Hi Gang,
Time for a quick update. I have changed the direction of the Completion Strategy for El Gato. After some quick consultation with those that matter, I have decided to get the car completed to a state whereby it drives and is virtually complete, save for the bodywork and paint. This is for three reasons:
1. If I gave it to the spray painter now, on past performances it would be another 7 months before I got it back.
2. If I have the car complete to the point whereby its running and driveable, then there is less chance of missing those little bits like holes for cabling etc that could be missed. And I want these included as when its painted, every screw hole, penetration and cut will be finished and the new paint will remain unmarked.
3. Completing it to a running state in the next month or so will allow me to show it off at the QLD Mini Muster, and create some interest for QBR (and also get on the dyno run and take that out as well
)
So, to this end, the car is going back together, with the car in a magnificent shade of undercoat grey! Here is some pics of this weekends efforts.....
The engine is now in for the 2nd last time - with the new Exedy HD clutch installed, new timing belt, gaskets etc. I am really impressed with the MKIII subframe and how easy it is to get the motor in an out. The brake MC is in as is the pedal box.
The front suspension and components are in. The lower control, arms which are Group A spherical jointed items are in, but awaiting some spacers to be machined (thanks Simon!), and the tie-rods which are also spherical jointed Group A items are also in. I like how they look, and like even better the ease of which they can be adjusted (on-car!).
The GAZ coilovers are in for the first time - and they look great. Can't wait to test them out on the track! The discs, drive flanges and calipers are all in and bolted up!
Looking through the headlight opeing, they look like something you would see on a Group N rally car or similar (easier to believe if the discs were twice the size):
And the rear subframe showing of its new livery of satin black 2-pak, is in now in and ready to recieve the rear suspension and brake components.
This week and weekend will see the clutch MC installed and the clutch lines, all the brake lines and prop valve, brake booster, rear suspension and brake components, exhaust and basically everything that feeds into the engine bay. Hopefully, I will be able to complete the fuel delivery system as well.
See you then!
Cheers,
Tricky
