adults in relative comfort – making regarded for their durability. Volkswagen Heritage: Buggy concept of 2019. them great family day trip cars. Short The air-cooled flat-four Beetle www.heritagepartscentre.com Today, a tidily built beach buggy wheelbase buggies typically use an engine is particularly easy to work Justaircooled: is a smart classic car purchase. The original floorpan that has had a on, with great access on cars with an www.justaircooled.co.uk values of most variants have been on centre section removed to reduce the exposed drivetrain. It goes without the rise for a while, and the simple- wheelbase – hence the name – which saying that the 1930s design isn’t VALUES: to-fix, easy-to-replace Volkswagen gives these cars a sportier drive and the most efficient today, so if you’re Project: From £500 mechanicals make them incredibly aesthetic. It’s these models that require not after vintage charm you should Usable: £4000 to £10,000 straightforward to look after. On the the most attention when buying today consider seeking out a Subaru or Mint: £10,000 to £100,000 (Manx)
10 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
010 Classic News.indd 10 04/06/2021 11:09 am KIT UNDER THE HAMMER DAX TOJEIRO
With the Cobra replica segment being one of the industry’s largest, it’s far easier to find fake snakes on the auction block today than it is originals. Many of these older builds tend to require a little recommissioning however, which is why this as-new 1998 Dax Tojeiro appealed to us. With only 8598 miles on the Rover V8’s odometer, this tidy looking paperwork that this was a well Cobra replica appeared to be cared for example and far from incredible value when it went under forgotten. The interior in particular The Market’s hammer for £25,250 looked to have worn its years very (including fees) at the tail end of May. well, and the eye-catching bright Despite only managing 300 to green paintwork appeared to be in 500 miles between each MoT, it’s particularly good condition. A great clear from the condition and buy for one lucky punter.
NEW MOKE DELIVERS It has been a while since a Mini Moke inspired kit car has been available for purchase, although there have been many recent rumours surrounding several models that, as yet, haven’t materialised. With original cars regularly selling for over £25,000, there dealer Hendy has opened up its order is clearly a market for such a car today. books, and expects to deliver the first Though not presently available UK cars later this summer. as a kit, new manufacturer Moke Priced at £23,950, the 2021 Moke International was formed last year is valued on par with the utilitarian to develop an official all-new Moke original today – though the two-year around brand new mechanicals – parts and labour warranty and new which includes a dual overhead-cam mechanicals should appeal to many. 1100cc alloy powerplant. You can configure your own 2021 The new model is now said to be Moke via the website below. nearing completion, as UK approved W: www.mokeinternational.com
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 11
010 Classic News.indd 11 04/06/2021 11:09 am Classic & Retro Seats Steering Wheels Over 60 styles of Classic & Retro style seats in Vinyl, Leather & Cloth Huge range of steering wheels
Brightwork NEW WEBSITE Warning & Switches Our Massive range of brightwork is suitable for many vehicle types NEW LOCATION same great service! COBRA SPECIALISTS . KIT CAR Interior & Exterior Mirrors MOTORSPORT . VINTAGE Boot Racks 100’s of Interior & . . Exterior mirrors in stock RESTORATION RETRO CLASSIC Stainless steel or Aluminium options available Lighting 100’s of lamps & LED lamps
Fasteners & Latches Battery & Electrical 100’s of locks latches & fasteners Batteries, chargers, cables and ignition
Instruments & Gauges Cobra Spares
100s of spares, upgrades and gift ideas from your Cobra Specialist
Wiper Arms & Blades Fuel Systems
Full wiper and washer systems
International Shipping Dedicated Expert Sales Team Next Day Delivery Available
Unit 6 Lakeside, Lancaster Park, Newborough Road, Needwood, Burton-on-Trent DE13 9PD
All Major Cards Accepted
Secure Online Shopping
1981-2021 Call our Sales Advice Team +44 (0) 1283 815609 40 www.europaspares.com YEARS 40 years of expertise in the supply of parts and upgrades 12 July 2021 for kit car, classic, retro, vintage and motosport vehicles. email: [email protected]
adCOMPLETE Layout.indd KIT 12CAR ADVERT 230MM WIDE FULL PAGE APRIL 2021.indd 1 04/06/202115/04/2021 10:25 12:57 am GEAR THE LATEST USEFUL RETRO INSTRUMENTS AND COOL STUFF FOR YOUR KIT CAR
ESSENTIALS
STOP THE SPILLS Building and repairing kit cars is a messy business, and there’s no shortage of harmful fluids and substances that you and your workspace will come into contact with from time to time. Not only are these substances harmful to you and your workspace, many are also damaging to the environment and must be disposed of responsibly. For that reason we believe these new absorbent mat sets from American automotive clock manufacturer Auto Meter speedometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, Machine Mart are a wise purchase has released a new set that includes five of its most voltmeter and fuel gauge are included, alongside all the for any responsible mechanic. popular gauges. Available through Europa Spares, appropriate senders required for fitting. Available in multiple sizes, they it includes every clock you would need to fill out can fill out any workspace catching the interior of a replica or classically styled kit car, Price: £699 whatever your drip trays miss. saving you money on buying each part individually. A W: www.europaspares.com
Price: From £19.99 W: www.machinemart.co.uk COMPACT COOLER
IT’S AN EXTENDER New from Laser Tools is this quick- chuck extension bar for cordless drills and powered screwdrivers. With 150mm of extension available, CAMBER CHECK An oil cooler is a good addition to any car that is likely to it’s perfect for accessing those Good wheel alignment is vital on any kit car, as it both be driven hard on the road and track, as one essentially impossible to reach areas hidden in improves handling and promotes even tyre wear. If you’re adds an extra internal cooling system to your engine. Kit the depths of your car. Made from worried that you may need to fine-tune your set-up, or Car Direct has a wide selection of coolers to suit all builds, one piece of chrome-vanadium take it to a mechanic, it might be wise to purchase this though we feel this compact 13-row cooler would be a steel, it should prove strong enough new camber and castor angle gauge from Rally Design. good starting point for many ‘fast-road’ cars that could do to handle even the most difficult of For a little over £20, you can see how in synch your four with that little bit of extra cooling. screws and fittings. corners are prior to any more drastic decisions. Price: £44.99 Price: £14.90 Price: £20.75 W: www.kitcardirect.co.uk W: www.lasertools.co.uk W: www.rallydesign.co.uk
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 13
013 Products.indd 13 04/06/2021 11:10 am CLUBS THE LATEST GOINGS-ON IN THE KIT CAR SCENE
KITS CHASE CATS James Horsley explains why it’s well worth attending a trackday this year, even if you don’t intend to drive on circuit.
hile without a a selection of daily drivers and project car in classics. The informal event was run the garage, I impeccably, with small batches of cars recently took having track access throughout the day my daughter while those not on track were able to Martha to Goodwood to see what park up in the historic paddocks and was on. The day chosen in May was soak in the Goodwood sunshine. aW Jaguar trackday organised by a If you have not done it already, Jaguar owners’ club. The E-Type’s 60th and it is relatively close to home, a birthday was also celebrated, and a few visit to the track will certainly bring such classics were seen on the circuit a smile. Refreshments are generally evoking memories of Revival battles. available on public access days, and a A pleasant surprise was the presence stroll around the circuit can give some of a number of Caterham and similar excellent views of machines being used themed kit cars on track alongside in anger.
14 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
014 Clubs.indd 14 04/06/2021 11:59 am OUT AGAIN
The North West Kit Car Owners’ They displayed many club members’ Group has really gotten into the cars – including the club owned post lockdown swing this year, as it’s Rickman Ranger support vehicle – presently rare that a weekend goes at the growing specialist car event. by without a run or event for the club. In other NWKCOG news, the active Last month the ‘hardcore’ members club managed to raise £6405 over 2020 headed over to Macclesfield for the and 2021 for its chosen Claire House Capesthorne Hall Classic Car Show. Children’s Hospice charity.
KNOCKHILL KNOCK OUT
Gary Taylor of the Kit Car Blats Facebook group recently attended a public trackday at the Scottish Knockhill Racing Circuit, near Fife, in his Westfield and found there were plenty of kit cars to chase on the day. There were eight Westfields and several Caterhams in attendance, all of which soldiered through the cold and damp conditions in search of circuit enjoyment. Gary told us the tricky conditions led to a few ‘offs’ for several entrants, but in all it proved to be a very enjoyable day and a welcome change from the previous months of lockdown.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 15
014 Clubs.indd 15 04/06/2021 11:59 am Call +44 01782 393843 Email [email protected]
16 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
ad Layout.indd 16 04/06/2021 10:25 am MAIL SHARE YOUR KIT LETTER OF THE MONTH CAR OPINIONS [email protected] THREE WHEELING
NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE
I couldn’t resist the current Complete Kit Car with the instance, were a lightweight track version, and 2CV door Ultima on the cover (June 2021 issue 180). I seem to recall handles weigh nothing... The Reliant element you mention It struck me that a lot of car Gordon Murray used one as a mule for the McLaren F1 was limited to rear trailing-arm pivot cross structure. manufacturers are changing hands program. Checking the contents page, I was With excellent ride and handling, tuned big bore engine lately, and not only in the kit car scene. surprised to see my Mini-powered three-wheeler – and small frontal area, it was great fun. People enjoyed Although I wouldn’t buy one, I always an expat in France had told me it was on eBay recently seeing something di erent – motorcyclists were attracted liked the Scamp in the same way I liked in a distressed state. to the wide single rear tyre with exhaust either side. the Mini Moke that I had the chance to I built it as a relaxing sideline project while still at Its third owner apparently drove it round Ireland. The drive a few times. Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Post-build development included recent eBay photos showed it semi-dismantled with Last year I was aware of the Nosmoke, changing the gearing, tting a front anti-roll bar and four- major surgery begun to convert to gullwing doors – a French electric interpretation of the pot front disc calipers. Hillclimbs and sprints would have this would require signi cant reinforcement to regain Moke. I thought it would be a nice been interesting, but circumstances didn’t permit. structural integrity. It has a minimum weight chassis second car, especially for my wife who Gordon Murray’s attitude to weight on the F1 (and now dealing with local suspension/engine/seatbelt loads. The nds our SsangYong Tivoli too big. T.50) is admirable. Getting an A-Series powered coupé body provides most torsional rigidity – hence the door Sadly, the reviews from most owners with doors and roll-protection under the 450kg trike apertures were carefully considered. weren’t positive because of the poor bogey weight was tricky. Key was a mainly Kevlar cocoon Long may people be inspired to build kit cars and and cheap Chinese electrics, which over structural foam, similar to a microlight. This created one-o s. It’s immensely satisfying and also gives on- seem to be rather made for a golf cart a torsionally rigid body that bolted to a simple chassis for lookers pleasure. than for a road car. local loads. Every detail counted on the scales; wheels, for Graham Hull, via email Antoine Ryckman, Belgium
There seems to have been a resurgence EVERY ISSUE, LETTER OF THE MONTH of interest in Mini based utility vehicles, WINS A COMPLETE KIT CAR MUG with Scamp reporting increased interest in recent years and the recently launched Send us your thoughts and opinions on all things kit car related Moke – ed. and if your letter makes it to this spot we’ll send you one of our range of Complete Kit Car mugs – perfect for a brew in the garage.
ELECTRIC OPTIONS After owning my Luego Velocity for Or should I wait until 2030 is a many years, and struggling to achieve little closer? more than 2000 miles between MoTs Iwan Lloyd, via email in it, I’ve decided that my next project probably should be electri ed. I’m EcoClassics o ers kits to retro- t to not one for road trips anymore and I existing cars (as featured in our July 2020 just fancy trying something that’s a issue), and West eld has the order books little di erent. I quite like the idea of open for the Chesil E right now. There are playing around with something that’s others on the horizon too, and it’s likely new to me and learning along the that more will come to market as we way. Are there any EV kits around yet? approach 2030 – ed.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 17
017 Letters.indd 17 04/06/2021 11:11 am YOUR ESSENTIAL KIT CAR HANDBOOK Cars include: Seven style roadsters Cobra replicas Classic replicas Track cars Three-wheelers Supercars Buggies Bodykits
Produced by £7.95 PLUS P&P
CALL 01476 978843 OR VISIT 18 July 2021 WWW.PERFORMANCEPUBLISHING.CO.UKwww.completekitcar.co.uk
adUK Layout.inddKit Car Guide 18 2020.indd 1 04/06/202104/06/2021 10:25 9:53 am MISPLACED ENTHUSIASM | COMMENT
PERFECTLYe post-war bubblecar phenomenon was a productFORMED of its time, but that hasn’t stopped people wanting to revive the concept in the intervening decades.
ver since the rst internal combustion powered engineers Rick Edwards and Dave Chapman founded Tri-Tech motorcar turned a wheel 135 years ago, in the form Autocraft in Preston, Lancashire, to produce their high- of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, countless quality GRP-bodied Schmitt replica kit, using Honda 250cc automotive marques have come and gone, with four-stroke scooter engines, mated to miscellaneous Mini and many more car brands disappearing throughout Bedford Rascal componentry. e Schmitt three-wheeler, o ered motoring history than new ones popping up, this being alongside Tri-Tech’s amusing Zetta BMW Isetta bubble car particularly prevalent in the smaller niche specialist car sector, replica kit was an exceptionally accurate copy and much admired Eespecially for kit car makers. in period, but ultimately sold in small numbers. Without wishing to put a downer on things, for every one kit GARY Before Tri-Tech’s convincing 1998 Kabinroller homage, other car company still extant, there are many dozens that have fallen AXON replicas of the idiosyncratic aircraft-esque microcar were made by the wayside and expired over the years. Although never a kit as far a eld as Scandinavia, Japan, and Germany itself. In the car maker per se, one recently revived marque looks set to become In 1982 Gary Axon Land of the Rising Sun, local fringe motorcar maker Mitsuoka as niche today, second time around, as it was during its prime in penned his rst introduced its tiny single-seater K2 ‘Messerschmitt’ in the mid- the mid-1950s. published words ’90s as one of its very rst models. Fellow Japanese microcar e ex-microcar maker Messerschmitt is making a surprise for Alternative Cars enthusiast Kenji Yanobe also built a handful of more faithful but comeback, the German ex-military aircraft manufacturer magazine, precipitating obscure turnkey Messerschmitt replicas. relaunching its minuscule and mad Fritz Fend-designed 1953 to what has become a Closer to home, in 1990 German Clemens Leonhardt ’56 KR-200 Kabinroller three-wheeler (later built by FMR, up lifelong obsession built the rst of his Mini and Citroën 2CV-powered four- until 1964). Although aesthetically the brand new Messerschmitt with the more obscure wheeled Messerschmitt Tiger homage models, these being fast looks remarkably close to the quirky 1950s original, it has elements within the and expensive open-top fun cars with a purposeful wide-track inevitably now been updated for the 2020s. e new 5kW automotive world. A stance. Eppingen-based rival Tiger Automobile also made a (6.7bhp), 56mph E-KR5000 model has rear wheel mounted knowledgeable and self- Mini-based four-wheeler retromod ‘replica’ in the mid-’90s. power and a 50-mile range. It supplements a more traditional confessed automotive Further north, Swedish electric vehicle specialist Vehiconomics revived KR-200, powered by a 125cc four-stroke scooter petrol anorak, today he’s a of Stockholm introduced its three-wheeled Smite in 2009, option, providing 7.3bhp for a 75mph top speed. leading light in advising, building a few of its minuscule Kabinroller EVs before Now to be built in Spain, rather than Germany, both new promoting and curating ceasing production in 2013. In France, the iconic insect-like revived Messerschmitt models will retain tandem seating for suitable cars for leading Messerschmitt pro le has more recently in uenced IDMoove a pair of cramped and courageous occupants, sitting behind motoring events as Velomobile’s human and electric powered Velayo basic single- an unusual spaceship-style tiller ‘steering wheel’ with a cursory diverse as the Goodwood seaters, with the Strasbourg rm’s KR25-E/KR45-E EV models windscreen for limited protection, plus a removable tilting hinged Festival of Speed, Revival being an appealing 21st century twist on the classic Kabinroller bubble-top canopy (as per the original) being an option for the and the Festival of the shape, plus a more traditional electric KR-200 copy also o ered E-KR500. e minimalist breglass coachwork is mounted on a Unexceptional. for its more purist clientele. strong modern steel and aluminium honeycomb chassis. Almost 70 years after the reveal of the rst Fritz Fend-created Although the revival of the actual Messerschmitt company three-wheeler Kabinroller, it is fascinating that such a small and making its wacky three-wheelers again might be new, replicas basic road vehicle from the austere post-war microcar boom and kit-built facsimiles of these curious cult-like microcars era can still ignite the imagination. Here’s to the success of the are not quite so recent. In the late 1990s, for example, skilled newly revived £9500 Messerschmitt.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 19
019 Axon.indd 19 04/06/2021 11:11 am +44 (0)1736 761918 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.triggerhandbrakes.com G E N UA INN E AD N DO O R IG IN IAN L A L racesuper and customquality, handbrakes. fabricatedG E N U IN E 100% Stainless, EV MOAUTI OT
YOUR ADVERT HERE
Specialist in fabrication: Engine mounts Engine cradles Roll bars Chassis modifi cations Bespoke exhaust fabrication Fuel tanks
Contact: Joe Hilton CALL KAREN TO ADVERTISE 07970 069339 0330 1234 885
T: 01253 734743 | E: [email protected] Peel Hall Business Park, Peel Road, Westby, Lancs FY4 5JX
Paint solutions for your classic or custom car!
20 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
ad Layout.indd 20 04/06/2021 10:25 am OUT & ABOUT RETRO RIDES WEEKENDER The first big gathering of the year at Goodwood featured cars that you definitely wouldn’t see at the Revival. This was the Retro Rides Weekender... Words and pictures: James Horsley
Cars were batched into groups for track sessions, each one featuring a diverse Cobras and Goodwood are a classic perfect combination – you could almost be array of machinery. Rob Farley lines up with his highly developed Sylva Stylus. forgiven for thinking this was a scene from Revival or Members’ Meeting.
Why should I be there? Goodwood Motor Circuit has been the venue for the Retro Rides Weekender for the last few years and the event succeeds in attracting as eclectic a mix of motoring exotica as you could imagine. The event has an informal feel, in some respects like a larger breakfast club with featured cars dotted around the venue. This year some of the infield paddock areas were themed, with personal favourites being ‘Acceptable in the ’80s’ and also ‘Stock vs Custom’. Seeing a stock Morris Minor parked up opposite a bike engined Great registration on this mean looking Dax Rush. variant was certainly different. This Clan Crusader looked at home at Goodwood. It wasn’t in the main show but instead left in the A common quote heard echoing around the It was one of two of the classic Imp based kit cars spectators’ car park. track was ‘your grandpa had one of those’, or ‘these we spotted at the show. were the cars to own when I learnt to drive’. It was certainly an event dotted with nostalgia, while also marvelling at those taking on older classics and bringing them to standards that were not achievable when they were first in vogue. Many kit cars were in evidence, both on track and in the paddock and parking areas. This was probably one of the largest events held at Goodwood since the pandemic hit and the event was blessed by some amazing Bank Holiday weather. Hopefully it’s an indication of the better times ahead. Dom Smith brought his BMW motorcycle powered The Saturday featured live track action, with This Volkswagen Beetle based UVA Fugitive rail Clan Crusader to the show. We drove this car for our participants able to enjoy some spirited laps looked the part in both the paddocks and on track. Imp based group test in the Stoneleigh 2020 issue. around the circuit. The Sunday is a more static Looks great on period Wolfrace Slotmag wheels. show with more cars parked on track, but still features autosolo events. If the sunburn and legs allowed, the spectators’ car park also featured some amazing machinery. The country roads in West Sussex were awash with cars heading to and from this event.
THE DETAILS What: Retro Rides Weekender Where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex Paintwork on this Dax Tojeiro Cobra replica popped When: May Wolf in sheep’s clothing... this Beetle was running in the sunshine. The sunny Bank Holiday car show W: www.retroridesweekender.com full Porsche Boxster running gear underneath its had great post-lockdown atmosphere. modest bodyshell.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 21
021 Retro Rides.indd 21 04/06/2021 11:59 am SUBSCRIBE TO INDUSTRY NEWS, READERS’ BUILDS, NEW CARS AND TECHNICAL HOW TO
Call 01476 978843 or visit www.completekitcar.co.uk
22 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
022 Subs DPS.indd 22 04/06/2021 11:12 am SUBSCRIBE TO INDUSTRY NEWS, READERS’ BUILDS, NEW CARS AND TECHNICAL HOW TO PAPER UK OR DIGITAL EVERYWHERE £45 PAPER EUROPE £70 / WORLDWIDE £90
SAVE £19.35 ON THE HIGH STREET PRICE INCLUDES MONEY SAVING CLUB CKC EVERY FOUR WEEKS Call 01476 978843 or visit www.completekitcar.co.uk
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 23
022 Subs DPS.indd 23 04/06/2021 11:12 am FIRST DRIVE | HEALY ENIGMA V8 LIGHTEN UP Healy Designs may have been quieter than usual over the last year or so, but now it’s back with a new version of the Enigma – now with a lightweight aluminium chassis. Words and pictures: Adam Wilkins
24 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
024 Healy Enigma.indd 24 04/06/2021 12:21 pm e’re all in the same boat was one of 2020’s more tiresome assertions. Truth was (and is) that were all in different boats – but we were in the same storm. For many kit car owners, the absenceW of weekend activities and holidaying potential meant that garage time was more abundant than usual, and it wasn’t going to be squandered. The knock-on effect was that many kit car manufacturers and associated suppliers were kept very busy throughout the lockdown, with some even reporting record sales. But it wasn’t the same for everyone.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 25
024 Healy Enigma.indd 25 04/06/2021 12:21 pm FIRST DRIVE | HEALY ENIGMA V8
Healy Enigma’s retro Healey inspired styling is proving timeless.
Chassis now available in aluminium as well as steel. Saves 100kg.
Healy Designs has been very prolific since at a time – following the easing coronavirus being established in 2013. We’ve watched the restrictions, and the UK’s non-EU status company steadily and consistently develop is not going to get in the way either. And, its Enigma model every year since. The car while the company hasn’t been making a started life based on the Mazda MX-5 Mk1, huge noise in public recently, development of before being thoroughly overhauled to use the Enigma has continued. The car pictured the Mk3 as its basis. That brought with it here features the next step in the car’s the Ford Duratec derived 2.0-litre engine evolution: an aluminium chassis. and a huge upgrade in interior quality. Other It’s built using a CNC-made jig and significant steps include the addition of the saves 100kg over the steel equivalent (which Lexus V8 engine to the line-up and the remains available). The new chassis also option of a folding hardtop. There have also heralds a 50mm increase in the length ahead been myriad small improvements along the of the B-post. The alteration was initially way that make the current Enigma a very brought in for cosmetic reasons. When the different car from the first prototype we saw longer MX-5 Mk3 doors replaced those ABOVE: Lexus V8 eight years ago. of the Mk1, they created the illusion of makes the Enigma a During 2020, though, we heard very little shortening the nose. The latest development long-legged tourer. from Healy. The company’s operations are corrects that. Side benefits include a better truly international, with R&D taking place balanced chassis thanks to the revised weight RIGHT: Fit and finish in Norfolk and manufacturing in Latvia. distribution brought about by the increased good throughout. Uncertainty around post-Brexit travel caused wheelbase, and improved access to the back MDs Martin Williamson and Mick Snell to of the engine. BELOW RIGHT: take stock of what the future may hold, and New body moulds have been made in Decent sized boot then international travel restrictions enforced the UK, where the GRP shells will be for longer trips and by coronavirus added further complexity to constructed from now on. Meanwhile, the holidays. those longer-term decisions. While most kit Latvian operation has been investing in car companies were flat out keeping keen carbonfibre and is now offering aftermarket builders supplied with parts, Healy Designs kits for cars such as Lamborghinis, BMWs was keeping its powder dry until some sort and Mercedes for US and Russian markets. of normality appeared on the horizon. Same They can also make carbonfibre bonnets and storm, different boats. bootlids for the Enigma. Now it’s back to business as usual. The We’re quite familiar with the Enigma’s Latvian workforce is able to come to the UK styling, but the nature of low-volume cars for stints working here – usually for ten days means that for many the Healey 3000
26 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
024 Healy Enigma.indd 26 04/06/2021 12:21 pm “THE LEXUS V8 HAS A DEEP, SOPHISTICATED RUMBLE, BEFITTING OF THE CAR’S LONG-DISTANCE CHARACTER”
inspired lines will be fresh. It works well, digitised dials. They work well, and the in much the same way as mainstream white-on-black finish is a paragon of clarity. manufacturers have updated cars like the Three additional auxiliary gauges appear Beetle, Mini and Fiat 500. I’m not sure you’d above the centre console which itself houses spot the 50mm increase unless it was pointed a double-din stereo and satnav set-up. out, but when it’s side by side with an I’ve spent a lot of time in Enigmas – back original short wheelbase car you do notice it. in 2018, we drove one from Land’s End to ABOVE: Interior Fit and finish throughout is great, and that’s John O’Groats in a single day. That was a borrows heavily something that continues inside the car. 2.0-litre car (coincidentally, the same car from the MX-5, but The Enigma’s interior borrows heavily was in the workshop for a service on the day with significant trim from the MX-5, which leads many to assume of our most recent visit) as opposed to this upgrades. it’s a body conversion rather than having long-legged V8. The Lexus LS400 engine is its own purpose made chassis. It makes utterly refined and, once fired, settles into a LEFT: Driving sense to retain a mainstream interior; the barely audible tick-over. Select ‘D’ and you position is good. driving position, ergonomics and quality can move off using the bank of torque and are all very high. Various trim options lift it barely a rumble from the 4.0-litre eight-pot. BELOW LEFT: beyond the plasticky nature of most mass- It suits the Enigma’s character perfectly, Digital instruments produced interiors. Diamond-stitched seats the car itself devoid of rattles or squeaks. communicate with and doorcards, Alcantara and swatches of It feels solid and capable from the very off. Lexus’s senders. carbonfibre all contribute to the Enigma’s That’s the overall sense of this car – you upmarket, hand-built feel. could step from a production sports car into The MX-5’s instruments are deleted as the Enigma and have to make no allowances they don’t communicate with the Lexus whatsoever. It’s as easy to jump in and drive V8’s senders. Instead, you get aftermarket as any mainstream offering and is therefore dials that combine numeric read-outs with utterly confidence inspiring.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 27
024 Healy Enigma.indd 27 04/06/2021 12:21 pm FIRST DRIVE | HEALY ENIGMA V8
HEALY When the road allows, a prod of the ENIGMA V8 throttle finally elicits the Lexus V8’s soundtrack. It’s a deep, sophisticated rumble ENGINE: 4.0-litre rather than anything raucous, befitting of the Lexus V8. car’s long-distance touring character. Even ENGINE OPTIONS: Mazda MX-5 2.0-litre with the roof down and throttles open, you’re four-cylinder. able to maintain conversation without raising CHASSIS: Aluminium your voice at the speed limit. Brisk but not Cars are badged Enigma rather than Healy. Production car parts don’t look out of place. spaceframe (steel spaceframe also rushed, aurally pleasing but not loud. This available). is a car for pointing in the direction of the There are two reasons: firstly, the Lexus When the LS3 engine option is added BODYWORK: GRP other end of a continent. V8 only comes with an automatic gearbox, to the range – as we have no doubt that bodywork, modified While the car doesn’t encourage you to whereas the LS3 can be bolted to a Tremec it’s ‘when’ and not ‘if ’, given Healy’s track Mazda MX-5 doors. Optional carbonfibre press on through corners for the hell of it, manual. A manual conversion for the Lexus record on delivering promises – it will bonnet and bootlid. the handling is tidy and precise when you engine was initially considered, but has been be sold primarily as a turnkey car with a SUSPENSION: Front do. The reality is that you tend to enjoy the ruled out – the expense of such work gets pricetag of around £50,000, although kits and rear – Mazda MX-5 double wishbones. wave of torque, keep the revs low and adopt you on the way to an LS3 fitment anyway. will be available for those who want them. STEERING: Mazda MX-5 a slow in, fast out approach that better suits Secondly, the LS3 engine opens up some Longer term still, the company is keeping rack and pinion. the car’s character. Ride quality is good, too, more US markets, including emissions- an eye on electric options. Many kit car PRICE: Fully built from £35,000. Self-build from and seems a notable improvement over the sensitive California where it has proven companies are, although Martin admitted £25,000. original short wheelbase configuration. difficult to register cars with second-hand he thinks EVs will be a stepping stone to CONTACT: Healy Healy now sells very few 2.0-litre four- MX-5 engines. Yes, you read that correctly: hydrogen power which is where he’d rather Designs, Hilborough, Norfolk. T: 07584 cylinder cars. “The V8 is a better cruising car the squeaky clean state’s regulations favour a see Healy head. 087056. E: info@ and that seems to be the sort of customer new 5.7-litre V8 over a recycled four-pot... It has been a pleasure watching Healy healydesigns.co.uk it attracts,” says Martin Williamson. The With the aluminium chassis and Lexus Designs develop over the last eight years, W: www.healy designs.co.uk option remains available, though, adding to V8 of this latest demonstrator, the price and after longer between visits to the rural an increasing catalogue of variations that for a turnkey Enigma is around £38,000 Norfolk base it’s great to see it operating now includes steel or aluminium chassis, depending on the final specification of paint as normal and taking the next steps in the hard and soft-tops and automatic or manual and trim. To build a car to this specification Enigma’s development. Despite keeping gearboxes. There’s more to come, too. at home would cost around £28,000, the a lower than usual profile during the Work is now under way on the aluminium chassis commanding a £1500 pandemic, it appears that it was full always development of a Chevrolet LS3 installation. premium over the steel equivalent. steam ahead behind the scenes.
28 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
024 Healy Enigma.indd 28 04/06/2021 12:21 pm Lightweight billet hub Westfi eld front suspension
Siltech Racing is a family run business that specialise in Wide Track Front Suspension,Anti roll bars and Light weight aluminium billet uprights, tested to 10,000 kg!
Siltech Racing can also offer chassis repair on our jig, full set up and exciting new Westfi eld micro adj. rear ranges for the future.
Emerald ECU agent, traction, launch control, drive by wire, cam position control.
Front and rear suspension designed to fi t Westfi eld and Caterham, anti-roll bars, billet CNC uprights, drilled discs,full set-up and Westfi eld chassis repairs on our jig. Also suspension for Cobra, Tiger cars and Billet CNC upright assembly Stylus cars. For more details please visit our web site T: 01362 820456 Contact Andy or Dennis E: [email protected] www.siltechracing.com A new concept in sports-car manifacturing www.healydesigns.co.uk
Ticking All the Boxes For the Track For The Road & Touring FORD & MAZDA BASED KITS FROM £2599.99
Bike Engine Car Engine Online Parts Owners Forum Build Manual Service Centre Workshop For all parts & spares please visit www.kitcardirect.co.uk TEL: 0203 432 2679 | WWW.MKSPORTSCARS.COM
www.completekitcar.co.ukmk sports cars HP August 2020.indd 1 26/06/2020July 2021 13:22 29
ad Layout.indd 29 04/06/2021 10:25 am www.aero-master.com facebook.com/aeromastersportscars E: [email protected] T: +359 884002499 The Only Full Size LMP Kitcar On The Market
COMPLETE READY TO DRIVE CARS OR SELF BUILD KITS Handmade cars that children love to drive
For more information please contact 01291 626141 • [email protected] AEROMASTER SPORTS CARS www.toylander.com
TORNADO SPORTS CARS Est 1984 The world’s leading manufacturer of Ford GT40 replica cars
GT40 turnkey cars, component packages, parts and services. For full details please visit our website at: WWW.TORNADOSPORTSCARS.COM EMAIL: [email protected] TEL: 01562 820372 Owner: Valentino Fry, Switzerland BLYTON PARK 2021 Complete Kit Car’s track days are ideal for beginners and those with more experience. For kit cars only, they have a unique atmosphere with excellent track etiquette and paddock camaraderie from participants. CKC TRACK DAY AT BLYTON PARK, LINCOLNSHIRE Sunday 28 August Each track day is just £130 per car Or just £110 if you’re a Complete Kit Car subscriber! SAVE £20! BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW! WWW.COMPLETEKITCAR.CO.UK
30 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
ad Layout.indd 30 04/06/2021 10:25 am For all your Braided line needs www.hosetechnik.com 01452 304862
Universal silicone hoses
www.siliconhoses.com 01452 304862 AK SPORTSCARS AK SS & AK 427– RECREATIONS
Book your test drive and talk cars Unit 51, Ivatt Way, Westwood Industrial Estate, Peterborough PE3 7PN T: 01733 267 633 E: [email protected] W: www.aksportscars.co.uk
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 31
ad Layout.indd 31 04/06/2021 10:25 am READER’S CAR | ANU DIMENSION GTB RS DAILY DRIVER We take a look at a supercar replica that mixes city car ability with sports car agility. Words and pictures: Jack Wood
t’s fair to say the majority of the It promises to be his most convincing and cars we feature in this magazine usable replica yet – as each build is an are summer and weekend vehicles, evolution of the previous one. designed simply to be fun, with the At the time of my visit this car was already minimum concession towards the making waves on social media. The majority more tedious motoring traits of practicality of commentors were in awe of the fact that and economy. Ever since the demise of Paul had managed to morph a decade- I‘everyday’ kit cars, such as the Ginetta G26 and-a-half old Boxster into a modern day and Quantum 2+2, we’ve rarely had to give halo 911, as not many outside our circles much thought to everyday usability in our had heard of Anu Dimension. There were reports. We’re not Autocar magazine, and admittedly a few detractors asking questions we wouldn’t want to be if we could. But of ‘why bother?’, though readers of the this did mean I was a little underprepared build story in the last issue will know that when I met Paul Lucas to assess his latest Paul enjoys a challenge and aims to get Anu Dimension GTB RS this month. the maximum amount of enjoyment out Paul isn’t the sort of person to build a car of his cars. As I meet him, I get a sense of for the rare British summer day, with each the enthusiasm he has for the project. It’s of his kit car projects to date being created obvious that he has no regrets. for use as his everyday transport – rain, I get the feeling that our meeting point, sleet or snow. Not only that, but every build the centre of Braintree, Essex, isn’t the sort so far has taken its inspiration from the of locale that Porsche had in mind when kind of supercar that would balk at the idea it developed the original car. The GT3 RS of a pothole or speedbump. They’re all poles is the ultimate naturally aspirated trackday apart from the Nissan Qashqais and Ford 911 variant, and incredibly focused in this Focuses typically found on the school run. regard. It’s a model that several magazines A Toyota MR2 based DNA 4Thirty warned could be a little too harsh on the Ferrari replica was his first daily supercar smooth tarmac of the track. How one would copy, which has now admittedly retired to cope on these rutted roads is anyone’s guess. weekend duty, and a Porsche 986 Boxster Paul’s car should have no trouble though, based Anu Dimension GTB kit was his as Braintree’s one-way system has been his second. Both cars worked the weekday development route for the past few months. shift for at least three years while Paul The coronavirus pandemic has seen the cooked up the next daily driver replica in GTB RS ferrying the kids to school and his workshop on weekends – rinse and picking up the shopping and DIY supplies repeat. This uncompromising-looking throughout the week. 991 Porsche GT3 RS facsimile is his From the seat of my car as I follow, it’s latest creation, which was built from a clear that Paul’s Porsche hides its practical subsequent GTB RS kit that uses later and tractable nature very well. Aesthetically 987 Boxster mechanicals as its basis. it’s just as extreme and uncompromising as
The Porsche 997 derived interior is more upmarket than the Boxster donor’s.
32 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
032 Anu Dimension.indd 32 04/06/2021 11:14 am www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 33
032 Anu Dimension.indd 33 04/06/2021 11:14 am READER’S CAR | ANU DIMENSION GTB-RS
the original, it’s only with prior knowledge manages to be just a tad subdued – though that I can watch as the AirRide suspension I suspect the day-trippers in town today secretly lifts each exaggerated wheelarch over appreciated this trait. the many traffic calming measures on our As it turns out this was a deliberate gridlocked route today. It’s not quite as out decision, with Paul thinking outside of of place as it initially lets on. the box to strike a balance between the As Paul explains, “It is genuinely happy ‘yobbish’ original and his overly quiet donor. in town. The donor I used only had 35,000 “When I completed my last GTB, I fitted a miles on the clock and I have all the luxuries reasonably cheap ‘boy racer’ exhaust, which including heated seats, a Bluetooth stereo, just sounded terrible,” says Paul “It was much hands-free inside. It all works, too.” too loud and droney for everyday use and In isolation, there’s nothing to suggest I swore I wouldn’t make the same mistake this car is anything but the real thing. The again. This car was still a bit too quiet, but muscular arches and aero addenda look a proper system would cost around £10,000 much more Nürburgring than Essex ring and I wasn’t going to do that. I later found The big wing and muscular arches catch the eye. road, which is perhaps why it’s garnering a company named Carnival in Belgium that plenty of attention on the latter today. If only could open up my silencer and remove some they knew the full story! of the baffling. I gave it a go and my exhaust Being caught next to an original at a set was returned to me two weeks later. It really of traffic lights isn’t much of a worry for Paul is spot on. It won’t annoy the neighbours in though. As he explains, “They’re incredibly a morning, but its roar comes alive above rare, and most of the cars sold by Porsche 3000rpm. It’s exactly how I wanted it.” will be hidden away as investments for many Aurally there is little to suggest that there years. I’m not sure I’ll ever see a real one on is a base 2.7-litre flat-six in the car ahead the road. I’m far more likely to come into of me, an engine chosen for its durability contact with an original Ferrari F430, which as opposed to outright performance. Well, has happened while driving the DNA.” do you really need 513bhp when you spend The subdued black and white paintwork most of your time stuck in school run traffic? is the only nod towards subtlety I can spot As daily drivers go, this car manages to on the car, although the exhaust has a bit mix the extreme with the everyday faultlessly, of a split personality in this regard. On all while hiding its kit car secret from the lay the overrun it plays up to the extereme public. But that’s not to say it’s the easiest Porsche badges are allowed, thanks to the prestige donor. supercar role, but at more sedate speeds it riddle for Porsche aficionados to solve either.
34 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
032 Anu Dimension.indd 34 04/06/2021 11:14 am I BUILT THIS
Name: Paul Lucas Age: 41 Occupation: Portfolio manager First car: Volkswagen Polo Coupé Lottery win car: Singer Porsche Best tool in your garage: Powerfile Best bargain in the build: 997 dashboard
A personal numberplate hides the car’s age. “I LOVE THE REACTION I GET WHEN I SAY IT’S HOME MADE”
As Paul explains, “The more savvy Porsche 997 dashboard and dashpod to replace the owners may notice little things like the Boxster’s more basic fitments, despite there smaller brakes at the rear, which are to be being no evidence that the parts would fit, let replaced soon, though hardly anyone has alone work. Don’t forget both are incredibly noticed. I just love the reaction I get when I complex donors, so it’s a testament to Paul’s tell people that I built it all myself.” nerve and problem solving ability that it As we pull in to our photo location I all works so convincingly. The only feature finally get a chance to see the the car up not carried over from the 911 was the oil close, where the attention to detail remains temperature gauge, owing to the lack of a incredible. Again, there’s little here to sensor on the Boxster. distinguish it from a true 991. Admittedly The fact it uses earlier 997 parts does AirRide suspension raises and lowers the car on the move. many items on this car, such as the lights differentiate this interior from the 991 and grilles, are genuine Porsche 991 items, original, though it’s far less on the nose than though many others were fabricated by Paul the 987 Boxster’s pared back interior. And, himself in the workshop. A self confessed being the first Anu Dimension build to use fan of arts and crafts, he’d go on to create his a true 911 dashboard, makes it a significant own centrecaps, boot panels, dummy covers, achievement and feature on this car. The engine cover and rear parcel shelf; all of aftermarket stereo hidden beneath Paul’s which I’d have believed to have come from custom stiching updates the ageing donor’s the original’s Zuffenhausen plant instead. infotainment to a level more in keeping with Many of the successes of this build are the 991 too, and the reversing camera makes down to Paul’s many gambles. He was far manoeuvring a breeze despite the excessive risk averse during the build, as many of the rear wing. All bases do appear to be covered changes he made to the standard kit weren’t on this car. guaranteed to pay off. The most significant When you build a replica it’s fair to departure from the Anu Dimension spec expect a little resistance from the original’s is this car’s interior. Readers of the build community. For this reason it was story will remember that Paul purchased a heartening to hear that Porsche dealerships The canbus system is a testament to Paul’s problem solving ability.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 35
032 Anu Dimension.indd 35 04/06/2021 11:14 am READER’S CAR | ANU DIMENSION GTB RS
ANU and specialists have been more than so that he’s heavily involved with several DIMENSION accommodating with Paul, appreciating the other builds today. “I just think it’s a GTB RS project for what it is and often helping him fantastic kit and I love building them. I’m work out solutions to issues that require a currently running a WhatsApp help desk ENGINE: Porsche bit of insider knowledge. I know this car for four builders, and I love helping out and Boxster 2.7-litre flat six. remains a Porsche underneath, which must collaborating with them. I get loads of ideas GEARBOX: Porsche Boxster 5-speed help, but it’s still surprising to hear all this from them too,” he explains. transaxle. at a time when brands such as Jaguar and With a replica as convincing and usable SUSPENSION: Porsche Ferrari are becoming more litigious. as this, it’s not hard to see why he’s in such Boxster wishbones and geometry, Eibach coil- Porsche breakers 9Apart proved to be demand. The only person who has been able overs and AirRide kit. a particularly good resource post build, to pick any convincing holes with the replica BRAKES: Discs all- with Paul ordering several additions such is Paul himself, who is more than happy to round. as the new set of wing mirrors post build. point me through the minute transgressions WHEELS AND TYRES: 20in alloys front and “I’ll often go around the internet taking and areas he’d change next time around. I rear. photos of bits I need from Ben at 9Apart. think you can see where this is going. INTERIOR: Porsche He’ll then take my shopping list and find Yes, by the time this magazine hits the Replica RS centre caps were homemade. Boxter central tunnel and lower dashboard, everthing I need, which are often little shelves Paul will have taken delivery of his with 997 top dashboard, things like rain rails. Items that he wouldn’t third Anu Dimension kit, which he was USEFUL CONTACTS vents and dials. usually even list on his store,” Paul explains. already preparing for at the time of our EXTERIOR: GRP panels, Kit: Anu Dimension, Birmingham. Porsche Boxster doors, Local independent specialist Autostrasse meeting. “I just need a project. I’d much T: 0121 647 3751. Porsche Cayman side has proved itself to be a vital ally too, rather spend my time in the garage on a glass, Porsche 991 maintaining his car to a high standard. An weekend than at the golf course. I’ve decided E: [email protected] headlights and DRLs. important job, considering the engine is to build a faster car next time around, with W: www.anudimension.com now hidden within the interior! a later 3.4-litre Boxster S as the basis. I will To return to the naysayers for just a sort out a few of that car’s potential pitfalls Paint: Kraftwork, Chelmsford, Essex. moment, Paul maintains that this build has during the build. I’m going to make the T: 01245 248 882. been worth it on all fronts. As he explains, interior more 991-like too, as I’ve already E: [email protected] “It didn’t actually cost a ridiculous amount purchased the centre consoles and electronic W: www.kraftwork-chelmsford.co.uk to complete, especially when you compare handbrake, and I’m looking into a rollcage.” it to the six-figure price tag of the original. Like its predecessors, this GTB RS will Porsche parts: Autostrasse, Coggeshall, But why shouldn’t I spend a bit of money get to enjoy three years as Paul’s daily driver Essex. T: 01376 562922. on the car that I use everyday? I mean you in the week, and as the muse for his next E: [email protected] can build them cheaper, and if this was a edition on weekends. It’s a car that history W: www.autostrasse.co weekend car I could learn to live without tells us will be his best one yet. some of the toys and the AirRide kit. But Porsche parts: 9Apart, Bury, Greater Manchester. T: 01706 824053. that wasn’t the point.” I can’t argue with MISSED PART ONE? him there. E: [email protected] Speaking with Paul, it’s clear too that It’s in the June 2021 issue available at W: www.9apart.co.uk he relished the build of this car. So much www.performancepublishing.co.uk
36 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
032 Anu Dimension.indd 36 04/06/2021 11:14 am CONVERSION KITS
THE ONLY BOXSTER GT CONVERSION KITS
T: 0121 647 3751
THEwww.completekitcar.co.uk GTB & GTBRS CONVERSION KIT’S DESIGNED FOR THE PORSCHE 986 & 987 BOXSTERJuly 2021RANGE 37 TRANSFORM YOUR BOXSTER TO A GT LOOK WITH OUR CONVERSION KITS
ad Layout.indd 37 04/06/2021 10:25 am READER’S CAR | WESTFIELD MEGA S2000
38 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
038 Westfield S2000.indd 38 04/06/2021 11:15 am UPGRADE-ITIS It’s often said that a kit car is never nished. Glynn Andrews hadn’t even driven his West eld Mega S2000 when he started upgrading it to his dream spec. Words and pictures: Adam Wilkins
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 39
038 Westfield S2000.indd 39 04/06/2021 11:15 am READER’S CAR | WESTFIELD MEGA S2000
lynn Andrews arrives with rollercoaster, and I thought ‘this is what the latest upgrade for his I’m looking for’.” Westfield Mega S2000. It’s a He found Toybox Cars and liked what gold gearknob that matches he saw. “Every car is like a special edition the colour theme he has because they love what they’re doing,” been developing over the last few weeks. As he says. He took delivery of a Ford Zetec soon as it’s fitted, he’s smitten: “That looks powered SE. “It was a stunning car,” he Ggreat! I wasn’t sure how it would look, so I says. “I played about with it, put all the bought a blue one as well...” carbonfibre bits on it, Nitron suspension, We’re standing in the showroom at all stuff like that and it was lovely.” But Westfield specialist Toybox Specialist Cars, he always knew there was scope for an where Glynn’s car is under the spotlights. upgrade in the engine department, and The new gearknob is the latest in a long had a hankering for the Honda powered line of modifications and upgrades that he Mega S2000. has made to a car that he hasn’t even taken After just 18 months with his first ABOVE: Honda delivery of yet. It’s clear that he gets as much Westfield, Glynn was back at Toybox when S2000 engine has of a kick out of personalising the car as he the right car came in stock. “As soon as I been supercharged would if he’d been doing the spannering saw it, I thought ‘I’m having that’.” With to produce over himself. A busy work schedule means that’s a mere 1270 miles on the clock, it was like 400bhp. not possible, although as a trained mechanic new... but that didn’t mean Glynn was he’d certainly have the skills, if not the time. happy to take it as-is. Instead, he saw it as RIGHT AND BELOW He’s happy to leave that to Andrew Rowe a clean, blank canvas to make his own. The RIGHT: Gold and Dale Elden-Day at Toybox, while he subsequent process was one that he has been detailing is carried focuses on deciding on the specification. It’s fully immersed in. The car has evolved as the throughout the car. car building without building. project has progressed in just the same way This is not Glynn’s first Westfield. He had DIY car projects tend to. motorcycles in the past, and had considered The first job on the list was to add a returning to two-wheeled fun... until it was supercharger. The S2000 engine’s internals vetoed by his wife. “Once you have a bit of are good for large power increases as speed in your blood, it’s always there. It’s standard, and the car now produces a hard work to get rid of it,” he says. It was shade over 400bhp and 248ft lb of torque. only when a friend took him out in a kit car The installation was carried out by TTS that he realised he could get motorcycle-like Performance. “I did a lot of homework to thrills on four wheels. “It was like being on a find out who I should get to do the work and
40 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
038 Westfield S2000.indd 40 04/06/2021 11:15 am I OWN THIS
Name: Glyn Andrews Age: 50 Occupation: Director of an HGV trailer repair company First car: Ford Escort Mk3 Lottery win car: Aston Martin DB5 Best thing about your car: The supercharger! Best bargain in the build: Heated seat elements for £25
Each Toybox prepared car is badged up. “THE FIRST JOB WAS TO ADD A SUPERCHARGER. THE S2000 ENGINE IS GOOD FOR LARGE POWER INCREASES, AND IT NOW PRODUCES OVER 400BHP”
they were the business,” says Glynn. “The “I’ve often taken a car for a drive and, if I’m workmanship is second to none” enjoying it, I’ll stay out for an extra hour,” You can see the level of care that’s has he says. “More than once, I’ve then gone gone into the installation. Space in the through the paperwork and found that it engine bay is limited, and it’s all neatly has been cornerweighted. It’s the best thing ABOVE: Seats have routed. The welds are tidy, and a number you can do to a car.” Glynn explains the way been heated as of brackets have been made which, again, Andrew persuaded him it was worthwhile: part of the car’s are completed to a high standard. The cost “He put it in layman’s terms, saying ‘it’s upgrades. of the supercharger topped up to around like a table in a pub that rocks around. You £5000 including installation, but represents wedge it with a beer mat and it’s stable... and LEFT AND BELOW a significant power boost over the standard it’s the same with a car.” Prior to giving the LEFT: Nitrons 237bhp output. Glynn has a couple of geometry some attention, the suspension are an upgrade, requirements of his own, such as the blue hardware was upgraded. Having had Nitron and car has been hoses and absence of a vent in the nose. He’s dampers on his previous Westfield, Glynn cornerweighted hoping it will stay cool enough without the didn’t hesitate to make the same upgrade this by Northampton need for a slot in the bodywork, and will see time around. He also had Westfield’s factory Motorsport. how it goes when he starts using the car. “If I wide-track front end added. was going on track all the time, I’d do it,” he Next to come under the spotlight were says. While the car will primarily be used on the wheels. He wasn’t keen on the alloys it the road, it won’t be a stranger to the track. had, and was eyeing up split rim options. The car’s next outing was to Northampton Andrew had some in stock, but they were Motorsport for cornerweighting. It’s old and looking worse for wear. “They were something that Andrew highly recommends. in a right state,” says Glynn, “but Andrew
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 41
038 Westfield S2000.indd 41 04/06/2021 11:15 am READER’S CAR | WESTFIELD MEGA S2000
WESTFIELD said ‘we’ll get these polished up looking like A less obvious upgrade to the interior MEGA S2000 new.’ I couldn’t see it myself, but I went with is the addition of Westfield Sport Turbo it because I trust him.” The result speaks seats. Before they were fitted, Glynn took ENGINE: Supercharged for itself – the polished rim, the three-piece them to a trimmer who removed the Honda S2000, 400bhp. Image wheels look brand new. upholstery in order to fit heater elements GEARBOX: 6-speed manual. The gold coloured bolts that hold them before putting them back together. The SUSPENSION: Front together follow a scheme that was started switches have been subtly incorporated into – Widetrack double when Glynn added a gold detail to the stripe the dashboard. wishbones, Nitron that runs along the centre of the car. It was We know from past experience that coil-over dampers. Rear Lots of carbonfibre, including diffuser. – Double wishbones, the catalyst for a whole raft of enhancements Toybox Cars is used to preparing the cars it Nitron coil-over that you can see all around the car, including sells to a high standard, with the two-man dampers. the most recent addition – the gearknob team making an individual project of each BRAKES: Discs all- USEFUL CONTACTS round. that was fitted just before we pointed our car that passes through the showroom. In the WHEELS AND TYRES: Canon at the car. For instance, Glynn case of this particular car, that approach has Specialist dealer: Toybox Specialist Cars, Image three-piece, split stripped down the brake calipers so they been taken to a new level by a customer who Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire. rims, Toyo R888 tyres. T: 07976 701902. INTERIOR: Carbonfibre could be taken to Dan Merrin Wheels in has a clear idea of the end result he wants dashboard, removable Draycot, Derbyshire, for powdercoating. He to achieve. By being so heavily involved E: [email protected] steering wheel, USB had used the same company to recolour the in the project, Glynn has derived much of W: www.toyboxcars.co.uk port, four-point harnesses, heated Sport wheels on another car, so knew what he’d be the satisfaction of a kit car build. “I know Supercharger: TTS Performance, Silverstone, Turbo seats. getting. Badging and decals have also been I haven’t built it,” he says, “but I feel like EXTERIOR: Blue gelcoat, made to match, and he even removed the I’ve half built it. I haven’t had time to build Northamptonshire. T: 01327 858212. carbonfibre cycle wings, Nitron logos from the dampers so they could one, but I have time to do this bit.” In that E: [email protected] stoneguards, mirror W: www.tts-performance.co.uk covers and diffuser, be replaced with gold items. The more you respect, he has personalised the car to a high Hella Afterburner tail look, the more you see. degree, so you can see where he’s coming lights, Toybox stripe and Suspension set-up: Northampton decals. Another recurring theme is carbonfibre. from. “I think I’ve got to the point now Any excuse to fit the lightweight weave where there’s nothing left to do.” Motorsport, Northamptonshire. has been seized upon, with the rollcall Given that he owned his last Westfield T: 01604 766624. including the front wheelarches, stoneguards, for such a short time, you have to wonder E: [email protected] chassis rail covers, mirror caps, diffuser whether he’ll soon have itchy feet. “I’ll W: www.northamptonmotorsport.com and headlamps. Oh, and the dashboard, definitely keep this car a long time. Why where you’ll find a gold quick-release would I get rid of it?” He pauses for a Powdercoating: Dan Merrin Wheels, mechanism for the steering wheel, which has moment, before adding, “But... is the bug the Draycott, Derbyshire. T: 01322 873187. a carbonfibre centre cap. All these have been project? It might be that I see another car I E: [email protected] fitted by the Toybox team as part of the car’s like and do it again.” That’s something that a W: www.danmerrinwheels.co.uk thorough predelivery overhaul. great many kit car builders will relate to.
42 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
038 Westfield S2000.indd 42 04/06/2021 11:15 am WANTED Westfields Bought and Sold TTS Performance has huge experience in supercharging many types of kit car. Motorcycle engined, Duratec, Zetec, Honda S2000 to name a few. If you want totally controllable power then TTS’s supercharger We collect from anywhere in conversions are the way to go. We can offer just parts the UK, with immediate cash or a complete turn key solution. settlement. Full Rolling Road, remapping service available. Our trailer is ready Monday to Sunday at a time to suit you. Vast knowledge of most ECU’s.
Contact Andrew for current stock list or vehicle valuation and collection. For a total insight... Viewings by appointment. Just off J13, M42 07976 701902 T: 01327 858212 E: [email protected] : TTS Performance Tuning [email protected] A: Unit 3 West End Farm, Silverstone, Northants NN12 8UY 01283 211431 www.toyboxcars.co.uk ‘Toybox Specialist Cars’ www.tts-performance.co.uk
ToyboxCKC1/4pg2019.indd 1 28/06/2019 13:09
The electric kit car has arrived Bespoke packages for any kit car – new builds and retro fit. Our electric drive packages offer phenomenal perfor- mance, and can be configured to suit any layout – front, mid or rear engine, front or rear wheel drive. Kit car building by the specialists Got a half-built kit car, or looking to build one from scratch? Let Irntam Kitz take the mantle to ensure the very best, most professional results.
• Body shop preparation & paint • Accident repairs & rebuilds • Polished stainless steel exhaust systems • Flat Shifter gear change systems • Rolling road set-up • Trim & covers offered for all makes • All forms of fabrication • Chassis fabrication and up-date [email protected] 07919 103000 www.ecoclassics.co.uk F @EcoClassics T: 024 7669 5511 M: 07951 567 573 We also work with kit car manufacturers looking to offer [email protected] www.irntam-kitz.co.uk an EV option for their existing range. Talk to us today.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 43
ad Layout.indd 43 04/06/2021 10:25 am Insurance tailored around you and your kit car Ask our experienced sta about: At Adrian Flux we have over 40 years experience tailoring insurance to suit your specific needs. We Club member discounts don’t believe in “one size fits all” when it comes to Agreed valuations insurance, which is why you could save time and Limited mileage discounts money by calling a member of our team directly European breakdown cover on 0800 085 5000 compared to online. Laid-up cover
Call us today on: 0800 085 5000 Mon-Thu 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-7pm Sat 9am-4pm. Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
44 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
ad Layout.indd 44 04/06/2021 10:25 am XCS DESIGNS The exclusive home of the patented Camber Compensation & Anti-Roll Suspension System
We are now excited to offer to the market an entirely new from the ground up De Dion chassis using all brand new components, meaning no donor Jaguar parts, bringing easy spares availability and the advantages of using current modern components. This runs alongside our unique XCS 427 offering.
WE ARE NOW SUPPLYING PARTS FOR THE DAX COBRA
Unit 38-40 Shire Hill Industrial Estate, Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3AQ T: 01799 513 478 www.xcsdesigns.co.uk [email protected]
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 45
ad Layout.indd 45 04/06/2021 10:25 am RACE DIARIES
From the very dawn of the genre, kit cars have been used in motorsport – and it’s a tradition that continues. Our Race Diaries contributors compete in various disciplines and update us in every other issue on what’s happened on track and in the garage. FINISHING JOBS John raced to get his Murtaya ready for its rst hillclimb event this month, only to nd he wasn’t on the list. Always next time!
Resin supports for the gearlever gaitor. The AMS Murtaya is nearly ready to compete. Two garages had to fi ght John’s troublesome stud.
y AMS Murtaya is campaigned in both the of call managed to poke a drill down the stud, but it needed to be British Hillclimb and Midland Hillclimb sharpened a dozen times – such was the hardness of the stud. Th e Championships, and last time I mentioned mechanic eventually gave up, and the second port of call used a that the impending seasons were to actually burr cutter, and about four hours of eff ort, to remove it. We will start on time this year. Th is meant that my re-assemble everything using Aluslip to make sure it will all come winter rebuild had a bit of urgency to it. Th e gearbox and rear apart in the future. diff erential rebuilds were completed quickly, though only once the While it was apart we made the rash decision to buy a new Mcorrect parts were found. Th e speediness of this task caught me exhaust manifold too. Th e original item was heavy, with a cast iron JOHN out, as we were supposed to have completed myriad other jobs in header that led into a singular tubular pipe that took the gasses PICK the intervening period. Th ese jobs included trying to resolve some from the nearside head to the off side and into the turbo. Th e of the wiring issues, tidy up other bits and just make the car more new RCM manifold is like automotive porn! It is so beautifully Discipline: presentable. We did manage to wrestle the dashboard out of the made that it seems a shame to fi ll it with hot gasses. I had the Hillclimbing car, which made us realise that the process was a bit too physical chance to view it twice, as it had to come off again as the exhaust’s Races: and needed to be simplifi ed. troublesome stud fell down it! Adrenaline Murtaya Th e gearbox rebuild itself wasn’t straightforward mind. Th en there was the start of the season... or not. Th e fi rst event at Championship/Series: Attempting to fi nd the correct parts for a 28-year-old privately the Bugatti Owners’ Club Prescott Hillclimb, near Cheltenham, Avon Tyres Motorsport imported Impreza via Japanese suppliers is always fun. Th e was downgraded from championship status as ‘wee Jimmy UK British Hillclimb added fun is the multiplicity of gearbox ratios and fi nal drive Cranky’ would not allow Scottish people to travel. Rather than Championship combinations in that particular market. We were lucky to come give the English competitors an advantage, it was downgraded Age: 57 across an individual in the supply chain with a large shed full to a Midland Championship event and a diff erent round will be Occupation: of gearboxes, which did yield the correct third and fourth gear. nominated for the National Championship. It wasn’t a problem as Project manager/director Needless to say, we catalogued any part that had a part number we could still treat the event as a shakedown. Well, that was until attached to for future reference. the organisers had other ideas. We decided to change the clutch too, despite the fact that Generally clubs invite championships to their events and give it looked pretty much OK. Although these parts are now in them priority, but not this time. With entries being on a fi rst short supply, we were lucky to get hold of an Exedy system come, fi rst served basis there were many disappointed parties, of through Roger Clark Motorsport. It was then another game of which we were one. However, clubs will usually tell you if this is remembering which bits went where, although we had bagged up the case. Again, in a departure from the norm, this club felt it was all the fi xings and labelled them previously. perfectly acceptable to tell you by sending through an entry list Th ere was the slight issue of a broken stud when we removed without you on it, with a week to go, just to be sure you had no the exhaust. A number of persuasive techniques were applied, and chance to fi nd an alternative event. we had to take the turbo off and take it somewhere. Th e fi rst port Was the car ready anyway? Well, the dash was still out...
46 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
046 Race Diaries.indd 46 04/06/2021 11:16 am KIT CAR MOTORSPORT NO MISSING OUT With the Anglesey race postponed, Adam has a little more time than expected to get his car ready. He’s going to need it...
Car dropped off at Tiger Racing for a week to have the pedalbox moved. In their original position, the pedals were about a foot too far forward for Wilkins.
New arrangement uses parts from an ERA HSS pedalbox. Now perfectly placed. Off the trailer for the fi rst drive at last. Wilkins’ dad lines up for a standing start.
’d almost forgotten what FOMO feels like, but on the You wouldn’t know from the results. Th e pedals are now in the sunny Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May, which I perfect location for me, and ideally positioned for heel and toeing. spent variously clearing up after a huge plumbing job at Th e team at Tiger even fi xed the rod operated clutch at the gearbox home, mowing the lawn, and in the offi ce, it came back to end, which had come adrift. Tiger’s Jim Dudley also threw in a me. With shows and events back on the cards (for now, at spare throttle cable, and some aluminium off cuts in case any panels least), I felt I should have spent the time doing something fun. need to be fabricated at a later date. What I didn’t do over those three days was set eyes on the race A week later, we bled the brakes and the car could fi nally Icar, which further added to my fear of missing out. I’d hoped to come off the trailer for the fi rst time in my ownership. Th at ADAM get along to the race at Anglesey in mid-June, but it seemed an meant one thing: I could at last drive the car for the fi rst time. WILKINS increasingly impossible target. As it turns out, I won’t miss out on It was the briefest of fi rst drives in the carpark at the back of the that at all as it has been postponed, giving me a bit more time to Complete Kit Car offi ce. Th ere is only so much you can tell Discipline: Circuit racing get things sorted. in fi rst gear and reverse, but fi rst impressions are promising. Races: Tristesse Mk7 Th at’s not to say there hasn’t been progress since the last report. Some dummy standing starts suggest it’s quick off the line, but Championship/Series: In fact, there has been one very signifi cant modifi cation completed we’ll only really know when it’s lined up next to other cars on 750 Formula – largely because I outsourced it to Tiger Racing. Th e pedalbox was the grid. Th e control weights feel consistent, the steering is pin Age: 38 about a foot too far forward for me to reach, meaning my options sharp and gearshift accurate. From what I can gather, this is the Occupation: Publisher/ were to either lay down in the car to reach the pedals (but then I seventh car constructed by original builder Dick Hartle over a editor couldn’t see out...) or move so close to the steering wheel that I period of about 30 years, and it certainly has the feel of a car that couldn’t move my arms. Option three was the move the pedals. has been well developed. I dropped the car off with Tiger one Friday afternoon (a trip With Anglesey off the calendar, the next fi xture is at my local that was doubled up with a Lotus Cortina photoshoot for our sister Cadwell Park at the end of July. Before that, though, the car will magazine, Absolute Lotus). I was measured up and, a week later, need a trackday for a shakedown and there are a few safety related they’d completed the job using parts from an ERA HSS pedalbox. items that need fi tting, such as the fi re extinguisher and harnesses. I’ve made that sound simple, but it wasn’t a straightforward job. I just hope I don’t miss out on the next round.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 47
046 Race Diaries.indd 47 04/06/2021 11:16 am RACE DIARIES PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Both the Chapmans’ cars were ready to compete this month, though with a bit of time spare they decided to host their own practice event. Here’s how it went.
The 3D printed throttle bodies fi tted to the Striker. Ian’s CNC plasma table saved the duo plenty of time. The 3D printed Fern Motorsport badge looks good.
Ian tackled his Riot’s troublesome gearbox and mechanism this month. A snapped linkage shaft was the reason Ian lost gears while competing last year.
t long last we had an event in the calendar, though good excuse to use our new CNC plasma table! It took Phil two it was unfortunate that it was to take place just minutes to write the programme, and the machine less than a after this issue’s print deadline – so more on that minute to cut out four identical brackets. It would have taken us at next time. Not all is lost for this issue though, least half an hour doing it the ‘old school’ way. as we have had the incentive to restart work on Once the gear mechanism was in bits, it became obvious that our cars. Chris’s Striker has been on the ramps since the start of the shaft that attaches all the linkage pivots had snapped. I can’t lockdown, and every time one of us looked underneath it we’d fi nd complain, as it’s coped with my abuse for several years. I simply anotherA crack in the chassis. Th is was one of the concerns we had replaced it with another standard Ford part from a donor box, and IAN & CHRIS when we rosejointed the rear wishbones, as while the rubber bushes as the reverse and fi rst-to-second gear hubs were shot I replaced CHAPMAN did allow torque steer to develop they did also cushion the chassis them too. It occasionally balked going into fi rst gear, which I from any shock loads that were generated by the violent driving thought was due to me being too quick. I wasn’t, all the dog-teeth Discipline: style that autotesting demands. on fi rst gear were goosed! I don’t have a spare Fiesta ST150 fi rst Autotesting Ideally, the whole chassis from the seats backwards should be gear, so this will be a job for later. Race: replaced with thicker box section, as the 16-gauge steel isn’t up to With both cars working, it was time to see if the ‘nuts’ Sylva Riot and the job anymore. Had we realised how bad it was pre-lockdown behind the wheel could remember how to autotest. We had a Raw Striker we would have changed it all by now, but we’ve been so busy with rush of blood to the head and contacted the farmer whose land Championship/series: work. It had to be a make do and mend job for now. we use for our club’s autotest championship round, and he agreed BTRDA Autotest We gusseted the diff erential mounting where we could and fi tted to let us run a practice day for six or seven cars – just to blow off Championship a small strut brace at the rear, linking both ends. We then doubled the cobwebs. Ages: up with some 25mm by 25mm 12-gauge steel over the cracked Th e boys had arranged to meet Steve (our other team member) 59 and 30 parts, which isn’t a pretty fi x but it is strong. Once we’d charged at 8am on the Sunday to sweep and set up the venue, but his tow Occupations: the Striker’s battery, we fi tted the new trumpets and 3D printed car had bitten the dust. BMWs, am I right? I then volunteered to Cabinet maker and throttle bodies and treated the car to a good wash. pick him and his Striker up on the way. Steve lives just off the A1, Architect Our next job was to unload the Riot and repair its gearbox. At about half an hour away from where we were practising. Th is gave the last event I lost all the gears, which turned out to be an issue two old men a reason to arrive late, hopefully at a time when the with the selector. Th ankfully we can take the gearbox apart in-situ. sweeping had been done. We set out just one test and ran it all day, It’s still a little bit fi ddly because the chassis gets in the way, and recording each run with a stopwatch and clipboard. Th is was the it only comes out if the wind is blowing in a certain direction fi rst practice day we had run and it proved very helpful. I managed and if you’re standing on one leg. To make life easier, we decided to take a whole 3sec off my time during the day, as I played with to cut out the off ending chassis tube and make it removable – a the shock absorber settings and my driving style.
48 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
046 Race Diaries.indd 48 04/06/2021 11:16 am KIT CAR MOTORSPORT
A farmer friend of the autotesting club lent some of his land for a practice session this month. Each run was timed, so members could record their progress.
“CHRIS IN THE STRIKER WAS THE MAN TO BEAT, ALONG WITH DAVE MOSEY IN HIS MINI SPECIAL”
What surprised me most were the tyres. My first Toyo TR1s were going bald with chunks, so I swapped them at lunchtime with some good, but heat cycled, versions and they made no difference to my times. The compound appears to be consistent all the way down to the carcass, unlike the Rainsports which go off over time. Chris in the Striker was the man to beat on the day, along with Dave Mosey (former multiple British Autotest Champion) in his Mini special. Both Dave and Chris had managed to get into the 58sec zone, but then a freak windstorm came from nowhere and kicked up a huge dust cloud before blowing all the cones over. Chris went straight after the storm and managed a 56.2sec run, though none of us would get to try a dust free run as it started to rain just as Chris pulled over the finish line. Bugger! The practice day was a useful exercise we think, and we’re sure that the Striker needs its diff ratio changing from 3.9 to 3.7 as he was on the rev limiter far too much. I’d also like to soften the rear of my Riot just a little. Hopefully by the next report we’ll have had at least two events under our belts, allowing us to update you on how our modifications went. Chris’s Striker was one of the cars to beat on the day.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 49
046 Race Diaries.indd 49 04/06/2021 11:16 am BAFFLED BY YOUR CAR’S WIRING? LET THIS BOOK BE YOUR GUIDE
Automotive Electrics A Practical Guide
In Automotive Electrics, technical writer John Dickens takes a subject that many car builders and restorers find mystifying and covers it in a simple, easy to follow way that will help you solve your wiring woes.
It covers… Basic theory Component choice Wiring diagrams Fault finding Loom modification Making your own loom Attaching connectors Wiring options
£15 plus p&p
ORDER YOURS TODAY 01476 978843
50 July 2021WWW.PERFORMANCEPUBLISHING.CO.UKwww.completekitcar.co.uk
Electricsad Layout.indd FP.indd 501 04/06/202104/06/2021 9:5310:25 am am Manufacturers of the
Quality • Performance • Style DAX 427 & DAX Coupé
JK Sports Cars Limited
JK Sports Cars Limited North Weald (UK) Tel: +44 (0) 77 2957 5478 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.jksportscars.co.uk
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 51
04/06/2021 9:53 am ad Layout.indd 51 04/06/2021 10:25 am ORDER YOURS TODAY! THE STORY OF STEPHEN SOUTH THE MAN WHO COULD’VE BEEN NIGEL MANSELL
£25PLUS P&P
● 132 pages ● Quality silk paper ● Soft back ● Unseen photos
“A welcome change from accounts of the few who did make it.” Octane, June 2017
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY 01476 978843
52 July 2021WWW.PERFORMANCEPUBLISHING.CO.UKwww.completekitcar.co.uk
adStephen Layout.indd south FP.indd 52 2 04/06/202106/06/2019 10:2510:36 am WORKSHOPIN THIS MONTH’S COMPLETE KIT CAR MAGAZINE WORKSHOP...
SPEEDSTER BUILD First-time kit car builder Neil Gleghorn went his own way with his Chesil Speedster build. COOLING Beat overheating blues with Peter Rosenthal’s guide to keeping your engine cool. OUR CARS Stent has almost nally decided to sell the Cyclone, plus other updates from our own cars. TECH TALK: INJECTION John Dickens explains the intricacies of how and why fuel injection works. RUNNING REPORTS e latest real-world kit car building updates from our team of Running Reporters.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 53
053 Workshop Cover.indd 53 04/06/2021 12:00 pm READER’S BUILD CUSTOM CLASSIC When first time kit car builder Neil Gleghorn settled on building a Porsche 356 replica he decided that he wasn’t going to build it exactly to spec. Here’s how he did it, his way. Words: Jack Wood Pictures: Neil Gleghorn
CHESIL SPEEDSTER
ENGINE: 1915cc Volkswagen Beetle derived flat four. GEARBOX: 4-speed transaxle. SUSPENSION: Front – Early Volkswagen Beetle derived torsion beam. Rear – Later Volkswagen Beetle derived IRS set-up. BRAKES: Front – Discs. Rear – Drums. WHEELS: 15in Porsche 356 replica steel wheels and trims. INTERIOR: Cream diamond- stitched leather interior with modified Mazda MX-5 Mk1 seats. EXTERIOR: Rossa Silver painted GRP body, chrome headlight guards and trim.
Neil Gleghorn’s finished car may look like an original Porsche up close, but under the skin it features several custom variations.
hen Neil Gleghorn decided to to him, though he had worked out early on that didn’t know what parts I needed to complete the build his first kit car, he had he wanted to use a later Beetle as a basis. The later car,” he explains. “I later created a spreadsheet of to be sure that he would enjoy European market Beetles make great donor cars, as what I thought I would need, and sent everything the finished product just as they feature independent rear suspension, stronger up to Dave Fisher at Kingfisher Kustoms. He told much as he would building transaxles and higher final drive ratios. Their bodies me what I had missed, what I had under-specced it. For that reason the kit chosen couldn’t be too rust much quicker too and they’re not so well- and what I had over-specced. It was great to have compromised, as he’d rarely use it. After browsing regarded within the Volkswagen community today, someone to bounce ideas off, he was a much needed throughW many of our industry’s Cobra replicas and making them less of a sacrilegious donor car sacrifice sanity check. I have OCD with these sort of things, track focused offerings, which would run at only a – an increasingly important consideration when so I photographed all the donor and aftermarket fraction of their ability on the road, he decided to go selecting a classic donor. parts I collected, catalogued each on a spreadsheet for a more classically orientated kit instead. More “I hunted for the right car over a few months. I and bagged them up. I would later give this catalogue specifically, the Chesil Speedster. was really after a complete donor, but I eventually to Westfield to help with the changeover.” The 356 replica is a popular genre worldwide as found one with most of the bits I needed. It had a Dave at Kingfisher Kustoms would prove to be it’s fairly easy to produce a stylistically and physically good floorpan, so I decided to look for an engine and a useful font of knowledge again as Neil began to accurate reproduction for a fraction of the rarefied gearbox later,” he explains. As you typically only get build up the subframe assemblies. The front subframe original’s price. But this wasn’t Neil’s modus operandi one shot when shortening the floorpan to Porsche went together nicely, as it used simple beam-axle for the build. As he explains, “I watch too many spec, Neil had his shortened in Chesil’s jig, where it parts from the older Beetle range, though the IRS American car shows [laughs], so it was never going was also treated in a Raptor protective coating – the rear unit wouldn’t go back together as instructed. to be a true replica. It was going to be a car built first of many Chesil platforms to receive this. On its Phoning Kingfisher Kustoms, Dave simply replied, for me, a custom build.” As the Beetle has one of return, Neil began to hit trouble with the previous “Let me guess, you’re looking at the Haynes manual the largest aftermarkets in the world, the Speedster Chesil operation’s instructions, which assumed plenty diagrams? They’re wrong!” Sure enough the washer would prove to be a good canvas for the project. of prior Volkswagen knowledge. positions were all incorrect, making the whole Neil’s story is unusual for a Beetle based project “It was difficult at times to deal with Chesil prior process very confusing. It also didn’t help that due to the fact he had no affinity for the air-cooled to the Westfield takeover. Many of the instructions Neil was working completely on his own, which donor prior to taking on the build. It was all new and information were not written down, and I made lifting and positioning some of the heavier
54 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
054 Speester build.indd 54 04/06/2021 11:21 am CHESIL SPEEDSTER
Neil’s donor didn’t have all the required parts...... but did include a good floorpan and subframes. The floorpan was shortened at Chesil.
The front subframe utilises early Beetle components. The rear subframe proved challenging to assemble. Reconditioned transaxle with its purple accent.
Plastazote tubing was used to secure the lines. Adjustable rear suspension would be utilised later. Sound deadening was fitted early on.
The rolling chassis awaiting its new body. Neil wanted to trial fit the shell prior to paint. A block and tackle system was used to lift the body.
Some alterations would be made to the bodywork...... most of which would be found in the engine bay. New hinges were fabricated specially for the build.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 55
054 Speester build.indd 55 04/06/2021 11:21 am READER’S BUILD
The new firewall was created in aluminium...... and was formed into a quilted pattern. It was important everything fitted prior to paint.
Neil had several inspection areas built in to the car. Option 1 Sports Cars altered the bodywork further. Kingfisher Kustoms built the new engine.
Neil wanted lots of purple accents. The Rossa Silver chosen has a hint of lavender. The painted bay awating its new engine.
The second fit of the bodyshell went well. An external oil cooler was fitted at the rear. The Beetle engine sits low in the Chesil.
The wiring would prove to be very complicated...... with Neil creating his own diagrams for reference. The battery is at the front to distribute weight.
56 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
054 Speester build.indd 56 04/06/2021 11:21 am CHESIL SPEEDSTER
Two busbars were fitted in the old battery tray. Many switches were hidden under the dash. The original Beetle stalks were polished down...
...to a mirror finish to make a feature from both. Purple pinstripes finished off the engine bay. The Speedster nearly ready for its new interior.
components difficult. The rebuilt transaxle was an early mechanical fitment. “IT WAS GREAT TO HAVE DAVE AT Attached via a cradle, the soon-to-be hidden part was the first to be customised, setting the detail KINGFISHER KUSTOMS TO BOUNCE spec for much of the build with its bright purple powdercoat. Once fitted, Neil was able to begin one IDEAS OFF. HE WAS A MUCH NEEDED of the more fiddly jobs found on shortened Beetle platform based projects such as this: altering the SANITY CHECK” gear selector. The rod gearchange in the Beetle is notoriously difficult to work on at the best of times, stage. As is often the case with aftermarket Beetle With the body resting on the floorpan, Neil was and Neil’s shifter mechanism needed shortening to parts, they needed modifying to fit with the original able to drill out the mounting holes and make all match the floorpan’s new length. Volkswagen componentry. This meant Neil had to the required alterations prior to paint. One of the “Steve at Chesil did shorten everything at the drill out several parts to make them meet, many of most noticeable was a new stainless steel firewall, factory, but as I suspected it wasn’t quite right,” Neil which were retrofitted with polyurethane mounts which was fabricated by David Cooksey. He also explains. To remove the tricky rod, he used a length for longevity. commissioned Intatrim to create a single bucket seat of garden strimmer cord that he tied to one end and It’s clear that Neil is gifted with foresight, as to try out a few interior design ideas early on, which pulled through. He then cleaned it down with wire many jobs jumped the traditional method queue would be altered later. As he explains, “There was wool and painted it. He used this opportunity to throughout and several parts were upgraded early nothing wrong with Intatrim’s work, it’s just that the update a few of the components, replacing the plastic on to simplify later tasks. A good example of smaller bucket seat was lost in the interior space, so I bushes and couplings with polyurethane items prior this is that he opted for a silicone based Dot 5 decided to move in a different direction.” to pulling it back through. The gearstick and knob brake fluid, which is much more expensive than Once he was happy with the body’s fit, he removed were updated too, with a custom short-shifter more the recommended SAE30 mineral formula. His it and sent it to Option 1 Sports Cars for painting. in keeping with the faux-Porsche’s sporting intent. reasoning was that if he had to bleed the system “Many of the paintshops I had visited appeared Routing the gear mechanism was one challenge, mid-build it wouldn’t strip the paint or brightwork to primarily be accident repair centres, and none and sorting the fuel linings would be another. As – as chance would have it, he would be very pleased appeared to be set up for working with GRP. Option standard, the Beetle’s fuel lines were routed through with his decision come IVA day. 1 was fantastic throughout, altering the bumpers the centre tunnel using three clips that are fairly With the rolling platform nearing completion, and doors so that they fitted properly. The team inaccessible to the home mechanic. For this reason Neil laid out the sound deadening and specced up specialises in the restoration of Lotuses and TVRs, most builders choose to mount the lines to the his new engine with Dave at Kingfisher Kustoms. so was well suited to the project. I chose Rossa Silver outside of the tunnel, but Neil didn’t want to. In the It was an enjoyable task while he waited patiently in the end, which has just a hint of lavender to it – end, he fed the line through the top of the tunnel at for his bodywork to arrive from the factory. “It took continuing my purple theme,” he explains. the front, feeding it with an extra length of sacrificial months to get a body out of Chesil at the time, but I While the body was away at Option 1, Neil took line that he could access and manipulate from the really needed it so that I could get on with the trial delivery of his new engine. It featured many purple back. He then fitted the line with Plastazote tubing fit, and work out some of the custom details prior to accents and a subtle grey cowling that helped each – which is typically used to widen cutlery and tool paint,” he explains. Trial fitting the body wouldn’t be feature, particularly the carbs and firewall, stand out. handles for people with severe arthritis – in key areas without its problems, which again mainly revolved When the bodywork returned, Neil had the quilt to eliminate vibrations and rattles. around the fact that Neil was building the car on his effect panels painted in purple to match the theme. With the transmission and fuel system connected, own. Marrying the shell to the chassis would take With the bodywork, engine and running gear Neil moved his attention back to the rear suspension, a little ingenuity, as Neil fitted a block and tackle attached Neil moved on to the electricals, which fitting two adjustable mounting plates that would system to a beam in his workshop roof, using ballast would prove to be one of the most time consuming allow him to set the ride height more easily at a later sand bags to lift the body into position. tasks. “I had to add in a few things to the loom, such
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 57
054 Speester build.indd 57 04/06/2021 2:52 pm READER’S BUILD CHESIL SPEEDSTER
A local joiner produced several backing moulds. A simple sketch Neil drew up on the computer. Panels were created in vinyl, prior to leather.
Neil felt the bucket seats were lost in the interior. Mazda MX-5 seats were repurposed for the car. The interior nearing completion at Option 1.
A standard Beetle wheel was fitted for the IVA. Neil has made several changes to the Chesil...... post-build, which we will report on next month.
as heated seats, a stereo, immobiliser, USB outputs suit Neil’s taste, he decided to use a set of Mazda USEFUL CONTACTS and also leave room for an electric heater in the MX-5 seats as a starting point – initially only as a future. Because the manual wasn’t extensive, and means to go through the IVA. Kit: The Chesil Motor Company, Dudley, often incorrect, I ended up creating my own loom Neil would again use Option 1 for the trim, as it West Midlands. T: 01384 400077. diagram for future reference,” he explains. had just added a small trim shop to its unit. The team E: [email protected] Despite this being a custom build, and not mocked up most of the panelwork in vinyl prior W: www.chesil.co.uk constrained by the spartan interior of the original to creating the final leather items, and would later 356, Neil elected to hide the more modern amenities modify the Mazda seats to better fit and suit the Paint and interior: Option 1 Sports Cars, under the dashboard. The visible items, such as the two-tone leather theme. Again, Option 1 modified Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. wiper and indicator stalks, were hand polished to a many of the body panels that weren’t quite straight to T: 01527 557111. mirror finish – making features of both. Once the ensure the best interior fit possible. E: [email protected] loom was connected, Neil tested the circuits for the Once the final piece of the pre-examination puzzle W: www.option1sportscars.co.uk first time. There were many teething issues, with him was complete, Neil booked the Chesil in for its first recording each function’s status on a spreadsheet. IVA test where the only issue found was a rear brake Engine and VW advice: Kingfisher Kustoms, Slowly but surely he began to work through the bias. To sort this problem, Neil fitted a bias controller Smethwick, West Midlands. circuits to fix the faults, though the BL style rocker to the system, which required a full system bleed. He T: 0121 558 9135. switch proved particularly difficult to sort – later was glad that he opted for Dot 5 fluid when he did, E: [email protected] requiring an additional system flasher. as it was a messy process that saw much of the fluid W: www.kingfisherkustoms.co.uk The car now coming together, Neil had a few coming into contact with the expensive paint. areas pinstriped professionally in purple before The car then flew through its retest only a few Custom metal components: Wrekin Sheetmetal, he moved his attention back to the interior trim. weeks later, with Neil making several subtle changes Telford, Shropshire. Starting with the rear shelf, he had a local joiner post examination – such as fitting the new roof. We T: 01952 210300. create a few panels and he designed a few bits on will take a closer look at these alterations when we W: www.wrekinsheetmetal.co.uk the computer. “I needed to speak with a trimmer, feature the car in the next issue. as I wasn’t going to use the standard Chesil bits. Firewall fabrication: David Cooksey. I wanted to be sure I could present them with DON’T MISS PART TWO T: 07715 328583. everything they needed, so it would be a seamless E: [email protected] transfer,” explains Neil. As the Intatrim seat didn’t In the August issue on sale Friday 16 July.
58 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
054 Speester build.indd 58 04/06/2021 11:21 am 01527 557111
Kit Car Upholstery and Repairs, based in Bromsgrove e. [email protected] w. www.option1sportscars.co.uk Option 1 Sports Cars, Unit 5, Shaw Lane Industrial Estate, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4DT.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A KIT CAR MANUFACTURER?
Design and Build a Sports Car by Stuart Mills MEV founder Stuart Mills takes you behind the scenes of a successful kit car manufacturing operation to show you what’s involved in taking a kit car from the drawing board to the market. As well the technical side of designing and building a kit car, it gives insight into budgeting, marketing and intellectual property. Whether you’re planning on becoming a kit car manufacturer or not, it’s a detailed and knowledgeable insight into the business. £15 plus p&p 130 pages
£15PLUS P&P
ORDER YOURS TODAY 01476 978843 WWW.PERFORMANCEPUBLISHING.CO.UK
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 59
ad Layout.indd 59 04/06/2021 10:25 am TECHNICALITIES KEEPING COOL Overheating is one of the main causes of premature engine failure so it makes sense to choose your cooling system components with care to avoid being stranded on the hard shoulder next to a steaming car... Words and pictures: Peter Rosenthal
Coolant grades and types can be utterly baffling – so stick to the grade recommended by your engine maker (or builder).
ne of the main causes of engine wise to have both gauges fitted). You often feel the technology (IAT - green); organic acid technology failure is overheating. When the extra engine heat and the engine usually starts to (OAT - orange); nitrited organic acid technology temperature of the engine starts smell hot and oily. Stop the car and investigate the (NOAT – red); hybrid organic acid technology to rise, the pressure in the cooling issue as soon as it’s safe to do so. Often you can limp (HOAT – yellow); hybrid OAT phosphate free system can shoot up and cause home after you’ve let it cool for half an hour or so. (HOAT – turquoise); P-HOAT (phosphated steam to vent through the pressure cap, or even blow But it’s best not to be in the position in the first HOAT – pink or blue); and Si-OAT (silicate HOAT off or rupture a coolant hose. Steam doesn’t cool well place and with a little care and attention, that’s easily – purple). It’s easy to get baffled with the various Oand causes water pumps to cavitate. achievable on most engines. different formulas of coolant (and the coolant makers Even if the cooling system stays intact, excessive have done little to help here – not even sticking to engine temperature can cause all sorts of damage, TYPES OF COOLANT the same colours) but it’s easy: use what your engine from piston heads breaking up to complete engine There is a great deal of internet forum chatter manufacturer or builder recommends and stick to seizures. The coolant temperature gauge is your about coolant with many claiming that brand that grade of fluid. Generally, if your engine was early warning system – coolant reacts far quicker to X is wonderful, while brand Y is awful and will made after 1998 and uses an aluminium block and temperature changes than the oil system – and most immediately cause your engine to overheat in a radiator, some form of OAT coolant will be needed engines have the coolant temperature sensor placed fireball. The reality is that you need to pick a coolant (IAT is generally used in older cars). in the cylinder head. This is to keep them as close that has been specifically designed for whatever All coolants use a mix of antifreeze agents as possible to the hottest part of the engine where engine you’re using and sticking to that particular (usually ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) and are all the action happens – the top of the combustion type of fluid. Where problems occur is when fluids combined with water in a certain percentage to suit chamber. are mixed. your engine. Use either tap water or de-ionised water The first sign of an issue is the coolant gauge Modern coolant comes in various types with the depending on what the coolant maker recommends steadily rising, followed by the oil temperature (it’s colour (usually) denoting the type: inorganic additive (note that distilled water is not the same as de-
60 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
060 Cooling.indd 60 04/06/2021 11:21 am COOLING
ionised). A 50/50 mix is the most common and this gives a boiling point of around 115 to 132deg C. If you’re fitting donor parts that may have been previously run on a different grade of fluid, flush the engine out with a couple of fills of tap water – or until it stays clear - before switching to the desired grade of coolant mixed with the type of water the coolant maker recommends (or buy premixed coolant). Mixing coolant grades can cause the formation of crystals, or gelling which is where issues can arise. Some coolant needs changing more regularly than The pressure cap on the header tank sets the Fiat Panda 100HP engine runs at 20psi as the higher others, but as most kit cars do relatively low mileages cooling system pressure – this van runs at 21psi. pressure increases the boiling point of the coolant. it’s best to change it every three to five years to renew the corrosion inhibitors and anti-freeze properties of as 15 litres, so by the time you’ve invested in the prep cold, a much larger volume of water would have the fluid. fluid you’re looking at around £200 to convert to to heat up and this would mean that the engine Mop up any coolant spills immediately – it can be waterless. Also, if your system springs a leak you can would heat slower and need to be on cold start toxic to pets and children. only add up to 5 per cent water – which isn’t ideal if enrichment for longer, increasing both emissions it’s a big leak – and you’re unlikely to find it on the and engine wear. PRESSURISED COOLANT shelf at a typical petrol station. Equally, allowing cold water to flow onto a Some people think that pressure in the cooling hot cylinder liner can cause a large temperature system means something is awry with their engine. THERMOSTATS difference that can thermally shock the metal and This isn’t the case as most cars now run a pressurised At the point at which the coolant exits your engine increase the chance of cracks and failures. It’s far system – governed by the pressure set by the cap and heads off to the radiator, you’ll find a thermostat better to allow the coolant to warm up around on either the radiator or header tank – of typically housing bolted to the cylinder head or the crankcase. the engine and then be mixed with the rest of the around 4 to 30psi depending on the engine. The Sometimes (for example on some Rover K-series coolant in the hoses and radiator so that the reason they do this is to increase the boiling point of engines) it’s fitted externally in a separate housing. overall coolant temperature rises in an even and the coolant: a 15psi increase in pressure can raise the The thermostat consists of metal frame and a metal controlled manner. boiling point of water by 25deg C. disc attached to a piston covered by a spring (or two The thermostat is designed to gradually open springs in some designs). Inside the piston is wax, and close depending on the coolant temperature WATERLESS COOLANT which is designed to be firm when the engine is cold, so that it regulates the engine temperature to an An alternative way to cool the engine is to use a keeping the valve closed. This disc then directs the optimum level for efficiency. On modern engines waterless coolant. These have been popularised by water to circulate through a bypass valve and flow the trend is to run them close to 100deg C to try Evans and are claimed to be good for temperatures around the cylinders. As the coolant starts to increase and keep the engine emissions as low as possible as up to 180deg C while also creating far less pressure in temperature, the wax starts to melt and the metal the higher the temperature, the higher the thermal – and risk of failure – on the hoses and radiator. It’s disc gradually starts to open allowing water to start efficiency. If you’ve uprated your engine (for instance used by race teams (for example Honda’s motorcross to flow towards the radiator. added a turbo or a cam that increases the rev limit) team), while Power Cool 180 is factory filled in At a preset temperature the wax has completely then you might want to compensate for this extra Noble supercars and Eagle E-Types. It’s non-toxic melted and the thermostat spring can push the disc heat by lowering the temperature rating of the and biodegradable. fully open allowing full flow to the radiator. thermostat. Ideally, you want to return the engine to To use waterless coolant, all traces of water-based Some people think that the thermostat restricts a temperature recommended by the manufacturer or coolants need to be removed with prep fluid cleaning the flow of water and remove it, thinking that it engine builder. products first (Evans details a comprehensive improves the flow. This isn’t a good idea and can Thermostats have the temperature stamped on 25-point method on its website) before refilling with cause other issues. When you first start up your their housing (eg 82deg C). This is the temperature your chosen waterless fluid. The advantage is that the engine, the coolant is stone cold and it takes time for at which the wax starts to melt, with the thermostat waterless coolant is said to last for up to 20 years (so it to warm up to operating temperature. The engine being fully open at some 10deg C more than that useful for classic cars) and protects the engine from oil also needs to be warmed up as quickly as possible (for example 92deg C). -40deg C to 180deg C. so it can flow more easily to all the bearing surfaces. To check if a thermostat is opening correctly, The downside is cost, with five litres of Power The cylinders very rapidly rise in temperature boil some water and pour it into a glass. Drop your Cool 180 costing around £50. While a small Lotus and the water pumping around the cylinders thermostat in the glass and see if the valve gradually Seven-style cooling system may be only five litres, gradually warms up too. If the water was allowed starts to move to a fully open position (check the many larger engine cars with heaters can be as large to circulate around the whole cooling system from temperature with a thermometer to be thorough).
You can get coolant tank caps rated at different When 20psi is reached, this valve opens to vent This thermostat has a bypass, allowing engine to warm pressures – the GD T70 system runs at 20psi. off the excess pressure. rapidly – water will only flow to the radiator at 82deg C.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 61
060 Cooling.indd 61 04/06/2021 11:21 am TECHNICALITIES
Large multi-core radiators with electric fans are The engine-driven water pump on this Chevrolet LS3 V8 will keep it perfectly cool – you can see the ideal for kit cars and keep this T70s V8 cool. thermostat under the flange to the left.
RADIATORS needed, rather than being permanently on, even Traditionally radiators used to use brass or copper when not needed (for example on the motorway). cores to transfer the water heat into the air, with They can be triggered by sensors in the coolant a series of tubes and fins designed to increase the system or, better still, directly by the engine ECU. surface area and speed up the cooling. Modern Most aftermarket ECUs have this function built into radiators all tend to be aluminium with plastic end them and it’s well worth taking advantage of. It’s best caps and these are light and efficient but not as to use a fast-acting temperature sensor recommended durable as the traditional brass or copper radiators. by the ECU maker. Most kit cars use aluminium radiators and these are formed from a central aluminium core (often WATER PUMPS bought in – not all aluminium radiator makers You generally can’t go wrong with your original manufacture them) to which aluminium tanks are engine water pump. Even if you’ve uprated the tig welded on to produce the unique shape needed. engine and increased the rev limit, a belt-driven OE If you need to move engine ancillaries, or need more These work well and by varying their number water pump is generally fine for the job as it will coolant flow than the OE pump, you might want to of cores (depth), width and height they can be simply spin faster with the increased revs. If you’re consider an electric pump like this Davies Craig unit. configured to cool any engine. The downside is that running a used donor engine, then it’s wise to replace many cores are pressed together and can’t be repaired. the water pump as a matter of course – or at least to look to an electric pump. On a Fisher Fury I If your engine runs a mechanical fan – either one remove it and check the bearings for play and the owned, fitting throttle bodies meant I had to move that is permanently on or cycles on with engine impeller for wear. If it’s fitted with a plastic impeller, the alternator and this meant the water pump revs and a torque-converter style clutch – then it’s either replace it regularly or see if there is an couldn’t be driven off the back of the belt (it rotated preferable to replace it with an electric fan. These aftermarket version with a metal impeller available. in the opposite direction to the crank) so the only have a number of benefits. Firstly, the modern fan Some water pumps have a drain hole indicator option was to remove the water pump impeller and blade designs can be more efficient that the older built into them – when this weeps coolant it means go electric. more basic fan designs and being bolted to the the seals have perished and the pump needs Electric versions are widely available – with radiator via a shroud can further improve their replacing or rebuilding. Australian firm Davies Craig being the most widely cooling ability. If your engine demands a much higher flow of known – and can be either used as the main engine They can also help maintain a much more even coolant, or ancillary changes mean you can’t belt pump, or as a booster pump to support the OE water temperature as they only actuate when they’re drive the original water pump, then you might need pump. You generally mount them as low down in the engine bay as possible to avoid cavitation and rig them up to an ignition switched relay-triggered electrical supply that takes its main power direct from the battery or alternator. The pumps take quite a large amount of current, so it’s not wise to run them direct through a dash-mounted switch. A manual switch can be used with a relay, but comes with the risk of forgetting to activate it. Manual systems have the advantage that when you switch the engine off (eg on a trackday) you can keep the water circulating and cool it down gently. Again this comes Silicone hoses and joiners are the default choice If you want matching silicone hoses for oil or fuel, with the risk of flattening the battery, so it might be for kit cars – they can be built into any system. they must be fluoro-lined (the red inner layer). wise to add a timing circuit.
62 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
060 Cooling.indd 62 04/06/2021 11:21 am COOLING
HOSE TYPES If you’re working to a tight budget, it’s tempting to re-use the rubber hoses from the donor vehicle’s engine, but bear in mind that all coolant hoses tend to perish with age so it’s much better to replace them. What’s more, few will fit your kit, so they will often need trimming or stretching to fit, which isn’t ideal. So new is best. While you can get EDPM rubber hoses for lots of OE applications, unless you have a very friendly motor factors nearby that allows you to rummage for The best tip for neat hose cuts is to use a ratcheting Neat ends of hose are assured with one of these the hoses you need, it’s generally far easier to go for PVC pipe cutter. ratcheting PVC pipe cutters. silicone hoses. The aftermarket is awash with different brands and they’re widely available. They also are claimed to be able to withstand higher temperatures than rubber hoses. A typical rubber hose is rated to around 125deg C, while most silicone hose is rated up to 177deg C. Having said that, if your engine temperature has exceeded 130deg C, the coolant hoses will be the least of your worries! Silicone hoses are far more widely available than EDPM hoses and you can get all manner of shapes and diameters to suit almost any engine and radiator OEMs use constant tension clamps in coolant These constant tension clamps work well but the combination. Most hose firms also offer a wide systems. You need a special tool to attach them. special tool needs plenty of clearance to be used. range of aluminium (or stainless steel) pipes, joiners, and internal diameter adaptors to make creating a high quality hose clamps with them and check them were slightly frayed or wonky edges. There is a much bespoke system easy. regularly for tightness. They’re also easy to damage by better way to do it, that’s also quicker and easier. They can also be specified in all manner of colours abrasion, so keep metal parts well away from rubbing The trick is to use a ratcheting PVC pipe cutter. – from classic matt black, to all manner of gloss on them as the engine moves on its mounts. Take These are designed for cutting Speedfit style colours and even patterned designs. If you want to particular care to keep braided stainless steel hoses plumbing pipe, but are perfect for cutting the ends also match all the other engine hoses to your coolant well away from them. of coolant hoses and cost around £25 from most hoses, make sure you use flouro-lined ones if they DIY stores. They can cut up to 42mm hose, so are for fuel or oil. To future-proof fuel and oil hoses, CUTTING HOSES will cut most kit car coolant hoses. The magic is in make sure they’re also compatible with ethanol up to Neatly cut hoses not only look professional, they also the blade which doesn’t cut like scissors, but has a E85 grade. increase the reliability of the coolant hoses. For years, rocking action thanks to the ratchet mechanism. Silicone hoses are also easy to cut and easy to fit, I trimmed my coolant hoses to length by wrapping They produce clean, precise cuts with one snip. No which is why they’re the industry standard. They’re them with a band of masking tape and then trying to more wasting expensive silicone hoses or being not perfect, though, and can pop off fittings more cut them as square as possible with a Stanley knife. embarrassed by wonky hoses when you have the easily than rubber hoses so it’s very important to use Invariably the cut line didn’t quite meet, or there bonnet up at a kit car show.
Cooling systems in racecars are planned carefully – this genuine Lola T70 uses a Stant high pressure cap to You can check your coolant concentration with one regulate its coolant pressure. of these handy tools (or just buy premix).
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 63
060 Cooling.indd 63 04/06/2021 11:21 am TECHNICALITIES COOLING
The ultimate test of your car’s cooling system is when it’s up to temperature but not going anywhere on a For complicated cooling systems that are tricky to rolling road – if it doesn’t overheat here, it probably never will! bleed, you might want to use waterless coolant.
HOSE CLAMPS HEADER TANK Some header tanks are circular in shape and duct You can get all sorts of designs of hose clamps, but The engine header tank performs several functions. the coolant in at an angle – this is to create a swirl of take care when partnering them with silicone hoses Firstly, it acts as a coolant reservoir and alloys you fluid to extract more bubbles from the fluid. – it’s easy to damage them by overtightening the to easily add coolant. It ideally needs to be placed as clamps. The most common are worm drive clamps high as possible in the system to allow air pockets to BLEEDING THE SYSTEM (also known as Jubilee clips after the popular brand). rise up into it and keep the coolant as bubble free as To bleed the cooling system, you firstly need to Always use good quality hose clips – eg Jubilee, possible. remove any drain plugs in the system. Typically HCL or Mikalor. Avoid the cheap clips which have The coolant tank also regulates the pressure of the these are fitted in the top of the radiator and often lots of holes punched in them – they’re far more cooling system via a pressure cap. This is designed to additionally in the cooling system. Remove the likely to nick the silicone hoses and cause leaks. prevent your coolant hoses blowing off and causing lowest drain point first and top up your coolant tank OE makers often use constant tension clamps and engine damage from a sudden water loss. Instead slowly. Squeeze the hoses around the engine to try these work well and are quick to fit. The downside the valve on the cap gets pushed up by the steam and shift any air bubbles. Keep topping up until no is that you need a special tool to fit them and if you and vents a little coolant off to an overflow hose or bubbles come out of the radiator. Refit the bung. have tight access, they’re not always suitable. collection tank. Repeat this process with the next highest drain Take particular care with bolt-and-barrel style If you have the correct pressure cap recommended plug (you can also pull off a hose if you don’t have hose clamps – you need to match the clamp size to for your engine but it opens regularly it could mean any more). Top up and replace the drain plug/hose the out diameter of hose and they are sensitive to that the cooling system hasn’t been bled properly. If it when bubble-free water flows. tightness. They work well on induction hoses, but can persists after bleeding, check for combustion gases in With all the drain plugs and hoses clamped up, be trickier to use on coolant hoses. the cooling system – it could be a head gasket issue. top up the header tank and squeeze all the water hoses in turn to try and dislodge as much trapped air as possible. Once the header tank level remains constant, top up to the appropriate level and then fire up the engine with the cap off. Start the engine up and keep your eye on the coolant level. What you should see happen is that any remaining water bubbles will rise into the header tank and ‘burp’ out of the system. When the engine reaches its normal operating temperature you should see warm water circulating in The easiest way to tighten hose clamps is with a Don’t go mad tightening the hose clamps as they the header tank – this means that the thermostat has flexi-drive screwdriver. Also prevents overtightening. can pinch into silicone hoses and damage them. opened and that water is flowing around the system. Check the inlet and outlet hoses to the radiator – one should be warm and one cool if water is flowing correctly. If the level is constant in the header tank, replace the cap – the system is bled. If you’re filling the system for the first ever time, use regular tap water and then bleed the system and check for leaks. Run the engine up to temperature until the fan operates. Then switch off and when the water has cooled sufficiently to not burn you, drain it all out. Then refill with your preferred coolant (mixed Bolt and barrel hose clamps (left) require care to After a coolant swap, you’ll need to bleed the system with distilled water if appropriate). This saves you use. The worm and drive type (right) are easier. until no air bubbles are present in the coolant. wasting expensive coolant if the system initially leaks.
64 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
060 Cooling.indd 64 04/06/2021 11:21 am COMPLETE READY TO DRIVE CARS OR SELF BUILD KITS Handmade cars that children love to drive
+44 (0)1264 772811 www.moto-lita.co.uk
JOB VACANCY Toylander is looking for a part time person to join our team to build our ride on vehicles, please apply at [email protected] “A Fine Example of British Craftsmanship” Must have mechanical, electrical and woodworking experience. Sir Stirling Moss OBE
For more information please contact New Address: 01291 626141 • [email protected] Unit 2, Fairview Rd. www.toylander.com Weyhill, SP11 0ST.
ARISTOCAT XK REPLICA Affordable project to build yourself – road or track – have fun! Uses donor Jaguar XJ6/XJS/XJ40/X300. Steel spaceframe chassis, coloured GRP body REBEL 35 years’ continuous production PERFORMANCE MACHINES
THE NEW HOME OF THE TR1KE & TR1ABUSA PERFORMANCE MACHINES
Workshop: Est. 1969 All classic car mechanical work Historic race prep/restorations McLaren specialists/spares
Autotune Ltd., Riverside Industrial REBEL Estate, Rishton, Lancashire BB1 4NF PERFORMANCE MACHINES Web: rebel-pm.co.uk www.autotuneuk.com [email protected] Tel: 01353 655192 Email: [email protected] 01254 886819
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 65
ad Layout.indd 65 04/06/2021 10:25 am OUR CARS
e Complete Kit Car team doesn’t just write about cars – we own them, too! Here are the latest updates from inside the team’s own garages and, occasionally, on the road. WHAT A SPANNER! It always pays to carefully spanner-check your Gardner Douglas T70, especially if it starts making a funny noise... as Peter nds out
Removing the nosecone gives great access to all the fi xings at the front of the T70.
t was a strange noise. Clunker click, clunker click, clunker rosejointed). Mysteriously, the anti-roll bar drop links were all click. Not that loud and coming from somewhere on the solid, too. Hmm... front of the car, possibly the left-hand side. And it didn’t As I leaned on the front steering arm to ponder this, it moved do it all the time – it was defi nitely worse over bumps. a little. Ah! Gotcha. It turned out that the front steering arm Th e handling also didn’t seem quite as sharp and seemed bolt had partially unwound itself from the suspension arm. Glad to tramline more than usual over uneven surfaces. I’d recently I checked that – having the arm drop off at speed doesn’t bear done a trackday at Donington Park and the car had behaved thinking about. Ialmost fl awlessly – braking from 150mph into Redgate never Removing the wheel for a closer look, I found that the bolt had PETER gets dull in a T70! only been fi tted with a spring washer and judging by how easily ROSENTHAL I’d done a thorough spanner check prior to the trackday, so it came out I’d also forgotten to Loctite it. It must have been like something must have worked loose since then, or possibly with that since I built it, but had clearly worked loose over the 5500 Project: all the vibrations and stresses on the day – trackdays defi nitely miles since. Gardner Douglas GD T70 test a car. Th e obvious solution is to fi t a longer bolt and attach an This month: I suspected one of the front anti-roll bar drop links had come extra Nyloc nut to the bottom of the steering arm, but this isn’t A strange noise was loose, so whipped the nosecone off – I’ve now perfected doing possible as the bolt has an unthreaded section on it that is the tracked down to a loose this solo as my teenage helper is reluctant – to delve a little perfect length for the rosejoint and machined spacers. Longer steering arm deeper. All the front wishbones felt solid and the front spring/ bolts have longer unthreaded sections so would need more damper units felt fi ne (they do clatter a bit over bumps as they’re packing washers at the top, causing clearance issues. Equally,
66 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
066 Our Cars.indd 66 04/06/2021 12:01 pm IN OUR GARAGES
With the nose removed, all the suspension arms, Top tip – these Laser (6294) alloy wheel bolts are It didn’t take long to find the offending fixing – this anti-roll bar drop links and suspension arms were deep enough to reach most wheelnuts and the plastic M10 bolt had worked loose and the steering arm given a good wiggle to try and find the noisy culprit. shrouds mean you never scratch the powdercoating. was clacking up and down over bumps.
The steering arm bolt is unplated (stronger) and the To replace the spring washer, Peter had the option The M10 bolt on the passenger side was cleaned, unthreaded section precisely matches the spacer of a Schnorr (centre) or the superior Nord-Lock equipped with a Nord-Lock washer, lots of length so the rosejoint can’t run on the thread. (right). He opted for the latter. threadlock and then torqued up.
The driver’s side M10 bolt had a slight trace of So that the bolt tension could easily checked at a It was easy to overlook spanner checking the corrosion on it, so was replaced with a new one and glance in future, without the need for a spanner steering arm bolt as it’s normally covered and also Nord-Locked and threadlocked. check, the heads were marked with paint. hidden away by the wheel.
using a longer screw (ie threaded up to the head) means that the Nord-Lock (bought from Orbital Fasteners – I’d highly rosejoint would be pulling on the threads, which would flatten over recommend getting hold of the catalogue www.orbitalfasteners. time and create play and slop in the steering – poor engineering. co.uk). It’s cheapest to buy these in bulk, but you can buy them in GD designs all its suspension and steering bolts to run on the flat whatever quantities you want for around 50 to 60p each. unthreaded sections, for this very reason. They also specify unplated These special locking washers come in two sections that each M10 bolts for the steering arms too – they’re slightly stronger than features a serious of opposing cams. When you tighten the bolt chemically plated bolts. up, these cams interlock in the centre, while the outer edges have I’d need to stick with the original bolt length and secure it better. radial teeth on them to grip the head of the bolt. They’re reckoned The solution was to use lots of Loctite on the thread and replace to be one of the most secure ways to attach a fixing and used the spring washer with something better. I had Schnorr washers extensively in mining and offshore projects. in stock, but I decided to go for the ultimate in lock washers: a After tightening up the left-hand bolt, I checked the driver’s side and found that to be fine. However, the M10 bolt had the faintest trace of surface corrosion so I replaced it with a new bolt, added the Nord-Lock washer and lots of Loctite and refitted it. “I LEANED ON THE STEERING The car was a lot quieter over the bumps and, funnily enough, seemed a lot more precise on the steering. I’ve paint marked ARM TO PONDER THIS AND IT these bolts so I’ll make sure I double check them periodically in MOVED A LITTLE. AH! GOTCHA” the future. www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 67
066 Our Cars.indd 67 04/06/2021 12:01 pm OUR CARS IN OUR GARAGES END OF AN ERA A fresh MoT and some great drives haven’t proved enough to persuade Ian to keep his Cyclone.
Stent’s Cyclone is unique with its one-off headlights and… Peugeot 405 rear lights. Gives the Volkswagen Viper Green car a fresh look.
Interior is tidy and Astra digital dash is a novelty! The heat shield material came from CBS. It’s used on heat shield between rad and fuel tank.
s this really the end... again? Having previously bought the previous fi ve highlights and you have a car that can traverse and sold two of the 32 Car Craft Cyclones ever built, sweeping and sometimes uneven A-road and back lanes quicker there was once a very real chance that this example than almost anything I’ve driven. Seven, styling. Love it or loath it, might stay with me to the grave. But it doesn’t seem that the Cyclone looks unlike anything else on the road, and that means will be the case. In the last issue you may have read that I love it. I’d managed to get the Cyclone through an MoT after having So why sell? Being based around early Cavalier and Astra been off the road for at least a year. And since then I’ve been components, unlike a typical Ford based kit car, many components Idriving it locally whenever the weather has allowed... and just can be hard to fi nd and are expensive when you can get hold of IAN recently that’s been quite often. them. Th e Vauxhall components around the engine are particularly STENT When I’m not driving the car, the desire to move it on and frustrating and, having put so much time and money into keeping perhaps buy something new and diff erent seems overwhelming, the car going (and having it painted by Auto Mirage), I think Project: but as soon as I slide down behind the steering wheel and head out I’m simply running out of energy. An engine refresh and move CC Cyclone onto the road, that all changes. to throttle bodies is almost certainly the logical next step to take This month: So what is it I love about this car? First, there’s the driving (although a simple engine refresh might suffi ce because, in reality, Stent fi nally decides position which, with its adjustable pedalbox, is pretty much perfect. the car is still impressively quick). But I don’t think it’s going to be that it’s time to move Second, there’s the view through the Fiat windscreen – me who will see the fruits of that labour. the Cyclone on the dipping, super low bonnet line gives the Cyclone a dramatic With the bodywork modifi cations I oversaw with the ever- driver’s eye view of the road ahead. Th ird, the ride. Th e Cyclone talented Andy Westgate, mine is now a completely unique car and rides softly, making it comfortable but, with good damping balance, I think the Peugeot 405 rear lights work spectacularly well, while retaining excellent contact with the road where harder suspension the new front headlight covers and small lamp units keep the may struggle over the bumps. Th e ride on the Cyclone is, I feel, bonnet line low, and little mods such as removing the divider in the nothing short of remarkable. Four, the grip. Mid-engined cars front grille make subtle but signifi cant diff erences. can often feel unnervingly light over the front end, but not here So what’s it worth? Well, whatever anyone is prepared to pay I – there’s plenty of front end grip and the rear digs in hard too. suppose. I’m asking £8000 for it and considering the amazing Five, steering. Linked to number four, the grip of the Cyclone paint job, very clean interior and driving ability of the car I think is astonishing. At the front the steering feels substantial and it’s about right. Only time will tell and, who knows, perhaps it predictable. Six, the handling. Th e Cyclone feels small on the road will stay with me to the grave! Alternatively, you can fi nd me at and it changes direction remarkably quickly... combine it with all [email protected]
68 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
066 Our Cars.indd 68 04/06/2021 12:01 pm ISSUE 34 WWW.CARBUILDER.COM [email protected]
Heating & Aircon • Mechanical Parts • Interior • Braking & Clutch • Exhaust Systems
DON’T MISS OUR NEW CATALOGUE AVAILABLE NOW!
OVER 7,000 PRODUCTS AVAILABLE DOWNLOAD OR ORDER YOUR COPY FROM OUR WEBSITE
One Stop Shop Wiring Diagrams Includes Hints & Tips Specifi cation Charts IVA Approved Products
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 69 01580 891309 - 01580 448007 - 01580 448017
CBSad Layout.inddDecember 2020.indd 69 1 04/06/202123/10/2020 10:25 12:30 am TECH TALK INJECTION For this month’s Tech Talk, John Dickens takes a deep dive into fuel injection. Words: John Dickens Diagrams: John Dickens and Sarah Scrimshaw
y the early 1980s, the carburettor had effectively reached the end of its development. Over the years, it had become increasingly sophisticated and complex in order to meet the ever more stringent demands for high power with good fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. As these Bdemands continued to become even more restrictive, car manufacturers increasingly turned to fuel injection to meet their needs. This was by no means a new technology. Diesel engines had always been injected of course, but even during World War Two the Mercedes and later the Rolls-Royce aero engines used petrol injection to avoid carburettor problems caused by varying g forces during flight. The main difference between these alternative fuel systems is the way the liquid fuel is atomised. In a carburettor the fuel is drawn through a jet and mixed with fast moving low pressure air in a venturi. A fuel injector atomises the fuel by forcing it through a fine nozzle at high pressure. Competition car engines began using mechanical petrol injection shortly after World War Two with Bosch producing a commercial system around 1952. In the UK, Lucas developed its mechanical system which was fitted to the Triumph TR5 in 1967 and later to the TR6 and the 2.5 PI saloons.
TR6 Lucas Shuttle Metering unit.
This system used fuel at high pressure (100psi) to which made it possible to monitor many more operate the shuttle metering system and to open engine parameters and to more accurately regulate the spring loaded injectors. The shuttles pump a the fuel delivery to obtain high power with good fuel measured quantity of fuel to the correct injector economy and low exhaust emissions. as determined by the position of an engine driven Modern fuel injection is capable of very accurate rotary distribution unit. The travel of the shuttle fuel metering and can produce engine performance and therefore the quantity of fuel injected is which would be impossible with any carburettor controlled by the inlet manifold vacuum (manifold system. The actual fuel injectors are very accurately Individual throttle bodies. absolute pressure) acting on a control wedge or cam. machined components but are quite simple in This was a relatively crude system and could give operation. They are basically solenoid operated valves problems with fuel vaporisation in hotter climates which open when the ECU applies a voltage to the High pressure fuel supply but it produced more power than contemporary solenoid coil. The fuel is supplied to the injectors at carburettors at the expense of poorer emissions a regulated pressure (usually around 3bar or 45psi) Hydraulic amplifier (the American export TR6 used twin Stromberg and is metered to the cylinders by controlling how CV carburettors in order to comply with local long the injectors remain open (the pulse width). emission regulations). The Bosch K-Jetronic system This could be less than 1millisecond (0.001sec) introduced in 1974 was also a mechanical system at idle and perhaps 10milliseconds or more when and was of the continuous flow type in which fuel full power is required. This depends on the engine sprays from the injectors in a constant stream but size, required power output and the flow rate of the
Control valve at a variable rate. The fuel flow rate was controlled injectors, which are available in different sizes and Nozzle mechanically by a cam operated by a movable blade flow capabilities. The number and positioning of the in the inlet airstream. Fuel injection really came into fuel injectors also varies depending on the required Piezoelectric injector. its own with the development of electronic systems performance and cost considerations.
70 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
070 Tech Talk.indd 70 04/06/2021 2:13 pm FUEL INJECTION
Injector Throttle body Fuel spray Butter y Air box
De ector
Injector Injectors
Port runners Port runners
Single-point injection. Multi-point injection. Direct petrol injection.
SINGLE-POINT (THROTTLE BODY) injection. In a simultaneous system all the injectors pressures need to be much higher, typically around INJECTION are energised together and fuel is injected into each 2000psi. This high pressure fuel is stored in an This simple system has a lot in common with a inlet port at the same time regardless of piston accumulator which is known as the ‘common rail’. single carburettor arrangement and helped to keep position. In a batched system pairs or small groups The high operating pressure, and the fact that the changeover costs low in the early years by allowing of injectors operate together and in a fully sequential fuel injectors are directly exposed to the combustion some of the same ancillary components such as the system the injectors are energised individually and process, means the injectors need to be made from manifold, fuel lines and air cleaner to be re-used with are timed to inject the fuel on the inlet stoke of the significantly more durable materials. Piezo-electric little or no modification. Essentially the carburettor cylinder they are serving. Engines with siamesed injectors, which have a much faster response time, is replaced by a centrally located throttle body inlet ports, such as the BLMC A and B-Series units are now being chosen in preference to the solenoid carrying a single fuel injector. This is mounted on have a particular problem with port injection. Their operation. Depending on the positioning of the an inlet manifold which distributes the mixture to firing order is 1-3-4-2 so cylinder two fires just injectors in the cylinder wall or cylinder head, the cylinders as required. Single-point injection is a before cylinder one and, since these two cylinders modified pistons featuring deflectors may be required big improvement over a carburettor system allowing share an inlet port (and a fuel injector), cylinder two to produce a homogeneous fuel/air mixture. more accurate fuel metering and greater airflow tends to take most of the fuel air mixture leaving Direct injection is capable of producing a through the throttle body, since there is no restrictive less for cylinder one. A similar situation arises for stratified charge in the combustion chamber and the venturi, but it still suffers from fuel drop out and cylinders three and four. This phenomenon, known as control systems can deliver different mixture ratios poor mixture distribution caused by the convoluted charge robbing, is not as problematic for carburettors depending on operating conditions. They can also inlet manifold runners. since they supply fuel and air on a continuous basis vary the timing of the fuel pulse according to load but with fuel injection charge robbing can only be and can even inject more than one fuel pulse in a MULTI-POINT INJECTION minimised either by moving the injectors away from combustion cycle. It has been found beneficial, under This system uses separate injectors for each cylinder. the inlet ports to produce a ‘wet manifold’ or by very some circumstances, to inject a second quantity They are normally positioned just before each careful timing of the injection pulses. of fuel as the piston is descending on the power cylinder head inlet port so that they inject the stroke. This precise control over fuel metering and fuel towards the inlet valve. The airflow may be DIRECT PETROL INJECTION injection timing produces even more power than controlled by one single butterfly or there may be This system has also been with us for over 70 years multi-point port injection systems along with better individual throttle bodies with separate butterflies having being used in Junkers and Daimler-Benz fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions although for each cylinder. Since the fuel is injected so close aero engines in World War Two and in the 1955 this is achieved at the expense of much higher cost to the valve there is little or no fuel drop out and Mercedes 300SL. It differs from all the previous and complexity. Direct petrol injection is particularly fuel metering and mixture distribution are close examples in that the petrol is injected directly into beneficial in two-stroke engines which, because of to ideal allowing better overall performance than the combustion chamber of the engine. In this their piston controlled porting, tend to expel some single-point injection but with penalties in cost respect it is very similar to diesel injection. There unburnt fuel into their exhaust systems. By delaying and complexity. With multiple injectors there are are some significant differences between this system the fuel injection until all the ports are closed their a number of possibilities for the timing of the fuel and the port injection dealt with previously. Fuel exhaust emissions can be cleaned up dramatically.
Fuel
To inlet mainfold Injector
Coil energised Connector
Piston
Solenoid coil Moveable stop Shuttle Throttle body
Armature retracted Armature
Return spring
Valve opens Control wedge Valve head Butter y
Fuel delivery To injector Fuel in
Fuel injector operation. Shuttle metering mechanical injection. Single-point injection.
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 71
070 Tech Talk.indd 71 04/06/2021 2:13 pm MORE EDITIONS ONLINE WITH EASY SEARCH FACILITY! www.completekitcar.co.uk/backissues BACKMORE ISSUES AT WWW.COMPLETEKITCAR.CO.UK/BACKISSUES ISSUES CALL: 01476 978843 SOLD OUT
Stoneleigh 2018 May 2018 June 2018 July 2018 August 2018 September 2018 • Marlin Sportster V8 • Equilibrium Sonic7 • Anu Dimension GTB RS • Two Ultima GTRs • Rennen GT • Sylva Riot • GBS Zero 2.5-litre • MK Indy • Rage Comet R • Land’s End Trial • Ronart W152 V8 • AK 427 LS7 • Probe 15 • Autotune Aristocat Pt2 • Candy Apple Finale • GTM Libra at 20 • Interstyl Hustler • Burton 2CV pick-up • Autotune Aristocat build • Chesil Spanish road trip • Tiger HS6 • Hawk Daytona • Quantum 2+2 Pt2 • Ginetta G15 Pt2 • Ford Zetec • AK 427 build • AK 427 Pt2 • Quantum 2+2 resto • Ginetta G15 resto • Mazda MX-5 engine SOLD SOLD LAST OUT OUT FEW
October 2018 November 2018 December 2018 January 2019 February 2019 March 2019 • Triking Type 4 • Blitzworld Beast • Tifosi JEM • Iconic Speedster • MEV Exocet Mk3 • Dax Coupé • Automotve Nostalgia • Anu Dimension GTB Pt2 • GD 427s Pt2 • Su olk SS100 Pt2 • West eld Eleven • Marlin EXi • Rotodama Rediscovery • Lotus Seven GT • Grinsvens Classics • Diesel Marlin Sportster • Sylva Striker • Jago Geep Pt2 • Dutton P1 • Tiger Avon • Su olk SS100 build • Ford Pinto engine • Jago Geep restoration • BMW 328 replica build • Anu Dimension build • GD 427 builds • How to t headlights • DIY wheel alignment • How to rivnut • A-series engine pro le SOLD OUT
April 2019 Stoneleigh 2019 May 2019 June 2019 July 2019 August 2019 • Pilgrim Speedster • Hawk 289 • Exo SVE Rocket II • RS Retro B200 • Ultima Sports • Mini based group test • Grinnall Scorpion • Z-Cars Fiabusa • Gardner Douglas GD 427 • DeHavilland F48 • Autotune anniversary • Vortex V2 • Grande Finale • GBS Zero Pt2 • SHADO Jeep • Rochdale GT Pt2 • Classic Coachworks • Pilgrim Sumo Pt2 • GBS Zero build • RS Retro B200 • New Zealand road trip • Ford Zetec engine • Chevrolet LS engine • How to map an engine • Electrical relays • Towing legalities • Rochdale GT restomod • Pre-lit West eld build • Pilgrim Sumo build • GCS Hawke build
072 Back issues DPS.indd 72 04/06/2021 11:22 am BUY 3 GET 1 FREE LIMITED TIME SOLD SOLD LAST OUT OUT FEW
September 2019 October 2019 November 2019 December 2019 January 2020 February 2020 • Gardner Douglas T70 • DeHavilland DVT GTS • MEV Replicar • One-o GT40 replica • Iconic Speedster 987 • RoadRunner SR2 • Tiger anniversary • MK Indy RX-5 • King sher Overlander • DeHavilland F48 • Beetle based group test • Austin-Healey LFTOVRS • MEV Electrocet • Dutton drag car Pt2 • Healy Enigma Pt2 • MK Indy Pt2 • Willys Jeep replica Pt2 • Fiero Factory 427 • GCS Hawke Pt2 • Healy Enigma build • MK Indy build • Willys Jeep replica build • A day at Automec • Ford Ecoboost pro le • Dutton drag car build • A day at Speedy Cables • Ford Cross ow pro le • Fitting LED lighting • How to form metal • Midas Mk4 Pt1 SOLD SOLD OUT OUT
March 2020 April 2020 Stoneleigh 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 • MNR Vortx • GT40 replica build Pt2 • GBS Zero Gen 2 • Ford v Ferrari replicas • AK SS • Eco Classics Eleven EV • Maserati A6 replica • Masterco Countach rep • Imp based group test • Lotus Seven group test • Blitzworld DX10 & DX30 • Andrew MacLean • Midas Mk4 Pt2 • Robin Hood Hood • Dutton and Spartan • Sylva Phoenix Pt2 • Zetec to Ecoboost swap • West eld Pt2 • Working with GRP • Trackday prep • Sylva Phoenix build • Talking Shop with MK • Anu Dimension build • MEK SS3 one-o build • GT40 replica build • GCS Hawke build • Sprockets and chains • MEV Exocet build • E10 fuel • How to choose air tools SOLD SOLD OUT OUT
August 2020 Sepetember 2020 October 2020 November 2020 December 2020 January 2021 • Anu Dimension Pt2 • Buckland B3 • MK Indy car v bike power • MEV Exocet Mk3 • Gardner Douglas GD 427 • Pembleton T24 • Merlin special • MEV Exocet Pt2 • Dax 427 Hardtop • Caterham Super Seven • Ginetta G4 racer • Triumph special Pt2 • MEK SS3 one-o Pt2 • Rochdale GT Pt2 • Miller Haven Baja Pt2 • Autotune Gemini • Raw Striker Pt2 • Bohanna Stables Nymph • Rochdale GT restoration • Miller Haven Baja build • Autotune Gemini build • Raw Striker build • Triumph special build • Autotune Aristocat build • Kit car electrics • How to test brake uid • Toybox Specialist Cars • Improve brake pedal feel • Bleeding brakes • All-in-one socket sets
February 2021 March 2021 April 2021 Spring 2021 May 2021 June 2021 • MK Indy • Chesil Motor Company • Metro 6R4 replica Pt2 • AK 427 • DJC V-Storm WR3 • Gardner Douglas GD427 • Autotune Aristocat Pt2 • One-o 750 racer • Clan Crusader • Baja Buggy special Pt2 • Edge Devil V8 • Ultima GTR Pt2 • Scamp overseas • Dax Rush Alfa V6 • Exo SVE Rocket II Pt2 • Mini kit collection • XCS Designs • Chevrolet Special • Metro 6R4 replica build • Exo SVE Rocket II build • Baja buggy special build • Edge Devil V8 build • Tiger RM7 • Anu Dimension build • A day in the life of Batho • Kitting out your garage • Wiring safety • How to spec alloy wheels • Ultima GTR build • Spanner sets guide
072 Back issues DPS.indd 73 04/06/2021 11:23 am QUANTUM SPORTS CARS
QUANTUM XTREME Stainless steel monocoque chassis Multiple engine options Motorsport pedigree
Tel: 01364 388008 Email: [email protected] Unit 7 Kingswood Court, South Brent, Devon TQ10 9YS
Specialist kit car insurance for your pride and joy
For enthusiasts, by experts
Call our Specialist Vehicles Team 01635 874 646 www.aplanspecialist.co.uk
A-Plan Insurance is a trading style of A-Plan Holdings who are authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 2 Des Roches Square, Witney, OX28 4LE. Registration number 750484. AP2009/11
74 AP2009-00_KitCar_A5_HalfPage.inddJuly 2021 1 www.completekitcar.co.uk23/09/2020 15:50:56
ad Layout.indd 74 04/06/2021 10:25 am Hi Spec FP January 2020.indd 1 If you don’t see what you are looking for please call us for all your stopping needs Are you looking for bespoke brakes where you want the best? Please contact us for prices Please visit our website or call for our full range and prices We off er billet and lightweight Ford Cortina hubs, full upright assemblies Please like our facebook page We off er 1000s of brake kits Hispec Motorsport Ltd to keep up to date with new products Electronic handbrakes are popular on modern vehicles so take the opportunity to purchase a state of the art handbrake We can also supply brackets for EPB spot to fi t your vehicle please enquire
Mechanical Spot Caliper New V3 design with improved lightweight construction, fully adjustable and our most powerful POPULAR KIT CAR BRAKE KITS FRONT ROAD CALIPERS One piece disc Ultralite Starting from CALIPER PAINTED per ANODISED per mechanical handbrake cable 4 brake kits 232mm to 280mm £375.50 ex vat pair ex vat pair ex vat to date. Price per caliper and One piece disc Billet Starting from Ultralite 2 Rad £204 £168 handbrake cable £150 ex vat 4 brake kits 245mm to 305mm £473.50 ex vat Ultralite 4 Rad £209 £180 Looking for something superior? Starting from Billet 4 Rad £342 £280 We can supply many 2-piece disc £748.98 ex vat Monster 4 £456 N/A brake kits to suit your needs Monster 6 £560 N/A DIRECT LUG MOUNT CALIPERS We offer 8-pot calipers which are ideal for big Monster 6 X £600 N/A Caliper Lug type Anodised Painted wheels for that massive caliper and rotor to be Mega Mon £696 N/A per pair per pair centre of attention and ridiculous stopping power ex vat ex vat 8 Pot 400 £798 N/A Ultralite 4 m16 £228 £264 We also have a large range of race caliper and 8 Pot 450 £998 N/A Ultralite 4 Princess £228 £264 race brake kits that would suit even the most Extreme8 £600 N/A Extreme4 £342 £280 Ultralite 4 Sierra £228 £264 hardcore racers Ultralite 4 Caterham 232 £228 £264 Ultralite 4 Caterham 262 £228 £264 HAND BRAKE MECHANICAL HANDBRAKE ELECTRONIC Billet 4 m14 £326 £356 SPOT CALIPERS SPOT CALIPERS CALIPER ANODISED PAINTED each EPB including ECU, ANODISED PAINTED Billet 4 m16 £326 £356 each ex vat ex vat loom and spot caliper each ex vat each ex vat Billet 4 Princess 260 £326 £356 Ultralite 2 SVA N/A £147 EPB Sliding £770 £829 Billet 4 Princess £326 £356 Billet 4 SVA N/A £199.5 EPB Spot £640 £699 Hawk Spot Mech v3 £150 £180
[email protected] www.hispecmotorsport.co.uk +44(0)www.completekitcar.co.uk 1322 286 850 July 2021 75
ad Layout.indd 75 04/06/2021 10:25 am Hi Spec FP January 2020.indd 1 10/01/2020 9:37 am RUNNING REPORTS
Want to know what it’s really like to build a kit car? Our team of Running Reporters tell all about building their cars at home in their garages. Follow their progress every other issue... and maybe even be inspired to get in the garage yourself this weekend... AVANTE, AVANTE e coronavirus pandemic may have slowed him down a bit, but Simon has still managed to nish his custom Avante build in record time.
This custom build features a Subaru turbo engine.
Having the car professionally wrapped was the last job to complete before the Avante hits the road. We will feature Simon’s car in an upcoming issue.
stood back from my Avante this month and realised that I had nished the build... thank god! “THE BODY WAS All that was left to do since my last report was pick a nal colour, initially choosing metallic red for the car. Some SURPRISINGLY WELL of the new reds available are absolutely stunning, and I knew that it would look good as the Avante was already painted PREPARED. IT WAS red. But when the time came to pull the trigger, all I could imagine JUST AS IT CAME Iwas being asked if it was a Ferrari. With that thought, I decided to SIMON go for something completely di erent. I picked pearl white in the FROM AVANTE IN THE SKELDING end, although there could still be a few changes before it appears as a feature car in an upcoming issue. ’80s, WHICH WAS A Project: e body had aged surprisingly well. It was just as it came from Avante Mk1 Avante in the 1980s, which was a welcome surprise. It only needed WELCOME SURPRISE” Age: 53 a small amount of ller in the few nicks and scars I could nd Occupation: during preparation. I rubbed the whole body down a couple of I still had to re t the window seals, as well as a few of the other Suspension times to remove the shine and provide a key to the surface, ready parts that were removed to make the wrapping process easier. ose manufacturer for wrapping. I handed the car over to my friend Tim, who vinyl jobs ended up taking me an extra week in total. Project Start Date: wrapped it in the pearl white livery I had chosen. It took a little It all appeared to be working ne as I steered it around the May 2018 longer than anticipated due to the coronavirus regulations, but it workshop following completion, which means all that’s left to do is totally transformed the car when it was completed. bed everything in. I can nally hit the road. Woohoo!
76 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
Running Reports.indd 76 04/06/2021 11:23 am REAL WORLD BUILDS BREATH OF FRESH AIR Nathan wasn’t happy with the position of the air intake on his kit, so decided to design his own cooling ram-air system this month.
Nathan looked to reroute air...... from beneath the headlines. A cardboard prototype tank...... was recreated in aluminium.
The air inlet’s new housing. The radiator often got in the way. Nathan hopes his new system should...... improve the car’s performance.
ne issue I have with the build-up of the AK kit is Space is tight in the engine bay with the LS3 under the bonnet, the positioning of the air inlet, which is behind the header tank up front and the bonnet hinge mechanism above the radiator that feeds it warm air. is isn’t ideal the radiator. I started measuring up an area around the 4in lter for performance, and after having a bespoke that I could box in. I used an old cardboard box to check my engine built I wanted to be sure I got the most out measurements, rebuilding it into an air box Blue Peter style. of it. With the help of both Kyle Rushall of LSX Performance and Once I was happy with my design, Pro Alloy received the Chris Hazell of Pro Alloy I looked into my options. drawings and cut out the metal. It then produced an aluminium OMy Chevrolet LS3 engine runs 92mm throttle bodies and a box with a removable lid – initially just tacked together for a trial NATHAN factory supplied 4in intake tube, which has a K&N cone lter t. One of my requests was to try not to make it look like a square WATKINS tted. Our rst solution was to try and reposition the air lter, but box, so the team added in detail using die rollers – which should there was no room to run the 4in pipe around the radiator or the also increase the strength of the part. Project: wheel tubs. Two 3in pipes would get through though, but there was e rst trial t brought up a few minor issues. e air lter AK 427 Gen 2 no room in front of the radiator for them both. sat slightly higher than I expected it to, so we had to raise the Age: 42 e only other option was to route cold air from just in front box slightly. We were able to nalise the design with some minor Occupation: of the radiator. is looked like the best option, so I started to modi cations, after which I had it fully welded and powdercoated Electronic engineer, design an air box that could enclose the cone lter. e air box will – in black, of course! precision farming have two 3in inlets, which I plan to feed via exible air ducting. e nished item ts perfectly and looks great. Once I have the Project start date: e pipes will run through both sides of the engine bay from a engine running, and I’m able to drive the car, I will need to see October 2019 duct mounted behind the grilles beneath the headlights. e only how it idles. It may need a hole cutting in to it to ensure it gets downside of this plan is that it will reduce the cool air available to su cient air ow when the car is stationary and not bene tting the front brakes discs, but it shouldn’t be noticeable. from the ram-air e ect. RUNNING REPORTS IS SUPPORTED BY Car Builder Solutions ETB Instruments Dampertech Woolies Midland Wheels SiliconHoses.com T: 01580 891309 T: 01702 601055 T: 01709 703992 T: 01778 347347 T: 01926 817444 T: 0845 8385364 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.cbsonline.co.uk W: www.etbinstruments.com W: www.dampertech.co.uk W: www.woolies-trim.co.uk W: www.midlandwheels.com W: www.siliconhoses.com
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 77
Running Reports.indd 77 04/06/2021 11:23 am RUNNING REPORTS BODY WORK Andy purchases a new bodykit this month, but it wasn’t quite the right one for his car. It did lead him in the right direction though.
The Triumph chassis awaiting its new body. The A352 body apes race cars of the ’50s. Andy wanted to be sure he could sit ‘in’ the car.
Gas bottles helped Andy weigh down the rear.. ...of the car while he set up the rear suspension. In the end, the Triumph engine proved too tall.
ver the past month or so I have been busy rushing around buying parts, including a new set of shock absorbers, nuts and bolts for my project. Despite this, I don’t seem to have progressed very far with the build. After a couple of false starts, owing to the coronavirus travel restrictions, I was nally able to travel to Dorset recently to pick up my latest purchase. OA couple of years back I bought a Mistral body tub from Tribute ANDY Automotive, only for it to spend a short period of time gathering The A352 body is for sale, with Andy reverting back to Plan A. WESTGATE dust in the workshop before I sold it on to a chap in the Channel Islands. I always liked the simplicity of the Mistral, so I thought I’d Project: give it another go. e Mistral body is now sold through Old No.7 e Spartan has the Triumph 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine, Spartan Special Kits and, after a quick phone call, I ordered another. However, which sits fairly high up. I mentioned in my last report that I had Age: 64 before the team had even started to lay-up my shell, I changed my managed to lower my engine by about an inch or two, but it still Occupation: mind and placed an order for an A352 body instead, having seen wasn’t low enough to t beneath the new front clam. I would need Fibreglass repair some truly wonderful results with it. to change the tted Dell’Orto carburettors for Webers and attach and design I’m using a Triumph Herald chassis, which is 5in longer than a new manifold and throttle bodies, all of which would cost me Project Start Date: the related Triumph Spit re donor intended for the kit. I asked around £3000. An alternative solution would be to mould and August 2014 for a two-piece body, which meant I could extend the front clam bond in a couple of GRP bulges, but that would spoil the overall to make it look more like the classic race cars it’s a tribute to – the look of the car. wheelbase of the original Jaguar D-Type is very nearly the same as is was quite the stumbling block for me. It caused me quite a my Herald chassis. few sleepless nights as I tried to work out a solution, but then one While I was thinking about appearances, I put out an order for Sunday morning in bed – when I’d normally be reading a Peter a new set of 15in by 6in wire wheels from Motor Wheel Service James, Ian Rankin or Lynda La Plante detective novel – I began International. My Spartan donor car came with a fairly new set of scrolling though the homebuilt special forums on my phone and 15in wheels, but in a moment of madness I thought that an extra found the solution... I think you can see where this is going! inch would really improve the overall look. e new wheels should e engine can stay where it is and I’m not going to have to ll out the voluminous wheel arches more convincingly. cough up the money for throttle bodies or new carbs. I can also I am over 6ft tall, so there is always the danger of me looking employ the lovely chrome bowl headlights, which I purchased for like Noddy when I’m driving an open-top sports car. Because of my Merlin and didn’t use. I may even get to take a mould from my this, I always aim to get my seat as low in the body as possible. old Riley boat-tail buck that’s been languishing in the workshop. After a trial t I was happy with the rear bodywork, which lined up Yes, the story has now come full circle. e project began as a nicely with my shoulders. e next issue, also height related, was Spartan special and not a Jaguar lookalike, then after more twists how to lower the back end of the car while it didn’t have the fuel and turns than an Agatha Christie play we’re back where we tank and other weighty bits tted. In the end, I loaded the car with started – though now with a clearer picture of where we’re going. a few empty gas bottles, which seemed to work. Does anyone want to buy a cheap A352 kit?
78 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
Running Reports.indd 78 04/06/2021 11:23 am REAL WORLD BUILDS A MOUNTING DILEMMA Having chosen a unique engine for their build, Jamie and Blake Robinson had to work out how they were to mount it to their Aeon this month.
The duo played around with the jacks to set the engine in position. The engine mounts were prototyped...... in 9mm plywood sheet.
The rst design was too complicated. Prototype number two worked...... and was converted into a CAD part. The Volkswagen VR6 engine sits tall.
reedom of choice is a great thing, but too much choice can leave you with the di cult question of “WE NEED A TURBO. whether you made the right decision in the rst place, endlessly wondering whether something WHAT A SHAME!” else would have been easier. is was the situation we were put in after electing to mount an engine into a kit car gear until the engine was positioned relative to the chassis. en we that hasn’t been tried before. In fact, I can nd no evidence that could align the driveshafts to the uprights and stub axles. Fanyone has ever put a Volkswagen VR6 engine of any avour e belt side of the engine was straightforward enough to set, JAMIE & BLAKE into any type of kit car (answers on a postcard please, as we though the gearbox side was more challenging due to there being ROBINSON would love to know). a gap that needed to be crossed. e rst design didn’t appear to Our rst trial tting showed just how tight the VR6 engine work, as the forces looked to be acting in the wrong direction. We Occupations: IT is on the Aeon’s chassis, as we explained in our last report. e changed the design to push downwards more than outwards. With Manager and Prospective rst clear snag was the aircon and power steering pumps, this design looking good, we transferred the measurements into a Automotive Engineer which were touching the front of the bay. at issue was easy to CAD suite where we could make detailed, accurate drawings that and schoolboy sort, as we’re not going to use either. e next challenge was a can be used to laser cut and fabricate the nished parts. Project: Aeon GT2 lack of engine mounts, which left us with the task of producing e next dilemma came when we showed the designs to David Ages: 46 and 13 our own. Bowen at Aeon. He commented, “ at engine looks very tall.” Project Start Date: e rst stage was mocking up a set of templates in 9mm Dropping the rear clam onto the chassis revealed that the intake May 2020 plywood, which we thought was close enough to the 10mm manifold stuck out from the top, and the crankcase breather fouled steel required. is required a game that many will be familiar the body. is gives us an excuse to switch to a short-runner intake, with, leaving us to play around with the jacks and other lifting and for that we need a turbo. What a shame! RUNNING REPORTS IS SUPPORTED BY Car Builder Solutions ETB Instruments Dampertech Woolies Midland Wheels SiliconHoses.com T: 01580 891309 T: 01702 601055 T: 01709 703992 T: 01778 347347 T: 01926 817444 T: 0845 8385364 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.cbsonline.co.uk W: www.etbinstruments.com W: www.dampertech.co.uk W: www.woolies-trim.co.uk W: www.midlandwheels.com W: www.siliconhoses.com
www.completekitcar.co.uk July 2021 79
Running Reports.indd 79 04/06/2021 3:01 pm CARS FOR SALE Book your ad now! £25 for two months (private advertisers) W: www.completekitcar.co.uk T: 01476 978843 E: [email protected]
GBS ZERO 2017, Mazda 1.8 engine, 5-speed, pro SYLVA JESTER Registered 2000, MoT’d every year BANHAM PORSCHE 550 SPYDER REPLICA Built WANTED Accident or completion project of a build, only 500 miles in last three years, one owner, since build, 7500 miles. 1100cc Ford Crossflow, some on Skoda Rapid, Alfa Romeo Sud 1750cc injection Lamborghini Countach replica with V5 document. lots of donor history, £9500. T: John – 07872 450462 gelcoat crazing, slight oil leak, £2150 ono. T: Clive – engine. Will have new MOT. Superb example, £22,000 Please offer everything. CCK Kempten 0049 831 E: [email protected] (Cheshire). 07956 410465. E: [email protected] (Essex). offers considered. T: 07801 082434 (Hampshire). 95502 or [email protected] (Germany).
GARDNER DOUGLAS Mk3 New Chevrolet LS6 V8 ENFIELD 8000 ELECTRIC CAR One of 120 built. FISHER FURY Unfinished. Rolling chassis, 2.0 Zetec, VINDICATOR SPRINT V8 Rover V8, mild road cam, dyno’d at 456bhp. Electric PAS, new Tremec 5-speed 1975. Complete with substantial spares package, Type 9 gearbox, new prop shaft and Sierra diff. Sylva lightened flywheel, close ratio box, Sierra LSD. No manual gearbox, extended footwell, £45,000 ono. £3800. T: 01780 410169 (Lincolnshire). Stylus body. Almost a complete kit, £3250. T: Paul – trackday use. MoT September 2021, £6995 ono. T: 07926 T: 01905 821721 (Worcestershire). 07787 560133. E [email protected] (Dorset). 507229. E: [email protected] (Sheffield).
ROYALE SABRE Registered October 2019 as new. MoT BUCKLAND B3 Built by PSS, finished by owner. June GKD LEGEND BMW E46 330ci based. Built to a very SS100 Unique evocation, 3.8-litre E-Type engine, to 2022, 134 miles. Leather interior. Brand new 2.9 V6, 2019, on ’19’ plate. Ford Kent 1300 GT approx 70bhp, high standard. 2019 on age related plate. Cost me in running gear and brakes. Requires recommissioning new Mohair hood, electric windows, PAS, £17,000 Type 3 box, rebuilt, £18,000. T: Peter – 01225 891634 total over £15,000, asking £9995 which I think is very before use, seats need trimming, £28,250. T: 020 8651 5711 E: [email protected] (Surrey). 07733 327164. E: [email protected] (SW). fair. E: [email protected] (West Yorkshire). E: [email protected] T: 07738 438699. ADVERTISE
GBS ZERO 2016. 2002 Mazda 1.8i engine, 5-speed FERRARI REPLICA Steel roof MR2 import (no rust. manual. Sold with a new MOT. meticulous build, UK Woodsport V6 conversion in 2008, recon gearbox ONLINE AND delivery available, £11,500. T: Neil – 07960 870446. 19in wheels with almost new P-Zeros, £14,500. E: [email protected] (Gainsborough). T: 01765 600558 (Ripon, North Yorkshire).
1985 FIERO FINALE I purchased the 1985 Fiero Finale in 2002, it now IN PRINT has 59,000 miles on the clock and has an MoT JUST £25 FOR TWO MONTHS until September 2020.The car is now right-hand- Place your advert today drive, with a manual 5-speed gearbox, updated When you place a classified advert with Complete Kit Car magazine, it bodywork, interior, suspension. New paintwork, appears on our website for two months and in two editions of the magazine. new tyres etc. For all further details see April issue To place your ad… of Complete Kit Car or www.piperracingcars.co.uk. 1) Got to www.completekitcar.co.uk to book and pay for your advert, filling As the original designer of the Finale body style, I out the wording in the ‘comments’ box when you place the order (or call us on can confirm that this is the only Fiero Grand Finale 01476 978843 with your wording and payment details) ever produced! £12,950 ovno. T: – Tony Claydon – 2) Email a photo to [email protected] 01621 851589 (Essex).
80 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
080 Classifieds.indd 80 04/06/2021 12:24 pm BRITISH KIT CARS OF THE 1970s OUT NOW! Excess All Areas British Kit Cars of the 1970s by Richard Heseltine
From ABC to Zita – and all the better- known names too – this new book covers every kit car available in the industry’s wildest decade – the 1970s. Including around 400 photographs – many of which have never been published before. £27
“It’s a book as much about lost car culture as it is about the cars themselves” Classic Cars magazine
“My personal book of the year... a fact laden gem” Steve Hole, TKC
“This is a great fun book... right up our street in creativity, ingenuity or just plain wackiness” Jeroen Booij, Maximum Mini
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY CALL 01476 978843 www.completekitcar.co.ukWWW.PERFORMANCEPUBLISHING.CO.UKJuly 2021 81
adExcess Layout.indd All Areas 81 FP.indd 1 04/06/202111/02/2021 10:25 11:20 am FINISH EVERYTHING THAT DIDN’T FIT INTO THE REST OF THE MAG
IN BRIEF
FLATPACK KIT CAR
merican student Ryan Schlotthauer THE FOXBAT accidentally fooled many of the motoring We’re always on the lookout press last month after he posted his for unusual home builds in the intriguing creative studies thesis online. Complete Kit Car office, so we were The thesis centred around a clever electric pleased to spot this distinctive microcar design, which was to be produced through a looking Jaguar based shooting fictional collaboration between Renault and Ikea – the latter brake special last month. Built by company’s involvement being the reason it caught our eye. enthusiast Geoffrey Stevens in A The undisputed market leader in flatpack furniture sales, the mid-1970s, the ‘Foxbat’ is the the Swedish brand’s influence on the project meant that which did a full report on the design prior to Schlotthauer’s amalgamation of a Jaguar XK150 the HÖGA was to be both brands’ first kit car, featuring announcement that it was only part of a university project. and the rear end of a Morris Minor over 347 separate parts in all. We all rated Schlotthauer’s Despite having nothing to do with the project, Ikea and Traveller. It was built for transporting Bauhaus influenced design in the office when we spotted it Renault have responded seperately to the HÖGA. Both his two dogs around. doing the rounds, and were disappointed to hear the news praised Schlotthauer’s design, while each distanced itself A popular car in classic Jaguar that it wasn’t a legitimate project after all. We were probably from the project after it went viral. A response like that circles, it has been part of several not as disappointed as outlets such as L’Automobile, surely deserves top marks from the examiner? collections in both the UK and France over the years. If you’re in the market for such a practical classic VETERINARY PRACTICE Jaguar, it was available for sale via Justin Banks at the time of writing. W: www.justinbanks.com
It’s been a while since contributor several places prior to giving it to his James Horsley last featured in Our mother as a gift. KIT CAR GRAVEYARD Cars, as he sold both his Nova and James isn’t the only Complete Kit We were surprised to see this beach buggy last year. Despite the lack Car contributor to work on fibreglass Banham X21 languishing at the of kit cars in the garage, he did manage creatures, as Andy Westgate has Manchester Food and Drink Festival to find some fibreglass to play with recently restored both a GRP gorilla recently. Rot in peace, little Banham! this month, following the delivery of and plastic cow through his a lightly damaged and poorly made Westgate Composites business. It just garden planter. James fixed up the goes to show that some kit car skills Next issue on sale dachshund himself, strengthening it in are transferable! Friday 16 July
82 July 2021 www.completekitcar.co.uk
082 finish.indd 82 04/06/2021 11:24 am FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF NEW
AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICS EXCESS ALL AREAS MODIFY, IMPROVE & UPGRADE UK KIT CAR GUIDE A practical guide to automotive British kit cars of the 1970s, the Hands on guidance to modify, Profi les on over 40 cars you can build electrics for the DIY restorer specialist car scene’s wildest decade improve and upgrade your kit car yourself, plus how to go about it NEW
KIT CAR WORKSHOP NOTES HAYNES ROADSTER MEV EXOCET LIFE NEAR THE EDGE A note-form book of tips for Follow step-by-step the build of a Haynes Follow step-by-step the build of a Mazda Comic thriller set in the world better kit car building Roadster, including chassis fabrication MX-5 based MEV Exocet of the classic car trade
RICHIE GINTHER STEPHEN SOUTH 1994 TOM PRYCE The fi rst authorised biography of The story of Stephen South, a man whose The untold story of a tragic and Memories of a Welsh Formula One American racing driver Richie Ginther motorsport career was cut short by fate controversial Formula One season star by those who knew him CALL 01476 978843 OR VISIT www.completekitcar.co.ukWWW.PERFORMANCEPUBLISHING.CO.UKJuly 2021 83
adAll booksLayout.indd ad – CKC 83 version.indd 81 04/06/202104/06/2021 10:25 9:54 am 01892 750341 Oakdene, 01892 750282 Riverhall Hill, [email protected] Frant, East Sussex www.hawkcars.co.uk TN3 9EP
Giro d’Italia
For the ultimate in authenticity, quality & engineering integrity …a motoring icon may be closer to reality than you ever thought
Workshop
HF 3000 All parts available for original 289 & 427 cars
FIA version also GRP or aluminium available GRP or bodywork aluminium bodywork
Supplier of coffin spoke and 84 July 2021289 1.8/2.6 Coupe FIA Mk2 & Mk3www.completekitcar.co.uk 427 wheels
ad Layout.indd 84 04/06/2021 10:25 am