I already did a lot of work since I got this car, step by step improving it. But eventually I ran out of money, SORNed the car and had it under a blanket for almost 2 years. But the Midas virus started itching again and finally with new funding I was ready to get it on the road again.
First I removed the remote KN filter. It was used on my turbo engine but it was too big. It killed the airflow through the carb so every time at a traffic light the engine would die. I put the small KN cone filter on again (still borrowed from my brother), so now there was room at the side of the engine for the oil cooler:
It's a bit of plumbing with a remote thermostat and temp sensor. I have no idea if it's good or wrong to have the oil cooler higher than the sump. Possibly it will empty itself in the sump or maybe there is an hydraulic lock so all oil stays stationary. During a testrun the oil stayed perfectly at 75degr and good oil pressure.
Next improvement of sump ventilation. This engine has a lot of internal pressure causing oil leaks everywhere. I drilled a hole in the valve cover, in the back plate of the cone filter, installed fittings and hooked it all up. During the testrun I noticed too much blue smoke so probably will fit an oil catch tank in between. It seems to work though, engine almost dry. I noticed the packing sweating of the chain cover, so will remove it in the autumn. I welded the sump ventilation of the cover, which wasn't a good idea. On a Mini racer I saw someone who had installed a fitting on it and ran a tube to the valve cover. Seems like a neat solution so will copy it.
I was fed up with the 175/50R13 Bridgestones because they are too small. Drove me mad on the highway. I bought Falken 175/60R13 on internet for around 160 euro including transport. Upon arrival I compared them with the Bridgestones. Bigger as the Bridgestone, which was expected but now I noticed that the 175mm of the Bridgestone is actually 190mm. Look how fat they are! During the testrun the Falkens proved to be excellent. Excellent roadholding, precise, quiet and much lighter to steer. No chafing and full lock possible so I am a very happy person. By ordering them on internet and having them installed by a local garage I paid in total 210 euros (50 euros for fitting), what a difference with the quote of 350 euro I got from a local tyre fitter.
My ARbar clamps were in pieces. Earlier I had the lower part milled in SS, now the upper parts had cracked. So also remade in SS for just 30 euros. Look perfect, and clamp with a lot of force. Earlier I had noticed the original clamps to be shifted due to hard cornering. Tightening them up could prevent them moving but ofcourse then they cracked. Another problem solved. Can't wait for some hard cornering.
When installing them I noticed a small leak on the radiator, luckily I found a new one on German ebay (in brass!) and installed it without a hitch. Only had to order a locking plate for the fan switch because on my previous rad it was a different design. Arrived just today, phew almost didn't make it for the first trip coming Sunday.
Before the new tyres were fitted it was a good idea to overhaul the rims. They are now 16 years old and suffered from corrosion and damage. Powdercoating would be perfect but at 75euro per wheel to expensive for me. I decided to do it all by myself and paint them with the compressor and paintgun (in the garden). Wheels were cleaned, sanded, holes filled with metal filler, more sanding, primed and painted. Paint is an alkyd resin metal paint. Takes ages to cure (tack free 6 hours, dry 20 hours, cured 1 to 2 weeks!) but it flows beautifully. I had no experience doing this but it looks like a professional job. I had to rework a few chips and other damage after tyre fitting (also painted the weights). I am really chuffed about this. Also painted all mesh, but just used an acryl paint rattle can.
Seats came out to do the hole strengthening mod as earlier discussed on this forum.
Last bits as tyres fitting on the wheels and putting them on the car,
Bled the cooling system (ofcourse it spit out the cooling fluid thanks to a sticking thermostat) and did a testrun. Some erratic lambda readings and spluttering, probably sticky floater needle. A good blast down the lanes solved this, so it's ready for the National Oldtimer Festival at the Zandvoort circuit coming Sunday. Can't wait!
I love the new look, a bit more bad boy. Also it is less noticable the Midas has tiny 13 inch wheels. Let's see what the crowd thinks of it.