Green Monster Racing

New livery for 2011.. shake n bake!

2011-07-11T22:08:00.000+01:00

I think it's fair to say the esprit will go through various iterations and liveries over time.

Some work was required to the front end so I used the opportunity to try a more daring front end look and save on expense of full repaint. Not as classic looking as before but definitely more eye grabbing.

What you may not be able to make out is the subtle chequer stripes continues into the yellow and faded into the tears down the sides. I think Gaz has done another awesome job. A mix of classic Lotus, Lambo and Corvette C5R.. perfect!

She's almost ready for her first track outing since 2006. She;s still not fully firing but we're getting there after Gaz played with the timings. Running a lot of advance now so sure that'll come back when put on the rollers.

These pics were taking after an impromtu test run on Saturday.

Hope you like.

JB

First Run Report 21.11.10

2010-11-21T22:36:00.000Z

Impromtu first test run today - a bit slippy - on green semi slick R888s (not run, 3yrs old so harndened, and road cold and damp but I persevered. I need to run the car to recharge the battery due to the alternator set-up.
Firstly I managed to get over the speed bumps - hooray! Then to note rear traction was immense - very shocked at that given condition of tyres, secondly front end was lively and tracked everything so a bit front to rear bias weight adjustment may be neccessary. Brakes glazed but started to come back - no servo so felt typically wooden like an Elise.
Grunt is quite shocking after a few years out of a v.fast car.. never used much more than half revs but every gear from say 30 was brutal bar 5th which needed a but more speed but from 50 also relentless.. thought I was in 2nd but I was in 4th etc etc// No idea of speed (no speedo) but the way car would pull up and leave cars was comical on a short run.. very exrteme experience tho for road use and roundabouts taken with extreme caution. steering lighter than expected but will hopefully weight as grip comes to the tyres. Engien very cammy low down and doesn't like to doddle, stop or go -
Initially scary but gradually started to get into it, nice n easy,
Most gauges working okay bar fuel gauge which stopped working this weekend and suspect bad connection at sender or gauge as electrics all new - worrying given engine's likley thirst but easy enough to fix. rear camera is very good and aids the tiny racetech mirrors.
Rear hatch needs more vents - just not enough ways for heat to escape engine bay.. engine running >100 deg F.even on a short run. Good oil pressure >40psi, water temps around 110 degrees and voltmeter was showing only 12 volts, now looked closer to 13 so alternator seems to be doing its thing.
Made a little boy fall of his push bike and a 7 driver almost swallowed his toungue when he went past in the other direction - I gave our fellow loti brethern the typical nod.
LOUD!
JB

P.S. Will post vids as soon as I can get hold of my mount/clamp.

Esprit finally arrives!!

2010-11-07T19:49:00.001Z

Words can't describe the feeling of seeing the 'phoenix' turn up at the door.

Everyone was very happy - can't thank Martyn, Mandy and Merlin @ MVS enough for all their efforts. A very happy Jon standing beside his 'beast'.

Ignition on... She lives!!!!!

2010-10-12T19:06:00.002+01:00

Rear TFT camera in place

2010-07-14T12:58:00.000+01:00

'Stealth' - Merl has done a great job to blend the rear tft camera in. Not much left to do now.. :)

Latest from the shop - almost there!!! lights and doors

2010-07-08T12:36:00.000+01:00

Lights really suiting the le mans look - (amber film). Merl has said they are clearer now with a wash down.

Wheels fill the front arches beatifully, which required some 'modification'.

Nice to see the front screen back in.

Liking the carbon door cards and simple door pulls.

Wheels and front diffuser

2010-06-03T21:03:00.001+01:00

Front wheels on, looking good tho no doubt a front brake upgrade is now possible.

Rear spoiler... ooh carbon!!

2010-06-01T18:57:00.000+01:00

6' rear wing finished, carbon, carbon supports, yellow painted end plates.. lovely!!

Only 4 jobs left to go... the final sprint to the finish!!

2010-05-27T13:07:00.000+01:00

Latest pics from the shop.. nigh on 4 years later and the Phoenix Esprit is almost finally finished... a huge thanks to MVS for picking up the mess left behind by Phoenix Honda.

There are those who talk the talk when it comes to projects and then there are those who 'can'.

http://www.mvsracing.co.uk/

The mother of all front diffusers.. detail shots from interior

2010-05-13T21:33:00.000+01:00

To help off-set the Group C rear wing and diffuser

Alfa ti super-tourer meets Prodrive Cataluyna Impreza WRC meets terminator

And more interior shots

Latest pics from the shop.. colour coding!!

2010-05-13T21:16:00.000+01:00

Last list of jobs being finished off, more colour coding.. looks great> Mirrors, side sills, headline, wheels

Latest from the workshop (23 April).. front end, lights in!

2010-04-23T22:39:00.000+01:00

Getting closer... tick tock.. latest pics in from the shop, body, paint etc pretty much all done!!

Front end is crazy.. hopefully we'll find a way to sort the front cover which has an annoying habit of turning up at the corners and spoiling the line but other than that I think the effect of the ZX lights and the Esprit is awesome! Lights look in great condition.

It'll look even more bonkers with the lower front splitter attached.

JB

Latest from the shop.. nice ass!

2010-04-02T13:30:00.000+01:00

Pic of the rear (wip) minus bumper, diffuser and wing etc.

First impressions - 90s IMSA/GT-P car, very Le Mans..

New Lotus F1 cars hit the track - new livery takes shape on Esprit..!!

2010-03-16T22:59:00.003Z

For anyone who is watching the new F1 Lotus cars hit the track.. the Esprit will celebrate the occassion with this new livery... I was just blown away by this picture recd tonight form the shop.

This blog has moved

2010-03-10T22:45:00.001Z

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March 2010: Latest from the workshop

2010-03-05T00:29:00.001Z

The removable lower splitter assembly is awesome..

colour looks great; panels look spot on

can;t wait to see final result

More paint.. end in sight

2009-11-14T13:02:00.002Z

Now that the dust has settled the final colour can be seen..

Classic Lotus Racing Green metallic.

The modification to the front light surrounds easy to see here - I like how Merlin has continued the line from the wings.. very lamboesque. Martyn's perfectionism paid off.

Paint.... lovely..

2009-11-12T18:44:00.002Z

The silver base coat and Lotus racing green first coat now on.. woo hoo!

Some great colour effects as light hits it..

Almost ready for paint

2009-11-07T11:47:00.002Z

Latest pics from the shop - almost ready for paint..

New lines visible.. front end looks good..

Final prep work before painting

2009-09-27T13:24:00.002+01:00

the end in sight - latest pic form the workshop - final rub down before primer and paint.. not much left to do to shakedown and MOT..

then off to BHP to sale - circa £28k hopefully!!

TR8 Squadron Pictures - 'LAE'

2009-09-27T13:22:00.002+01:00

LAE: Life After Esprit - Some TR8 racing pictures from the 2008 season - new wesbite will be: www.tr8race.com

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/MBlur/TR8%20Squadron/?albumview=slideshow

Latest pics from the workshop

2009-06-28T22:50:00.003+01:00

Rear tailgate looks great with cover in place.. still wing to go on and rear mesh and lower bumper + diffuser.

Oil cooler clearly visible,

What a cockpit - now that's what I call a view.. Only gauge out of line of sight is the engine hours gauge.. chip gnassi nascar instrument binnacle retained and incorporated into the carbon dash.

Note - 50th anniversary Hurst NASCAR shifter

Sparco wheel is detachable and likely to incorporate starter button and a cpl of anicullaries switches.. all very f1 without looking too modern. D-shaped wheel makes entry and sitting position easier.

Hopefully we're on the final stretch now - finishing, paint, shakedown, mot then off to Coys.

Engine bay looks like new - very tidy and exhaust look great in ceramic coating

I suspect end result is going to hit the mark - an appetising buy for any [hardcore] track day go'er, racer or extreme road user..

[Merl says] "excuse the wires in the photos most have been putaway now apart from the one on the tailgae which is for the rear view camera.. its amazing how much longer the car looks with the tailgate on."

Thunder Racing 8s - Knockhill April 2009

2009-05-08T00:13:00.007+01:00

The TR8 Squadron were 3-strong at the first rounds of this year's SMRC Classic and Sports Cars, Willie took 3rd in race 1, Gordon took driver of the day and Bary survived and beat his PB target.. aiming for 4 on the grid for the end May meet..

I took some (limited) footage and cut using my new editing suite..

Roaring engines, retro racing and rock n roll !!!

2009-05-07T22:57:00.001+01:00

2009-05-07T22:56:00.001+01:00

Dials n things.. comin along

2009-03-07T15:34:00.004Z

Merlin almost there with central c/f console and dash - now working on gps-hud speedo and tft rear mirror then finish up with the warning lights, e-cut and extinguiser pull, switches etc.

Left to right: Oil P, Fuel, Diff temp, Engine hours -

____________________________________________________________________

Merlin: "i think all the clocks are now fitted, i left an extra space just incase of sumin in the future. tested your camera this morning looks better than i first thought, routed the wires for it too, just need the sparkie to join them together, if he doesnt turn up tomorrow as promised im going to give him the heave ho. header tank looks the bizz now its in place, i have just finished the fuel lines, im now thinking about throwing the air filter on and tidying a few loose wires in the engine bay that havent been tucked up properly. gears........ well im going to give up for now until its running because i could be worring about nothing, it may neeed the assist of clutch and turning, moving parts before its proper smooth. mounting the gps speedo neatly is going to be a challenge,only because of the wire that sticks out of the side. cheers merlin"

New gear linkage pics.. TFT mirror arrives

2009-03-02T14:34:00.003Z

Merlin: "ok will keep an eye out for the fuel doofa, rear mirror turned up, looks easy to mount.having a bit of trouble with 5th gear, but im hoping that when its running it will be much smoother.had to do a few mods to the linkage nothing mojor thou, needed a bit more leverage on the rotation and that was that. iv had a new alloy header tank made which i will have to send you a pic of as its yummy."

Jon: New gear linkage pics below - not sure about the Anniversary Hurst shifter - plain white one may be better but not spending out at this point - perhaps my pa-in-law might wood turn me a new one... overall shifter looks like it'll do the job nicely.

Dyno graph and sheet from Knights Racing

2009-03-02T14:26:00.002Z

Not as much as hoped but not bad for the small 2-barrell carb (420bhp/390ish lbft) on pump 97 RON - 470ish on a 4-barrell and easy switch if I wanted it and forego some economy. If I then want over 500 -550 I'll need to rebuild the engine and find the missing revs etc.

Given the problems encountered I'm quite happy with this.

So, for now..

Gearchange.. Rod's out! New custom cable linkage in

2009-02-20T23:04:00.002Z

M n M didn't like the recalcitrant GD rod linkage I sourced (£500s!! worth) and so I ordered 2x B&M shift cables from DT and Merlin promptly set about a new custom shifter after sourcing a picture of how the shift should operate off the G30 box (see pics)...

A work of art and just one exanmple of how this car has been rebuilt from chassis-up.. can't wait to give it a try.

Cool Loti pics..

2009-02-20T22:52:00.003Z

Check the 1st pic showing a grafitti image of the Esprit... 8)

I like to call the 2nd pic as Ode to Loti Warhol..

Bhp.. 5.7/420/390/6000

2009-01-19T21:23:00.004Z

What a day.. Martyn got the engine to Knight Services (http://www.knightracingservices.co.uk/) who prepare all of the top chevy Mosler/Vette/Sallen engines including RML's Le Mans winning car..

oh oh - I get a message to phone Martyn urgently this morning n the mobile... "bad news - low compression on cylinder #1" (70%) , other cylinders are fine but Martyn is the bearer of more bad newsa few hour slater once prognosis complete:

The piston and liner in #1 are jammed

#3 cylinder shows a damaged valve stem and bent valve

Heads don't appear to be high compression

No signs of anying boring/honing around the valves/bores

Valve springs appear to be soft

Carb jets to large and running rich

It's possible some of this may have occured from sitting around for the last 2yrs - On the plus side - no obvious wear on bores, good top end, good rockers, rods and steel crank but otherwise a "a very used, tired engined".. not exactly what I had paid for or intended to ship from Texas.. ??

Martyn suggests they replace the worn valves and put it back together and run it. I've then to phone back after another few hours.. Martyn comes back on the phone to say that the engine has put out a solid 420ish bhp and 400lbft down on the engine dyno (on pump fuel).. the shop are amazed given the engine face value but clearly it was doing something right.. all this from a 5.7l at only 6000rpm.. some 1400-1800rpm below expected peak!! Alas the soft springs and small carb thwarted any attempts to push the engine beyond 6000rpm..

Given at first we thought engine was scrap.. all respect to the old man for stripping and fixing..

Aye 420bhp is just dandy given cam was supposed to make peak power nearer 7400-7800 and given how peaky Martyn said it was then it might have ramped up quite a bit but both carb and springs were maxxed out so setting pill moduled to say 6800rpm or so to allow for downshifts should be fine. If you check normally crates then you need over 6 litres to get similiar and at 6500rpm (e.g. british american) so there's more to this engine that means the eye.

Martyn said there was 50bhp just in upgrading carb (I'm checking Ebay) - so that'd have been 477bhp and probably similiar + torque so around 440-450lbft which is a monster.

In fact Bary said he reckoned on about 380-410lbft at 5800rpm so 390lbft at 5000rpm makes me think the engine has more to give at the top end. Martyn said there's a pronounced drop-off mid-rpm (typical high left single cam engines) but then pops back in with a bang.

Then I'll find a nice phat 4-barrell carb or a small rotrex type charger (belt driven) and hook that up.. at current compression it'd probably be plug n play.. almost. I'm checking.. ;)400lbft handy also and at 5000rpm not to low down.. as is with the mini fly wtec then if it spools up quick then peak figures academic anyway.With everyting else sorted I reckon there's over 500 in there to come out which for a 5.7l is a lot.

As-is it's as good as a fresh TVR AJP4.2 or a high tune 5-6l Rover. Just means we need to make sure she comes in under the ton :) when she goes on the corner weights.

Lots I can then tweak myself long-term - play with flowed alloy heads, titanium springs, carbs etc.I reckon you'll also get a little more peak with that airbox set-up.In meantime output isn't so insane so I can get used to car before upping power.

I so want a LS7 stroker with quad down-draught throttle bodies...

Shopping lists...supercar on a shoestring

2008-12-08T22:32:00.002Z

Supercar on a shoestring..

Merlin: "Firstly Happy Birthday starter motor turned up on thursday after a bit of mixup mayhem, and its fair to say that you have a brand new original lucas starter and not a reconditioned one, but it did cost a little more than first thought. as soon as we fire the engine up for a test to make sure we have oil pressure and double check the tappet clearences, ill let you know it will prob be tuesday, here is the shopping list :-

Heat sheild x2, get the 580mm size http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/products/ProductDetail.asp?cls=MSPORT&pcode=NIMG1C flexible water hose 38mm 4meter length or four 1 meter lengths how ever it works out. gear cables, im sure i saw these in demon tweeks, 8ft length. part number 80834 rear helper springs maybe a cheaper option, 75mm diameter. aero catches 1pair maybe the locking type, this way i can put 1 locking on the front and 1 on the rear. throttle cable, ebay number 280203156188 used these before, always struggle when looking for long lengths. skate board tape, ebay number 250321801449 this is to go on the passenger foot rest come battery holder and also in the drivers foot well, you may have to do a bit of hunting to find a sheet 300 square if you do find it then get 2 sheets. pillar gauge holder, to hold at least 3 clocks ebay number 160301921932. oil pressure gauge clock 56mm.set of door locks like sugested, our motor factors dont have anything.

I have had a good look around the car, and im pretty sure that these are the last bits to buy :) the links that i have used are only *examples*, if you can find nicer or cheaper ones then go for it, if you think i have missed somthing then let me know. also if you could pay for the following it would be excellent drive shafts, foam filled fuel tanks, starter motor, dash inc center console, fire wall, door bars, repair to adaptor plate, rear light mould inc mouldings, fitting of front head lights.

The sparkie gave us a quote which sounds like a bargain to me, but maybe its because i hate electrics so much?!!? also the two dyno guys that i have been talking to have also quoted.. oh and before i forget do i have permission to drill a hole in your steering wheel for a small start button ???"

Rock n roll..

Colour choices.. a bit of Loti history

2008-12-03T20:24:00.005Z

Well. we've finally plumbed for Lotus Green with yellow racing stripe and red detail inside the cabin.. in other words Classic Team Lotus just like Jimmy Clark's famous F1 racers.

I reckon we can do it slightly different to this though.. and colour looks a little too metallic and stripe too 'Viper-esque' but you get the idea..

Enginethingymabobby..

2008-12-03T20:19:00.003Z

Merlin "saw dyno man yesterday, he had a load of questions about your enginei need to know what the compression ratio is,also he was wondering why there was only a twin port carb,and what its spose to rev too, i couldnt answer these questions but it was still a very interesting visit,he had only just finished dynoing a v8."

Jon: Compression - hmm, not sure 100% tho he should have a gauge to stick down the cylinders - worth doing a compression test anyway to double check all okay.. I'd hazzard pretty high - about 11:1 being a 348 crank, with thou overbore to 358. Low-torque Cam is good for 9000rpm for oval downshifts, will be quite cammy at idle but if he smooth that out a bit then great.. peak power between 7400-7800rpm depending on advance so hard limit around 8000-8200 poss (you have chips), solid lifters, nascar springs (loose) for high revs, designed to run best on about 107 RON (street) and 114 (race) with some lead added so aim to wind back the advance to run around 103-105 RON if poss.If you dig out Bary's notes (also on the engine plaque) then it has all the notes on the cam duration and lift and he'll have the timings and can probably estimate the compression from there. Notes also give the initial start up (slow and easy) and Bary even notes which pill modules to try first etc, i.e. run up to 4k, baseline then work gradually up to limiter at 7400 - check advance/mix before trying higher.

.. So why a Twin-port Carb?

Twin port for better throttle response over a BIG 4 -barrel - but still flows about 600cfm. It looks like a basic Holley but it has Da Vinci jets etc inside.. hand finished.. should work really nice.. If guys still thinks fuelling a problem at high duty cycle then let me know.. biggest one to watch is the fuel pump.. we may need to up that but see how he gets on. The high power band is why that ram-air intake would work so well.Unlike most crates over here - this vee should rev its nuts off and all the oomph is higher up the rev range so don't need massive fuel down low like more torquers. I think peak torque is auposed to be around 5800rpm on that cam so mention that to the guy.

The Man from DVLA.. he say 'No'..

2008-12-03T20:09:00.003Z

In my bid to try and have DVLA re-issue a correct age-related number for Q386 NVS.. I was confronted with the lengthy bureacratic reponse below. I then turned to Paul Jebson - long-time crusader in helping owners assign non-Q numbers. Alas Paul had to say:

"Hi Jon Thanks for your emailI'm afraid I can't help you in your quest to re-register your car with anage related mark.Once a "Q" always a "Q" is DVLA's answer to these enquiries. They willargue that nothing has changed since they allocated a "Q" in the firstplace.It rather looks as though the second hand chassis was the cause of theproblem at the time. If a new chassis had been fitted and two of the majorparts retained from the SAME donor vehicle DVLA would have considered an age related registration. If a second handbody or chassis is fitted, even from the same type of car , it isautomaticaly given a "Q"I'm sorry I can't help on this occasion Regards Paul Jepson"

DVLA's somewhat less succinct response as follows (no joke)

From: http://webmail.lbmracing.com/imp/message.php?index=8154#Reply-To: http://webmail.lbmracing.com/imp/message.php?index=8154# Subject: RE: Lotus race car - Q386 NVS - applying for a non-Q registration To: http://webmail.lbmracing.com/imp/message.php?index=8154# Thank you for your email. I should firstly mention that DVLA Swansea can only answer generalenquiries regarding the registering of vehicles. Specific enquiriesregarding the procedures or documentation required must be directed tothe DVLA Local Office where the application will be made. Registering Rebuilt, Radically Altered Vehicles and Kit Cars Before a vehicle is used or kept on the public road it must to beproperly taxed and registered. When a vehicle is first registered, theDriver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) allocates a registrationnumber which has to be properly displayed and this remains with thevehicle until it is broken up, destroyed, permanently exported ortransferred to another vehicle in what is known as a "cherishedtransfer." Sometimes, however, a vehicle needs to be rebuilt and this can callthe identity of the vehicle into question. Is it the original whichhas simply been repaired or have so many new or different parts beenused in the rebuilding process that the original vehicle has beeneffectively broken up? In allocating a registration number to a rebuilt vehicle, theAgency's main interest is to establish whether or not the vehicle isnewly constructed with no previously registered identity (in thepresent form). Vehicles, which have been substantially rebuilt, needto be examined by one of the DVLA Local Offices. NB A Vehicle IdentityCheck (VIC) will apply to those vehicles notified to the DVLA as beingwritten off on or after 7 April 2003. For information please refer toINF133 available from the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA).Information is also available from the VOSA Website www.vosa.gov.uk. Any vehicle, which has failed VIC, will not be entitled to retainits original registration number, DVLA Local Office will allocate a'Q' registration number and an Enhanced Single Vehicle Approval(ESVA)/ Single Vehicle Approval (SVA)/ Motorcycle Single VehicleApproval (MSVA) certificate will be required. If however, a VIC application is rejected by VOSA, DVLA LocalOffice will need to inspect the vehicle in order to allocate analternative registration number. ESVA/SVA/MSVA will be required. A. Vehicles that have been rebuilt using a mix of new/used parts. In order to retain the original registration number: Cars and Car-Derived Vans must use: The original unmodified chassis or unaltered bodyshell (i.e. bodyand chassis as one unit - monocoque); or A new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification asthe original supported by evidence from the dealer/manufacturer (e.g.receipt) And two other major components from the original vehicle - see listbelowSuspension (front & back)Axles (both)TransmissionSteering AssemblyEngine If a second-hand chassis/monocoque bodyshell is used, the vehiclemust pass a ESVA/SVA test after which a "Q" prefix registration numberwill be allocated. N.B Vehicle Identification Check From 7th April 2003, all cars and some tricycles (e.g. RobinReliant) that are written off by an insurance company or declaredscrapped by their owners due to accident damage will have to benotified to DVLA. VIC has been introduced to deter criminals from disguising stolencars with the identity of written off or scrapped ones. The check isdesigned to help confirm that the vehicle being returned to the roadhas been repaired following accident damage and has not been stolen. For further information contact the Vehicle Operator ServicesAgency Website on www.vosa.gov.uk[1] Motorcycles must use: Unmodified Frame (original or new) And two other major components from the original vehicle ForksWheelsEngine/gearbox If a second-hand frame is used the vehicle must pass a MotorcycleSingle Vehicle Approval (MSVA) test after which a 'Q' prefixregistration number will be allocated. B. Radically Altered Vehicles This covers vehicles which are substantially altered from theiroriginal specification, but which are not kit conversions. In these cases the vehicle components used from the originalvehicle will be given a numerical value and, in order to retain theoriginal registration numbers the vehicle must score eight or morepoints. If less than eight points are scored or a second-hand or modifiedchassis or altered monocoque bodyshell is used an ESVA/SVA/MSVAcertificate will be required to register the vehicle and a 'Q' prefixregistration number will be allocated. The following values will be allocated to the major componentsused: Points Chassis/body shell (body and chassis as one unit - monocoque)*(original or new) = 5Suspension = 2Axles = 2Transmission = 2Steering Assembly = 2Engine = 1 *Direct replacement from the manufactures NB. Where there is evidence that two vehicles have been weldedtogether to form one (i.e. 'Cut and Shut') a 'Q' mark will beallocated. ESVA/SVA/MSVA will be required. Vehicle Identification Number This is a legal requirement for all vehicles used on the publichighway to carry a Vehicle Identity Number (VIN). This may be lostwhen a vehicle is substantially rebuilt, particularly in the case ofkit vehicles where the chassis/bodyshell may not have been stamped bythe manufacturer. In such circumstances the DVLA Local Office willallocate a replacement VIN. The DVLA Local Office will issue an authorisation letter andregistration will not take effect until the Agency receivesconfirmation that the vehicle has been stamped with the correctidentity. Registration of Vehicles without Identity The following procedures must be followed when making applicationfor the registration and first taxing of a vehicle without identity You should use your nearest DVLA Local Office. Applications from outside a DVLA Local Office's catchment area willbe refused; You will be asked to produce your driving licence as proof ofidentity and address; You will be asked to produce official receipts from identifiablesuppliers for the components used in a rebuild. The authenticity ofreceipts may be checked. They will be stamped by the DVLA Local Officebefore return; All vehicles without identity (VIN and registration number) will beinspected by DVLA and referred to the police. These arrangements have been introduced in an effort to combatvehicle crime. Applicants who rebuild vehicles and can prove theorigins of the components need not be concerned. However, if thepolice believe a vehicle to be stolen DVLA will refuse to register andit may be impounded. Prospective purchasers of vehicles without identity are advised toexercise caution. If a vehicle is suspected of being stolen both itand the money paid for it may be lost. Advice for prospectivepurchasers of vehicles (The car buyers Guide) is available from CrimePrevention Officers and DVLA Local Offices. C. Kit Cars Where all the parts of a vehicle are supplied new by themanufacturer. Subject to the provision of satisfactory receipts and aCertificate of Newness these vehicles will be registered under acurrent registration mark. Kit cars which been built using not more than one reconditionedcomponent will also be registered under a current mark. This issubject to the provision of satisfactory evidence that the componenthas been reconditioned to an "as new" standard. An ESVA/SVA/MSVA testwill be required. For details of the SVA scheme, please see ImportSection. D. Kit Conversions This is where a kit of new parts is added to an existing vehicle orold parts are added to a kit comprising a manufacturedbody/chassis/monocoque bodyshell. The general appearance of thevehicle will change and result in a revised description on theregistration document/Certificate. A vehicle will retain its donor registration number if either theoriginal unmodified chassis or unaltered monocoque bodyshell and twoother major components are used. If a new monocoque bodyshell or chassis from a specialist kitmanufacturer is used (or an altered chassis/bodyshell from an existingvehicle) together with two major components from a donor vehicle, anage related number will be assigned. The number will be based on theage of the donor vehicle. An ESVA/SVA/MSVA test will be required toregister the vehicle. Where there are insufficient parts from a donor vehicle or in caseswhere the original registration number is unknown, an ESVA/SVA/MSVAcertificate will be required to register the vehicle and a 'Q' prefixregistration number will be allocated. I hope this helps as there was limited information given in youre-mail. Regards Donna Llewellynwww.direct.gov.uk/motoring[2][THREAD ID:1-YD1FO]

couldn't have rambled better myself.. simply beatuiful ver batim dogma at its very best

An end in sight??

2008-11-22T18:03:00.003Z

Well.. it's been a long time coming but Martyn and Merlin, at MVS Racing, are again motoring along for a completion in the early New Year.

They were about to start the engine over, all primed only to then find the Bosch starter was damaged.. pah!!

Motor Factors will pick up on Monday and hopefully arrange a quick replacement - it should prove to be a Porsche item but who cares as long as it's heavuy duty enough and works!

So.. take 2 - start engine for idle and check fuelling then engine will be removed and sent down to the engine tuners in Essex.

Stay tuned.
JB

Pics from the Shop (Rear Hatch)

2008-07-11T20:49:00.003+01:00

Apparently the ex-5th Gear Esprit will take the same mould as well, helps costs and MVS' time.

Apologies - some progress pics - dash and tanks

2008-06-28T09:28:00.008+01:00

Sorry for no updates - progress has been ongoing but I didn't have any pics to post. Meanwhile I had been in talks to swap the project for a classic '74 racer and that's still ongoing. Merlin kindly took some with his phone showing off the dash.. hopefully more to come. Initial impressions is that the new layout will be very easy to read and pretty cool looking indeed - very GTP, especially once all the control buttons are added to the centre dash. Hopefully the situation with the other race car will resolve one way or the other - have already said to M&M that it's unlikely to come of anything, which is royal pain as have gone to the trouble of going through eligibility etc.

So anyway.. here we can see the dash starting to take shape and completed twin tanks (lovely). It's great Merlin has managed to incorporate the Chip Gnassi dash whcih came straight out of a cup car and really keeps the connection strong through the car.

'The Curse of the Phoenix?' (by Merlin)

2008-01-27T12:13:00.001Z

i have been thinking for a while now that your car is cursed,i had to rush over to spncers in the week to rescue your fuel tanks as he is going through a really bad patch,he gave me 2 days warning that he was off on holiday for 2 weeks then when he gets back he is moving abroad, this is a massive shock we dont know what is going or why he has had enough, it looks like he has lost interest is his buisnees over night.so i am now looking for someone locally who will be willing to finish these tanks off for us, short of this i may have to purchase a tig welder and learn how to weld alloy again !!!this is really annoying for mvs racing as all our alloy, alloy parts and wing brackets come from spencer dont know what will happen with the cost of the tanks as yet. will hhave to wait and see wot happens.the other reason your car is cuursed the pipe that we have spent ages looking for turned up , fits a treat but its a 45deg not a 90degree pipe!any way on a lighter note it hasnt rained here for the past 2 days. oh on a bad note my wisdom teeth are really peeing me off.cheers merlin

Updated pics of dry brake and fuel cap (Jan08)

2008-01-17T22:58:00.000Z

Merlin switched around the fuel cap to the other tank so he could fit the dry brake to the side that normally comes into the pits.. the fit is a bit fiddly cos it's really for a nascar application..

couple of pics.. nice..

Blimming fuel hose... a week of ramblings..

2008-01-17T22:51:00.000Z

No big updates - I officially hate fuel hoses.. lol

Apologies if none of this makes any sense... the dry brake need s a 90 degree bend at the hend to then connect to the fuel tank.. it's a bit fiddly with lenght - then try to find a 90 degree pipe with a 63mm dim.. = hens teeth!!

Quoting Merlin - merlinwhiteland@hotmail.co.uk
will try a 57mm pipe to see if it will squeeze on, love the audi , i think that we will see a lot of these diesel cars soon,wonder how long before f1?cheers merlin>

Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:12:17 +0000>
From: info@lbmracing.com> To: merlinwhiteland@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: dry brake - fuel hose??> > > Does the box feel quite heavy Merl, got a note from OBP and sneaky > buggers bring out an upgraded light-weight version... 2-3kgs. Typical!> > 90 deg bend - would 57mm do it??>

http://www.thinkauto.com/acatalog/On_line_shop_Fuel_filler_hose_320.html

Quoting merlin whiteland merlinwhiteland@hotmail.com
well originally i thought aluminium but the pipe has to go on the > > out side, the dry brake isn't flexible enough to crimp on to the > > ally pipe, try samco cant think of any where else other than ATL!> >> > just as i thought the pipes for the pedal box are about 2" too > > short!!! nothing ever works out.> > never mind il do a straight swap for some longer 1s.> > the guy who owns the single seater with the r1 engine ,has asked me > > to take on a new project, a caterham, trying to persuade him into > > fitting an rx7 engine. you got any ideas?> > cheers merlin

Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:59:24 +0000>
From: info@lbmracing.com To: merlinwhiteland@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: > > dry brake - fuel hose??> > >
Quoting Jon - ok - it's just finding a 90 deg bend in > > the dim you want..??> > Would samco hosing resist fuel okay?? I can > > try their website>?> > any other ideas what to use?> >

Quoting merlin whiteland merlinwhiteland@hotmail.com
my > > only worry about this stuff is that the bend will be too big, an > > > > off the shelf 90 bend is quite compact ish, if this doesnt make any > > > > sense i dont blame you.> > pedal box fitted you had a good deal > > with this only problem is that > > they skimpt with some locking > > nuts, but no problem there. i had to > > cut a hole in the bulk head > > to get it as far forward as i could, the > > braided pipes will fit > > but could do with 3 90degree fittings.im > > sure we have these.> > > > cheers merlin

Date: Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:59:43 +0000>
From: info@lbmracing.com
To: merlinwhiteland@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: > > > > dry brake - fuel hose??> > >
Quoting Jon - 2" inside dim - any good?? I'm trying > > > > to get someone in the uk to > supply that clear 2.5" stuff.> > > > > >

Fuel tanks..

2007-12-18T21:19:00.000Z

Custom, all-ally.. beautiful.. not sure how many litres there.. must be 80-100 litres I'd have thought :)

Engine plates and dry brake arrived

2007-12-18T21:10:00.000Z

Fuel hosing too from summit racing.. engraved plates look good. Dry brake needs modifying but Merlin think it will work fine - needs a 90 degree pipe made up.

Zausts and things..

2007-12-05T21:30:00.000Z

Zausts trimmed and lights and rear bumper positioned back just to get an idea - those exit bores are 3" to give you idea of scale.. modest compared to a lot of jap cars but then that bore goes all the way back to the 4-branch collectors and there are 2 banks. That keeps the velocity up and the sound down hopefully.. the rear cans are very big but there is no internal baffles and no re-routing inside the cans - straight-throughs.. rear bumper still to be modified and cut out and we'll be venting the arches to pull out pressure build up and enhance the ground effects of the rear undertray and diffuser.. rear meshed then lower diffuser mounted and rear arches etc etc etc etc etc

Jst ordered OBP full floor mounted 3-pedal kit inc. all resvs, cylinders, aeroquip etc.. but VERY reasonable compared to Tilton/Wilwood if not as bling to look at.

More pics from the shop..

2007-11-27T22:12:00.001Z

Zausts look crazy - tight clearance.. new tanks looks cracking and big - just as well given the engine's likely thirst. Probably paint the zorsts with ceramicool.

Mad Zorsts from Merl

2007-11-27T21:31:00.000Z

"you asked for mad exhausts you got em, im still smilling and i have> >> > been looking at them all morning. just need painting.tanks fit too> >> > 'phew'.cheers merl"

Notes from Merlin..

2007-11-27T21:18:00.000Z

its all been worked out, harvey has done a few of these b4 so he has got an idea he was just wondering if your engine guy had an exact length in mind, dnt worry thou. stepped headers,have you ever looked at a rule and seen the difference between 1 5/8 + 1 3/4 ? it aint much and im sure that this would make no difference. I told harvey exactly what your plans were for the lotus, so he is going to build you a system that will give you nice top end but also make it easy to drive day to day by hopefully increasing lower end power.big wing no problem!

Re rear wing - the only rules about end plates is that they cant stick out side the body work! not sure about the pointy bits may have to have a 7mm radius. didnt get a chance to go and see harvey to day i will have to pop down to morrow. only prob with putting stickers on the end plates is that they usualy hide the lovley carbon, so have to be clever with graphics. i like the idea of paint design and love the red idea around intakes.oh on a good note spencer "petrol tank man" phoned up to day tanks are tacked up and ready for final fit, so i just got to go and get them +see if they fit,make allterations ie fixing brackets,inlet, outlet,and breathers.his web site is www.sm-engineering.co.uk im sure there will be some other bits and pieces from him like a headertank.

picking car up on tuesday morning i have got a mould for a dash which i will try to sketch for you . I think it will look well cool especially at an angle. i love the led toggle switches there is also an other type which is what i am fitting to the rage buggy but if they dont tickle your fancy then the led toggle switches are ace.

sva? i cant see why you will need an sva? you do have the log book and its already road registered.

could do with a pipe from demon tweeks " fuel filler neck hose 45degree 51mm" and a 51mm straight.il send you some pics on tuesday of the exhaust and the tanks which i may pick up tomorrow.

Zausts on their way, tanks nearly there.. progressing nicely

2007-11-23T20:11:00.000Z

spoke to Merlin - had choice of the big single element or smaller twin element wing - went with the big bad boy which is probably better for catching the flow over a GT car than the bi-palne which does look better for a single seater.. all good.

Car having zausts made up - hope to post pics soon. Twin tanks made also and all moving along nicely.We've decided to make the car driveable on the road, which will give me a few options down the road (no pun intended).. that means losing some focus compared to the Gt1/GT2 cars but can always focus the package if I'm able to afford to go full racing and trailer the car everywhere.. as a serious bargain hyper track car I may find a buyer next year and then I'll start the next project, sth a little more sane... maybe a Nurburgring weapon made out of a stripped and lightened BMW X5 diesel..lol

How the 358SS drives on the road will determine a lot and also interest from would be sponsors and likelihood of going proper racing. No doubt it has proper 600 bhp p/tonne tool potential.. the engine could be taken up in power with no obvious limit... really it's common sense that dictates and keeping the car driveable. I think 650-700bhp is about optimum (top end) and 800bhp is excessive.. that can be done in 3 ways - stroker port 'hop' tune, s'charger or turbo install. .. personally I'd like to keep the engine n/a to keep it linear.. car will sit on the fence a little for a while but could then be santised or the full devil released in time.. Looking to put some sort of convincing interior - bit of carbon, some fire resistant lightweight cloth, bit of paint.. all helps make it easier to live with on those Sunday morn runs.. prb stil nned ear plugs tho ;)

No word from Trading Stds or Honda re Phoenix, disappointing tho these things don't happen that quickly :(

Back from the MPH show,, good news for tyres

2007-11-09T21:04:00.000Z

Jst back from a 28hr round trip to NEC to see the MPH show (won pair of tickets in a raffle) - lots of decent racing porn there - the Gumpart race car looks awesome - 690bhp twin turbo audi v8 and lots of aero - got lots of pics for ideas from the various cars on show including the mighty Audi R10. Got speaking to Andrew who runs the UK distributor so may tap some of that knowledge in the future..also looked at various cars running roof scoops and most use a carbon plenum box with rubber seal that joins when the hatch is lowered - maybe an idea and one way to seperate the filter from hot air under the engine cover..?

Got some great news - Kumho have a brand new hyper tyre for sprints (V70), aimed at hyerperformance and full-on track cars and run up to 335/18 on a 12-13J wheel with a choice fo compunds including hards. Best part tyres are half the cost of Toyo etc so will order the Image wheels once I've paid MVS and worked out some sort of budget but it's a positive step and means we can fill those rears out after all., I'll then keep the 265s with R888s for short sprints where the softer compound will help and the wider rubber wont give back as much on the typical cold Scottish mornings..

Best bit is they've asked for a sponsorhsip pitch to use them as a tyre partner.. either way they look good for the money..!All in all a great cpl of days but absolutely knackered - no work today thankfully - jst watched an old recording of Quincy ME, cracking!!

Now 38 hrs since I set off and 48 hrs since I last went to bed..

more influences..

2007-11-07T20:24:00.000Z

lots of influences going into the project.. just some of them..

Time Attack: Nearest target

2007-11-07T20:19:00.000Z

Nadine's GTS Viper is the closest target to the Esprit in the UK Time Attack C'ships..

Awesome!

More pics from the workshop

2007-11-07T19:50:00.000Z

Arches coming along and sneak peak of what rear wing might look like..

A bit of history - The Codling Flexi Flyer #21

2007-11-04T18:41:00.000Z

To give a sense of history for my project ..

This was the first race for my engine with Bary Codling in the #21. It took the 1/2 mile lap record with 18.27 seconds.

Car used classic Chevy racing colours of white-black and red..

expect the red chequer to be carried across to the Esprit.. white canopy also.. perhaps

Hopefully I can continue to do the engine proud..

A very rough guide

2007-11-03T20:36:00.000Z

Black-red-white-grey

= chevy racing colours...

finally ran out of road...(Bombaytv)

2007-11-02T00:28:00.002Z

Chapter 9: Blurry disrespects Loti

http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=fr&code=11f66deaadbc2037efa00ee3a8776bbe

Chapter 10: The Lotus community turn on Blurry http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=fr&code=90d86f4747530fba096f9a8ce1c9b0df

Chapter 11: Neil rides again

http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=fr&code=f40d0cdd0e8b0a00f02722caa8aaabef

Chapter 12: An unfortunate accident

http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=fr&code=e06b98720bc053ccbe8a3b8c97c7abb4

Chapter 8.. quarter mile?

2007-11-02T00:28:00.001Z

Chapter 8: Blur challenges Ross to 2008 USSC http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=fr&code=ae9a4cb53d46fd48ec438beb52eb8fac

Ballad continues... sagas in bangra

2007-11-02T00:26:00.000Z

Saga continues :

Chapter 6: McKean has the blues : http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=fr&code=d9404a6031371aed3cf9819f9a7b35c9

Chapter 7: Blur after LOTRDC : http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=fr&code=e58b5af3e0774d79dc65b7392074e570

The Bombay Ballad of Jonny Blur .. (Bombay TV)

2007-11-02T00:24:00.000Z

The characters Jonny 'Blurry' Beckett - The Virtual Driver (co-acted by Jon's toupe), Mrs Blur - the wife Yoshi - the manager and underground street racer, McKeann - Ginger Nemesis and mad Lotus driver, Roger - The Mob Boss (aka 'the doc') Ross - the drag quee., I mean king.

Chapter1: Blur can't take it any more http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=uk&code=16c6fd43d94fd9f185e777147a48841f

Chapter 2: The deal is done with the corrupt doctor http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=fr&code=0093387a3ea82c7e0f21474e8ddb7c2e

Chapter 3: Finally Blur can make his come back tour http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=uk&code=036726670e1ca1d95c28020fc144ff4c

Chapter 4: Blur teaches Yoshi the pain of McKeann http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=fr&code=778eb07dd90f247c1e2fa7b084f2c57a

Chapter 5:The Doc's men come looking for their money http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=fr&code=aaeab5df8a92e4f485ccb9401c4a3a9f

What happens next? You decide - stay tuned or post up the next chapter.

so in the end.. where's this heading? ssh top secret

2007-10-27T21:20:00.000+01:00

Well.. let's wait and see but the thought of black, no nonsense almost military purposefulness has an appeal. Like the Blackbird the 358-SS should be an enigma within the modifying scene.

Updates from MVS - October

2007-10-27T12:53:00.000+01:00

ok i know im a bit slack il try to sort out the report on your lotus as soon as poss, here a few pis of the shafts+ altenator.

ok i think we may take you up on the offer of the paint work. it would be nice to see it leaving in more of a finished state.I loved that pic of the orange car you sent, amazing. id like to get hold of one of them bumpers and graft it to the front of your car!! any ways im going for a standard ish looking bumper but with a few changes which will make most bookworms do a double take, a much larger/ longer front splitter as for the ground clearence issue i decided to try to search for some of that rubber stuff and get it to hang down by a few inches,this would be a lot easier than having to remove the front section of the bumper, oh and im going for a double dive plane!

ye these r not the old shefts these dont have any welds on them either so thats all good. only problem with them is that after i put them all together a guy from a local grass track racing team came around for a chat saw them and said" my mate from hewland sez that if you want your shafts to last longer then you should put them in the lathe and polish them up+~ get all the machine marks out! " so i said "balls" so looks like i got to take em apart again and polish them up in the lathe. oh well.the engine came out yesterday for the last time hopfully, its been in and out more times than youve been in and out of the car lol.

cheers merlin.

Updated pics from the workshop

2007-10-16T19:58:00.001+01:00

More pics from Merlin - more work on the front lights and first shot of the work in progress vented tailgate/engine hatch

lights coming along..

2007-09-25T21:30:00.000+01:00

pics from Merlin: lot of blending and moulding to be done but the overall shape and sharp cutting lines crossed with the curved glass is very pleasing. Very low profile have a good Le Mans look..

more carbon

2007-09-19T00:28:00.001+01:00

Merlin making more progress - cut a lot out of the doors and still had time to make up new carbon panels for the cut-out and aero fuel filler.. also the aero catches look good

more from Merlin.. weight watchers.. phoenix take the money!

2007-09-17T20:41:00.000+01:00

i sorted out the steering wheel and quick release adaptor. seat position seems good. oh and i attacked your doors the driver side wieghed in at 18kg so choped most of the crap away including the stuff on the inside, and got the weight down to 12kg so minus 24kg both sides ( that's a lot ) easily makes up for new cage and extra bits n pieces. Merlin

Meanwhile Phoenix have cashed the £300 cheque I sent for the work invoiced eventhough John L had said he was setting that aside. Now that has been cashed as full and final settlement then it's all steam ahead to puruse my losses. I may have gone easy if they had set aside the invoice but this makes things a whole lot simpler.

They have until the 27th before the matter goes back to trading standards and ultimately the lawyers..

ding ding!

Team Phoenix the film

2007-09-12T23:08:00.000+01:00

not quite.. jst thinking of ways to promote Team Phoenix..love manga style..

Ssh top secret - 358ss front-end takes shape

2007-09-10T22:08:00.003+01:00

looks like Merlin has a lot of fun splicing in the ZX lights into the Esprit.. mmmm. nice!

Bits n peices.. work continues at MVS..

2007-09-08T15:45:00.001+01:00

It looks like Merlin has been busy cutting the front end to make way for the new headlights... Merlin is also using hid Civic as inspiration of the shape of the cut-in.. Hopefully end result is more like the Diablo GTR limited edition track/race car.

Merlin confirmed: "altenator turned up along with aero catches + fuel cap.strange question how tall are you ?this is for seat position and srteering wheel.the pic of the civic is " inspiration " for the headlights.cheers merlin"

Also had work back from MSA scrutineer Marc H who confirmed cross-bars look okay: Hi JonGood to hear from you - I had been wondering how things were going and if we'd see the esprit next year .the bars look fine to me - I'm not aware of any problems with them for the blue book either.If you want more strength you can weld additional gussets onto the welded joints like they show on the door bars here:http://www.safetydevices.com/images/products/rollcages/step3_weldin_cage_terminoli.gifhope that helps any other questions let me knowregards Marc

I also found a basic CAD design for the GT1 works car so thought I'd thrown that in.

Other news: 2008 Time Attack prelim registration already coming through from Rob Barnes.. how the last year has passed with its ups and downs.

Quick update from 5th avenue off Broadway

Cheers

Jon

and more pics..

2007-08-31T21:27:00.001+01:00

Latest pics from the workshop

2007-08-31T21:22:00.001+01:00

Latest pics from Merlin.. car really starting to shape-up.. engine/trans in and low n level, tailgate modified, shifter working, rear lights coming along, firewall in..

Ongoing 'discussions' with Phoenix

2007-08-24T17:13:00.001+01:00

Formal letter of complaint lodged with Phoenix. JL called me today and awaiting full response to my claim.. happy to consider any reaosnable offers. stay tuned. JB

More updates from Merlin.. pics to follow

2007-08-24T17:05:00.000+01:00

"we got gears, made the linkage over the past two days, got a bit pissed off at times, but it was worth it in the end, allthough you will only be able to use 1st and 4th, i dont see a problem with this. only joking we got em all . wot a bastard job thou, no wonder it costs so much for the original linkage. boot mould should be done by monday, a nice louvered job. martyn didnt seem to impressed when i told i wanted to fit the f1 style air intake on to the roof so i said "tough it will look mental" he just laughed and walked away! i keep meaning to send you some pics but i always forget il will try to remember this weekend.bye for now.merlin."

"aero cathes look dear, i think i paid that money for the locking 1s. try rallydesign.co.uk ok so your wing mirrors just turned up 4mins ago, martyn is jumping up and down because he is very excited about these he has looked every where for a pair of these for his elan , where did you get them from? and at what cost? the rear bumper on the nissan 350z, we made 1 just like this for a subaru, its a very simple and efective way for reducing turbulance in the wheel arches, i think you may find sum pics of it at autosportif.co.uk or .com they look after peoples rally cars. we built him a 1 off aero kit so he could do the 24hr at nurmburg ring.cheers"

"all gears seem positive, a nice heatlhy clunk when it goes in to reverse, rear visability will be none with this tail gate, i will still fit a pespex panel into the new fire wall just in case sumthing changes. but the camera sounds dead cool, a bit like pimp my ride.. the new fire wall is going to be in 3 pieces due to how orkward it is to make while the cage is insitue, 2 pieces have been made today and the top piece a bit later on this after noon, i have taken a pic of the 2 pieces fitted to the car, you will get these pics later. "

"have you seen the lotus elise wing mirrors? or vx 220 mirrors. u may have to be carefull with the wing mirrors from larger cars due to the fact that they mite full of guff like elec motors+demist, with this stuff it starts to get heavy.cheers for now merlin"

Loose ends.. a letter to John L

2007-08-20T22:46:00.000+01:00

Finally got an all-clear on the transaxle from Kev at GTO engineering. One less thing to worry about. That now allows me to address the outstanding invoice with Phoenix. Spoke to Falkirk Trading Standards today who were very sympathetic about my story. The following letter will be sent tomorrow morning; if that doesn't work then they'll take the file over and see if any action against Phoenix is due and fight on my behalf if there's a case owing:

FAO: John Leitch, Servicing Manager
Phoenix Honda (Falkirk) Limited
Glensburgh Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8XJ

Date: 20th August 2007
Ref: C268360, dated 23rd May 2007 (no reminder recorded)
RE: Lotus: Removal of Engine and ancillaries

Dear Mr Leitch,
Thank you for your invoice for the sum of £598.78 inc. VAT. Please forgive the delay in responding; but following works undertaken by your workshop the car has since been passed to my current mechanic and race builder at MVS Racing, Wales. Since taking custody of the vehicle MVS have undertaken a full review of your work, between 2nd October 2006 and 23rd May 2007, on behalf of Phoenix Honda (Falkirk) Limited and relating to the engine conversion of a Lotus race car (Q386 NVS).

For the record you stated that the contract for services with your good selves was halted at the instruction of your general manager. Unfortunately this has caused a lot of inconvenience to all parties involved, both fiscally and in terms of lost competition time. It is my belief that the original contract for services was engaged on a ‘subsidised’ labour basis in exchange for promotional benefit in kind. Although a rate per hour was never finalised a fee of £500, for the completed build, was mentioned at outset as well as your repeated assurances of “being looked after”. On this proviso the project proceeded, including the shipment of many expensive engine and transmission parts, imported as part of a sponsorship deal with B&A Foreign Cars, Texas.

Whilst I fully appreciate that the outcome may have been very different, had your management not intervened, it nonetheless left me on a limb in terms of project completion after significant delay, many £0000s invested and a limited budget to cover future labour charges.

However putting these losses aside I have reviewed your invoice for the removal of engine and ancillaries and find it wholly reasonable in the circumstances. Unfortunately I must adjust the final payment to account for a subsequent repair to an expensive alloy billet transaxle adapter plate, which was damaged in your custody through misaligned drilling for fitment. The damage prevented correct alignment of the transaxle and necessitated a portion of alloy to be cut out, filleted, welded, machined and re-drilled. I have been informed this process took approximately 8 hours labour for one of MVS’ mechanics. The adjustment to the payment is attached overleaf together with pictures of the repair for reference.

Following a preliminary discussion a copy of my file is ready to be sent to Falkirk Trading Standards, pending the outcome of this offer, which is made in Full and Final Settlement of the invoice referred. I therefore hope Phoenix Honda (Falkirk) Ltd will accept so that all parties can move on quietly, and wish to thank your staff for their otherwise friendly service, good faith and good humour through testing times.

Without prejudice
Jonathan S. Beckett
14 Dumyat Rise, Larbert, FK5 4FL

Appendix:

1a. Invoice for services: C268360 (copy attached)
Services referred: Removal of Engine and ancillaries
Amount invoiced by Phoenix Honda (Falkirk) Limited: £598.78

Less,

1b. Cost of labour for the repair of 1 x billet transaxle adapter plate
Repair: Cut out original metal, fillet, weld, machine and re-drill by MVS Racing
Hours required (1 mechanic) 8 hours
Cost per hour from MVS Racing (reduced rate) £35.00
Total cost of repair £280.00
+ VAT to be charged (17.50%) £49.00
Labour Sub-total £329.00

Payment: Amount invoiced less full cost of repair (1a-1b) £269.78

A full engineer’s report, from MVS Racing, detailing the repair is available upon receipt of an additional nominal payment of £30, cheques made payable to MVS Racing.

Please refer to pictures (x3) attached detailing the repair. The replacement cost of a new made-to-order racing billet transaxle adapter plate was estimated in the region of £350.00 once shipped from the United States and would have also incurred additional delay to the ongoing build/conversion.

Merlin casts his magic..

2007-08-20T15:24:00.000+01:00

Latest update from Merlin.. there was a potential proboem with the G50 box as it was stuck in gear - Kev from GTO engineering popped over to help.. thankfully it looks as if the box is okay.. just needs to be modified for the upside-down spray bar. Rear number plate leds ordered and on their way. Ordering vinyl number plates and looking for fuel hose for the guys.

We continue to swap ideas on the bodywork.. hopefully the guys will produce an absolute monster, all spoilers, vents, engine intake and wide arches.. we're all using Gottfried's Grassinger Ultima as a loose guide albeit the car will have to compromise to run on the road... just.. I'm also sending them pics of old Group4 cars and SuperGT racers.

"kev is a great bloke, so much so that he managed to fix it on our bench, "
two thumbs up " he was concerned about the number of bolts that were slack and not half as tight as they should be, also he did mention that as it is the larger of the g50 boxes it probably didnt need an oil cooler as it holds more oil than the shorter g50 box.

cheers for ordering the little bits and pieces i have found that in the past it is allway the smallest things that you get unstuck on, i really need the guy to sort the fuel tanks out as this seem to be stoping me from doing a lot of work, unfortunatly everything revolves around these, ie cant fit / make fire wall, finish rollcage, sort out interior, once these tanks are in there is going to be a massive change to the apperence to the car, which will be a real boost for me.

at the mo there is a louvered boot lid being made with a big f1 style air intake being stuck to the top of it!!! mental cheers merlin.."

A Tight Fit..

2007-07-19T21:29:00.000+01:00

Martyn sent up some pics to show the challenge ahead - what's now clear is that the tight clearances were a big cause of the obvious inertia at Phoenix who held the car from October 2006 until May 2007 (7 months). Already with MVS for little over a month and the progress is clear. I feel this has less to do with the service mgr or technicians at Phoenix and more to do with mgt's dubious approach to time resource.

Many sections of the rear chassis will need to be cut and new tubes re-welded. This in itself is not concern but clearly the timetable becomes tighter to finish the car for testing before the season end. Obviously their wil be an impact on the budget but we can address that when the car's completed.

Of more concern is that fact Martyn says the billet adapter plate will quite a lof of work to drill out, weld and re drill holes due to poor located drills holes from Phoenix. At a cost of nigh on £300 shipped from the US this came as a disappointing news.

Other updates being I managed to source a new heavy duty 110l EWP water pump from Oz and twin oil filter and heat exchanger from the US.

June Update - first impressions can be deceiving..

2007-06-19T13:26:00.000+01:00

Right guys - got a call from Martyn @ MVS last night - Phoenix's inertia problems were probably due to the fact they must had sized the engine in the available space then parked it (without telling me). So the initial 'it should fit okay' presumption wasn't entirely correct..

Martyn says the engine is just simply too big for the current chassis so various tubes etc will need to be cut and a new tubular rear end made up. Also the oil filter will need relocated by remote and even the short nose water pump introdues too much so will switch to an electric pump.

We're also going to go with a fab'd long-range fuel tank.It's actually best to do the whole thing and compromise the things that can be added later without upsetting the overall balance. Apparently he'll have to tilt the engine to get the upside down G50-50 more level with the rear hubs so that the shafts will last longer than 5 seconds.

That means he'd be tilting the intake manifold and downdraught carb.. That'll mess the float champer I'm guessing so an adaptor plate will be needed..

The stepped-stahl headers also wont work so he's getting an ex-F1 guy to make me up some, which apparently rock and he found an imbalance in the measurements between the two banks anyway - that's probably because they're either a) for an oval set-up or b) they were rubbish.

Explains why no one has done this outside of a spaceframe.

Pics to follow - promise.

Moving on.. new Welsh start for project

2007-05-27T20:43:00.000+01:00

To start: apologies for no posts of late. It's been a fairly depressing time with little progress.

Martyn and Mandy (MVS Racing) finally picked up the Esprit from Phoenix Honda, it's a real load off my mind to know the car is moving somewhere wanted and where progress can again progress. Martyn has many yrs experience and the perfect guy to make the project happen.

Everything loaded up ok and Mandy says they got back ok to Wales. Only thing missed was I forgot to load up the old oil cooler. Alternator is on the way from US; but Martyn has another way to draw a charge for zero drag on the engine. Will see what Martyn wants to do re rads and Martyn has another idea for a fuel cell. Will need to get a gauge for that but will see what he comes up with first.

Martyn is going to start and itemise everything and work out what's needed before work commences. Slightly scary that he feels the car needs 16" wide wheels for the rear to take the engine output..

Although the money is now frightfully scary - at least we expect some light at the end of the tunnel. It means I can start thinking about the completed car etc - eta approx Sept-October.

The plan is also MOT the car and insure to widen its appeal. The pistonheads ad has been updated and we will continue to keep the car up for sale if the right buyer comes along.

The good news is we finished with Phoenix on good terms, the guys stayed helped helpful with the loading and although there is the small matter of a £600 bill; in the end it could have worked out much worse.. M&M were great and whole day couldn't have gone better.

Hopefully the next update will include comes pics and some continuing good news.

ttfn

a very tempting offer.. moving forward?

2007-05-04T09:31:00.000+01:00

Martyn @ MVS has offered to take on the build - pending numbers - will speak to John L to get car back on wheels and ready to be picked up. The car will then be livered under MVS Racing and be built as a road-legal racer.

I'll reiterate at this point that I have the utmost respect for John Leitch, Alan Watson and Big Stevie @ Phoenix Honda Grangemouth; but that their mgt have demonstrated the worst possible customer care of the lowest order. It's a shame since they gave me good customer care yrs ago for my old Integra TypeR; but I'm a firm believer that if you take a project on then you see it to the finish. For the time taken I could have stripped the car myself. Very sad as I know the guys @ Phoenix were also keen to see it through and I know if John was allowed to make the shots then we'd be pushing ahead.

I look fwd to the day when the car eventually appears in magazines and on track and they knew they could have been part of that and realise the lost promotional opportuniy. As long as I am treated fairly from here on in then I see no point in taking any further; tho I'd love to have a sit down chat with them GM about the whole fiasco. People have suggested legal action, trading standards, local press and even Watchdog but as much as I am a big believer in fairness I want to move on with the project and finally get on track again.

Meanwhile the name Team Phoenix becomes more and more fitting.. will this bird every fly out of the ashes tho?

DIY?

2007-05-04T09:29:00.000+01:00

The decision by Phoenix Honda was a shocking turn of events and they even have the gaul to consider invoicing me for basically gutting the car and returning an incomplete project.. nice one Honda. It's left my finances in tatters since we went ahead and ordered most of the bits but end of the day we jst can't afford to have it built somewhere else.

Project has been advertised for a wee while now on PH and racecarsdirect.co.uk but with only muted interest. There remains one potential buyer but he's stuck with his own sale currently.. I almost sold the engine/trans to an Ultima builder in Aberdeen but by the time I went back to the other buyer and back again he went and ordered sth from the US.so..

spoke to my dad last night - picking up his 2-tonne crane over next week and we're going to make a stab of sizing up and modifying mounts to fit the engine in. Looking at some Chevy ones currently whicgh we should then be able to mod to suit. From there it's case of going through the list of jobs and doing things in sequence. I reckon there's no more than a dozen simply because the set-up is so basic albeit it'll take time after that to set-up it up for the optimum.It means I've lost another season but would love to see the dream realised.

Finances look awful but just gonna suck it in and go for broke. Will then continue to advertise the car for sale but will of course increase the ante as we complete more at each stage. I'd hazzard final value in the 35-40K region once fully built and running, simply based on its spec and potential.

Esprit for sale.. £17K ono

2007-04-04T10:47:00.000+01:00

Not left with much choice following Phoenix pulling the plug on Monday..

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/152919.htm

Looking for 17K ono

Martyn @ MVS has offered to finish the work.. sth to think about but I'd take an offer to sell first/

Gutted doesn't come close.. 30K down currently..!

Update - 4th April - bad tidings - Phoenix deal in flames

2007-04-03T11:43:00.000+01:00

Where to start..

The General Manager at Phoenix pulled the plug yesterday - I must admit to still being stunned at this news. This then poses the very real problem of where to go to finish the work.

I spoke to Dunc at Hypertech yesterday but he's floored. Spoke to Alan at Falkland today who certainly has the expertise - especially via Kev's racing Cossie. I will speak with them again next weeke to go over what's involved - my big worry there being whether I can afford their rates but I have to be prepared to take at least some hit to get the project complete.

Gaz at Autotecnique will speak to another workshop for me and Coops will speak to Greesport.

I will keep the team name but from now on it will have no association with that company. Once car is safely out of their hands then I can think about whether any recourse is worthwhile given the tenious nature of the arrangement.

All very sad.

another monster lives...Wildcat Esprit

2007-03-29T14:37:00.000+01:00

OMG - another v8 monster race Esprit already exists and campaigns in the BARC NW series..

http://www.espritv8.net/id170.htm

I have been racing cars since 1985, firstly in Hillman Imp Special Saloons and then from 1994 in the Esprit silhouette GT car. In 1996 the Esprit was fitted with a 5.0 litre Wildcat V8 engine, and this is when the fun really started. In 2001 my 5.0 litre engine expired, in 2005 I returned to the tracks with a 6.0 litre Wildcat V8 engine producing approx 450 BHP.... so the fun just got better !!!! This site is full of information, photos and race movies of me in the Esprit and Imp, including details of my Wildcat V8 engines. Also on the site is information about the BARC NW Centre Sports Saloon Car Championship, including Race Reports, Movies, Photo Gallery, Championship Reviews, and Other Competitors cars. Please look around the site, there is plenty on it. Why not add the site to your favourites list and visit regularly so you can keep up to date with the latest news.

so much for being unique... awesome car tho - I'll post more pics in due course.

I've contacted the owner (Simon Alloway) for tips on settings such a beast up..

Update - 29th March

2007-03-29T09:26:00.000+01:00

Still waiting to hear back from:
MVS - carbon
GAZ - suspension
Team Dynamics - wheels
Underground - livery design
Touringcarspares - slicks

Adam Kindness (www.trackscotland.co.uk) was really helpful and sent me a p'copy of the trans section of the Porsche manual for his 930 - left it on John's desk mid-week and sure this will let them push forward.

Spoke to big Steve - he's got the GD gear linkage working and painted it black..

I still need to get to the workshop and measure the disk dims for Barry. Wooden 60's Chevy Chevelle SS gear knob came in the post from US - should work a treat.

Looks as if SIDC have a Knockhill track morning on the same day as the TA guys. John Stewart has privisionally put me down (I have a credit with SIDC) and hopefully a chance to show Rob Barnes (www.timeattack.co.uk) what the old gal can do.

Focus now is to complete the car, dyno and shakedown. Gaz @ Autotecnique can then give th ecar a lick of paint before UG put their graphics on it.

Other main focus is finding a sponsor and race series for 08.

update - 16th March

2007-03-16T12:58:00.000Z

Not a lot to report; however did get time to do some new black blueprints of the modified Esprit - sent them to Martyn @ MVS and Scott @ Underground. Waiting to hear back from John L. Waiting to hear back from MVS. Waiting to hear back from Tony at www.touringcarspares.com Waiting to hear back from Gaz suspension - sent suspension down last w/e.

Cheers

Jon

keeping things cool.>?

2007-03-08T23:25:00.000Z

I'm going to run a Moroso 3 quart accumulator for very reason for start-up and long sweepers. I have a champ pan which has the best baffles I've seen yet - very similar to the Moroso but even then Gardner Douglas said I need to either dry sump or use an accusump to stop starvation and at 8000rpm that's a big deal. Dry sump is fine but it's temperamental and I like a sump sitting nice n low for good CoG een if it can be bettered by dry sumping.. + save some weight. I then plan to use very good additives (as recommended) and good heat exchangers to get the thing running as cool as poss. However I have read to not use additives in the Porsche trans but certainly a good additive like silkolene, slick50, stp or zxl should work really nice. Above all I'd recommend overkill tp anyone running a race spec Chevy, jst make sure you have thermostats so everything can also run at optimum temp.

I got my accumulator on order from Scott at the Jeff Gordon race school - unused for a god price. Hopefully it now gets here in one peice...

Leda.. gone bye bye?

2007-03-08T23:11:00.000Z

Got the suspension in the box ready to go Saturday then someone directed me to this website.> !

www.leda.com

With regret, the company has ceased trading and cannot therefore accept any further orders.
Efforts are being made to find a way to recommence business and a further announcement will be made as soon as possible.

So now I need to track down John who left leda to start up Gaz and see if he can servoce/revalave the Ledas and advise on some spring rates.. Falens and not Eibachs as the Eibach deal went bye bye..

forces conspiring against me...

A quick re-cap.. TPE-358-SS - Leta?

2007-03-08T23:08:00.000Z

Lotus Esprit Trans Am ('LETA')

Leta's one of the oldest privateer Esprits in the Uk and prb the oldest Stevens privateer car still to be around. I think it was first raced around 1993: all racing history in that car was with John Hazzard of Hemmel Hempstead - most of which was in 750MC and AM Mid engined series, with some modest success inc. a 2nd in the 750MC c'ship one year and a few wins to its name, but the guys here will know more about it that I do. I'm just entering my novice season having sat my race license back in October.

As for the future conversion, rebuild is ongoing and is a complete overhaul and the car wont resemble much of what it was previously. I can send you full engine specs/pics etc but to summarise: We're trying to build an Esprit in a trans am rather than European GT mould. Plan is to race at Castle Coombe Special Gt series, UK Time Attack c'ships in 2008 and attend various race series where open categories are allowed. Ideally I want to race super modified Gt cars from the same era.

TPE-358-SS Esprit Trans Am Car:Fully strippedoriginal Chip Gnassi nascar dash - ex-cup car.Sparco quick release wheel and woodword hubfloor mounted pedal setBarry Colding (San An, TX) Dart 358ci sportsman steel motor - seasoned, rebuilt9000rpm cam, b&b, full spec steel internals, crane solid lifters, nascar springs etcStock port - 348 crank with overboreDaVinci-Holley 700CFM 2-bore - 550-600bhp on 114 RON, 650bhp with 4-barrell, 500bhp+ with 105RON.MSD ignition - nascar spec, ignition/rpm controller etcchamp pan - wet sumprace spec Porsche G50-50 trans with lsd - rated to 850bhp.Sachs race clutch, mini fly, Gardner Douglas lola T70 rod shift linkage - right hand shifterLeda coil over suspension - fully r-jointed - Eibach springsAlcon 4-pot brakes all round with bias etc17/18" Team Dynamics pro-race 1.2 wheels (slicks)15/16" Compo-Revolution 5 spoke split rims (wets)Multi-point cageFull lexan all roundlightened bodywork Group C cut-off rear endcomposite front end - trans am stylecomposite front diffuser composite rear undertraycomposite rear diffusercomposite one peice engine covercomposite Gt1 rear wing
goes on and on..

but it's a bunch of bits at the moment and we wont know about settings until we get her onto the black stuff. Once built we plan to start getting some testing done over the summer with a hoped dyno run and set-up in April. I have no tips as such to anyone wanting to build a race car as I have a workshop taking this on and it's very much trial and error. All I'd say is that there are a 1000 things to think about that could make your budget sky rocket. Building a GT car is not cheap but I have found ways to discount my costs by about 30-50% across the board. I take charge of procurement and the timetable - getting the parts needed to the workshop. I've sourced most parts from the US to again keep costs down.

Advice to anyone contemplating building their own race car> Don't.. much easier to go and buy someone else's.

Update - 5th March 2007

2007-03-05T21:44:00.000Z

Need to track down a manual on stripping down the G50-50 for the workshop - it's really holding us up.

Spoke to Tony at: www.touringcarspares.com said he could hook me up with some part used slicks for v.little: "I use 265's on a 10" rim and 240's on a 9" rim on my sierra , you could use a 250 on a 10" rim tho I reckon , he wasn't sure if they have any 265's, his part worn storeman is away until tuesday do i'll ask him then .I havean old pair of avon 250 620(or 630) x 17" wets that I'd happilly part withfor peanuts if that helps get you going as well , theyre not worn out just afew years old ." Tony will also check on 250/18s which are Porsche cup fronts.. should do nicely for testing for a cpl of hundred. Does bode the question why I spent £1000 on Toyos..!!!!!

Spoke to Bev @ www.leda.com and agreed to send her the dampers/springs down at the weekend. Another easy £300-400 by the time I order new Eibachs.

Spoke to Scotty @ www.undergroundgraphics.com and he's aiming to send over some mock-ups over next cpl of days.

More shafts n things.. Repro-Prop

2007-02-22T13:08:00.000Z

Spoke to Paul at Repro Prop - another nice guy.. coincidence (we think not)?

He's proposing 300m grade shafts and then adapted back to the stock CV joints if we can make up the adapter plates for the Porsche inners... Hilly>?

He says the Lotus CVs are probably a bit heavy but main thing is how strong they are - I can handle a bit weight as long as they're strong.

By sending down the ones that came out plus new length measurements etc (-1 that required for the adaptor spacers) then they will have what they need to mod the existing and mate up new shafts. He's quoting £290-310+VAT.

It's starting to close in a bit on the GD' GKN ones but then I'm not sure what grade they are or what would need modifying to them. Even if I can save £100 then it all helps and I'll know the exact spec used.

Phew!
Jon

Shafted!

2007-02-22T12:46:00.000Z

not really..

Re making new driveshafts and cvs to fit the new set-up.. Spoke to Alun @ Abbey Precision, nice guy but it all sounds pretty complicated. To make custom would be expensive. However they could possibly make new shafts and modify to the current cv's..

I guess this would need adaptor plates like what Hilly has used. Or if measurements weren't too far off they could mod a design they already have.. e.g. Prodrive etc. He first would need drawings of the current shafts and cv layout - we'd then need to measure any changes in length for the new trans and of course the different shaft diameters etc for the porsche inners. They can then look to make new shafts and modify existing cvs like what Hilly has done to mate up to the porsche inners. But he said it may not work out any cheaper than buying off the shelf from the likes of Gardner Douglas.. basically if we can supply the drawings the can do the machining but we need to work out the strongest most cost affordable grade to use - my mech says gunmetal,Alun mentioned M24t but says there are plenty of grades above that.

GD want £430 for their shafts/cvs that m8 the G50 up to Scorpio hubs - not sure how far off they'd be..

I need them strong but I need them cheap!

As soon as I withdrew then this..

2007-02-21T13:59:00.000Z

Team details up on Time Attack

Name : Jon Beckett
Company name : Team Phoenix Esprit Racing
Website : www.phoenixesprit.com
Vehicle : Lotus Esprit (TPE-358-07) 1991 N/A
Approx Power : Approx 500bhp
Preferred tyre choice : Yokohama A048R

Current Sponsors : Phoenix Performance Products Grangemouth, MVS Wales, Autotecnique Larbert, Underground Graphics Perth, B&A Foreign Cars San Antonio Texas.

Car spec :

Jon’s Lotus Esprit is a complete one-off culminating GT racer, IMSA car and NASCAR engine in one package. It is the only NA car to enter the Pro series competition in 2007.
GM Dart 358 cubic inch V8, fully balanced and blueprinted by Barry Codling (retired-NASCAR) of San Antonio, Texas. The car features 286 cams, 700CFM Holley-DaVinci carb, steel bottom end, lightweight internals, solid lifters and a 8000-9000rpm redline. This crazy mid-engined racer produces 575bhp in what Jon call’s the ‘stock port’ and more than 800bhp is possible from this engine (naturally aspirated!) This engine is then shipped back to Texas one a year for rebuild and power boost.

The car also includes a full custom MVS Racing aero package to tame the car’s otherwise tricky rearward handling and cooling modifications to keep the high revving V8 cool.
It will run a Meercat free-flow exhaust system, which is reportedly just within the noise requirements, Leda fully rose-jointed suspension & Alcon 4-pot callipers look after the on track handling and stopping action.

Jon did not take part in the 2006 series but followed the proceedings closely and he lists his favourite car from last year as Nadine Geary’s Viper GTS ' it’s a proper GT car in the old skool mould.. great to see American muscle battling out with Japanese technology' Jon says.
His best experience of 2006 was buying the Esprit and coming up with the idea to do the NASCAR V8 conversion. ‘We’re not there yet but hope to be ready in time for Donny and most certainly Silverstone’. Jon says.

Jon's predictions for the 2007 are that Zen Performance will lift the F/I Pro Time Attack Series, Kimi Raikkonen will win Formula 1 and Jeff Gordon will again win the Nextel NASCAR Cup

Jon lists his personal favourite race venue from this years calendar as Brands Hatch for Paddock Hill bend and winding-up the acceleration out of Clarke’s.

When we asked him which driver he is most looking forward to going up against & why Jon replied, ' Nadine Geary in her Viper GTS, ‘it’ll be a fearsome battle: Nadine has the experience and a car that’s proven with great top end, I’m just looking to develop myself and the car but would love to get close to Nadine occasionally’. Jon will also peg himself to the other rwd runners, as well as take the silverware home and is looking forward to the experience.

Should you be interested in getting involved with Team Phoenix as a sponsor please contact the Time Attack team by email and we will put you in touch.

Pulling out of Time Attack.. spiralling costs!!

2007-02-21T10:17:00.000Z

well budget has truly spiralled and we jst about have al the bits to finish the build but after there is cost of dyno and testing up at KH. I can't stick my head in the sand too long and the 114 ron petrol fumes aren't having enough pyschotropic effectes to avoid the truth..

- so I'm putting the foot down and making a few hard calls to stop the money getting further out of control. TA raised their fees this year & want all fees up front next Wed regardless of whether the car can compete first cpl of rounds or not... so I'm pulling the car as it's too much a gamble. I emailed Rob Barnes today to officially withdraw the car/team from the 07 entry.

I'd rather get the car working and do the odd race meet and pick a up a cpl of sigs. Main thing is to get the car running and slow the money outflow as much as poss. If all goes well I can try and do the odd LOTRDC round but will get car working and see what I can afford. I'm not going to compete SMRC this season as I've just spent a grand on R888s for the TA, which is fine for LOTRDC but you can run slicks for SMRC iirc.

Main things that hurt the budget being the rising entry fee, wheels, tyres, shift linkage for the G50 trans, customs duty and shipping costs and lots of things you don't think of until you start building a car. It's been a learning curve for sure.

Update: I emailed GKN about shafts and cv's. They built the original V8 Europa prototypes so may be interested. Off down to workshop to go through o/s jobs to-do.

Long road ahead..

2007-02-20T10:46:00.000Z

Long way to go.. Donny unlikley - S'stone looks better

Phoenix are working on:

modifying the filter and spray bar arrangment on the G50-50 trans
new engine mounts to be measured and made up
Rod shift linkage on order from Gardner Douglas today
Dampers to be stripped off and go back to Leda to be revalved and new spring rates sent up.
Line up engine/trans - measure up new shafts and adaptor plates.
Overhaul brakes, order new pads
Re-fit springs and dampers
Try new wheels for size - boot both sets of alloys
New wiring loom + new dash and locate MSD ignition
Weld in quick release hub and fit steering wheel
Position new Optima battery
New cooling system: rads, header tanks and lines
Strip and check suspension arms and r-joints etc.
Order up new fuel cell (front compartment) and make braided lines
Service extinguisher - relocate to pax compartment?
Fit new front bullet lights - add screw on perpex covers.
Strip rear bumper and fit lucas rear lights + rain led light
Position engine/trans
Fit new rod linkage throught o cabin and adjust for shift pattern
Locate new master cylinders
Fit new pedal box
Fit exhaust pipes to headers + fit Moroso headers
Order exhaust wrap and wrap headers
Fix new ally firewall + heat resistant material?
Add second side brace to cage
Fit new aero kit etc inc. front end, undertray, engine cover..
Fabricate Y-bracket to support tailgate to trans mounts. Add brackets to support exhausts.
Fit new seats and harnesses
Dyno car
Shakedown test at Knockhill - check suspension, brakes and engine set-up
Send to Auotecnique for paint
Send to Underground Graphics for livery

That's about half the job list. Barry Codling might be coming over April to help set up car on the dyno then shakedown. Should be ready for S'stone in June with some test laps under the belt.

Possible GD trans solution?

2007-02-16T23:31:00.000Z

Gardner Douglas have stepped forward to suggest their Lola T70 rod linkage. From first pics and descriptions it sound sperfect and will give me a classic Le Mans shift arrangement to the right. Can bracket it straight onto the cage bar etc.

approx £500.. £500 I could do without but is prb money saved in the long run..

This would give me a proper Le Mans style come GT-40 gear shift (likely on the right hand side)..! Will see what John/Alan think...

ttfn

New livery design direction?

2007-02-13T17:00:00.000Z

Spoke to Scott.. (www.undergroundgraphics.com) many things tie up that means we could run a 'Flying Tigers' military (WWII) style livery scheme and still blend in with the nascar idea, flames, Phoenix etc (see pic).

Could even go the US airforce star onthe roof and rear quarters instead of the big numbers.. or a combo. I'm guessing it's not possible to vinyl over the entire bodywork and even if we could it would be way too expensive.. ?

For the rear wing then a slogan like 'FIREPOWER' may jst do the trick.. rear spoiler becomes like the wings of the fighter - with maybe with the fighter bars and the wing side sections like the tail fin. UG could use military font sets etc. Jap flags would be funny. Remember the car's designation is 'TPE-358-07'. Flying Phoenix, sharke's teeth.. Could be awesome and will fit in well with the slightly military build's look and sound...

or maybe I'm just looking for an excuse to save time and keep the interior looking argricultural..lol

Wheels n tyres ordered.. ouch.. money money!

2007-02-13T11:30:00.000Z

Finally ordered the Rimstock Team Dynamics as discussed below for approx £450. Also ordered ToyoR888s and T1-Rs, which came in jst under £1000.. ouch..

Needless to say I've approached Toyo for direct sponsorship for the TA '07 season.

www.toyo.co.uk

Wallet looks very bruised..! There's steam coming off the Master Card.. Only time will tell if I should use the new softer 'SG' compund but will try the med-soft initially for longevity sake and also avoid the recent price hike.

never-ending list of to-do's (12.02.07)

2007-02-12T12:37:00.000Z

Ordering hub shaft set from Rexmar, Joe will then include his quick release adaptor:

I guess the steering wheel shaft diameter is crucial?

One i have the part # I can then send to Joe who will package up with the quik release adaptor. I'm going for the longest adaptor to bring the wheel a lot closer and get some decent kink into my arm position (I'm far too Moss-like in my wheel preference) whilst maintaining a good distance to the pedals.

http://shopping.rexmar.com/Merchant2/merch...teeradapt2taper

These Billet Steering Hub Adapters will fit any standard 3 bolt type steering hub, (Impy, Lecarra, Formuling, Momo, Grant, etc) to most popular steering systems. You can also bolt the old traditional 3-bolt type Covico steering wheels right to them without an additional hub. They are manufactured out of 6061-T6 aluminum and are available in ten colors plus plain polished. tandard tapered shaft adapters fit Morse, Teleflex, Hardin, Steermaster, Detroit, and others. All our late model adapters are now drilled with (12) thread holes to allow better indexing of the steering wheel to a straight position when installed. Only (3) of the (12) holes are utilized.[/i]

The Hub is a 2-piece assembly consisting of a cap and a hub back and mounting bolts. Typically these hubs fit specific types of wheels and have an internal 6-bolt pattern which mounts to the popular 3-bolt steering wheel pattern. 3 bolts are used, the other 3 are not, this allows for proper indexing of the wheel more easily. The next component is the adapter. This piece accepts the Hub above and typically fits on the shaft of a given type or brand of steering system. Adapters are available in several lengths to enable you to adjust the wheel distance from the dash. Our billet adapters as shown in the photo below have 12 threaded holes for the hub. You will utilize only 3 of the 12 holes. Again this done for ease of indexing the steering wheel properly. The back side of the adapter has a keyed tapered hole that slides over the steering shaft and is secured with the large nut visible in front of the adapter in the photo. The final piece is optional and is applicable to some systems only...the aluminum dash bezel. It is strictly a dress-up piece that replace some stock plastic bezels (or helm covers).

The second type of steering wheel mounting is done with what we call the 1-piece hub below. This part is a fixed length [i]and mounts directly on the steering shaft of the helm. It is essentially the above Hub and Adapter assembly melded into one part. The 1-piece hubs are not available for all wheel styles and come in only one length. The white line in the photo below is used to illustrate the internal cavity in the hub where it attaches to the helm. These hubs have 3/4 taper shaft holes common to most steering systems.

I'm checking that the quick release hub then converts form the 3 bolt to the 6 bolt pattern for the Sparco wheel.

Other:

Ok - wheels being ordered today (finally).. Rimstock Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2s in gloss black with 60mm bore front and rear, 18"x9J (+15et) and 17"x7.5J (+15et) @ 108 PCD 5-stud.

Also spoke to Beverley at Leda - need to strip dampers and springs and send down to be revalved an springs supplied: Need to check

weight for the old 2.2l alloy engine:
approx weight of the new 358ci steel small block engine:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b308/MBlur/IMG_1300.jpg

http://www.lbmracing.com/uploaded_images/TPE.10.02.07028b-746660.JPG
We're assuming G50 Porsche trans similar weight to the enault UN1 box - both are hung out to the rear: http://www.lbmracing.com/uploaded_images/TPE.10.02.07029b-781813.JPG

Weight distribution would be on a par with a Small block Mosler, Saleen, Pantera, GT40 etc.. no opportunity to take corner weights as we're behind schedule due to a delay in the trans arriving.
From prev runs: generally rates felt soft against the car whcih is pretty rigid tho some of this was coming from the tyres.

Sending the existing springs with the dampers so Leda can get a baseline for the new rates. I'll try and get the workshop to strip the coil overs down over next week to 10 days tho they've got loads on.

q - is there any identification marks/numbers I can look for to ensure they are Ledas? Need to have a look at them when they come off.

Update - 10/02/07 (workshop pics)

2007-02-11T00:31:00.000Z

Got down to the workshop and took some pics of last week's progress. Unsuprisigly the car looks a mess but at leats work is now underway. Blimming fuel cell wont fit - will check summit racing (www.summitracing.com) for 2 smaller upright fuel cells... pah!

Team Dynamics rims>?

2007-02-09T14:28:00.000Z

Once I've worked out the offset and bores - Rimstock will supply a set of 4 Team Dynamic Pro-Race 1.2s as per pic above for approx £450 or $800 (that's delivered in the UK) + shipping outside of UK if neccessary. They are heat treated race rims, lightweight available in silver, black, white and possibly gold.

Sent Artie a PM - almost there - jst want to check offsets/bores once last time based on the Rimstock templates. I want to avoid having to use the 20mm hubcentric spacers to clear the Alcon callipers. Maybe that's unavoidable>?

I had planned to go for 7.5J fronts to keep a +ve rake and larger rear to front rolling diameter. I wonder how a 17" 8J rim sit in the front arch. Car is lowered on r-jointed and likely 1000-1500lb+ coil-overs>? Stock 91 SE arches.

Just got to be sure of the offsets and bores.. should take 3 wks to deliver.

options being:7.5 x 17 e15 / 20 / 25 / 30 4 7.5 x 17 e15 / 25 / 30 / 37 / 45 / 53 4, 5, 8 & 10 8.0 x 17 e20 / 25 / 33 / 38 / 40 / 48 / 53 4, 5, 8 & 10 9.0 x 18 e15 / 20 / 30 4 or 5

Progress at last... wk1 Jan07

2007-02-08T13:13:00.001Z

Finally we have the trans and the Phoenix guys aren't wasting any time.

All dormant wiring in both the engine bay and interior has been removed. Woo Hoo.. no more hazzardous Lotus wiring!

Complete interior strip also done including dash and ancillaries. Dash, seats, harnesses all ready to go back in.. maybe a coat of paint first tho.

Engine has been temporarily in the vehicle for measurement without the gearbox, removal of both exhaust pipes done and shortened. They require to be turned around so the pipes are at the top of the engine instead ofthe bottom. This is required due to the rear sub frame fouling the exhausts and due to the fact that the driveshaft's will not fit in their current position either.

G50-50 end casing has been removed from the gearbox for strip.

I sent John a pdf manual/assembly diagram for the circa 1989 Porsche G50-50 gearbox so they can strip further. The spray bar will require modification if the box needs to be fitted alternatively but the issue is, John does not want to damage any material without knowing what the inside of the box looks like. If anything falls out or becomes dislodged as they strip, it could be particularly difficult to find out where it belongs! Will then need to check for a cooler, pump etc.

Firewall has also been removed today to create space for the engine and gearbox as expected.

Lots of challenges ahead but it's good to see some sort of light at the end of tunnel and I've every confidence in John, Alan and big Stevie.

I best get down fast to take some pics as John has got this project firmly on the move!!!

Update - Jan - slow progress

2007-02-06T13:30:00.000Z

Good news - trans has finally arrived (£400+ duty!!), aero well under way in Wales bust final cost unkown. Immediate to do's - need to organise the following

Tyre supplier (Proving tricker than I expected..$%^&*)
Gear linkage, cooler, pump, 5-speed shifter (this will be one of the toughest parts of the project)
Wheels - Rimstock - 3 wk build time - need offsets
Drivershafts - ???
Brake pads - Barry can suppyl Hawk pads if I can get him a template
New springs - Leda

First event on the 7th April and we're 3 months behind.. S'stone looks the more likely inuagral event for Team Phoenix.. still to build car, dyno and shakedown..

Hilly on the Lotus Esprit Forum has offered to help to work out the CAD for new gear linkages etc.. also talking to Bobby Hart Racing re their conversion.