VTEC powered Triumph TR4A IRS

TR4AIRS · June 05, 2012, 04:48:15 PM

@ Richie A: The dashboard is not a project for the very near future, but I do have a few parts in mind already. My personal preference goes to Stack gauges, tachometer and speedometer. I still haven't decided upon the style of the interior/dashboard: race car or daily driver.

Next is the engine install, brake lines and differential overhaul.

Regards,
Kristof.

richiea · June 06, 2012, 09:47:10 PM

Sorry to monopolize on this thread but I am looking forward to seeing how the shifter lines up with the stock interior. As you had already fitted the drivetrain in the chassis do you know how well it fits vs stock?

TR4AIRS · June 07, 2012, 02:00:48 AM

The shifter will be located a few incher further back than the original one, but since the interior won't be original either, I will correct this partially with the location of the seats, steering and pedals. The shifter itself will also be modified to locate the gear knob more forward. I have few worries about this problem.

Regards,
Kristof.

richiea · August 05, 2012, 01:04:29 PM

Any updates? Very anxious to see the progress

Also I'm curious what made you decide on 15x7 vs 15x6? Most race cars I've found online are all running 15x6's with 205/60's. Tire selection is very poor for 205/60's however the 7" rim seem to usually get the vote that they will cause rubbing issues along with sticking out quite a bit. Were you going to be flaring your fenders?

Cheers,

Richie

speed6 · August 14, 2012, 11:52:24 PM

Hi-

What rear axle hubs did you use? They don't look like stock Triumph parts.

Thanks,

Chad

Dan B · August 23, 2012, 01:55:51 PM

Kristof,

A question has come up about the front suspension wishbones. The lower mounts to the frame appear to be stock TR4A. Triumph upgraded on the TR6 to a two bolt bracket instead of one. Is there a reason you didn't do that upgrade. Thanks,

Dan B

TR4AIRS · August 23, 2012, 03:28:58 PM

Hello,

I haven't been here for a while nor near the car for that matter. 2 months ago I started another project that will keep me busy until it will turn 18 years old -best case scenario ;-) - and we are also looking for a new house. I can't give you any updates for now, but I will answer your questions.

The lower whishbone bracket are the later ones with the double stud (as in the TR5-6). A few years back the orginal bracket broke and let's just say I didn't want something like that to happen again.

The hubs are the included in the Goodparts CV axle kit and are beautifully machined parts.

You can see the reason for the 7" - 0 offset wheels on the previous page. I really like the stance of the yellow car built by Racetorations.

Questions are still more than welcome, but unfortunately updates will not be for the next few months.

Kind regards,
Kristof.

Dan B · August 23, 2012, 04:02:40 PM

Congratulations on your new "project!"

TR4AIRS · October 14, 2012, 02:41:34 AM

It was apparently more difficult to decide what I wanted to do with the engine exactly than I first thought.

Here are the plans...

Since many F20C engines suffer engine damage as a result of a broken valve, the head will be rebuilt with aftermarket components. Camshafst will be left alone, since very few manufacturers can prove horsepower gains with theirs.

On the induction side -and this I am very excited about- two double Weber DCOE carburetors will do the work. I came in touch with a man who is a real Weber wizard and who also happens to rebuild/tune F20C engines. When I asked about the Vtec, he assured me that the Vtec and the Webers could work perfectly together. I believe the sound, performance and the look will be second to none.

For the ignition we will take a KMS ignition only module. This will also send the Vtec signal.

By the end of the year I should have the entire engine back.

TR4AIRS · October 27, 2012, 03:08:43 PM

Another small update.

Today I picked up a brand new clutch kit from Helix Autosport. Parts are superb quality! I wonder what it will feel like on the road.

I also ordered a custom made fuel tank from Andy Wiltshire in the UK. The tanks that he builds, have received many great reviews by his customers. I specified a 56 liter (extra large size) tank with JIC fittings for fuel feed and return and a VDO dip tube style fuel level sensor. Let's hope this will work together nicely with my Stack fuel level gauge.

I am looking for a alumium radiator with a large puller fan, but still haven't found a rad that ticks all my boxes. Anyone with a suggestion? (preferably in the UK)

I'll post pictures when the fuel tank is here.

Regards.

BlownMGB-V8 · October 27, 2012, 06:27:05 PM

What is this dip tube you refer to?

Jim

TR4AIRS · October 28, 2012, 08:16:04 AM

http://www.proalloy.co.uk/cgi-bin/sitewise.pl?act=det&pt=52_921_139&p=1051&id=proalloy

Appears to be the best in the business. The Stack fuel level gauge can be configured accordingly.

Kristof.

BlownMGB-V8 · October 28, 2012, 11:45:05 AM

So still a resistor wire and contact system the same as with a pivot float. Disappointing. You would think modern technology could produce something better.

Jim

Frizzle Fry · October 28, 2012, 11:20:43 PM

Modern Technology Here -> http://www.gillsensors.co.uk/content/fuel_level_sensors.htm

Actually they've been used in jets for over 50 years...

TR4AIRS · October 29, 2012, 07:12:32 AM

@ Frizzle Fry

I had been looking at those, but I am not looking for 1% accuracy in the fuel level gauge:-)

The signal output is also not compatible with my Stack fuel gauge.

Beautiful product though!

BlownMGB-V8 · October 29, 2012, 08:50:56 AM

Capacitive, yes that makes sense. Probably two close fitting tubes and presence of a liquid changes the capacitance between them. Measure that and calibrate it. Not complicated or difficult and no moving parts. Well, once sender failures become common under warranty we will get those.

Jim

TR4AIRS · November 01, 2012, 03:42:44 PM

Jim,

Your remark made me thinking about these Gill sensors. However, when I got my quotation for a sensor and display earlier today, I was very happy again with my VDO fuel level sensor and Stack Pro Control gauge. A sender and gauge would set me back more than £700 ($1130). I must admit that I like to fit high quality items to my car, but the fuel level is not of such essence that I want to spend my entire November budget on that info :-)

I hope that you don't think any less of the project now, but I believe that my choice is a good one.

Kind regards,
Kristof.

BlownMGB-V8 · November 01, 2012, 07:05:47 PM

So do I. Prices will only come down when the auto industry adopts them. As it is, the wiper style usually survives the warranty period. Now let warranties go to 100K+ miles and this may change rather quickly.

Jim

TR4AIRS · November 03, 2012, 12:32:39 PM

Hello,

Yesterday I received the first oil system parts. You can see the Mocal oil cooler, Mocal oil thermostat, Aeroquip Startlite Racing hose, Aeroquip straight, 45° and 90° fittings and adapters. All fittings are rather large -10 JIC/AN fittings, just to be on the safe side of things.

I am still waiting for the Canton Racing remote oil filter take off plate and the remote oil filter mount. They should be here within 4 weeks. After that the installation can begin.

I would just like to express my gratitude to the people at Think Automotive for their patience, helpful advice and very quick dispatch. Since I am a total n00b when it comes to JIC, AN, NPT, BSP... fittings, I was really glad to be assisted by such knowledgeable folks!

74ls1tr6 · November 05, 2012, 09:46:45 AM

Great looking products!!

TR4AIRS · November 06, 2012, 04:06:56 AM

Thanks! This project will take a little bit longer than I first anticipated, but I would like to do things first time right than to do it over again later on.

I saw the Youtube video of Frizzel Fry's S2000 conversion and I really found new energy to clean up the workshop and get back at it.

More updates are coming...

TR4AIRS · November 06, 2012, 01:41:59 PM

Great news! I just received an e-mail from Andy Wiltshire. My fuel tank is ready and should be here before the end of this week.

Here is Andy's website. I am very curious to see it in person. You'll be the first to see the photos.

Regards,
Kristof.

TR4AIRS · November 07, 2012, 12:57:34 PM

I sandblasted the plug cover, masked off the letters and sprayed the cover with VHT wrinkle paint. I am quite satisfied with the result.

The valve cover is next. However, because this has extensive baffling on the inside, I didn't blast it in my sand blasting cabinet. No matter how good you plug all the holes, sand will end up in places where you can't see and reach. And I don't want my engine to be the victim of engine bay aesthetics:-)

I plugged all holes, used paint stripper and carefully wiped all the paint away. Painting and baking will be for tomorrow.

Here's the plug cover...

TR4AIRS · November 07, 2012, 01:07:01 PM

The uprated clutch kit is from Helix Autosport in the UK. I have thought about getting a complete flywheel + clutch, but two things made me decide otherwise.

The original flywheel was still in very good condition and my tuner advised me not to spend my money on a lightweight flywheel that would compromise daily driving. On several S2000 forums, people are getting ever lighter flywheels, but some parts should be left the way Honda intended them.

TR4AIRS · November 09, 2012, 01:25:39 PM

Today we have some good news...

Aluminium fuel tank with -08 AN fuel supply and -06 AN fuel return fitting, maximum internal baffling and the VDO fuel level sender.
Beautiful welds and extremely lightweight! And I have never received a part that was wrapped like this one.