227 replies to this topic

[GreaseMonkey]

You've built an engine strong enough for a tank is what you've done

[Boycie]

Sounds like you've been spending money..

Re the rear ARB, all Mk3's (including the poverty-spec Merits etc) had a roll bar at the back, running through the centre of the beam. The redtop-only GSi's had a 2nd one, bolted around the beam. That's what those two holes are for either side of the 'axle' on the flat section near to where the hubs bolt on.
My LET'd GSi was a laugh.. I too ran an F28. The only disadvantage was that the '28 weighs an absolute bomb, loads more than the F20. I'm not sure how the big-power cars solve this problem nowadays, but mine used to be weak where the rear gearbox mounts to the subframe. To get the F28 in a FWD car, you have to drill and tap some holes at the back of the diff' housing and fit an F18/F20 mount. This is fine... but the F28 is not strong enough here if you're brutal with the boost.. shattering gearbox casings used to be common and I'd imagine they're very hard to get nowadays.
The box is mounted totally differently in the Cally/ Cav-T- which evens out the loadings properly.

[HARBER07]

Ahh that figures then. I saw it had one rear ARB and assumed that was it!. Another thing for the "one day" list then!. The F28 weighs nearly as much as the rest of the car . I'm not sure how they are bolted in, but from what I've seen/read you'll be lucky to get hold of one that doesn't need new synchros. I've got one eyed up thats already been rebuilt and is fitted with an LSD, but shes expensive so I've let it lie for a bit . You can get conversions kits that don't require drilling and tapping now.

[HARBER07]

Also got to get hold of some rear discs and handbrake shoes. I took the assembly apart at the weekend as the handbrake wasn't working. Turns out theres about .5mm on the brake lining!. Got a new handbrake cable to fit too when i CBA.

[Boycie]

Sounds good
I remember the 2wd conversion, that just bolted onto the diff output flange (where the transfer box used to go) but would love to see how they fix the F18/20 ally mount!
You're right about the syncros.. my 2nd was always a bit crunchy.. and parts were dear! The LSD-blessed box would be niiiice..

[Sir Cheat]

I really like old school.. Vauxhalls, Me i would go for a pre 89 Astra or maybe the Cavalier turbo 4x4.. Just look at this one so tasty Link..

[HARBER07]

Absolutely LOVE Cav 4x4 Turbos!!. We used to have a Cav 2.0 SRI. Sold it to our grandad and someone torched it .

[HARBER07]

Done a few more jobs this weekend. A New GSi badge fitted to the front, as I removed the old one to fit the fogs. Handbrake shoes got changed, along with the cable. Got a brilliant handbrake now. It wasn't very functional before, as You'll see in the pics .

[HARBER07]

And

Edited by HARBER07, 16 January 2011 - 06:31 PM.

[Burnard]

Got another 1000 miles left in them atleast! what a waste....

[HARBER07]

Ordered some MORE panels LMAO!. A front crossmember and the rear spring seats. to be honest I don't know if I actually need the spring seats, but at the price I thought why not. Anyways, I got me a Coscast head!. Not much difference between the heads, but it was casted by Cosworth instead of KolbenSchmidt. The KS heads have been known to crack, causing HGF symptoms. Basically the casting between the oilway + waterway is much thinner. NOT really what I want after spending a few pennies getting it ported with +1mm valves, solid lifters, etc. Coscast is on the right. (also been cleaned which saves me a boring job)





It's the earlier one with the 13mm Valve guides.

Edited by HARBER07, 20 January 2011 - 05:52 PM.

[HARBER07]

Changed the front crossmember today

The problem:



And now lets get to work:















Jobbed

Edited by HARBER07, 22 January 2011 - 07:16 PM.

[Shifty]

Wouldn't it have been cheaper to just keep the mini??

(hey, I wonder if you could get a non-rusting fibreglass mini??)

(where on earth would you find one of them?)

(where ohhh Where)

[HARBER07]

LMAO!

Will work on that again someday

[Burnard]

Engine in yet?