ROTARY POWER FOR NEW MEV
Dec 8th
Joining the MEV line-up recently the newest option for the all-conquering Exocet kit is the RX version.
It uses the major componentry from the Mazda RX8, the one with the Felix Wankel-derived Renesis 13B rotary engine. As much maligned as the Rover K-Series engine the RX8 rotary is also a superb engine if treated right and looked after.
Two variants were available in period, either 191bhp or 231bhp and MEV has cleverly incorporated it into the Exocet model. The car’s chassis is mildly revised primarily around the rear subframe area.
Performance is described rather modestly by MEV Ltd as being ‘exciting’ and kit More >
LOOSE BATTERIES A NO-NO!
Dec 8th
Summit Racing’s Billet Universal Battery Mount has a billet aluminium base plate, three 6.375in billet stanchion tubes and a black anodised billet aluminium top plate.
To secure the battery, set it on the base plate, run the included all-thread rods into the threaded holes in the plate, set the stanchion tubes over the all-thread rods and secure the top plate to the rods with the included lock nuts.
The Summit Racing Billet Universal Battery Mount is set up for an Optima or similarly sized battery. If you have a shorter battery, you can cut the all-thread rods and stanchion tubes to fit. More >
MGF DAMPERS
Dec 8th
Here’s one for owners of MGF-based kit conversions – The MGF was fitted with a ‘Hydragas’ suspension system employing interconnected fluid and gas displacers which provided a surprisingly compliant ride and could be tuned to provide good handling characteristics.
However, it must have had its problems because when the MGF was replaced by the MG TF in 2002 the Hydragas suspension was replaced by conventional coil springs.
MGF owners can now have the reliability of conventional dampers combined with the benefit of bump and rebound adjustability by fitting GAZ GT adjustable dampers.
GAZ fully adjustable GT dampers enable the damping bump and rebound rate to be More >
GREASED UP
Dec 8th
Millers Deltaplex 2EP grease from Millers is an essential item, not only as a general-purpose grease but for use in wheel bearings and other bearings on suspension and steering joints. It is available now from www.merlinmotorpsort.co.uk or by following this link – MILLERS DELTAPLEX 2EP GREASE ENDS.
MIDGET FLYWHEEL
Dec 8th
Fidanza can provide lightweight alloy flywheels for the 1275cc Austin Healey Sprite from 1966 – 1970 and the MG Midget from 1967 to 1974.
A Fidanza lightweight flywheel is simple to install when the clutch is replaced and will bring the following benefits:
- Faster throttle response and quicker acceleration • Additional horsepower to the wheels (reduced parasitic losses) • Smoother, faster shifting • Easier braking, better slowing (due to reduced rotational mass) • Reduced clutch wear and improved efficiency (from better heat dissipation) • Cost savings and longevity (thanks to Fidanza’s replaceable green friction plate – no need to replace the entire flywheel More >
TRANSFORMERS
Dec 8th
This ultra-lightweight and portable ARC TIG/MMA inverter welder from Machine Mart is ideal for both automotive and general repairs.
The efficient inverter technology utilises a high switching frequency that typically allows the welder to be less bulky and better controlled than traditional non-invertor transformer-type welders.
A clear digital display shows the variable output current while there is a thermal overload cut-out and LED indicator. Other features include Hot Start, Anti Stick and Arc-Force.
The best-selling AT165 also utilises power factor correction for increased efficiency, which allows the welder to be powered from a domestic 13A supply.
Technical specification
Min/Max Amps 10-160 Volts 230 V Electrode More >LET THE BUS TAKE THE STRAIN – THE CAREER OF ALAN PONSFORD THE DESIGNER OF THE AVA K1
Dec 8th
PHOTOS TO FOLLOW
Crikey, if this was Total Bus magazine the name Alan Ponsford would be very familiar to you. Much like the CVs of Lee Noble or Jeremy Phillips may have escaped the attention of a member of the Duple Owner’s Club, Alan is the big cheese of bus and coach design. However, he also designed one of the finest handling kitcars of all time in the guise of the AVA K1. Possibly the most advanced in terms of looks, too. Some 36 years after it was unveiled it still seems box-fresh according to STEVE HOLE …
I was reading something More >
PERFECT FOR KITCARS POWERED BY PINTO OR COSSIE YB
Dec 1st
On most modern power conversions, the original distributor is redundant and can be removed.
However, on the Pinto and Cosworth YB engines, the distributor cannot be completely removed unless a dry sump oil system is installed, because the original type of oil pump uses the drive provided by the distributor.
This new compact Distributor Delete Unit from Burton Power provides a neat and easily installed solution to drive the oil pump.
Order the Distributor Delete Unit as part number FT297 at £120.00 (inc VAT).
More details at the other end of 0208 554 2281 or via www.burtonpower.com ENDS.
THESE ARE LOVELY
Dec 1st
Webcon has announced the introduction of two superb quality fuel pressure gauges.
Both gauges are liquid filled to ensure consistent results and feature 1/8 NPT threaded adaptors to fit most gauge adaptors and fuel pressure regulators on the market.
The gauges are Webcon branded to distinguish them from lesser quality units and are extremely competitively priced.
Both gauges are available from stock and order details are as follows:
System type Pressure Range Part No Price (inc VAT) Carburettor 0-15 PSI WFR150 £23.75 EFI 0-8 bar WFR151 £25.07
Available now from 01932 787 100 or via www.webcon.co.uk ENDS.
More >
NEW FOR GROVES!
Dec 1st
Readers often ask whatever happened to the De Havilland Motor Company. Until this week, I had no answer, but it appears that DHC boss Terry Groves has reappeared as Newgrove Automotive, but is still based in Suffolk.
The company specialises in classic car restoration (they’ve just recommissioned a Ferrari 308 and made a glorious job of it) race preparation and custom builds, while they are also working on a brand-new kit.
It’s called the Newgrove LMR1 and although the donor vehicle has yet to be announced and the company is keeping details close to their chests, but Terry did reveal that power More >
