Merry Christmas....

....and beware the wreath of khan!



Khaaaaaan!

ACT smooth bore induction and K&N filter

I've fitted a K&N filter and an ACT smooth bore induction 90 degree elbow.
Easy to install.

Also sorted out the CO trim and throttle pot.
1.8v on the air flow meter
0.34v on the throttle pot at rest.

Also swapped to spark plugs 0.8mm spark gap.

Adjusted roof and fit too

PAS Steering Rack

I had the steering rack re-conditioned and repaired for the MOT as I'd noticed the nearside gaitor was leaking.

Quick turn around and very pleased with the result

Fuel Pump

New fuel pump arrived - fitting was easy

It resolved a minior misfire when running low on fuel and made the cabin a much nicer place to be due to the reduced noise

EBC Brake Discs & Pads (Mintex front)

I've been getting the car ready for it's MOT.

I'd noticed the brakes were pulling a little to the left - turns out the front right disc was contaminated with copper slip - so I decided to replace all the discs and pads (as the rear were due replacement anyway).

Unfortunately EBC didn't have the correct front discs in stock so I plumbed for Mintex at the front.

Very pleased with the results.

ACT Race manifolds and race cats

Fed up with my crap manifolds leaking all the time - I took the plunge bought a set of ACT Products Race manifolds and race cats.

http://www.actproducts.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_67&products_id=313

I also had to purchase a gasket/bolt set http://www.actproducts.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_67&products_id=318

Fitting was a doddle, they look awesome in the engine bay



I'll try and record the exhaust note if I can get the video camera working.

Just when you thought.....

...it was safe to turn on the heater.

I have been traveling a bit in the Chimaera - quite a bit of motorway driving.  All of a sudden I smelt burning and then the heater fans stopped working.

I took the dashboard apart and found this:

Yes that is what you think it is :-( that's the heater control unit under the dashboard. This is the second time it has burnt out. First time I suspected the unit itself but now I think the current draw on it is increasing because the heater blower is seizing up - or is packing up.

More to follow next weekend - when I can get my head into the passenger footwell again

Sweet!

BRILLIANT
Everything seems to be working.

New rad and themostat installed.

Temp constant through the town in traffic and drops on the open road.

I am really pleased as all the restoration work I wanted to do is now done.

1. No clacking exhaust manifold noise.
2. Perfect cooling system.
3. No PAS leak.
4. Car is completely water tight.
5. Speakers upgraded.
6. Alarm sounder fixed.
7. Dashboard squeaks fixed.
8. Tidied up dashboard leather.
9. Re-trimmed doors.
10. Re-sealed doors.
11. Fixed window closure.
    
12. Windscreen sorted out.
13. Idles well - mixture is perfect.

The only things I'd consider doing now are:

1. New seat belts (the old ones got wet and now stick a bit sometimes)
2. Respray - paint work is looking rather tired
3. GAZ or Nitron shock absorbers
4. New discs and pads
5. Remove precats - (maybe)
   

When I get time I'll take some proper pictures and get some PDF tutorials up and online.

From great to opps in one easy step!

New radiator fitted, also replaced thermostat (74 degree) and otter switch (88 degree) to lower temp ones (just because whilst I'm sorting the cooling system out - why not).

Fired it up and bled the system.
Took it out for a drive and heard something 'ping' off - followed by a worrying rumbling noise.
Was only up the road from home so pulled up on the drive and had a look - OH DEAR.... looks like I didn't tighten up the alternator pulley bolt enough - luckly it's just stripped the thread on the alternator and ruined the pulley.

Got a new pulley and have put the alternator in for a repair.

The final job?

Ok - the end is nigh!

I took the radiator our today and dropped it off at Gloucester Radiator Services - 140.00 next day radiator recore - great guys really know their stuff.

Will post some pictures of the finished article and a guide on how to fit it.