PK_090'S Build/bodge and restore thread!

[pk_090]

That's quite a big word, i don't know the definition of Chris! I assume it means pain in the ar$e? Im definitely looking forward to the results though sounds like a good combo, but how much of a drop is it?
I think if it was that much of an "embuggerance" im sure i could have persuaded you to have kept them on my car.
BTW Chris stickers Plz

[AdamP]

There was no mention of carbon brakes apart from "carbon lorraine" who are a performance pad and disc manufacturer. I dont know if you have read this thread, but during the hours i am not at work i make items in carbon, kevlar and fibreglass. Nothing large scale, as it is done at weekends when no in work and using wages after everything else has been paid for which often leaves not alot. The parts i make usually end up on either my cars, or friends cars, or as current my mousemat and coffee coaster at work. Not just composite work i enjoy doing but i have done a full race prep from start to near finished at the moment on my friends integra DC2, including a full strip, seam weld and weld in roll cage install, custom strengthening to the body above the roll cage to interior and exterior, full spray job with the roll cage and engine bay in Focus RS green, with the exterior and interior in Honda white. Carbon paneling on the inside, along with carbon detail in the engine, and currently designing a proper working flatbottom and diffuser that actually works (CFD and wind tunnel tested).
In terms of suspension, i have been looking at multiple avenues. First route is some BC coilovers and camber adjustable top mounts. Expensive option, more track orientated than anything. Second Shocks and springs. Again a good cheaper option, that can yeild the same results in my opinion. The both achieve lower ride height and stiffer suspension, at the expense of not being able to lower the ride height once the lowering springs have been selected.
Third, this may get slandered but an alternate spring. There are many differant suspension setups that work on differant cars. For example astra front and nova rear springs, are a perfect fit on BMW E30's as lowering springs, there are more combos such as this.
Alex

Sorry Alex, I haven't had time to read your thread.

If you need any help then I've spent quite a lot of time working with composite fabrication over the past 5 years and have recently got into the design side of things.

If you don't mind me asking, what wind tunnel are you using?

I still don't think that you understand what you want to achieve. Drive the car, decide what aspect you want to improve. Then look at what you can do to improve it.

[pk_090]

I appologise for a fairly hostile response too Adam.
I Studied at Glyndwr university and they have a number of windtunels and water flow testers including a number of supersonic (not really much use) and one subsonic tunnel. Only small scale but still of use!
The main aim is to have a stunning looking demo car for the business i am looking to set up, But aswell as looking visually fantasic it has to go well too. The only problem i am facing is Insurance. Being young everybody wants me to pay through the roof. The plan, should i have the money would be to keep the standard 1.6 16v until i can insure a blacktop. carry out the black top and then keep that until i can insure a turbo conversion. I think combining a good strong engine with a lightweight shell, with a very good handling package would make a very quick car.
I am currently using the vacuum bagging method of production but i am currently looking for a suitable pump in order to infuse the resin into the mould. I am currently trying to find out easier ways to make moulds too!
Any pointers over pm would be greatly appreciated!
Alex

[SuperRedMR2]

This may not help but regards to insurance, I am 27 with 9 NCB and as of last saturday am paying £440 a year

[pk_090]

And your a draughtsman......like me....

[SuperRedMR2]

No, I'm a design Engineer

[pk_090]

Is that what your contract says? Mine says draughtmans, when im actually the brew b1tch. Bet thats not listed on the insurance database.
Alex

[SuperRedMR2]

Brew b1tch!!! Classic!

I don't have a contract, but if I did it'd list:-

Design Engineer
Draughtsman
Purchaser
Client Liaison
Contracts Manager
Site Surveyor
Welding Engineer

The list is endless

[AdamP]

What do you boys design? I am also a design engineer

Alex, I wouldn't get too excited about vacuum resin infusion. I haven't read much into it (everything i've done has been pre-preg) but its main advantage appears to be reducing voids when trying to do things quickly. You still don't get anywhere near the resin volume control you have with pre-preg.

[SuperRedMR2]

Im a Tank Designer Adam - not military tanks lol Storage tanks, pressure vessels etc

[pk_090]

I draw security fencing. Its not the most glamorous things to design.

Ive been using resin infusion which as you say does not give as good quality as pre-preg parts but i dont have, nor have access to an autoclathe to cure the pre-preg carbon. Resin infusion isnt bad in terms of resin coverage, there is normally only waste where ive mixed too much resin than for what is needed as the excess just gets sucked back though the lines into the store. How have you been curing your pre-preg?
Alex

[AdamP]

I draw security fencing. Its not the most glamorous things to design.

Ive been using resin infusion which as you say does not give as good quality as pre-preg parts but i dont have, nor have access to an autoclathe to cure the pre-preg carbon. Resin infusion isnt bad in terms of resin coverage, there is normally only waste where ive mixed too much resin than for what is needed as the excess just gets sucked back though the lines into the store. How have you been curing your pre-preg?
Alex

Autoclave. I haven't attempted it at home (I admire those who do!) but I used to spend my summers working at an engineering / motorsport company that specialise in composites. They made these:



And I spent quite a lot of time making bits for these:

[pk_090]

Is the top one a Lola? and of course the Caparo T1. Id give well...both testicles for an autoclathe, and to be honest i don't think my welding and or wallet is good enough to try and make one at home. i have thought seriously hard about buying an old cooker that the oven part still works and making that air tight and hooking that up to the vaccum pump and obbiously i have the heat there but i never got as far as to working out how to get a 100% perfect seal than can be opened or closed at will.
Alex

[cartledge_uk]

I draw security fencing. Its not the most glamorous things to design.

Ive been using resin infusion which as you say does not give as good quality as pre-preg parts but i dont have, nor have access to an autoclathe to cure the pre-preg carbon. Resin infusion isnt bad in terms of resin coverage, there is normally only waste where ive mixed too much resin than for what is needed as the excess just gets sucked back though the lines into the store. How have you been curing your pre-preg?
Alex

Autoclave. I haven't attempted it at home (I admire those who do!) but I used to spend my summers working at an engineering / motorsport company that specialise in composites. They made these:

Image Replaced With URL For Quote http://www.motorsportads.com/assets/pro ... -73888.JPG

OOhh, you work for Gould.

I maybe popping in there soon.

[elbon50]

A Gould holds the course record at Curborough at the mo

A Pilbeam was the record holder up to recent years

Peter

[LimeyMk1]

That's quite a big word, i don't know the definition of Chris! I assume it means pain in the ar$e? Im definitely looking forward to the results though sounds like a good combo, but how much of a drop is it?
I think if it was that much of an "embuggerance" im sure i could have persuaded you to have kept them on my car.
BTW Chris stickers Plz

Soz I did reply last night but computer's playing silly buggers.

The springs give a 15mm drop and are progressive wound, some say this is a good thing others not. Lauren seemed to like the setup on the track. Other than KYBs and the Whitelines the car had a 19mm rear ARB and poly bushes all round.

I would be keeping the set on the car if it wasn't for the weight of the V6 and tubby gear box compressing the rear springs too much.

Stuart's got his beady eyes on the shocks and has been promised 1st dibs on them once they're off the car, hence only the loan offer.

Apologies for the lack of stickerage, I have been truly crap in that department. If I don't go shooting tonight I'll sort them out this evening.

[pk_090]

I hope its the kind of shooting that we wont see your face on bbc news tomorrow morning?

[LimeyMk1]

I hope its the kind of shooting that we wont see your face on bbc news tomorrow morning?

Nope purely target plinking with my ancient BSA air rifle.

[pk_090]

Good job. Although its been a while since a gunman has been on the rampage as of late..

[pk_090]

So with the engine having new bearings seals rings etc, i have a few questions. Obviously the engine will need "running in" what distances and circumstances do people recommend for this?
Alex