Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

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Simon
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Simon »

Yes Guy, the gearbox sensor is purely for the navigator's trip meter. The main event that I needed it for was cancelled so I haven't really checked the accuracy yet. I went for the gearbox sensor as it was (or should have been!) a lot less hassle than trying to take the hubs to bits again to mount a pickup close to a wheel stud. It was also suggested by Brantz that the hub mounted sensors tend to suffer failure due to the heat from the brakes, and that it is best to fit two so that they can be switched in the event of failure. I figured that for the sort of road events I am likely to do, the inaccuracies due to wheel spin wouldn't be a problem, the trip meter's main use being on regularity sections at slower speeds anyway. The event is now being rescheduled for the summer so I guess I'll find out for sure then.
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Will01
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Will01 »

Looking very good, nice looking new suspension. Must feel alot better now. Enjoyed the videos.
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Guy Croft
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Guy Croft »

Thank you for your kind reply Simon,,

G
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Simon
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Simon »

Yes Will, it is feeling much better on the new dampers thanks.

I have needed to use the Jeep for work for the past few days, so the Spider has been resting on the drive exposed to the elements. The epic rain we have being having and the rather rudimentary window seals, have meant the car has filled up with water and was in need of a good drying out. So since the sun was shining today and I had planned a photo trip up to the aerodrome, I took the Spider in the hope that a good blast with the heater on full and the windows open would help dry it out. I went for a good hour's run around the lanes before stopping up at the airfield which had dried most of it out now and it will be resuming commuting duties on Monday which should help keep it that way.

A few pics...
Sat amongst the 'modern stuff' at the airfield car  park.
Sat amongst the 'modern stuff' at the airfield car park.
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At the end of the runway to take some pictures.
At the end of the runway to take some pictures.
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I wasn't the only one out enjoying a blast in the lanes! McLaren 12C arrived and was gone in a flash!
I wasn't the only one out enjoying a blast in the lanes! McLaren 12C arrived and was gone in a flash!
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Some prefer three wheels and a propeller for their fun!
Some prefer three wheels and a propeller for their fun!
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Sun setting, so time for home...
Sun setting, so time for home...
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Urbancamo
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Urbancamo »

Nice pics Simon! Enjoyed a lot.

But I think that is really good weather in UK in this time of year ;) ?
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Simon
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Simon »

Thanks Tommi, it was indeed a very rare day of sunshine and no rain, but still freezing cold! All in all it was a very enjoyable afternoon.
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Urbancamo
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Urbancamo »

We had -28 deg. C here couple weeks ago. It was bit chilling even in my opinion but not too cold really. Now its gone back to 0 deg. C, feels like summer really.
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Will01
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Will01 »

Superb pictures Simon, the car looks great.
Out of the three planes pictured i believe i have only ever flown two of them(years ago when i was in Air Cadets), however i would love to say that i have flown a biplane, but not yet.
Can i just point out that i much prefer the look of your Spider to that McLaren. Although i defintely wouldn't say no to having a go.
Great to hear you are using it regularly, keep up the good work and keep enjoying it
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Simon
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Simon »

Thanks Will, and sorry for the very late response, I can't believe I haven't posted an update since February!

The Spider is still sharing daily driver duties with the Jeep, and has been out on another club 12 car rally. Apart from occasional washing and a repair to the O/S plastic wheel arch liner, I've not had time to do much else. However I did take a day off yesterday to do a trackday at the recently reopened Mallory Park, and what a fun and action packed day it was. The day started off damp and slippery and ended in glorious sunshine. In between there was plenty of track time despite several red flags due to a couple of accidents including a tank-slapping MX5 on the exit of Gerards and Mini that attempted to negotiate the hairpin by using a Peugeot 306 to help it slow down. Then there was the gaggle of Canada geese that had to be cleared from the track! All in all the car performed well but is very short geared compared to my Crossfire; I have never had to use fifth on track before! Cornering and grip was very good though. Just need a nice GC spec. engine now!

Some pictures courtesy of Motorsport in Focus:
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And a short video from my on-board cams:

https://vimeo.com/92955273

The scrutineering shed at Mallory has a weighbridge, so out of curiosity I stuck the Spider on to see what it currently weighs. With just over half a tank of fuel and the spare wheel it came out at 970Kg. For comparison we also weighed a MK1 MX5 (minus spare, but similar fuel) which came out at 1018KG. The real surprise was a Scimitar SS1 which was 920Kg.
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Guy Croft
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Guy Croft »

Stunning car and great pics, thanks...!

G
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Simon
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Simon »

Well, yet again its been a while since my last update, but I finally got around to cutting together some video from the road rally I did back in May. Due to the event date changing and various holiday clashes, I drafted in a family friend who fancied a go at navigating, so it was definitely a baptism of fire for us both.

This was the first time I'd needed to use the tripmeter as there were long sections of 30MPH regularity sections where time and distance is critical. So the organisers had set out a calibration route around the rally start location which allowed us to set up the tripmeter. Basically you set the meter to calibration mode, drive the route of known accurate distance, do a calculation and enter the resulting three digit number back into tripmeter. So after scrutineering we drove the route, set the meter and hoped for the best! As it turned out the meter seemed to be spot on as the mileage seemed to track the route card perfectly to a tenth of a mile. We did reset it at each control though (and accidentally on route at one point!)

We got off to a good start until we misread a turning and ended dropping behind some of the following cars and had to overtake them (the black RS2000 was one) to get back on our time. In between the road sections there were grass autotests to perform which added to the fun and variety. But by the last long road section we'd literally 'lost the plot' so ended up on a charge back to the finish trying to make up time. The event was split into classics and modern and were in with the 10 or so classics (MG's, Escorts etc. and a nice little Alfa.) In the end we were second from last in the rally section and 4th out of the classics in the auto tests. All good fun despite the result!

http://vimeo.com/102473796
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Simon
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Simon »

I have been meaning to drop in and give an update on the Spider, and was shocked to find that it's been over a year since I posted anything here! Ive been busy with all sorts of things, including spending most of last summer in a vacuum boot after rupturing my Achilles tendon. That's all healed now but still getting the strength back in the muscles.

The Spider has been in fairly regular use including my daily trips to work and various motorsport related activities including giving passenger rides for go motorsport at Donington, 12 car rallies and a charity road rally event in the Welland Valley. The car has been pretty reliable and very enjoyable and I haven't had to do much work on it, considering it gets left outside on the drive in all weathers. The biggest issue is the very rudimentary sealing around the windows which usually means puddles in the foot wells after any prolonged rain.

I overhauled the steering components before the last MOT 12 months ago and had the gearbox out to replace the rear crank seal, In the last couple of months I had to replace the brake compensation valve and put in some better headlamps after one of the sealed beam units failed.
Steering box and idler cleaned up, re-lubed and adjusted.
Steering box and idler cleaned up, re-lubed and adjusted.
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New steering links courtesy of Spider Point
New steering links courtesy of Spider Point
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A few other random pics...

Living outside in all weathers!
Frosty 2
Frosty 2
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Frosty 1
Frosty 1
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Whilst the gearbox was out I also modified the sump guard mounts to gain some clearance. I had to re-glass the rear corner.
Whilst the gearbox was out I also modified the sump guard mounts to gain some clearance. I had to re-glass the rear corner.
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Out on the Welland Valley Wander charity event.
Out on the Welland Valley Wander charity event.
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Welland Valley Wander. Picture courtesy of Richard Elm
Welland Valley Wander. Picture courtesy of Richard Elm
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The bad news is that the engine developed a worrying tapping sound a few weeks ago (sounds like a little end) just before the MOT was due, so I have had to let it lapse and the car is currently off the road. To be honest I am surprised the 'lump' has soldiered on as long as it has with over 100K miles without any real attention, other than a head gasket to cure an oil leak. Knowing something like this was 'on the cards' I have been collecting parts for a proper engine build including a complete but dismantled 1800. So it looks like its time to get the engine stand out! I just need to decide on whether to rebuild the 2 litre or do the 1800 - the 1800 is attractive as it will give better clearance under the sump.

I have also been working on other projects including a full engine build on the beetle (I may post up some details on that) and prepping my Jeep Hemi for an offroad trip across the Pyrenees in August. There is also the 911 to complete!
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Guy Croft
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Guy Croft »

nice pics as always, stunning car,

a tapping sound suddenly developing won't be a small end, they never give trouble (unless you fit new bushes and ream them too loose in which case the noise will be there fromday one..)

here is the short list:

1. Aux driveshaft fuel lobe hitting number 2 conrod (unless cut off and plugged..)
2. Big end bearing (the most likely cause)
3. Loose flywheel bolts

that's about it really in my exp.

G
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Simon
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Simon »

Thanks for the pointers Guy. It sound likely its a big end then. The sound is at the front and on the LH side (looking from the front) so not really near the aux shaft. I had it sat idling on the drive trying to dry the interior out whilst pottering about working on the Jeep, and I started to become aware of the light tapping sound. It is was also a bit fluffy come up off idle. Either way I think it is well over due to come out for a rebuild. So you will most likely be seeing various orders for gaskets, bearings and other bits and pieces once I've pulled it apart and figured out a plan. I also need to get the GC valve guides pressed in to the head I have, so may end up paying you a visit!

Simon.
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Simon
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Re: Preparing my Spider 2000 for the Track

Post by Simon »

Just a quick update...

The sun was out this evening, so I swapped the cars around to get the Spider into the garage ready to tack the engine. It fired up and actually all sounded well, although it was still a bit fluffy coming up off idle. But after a couple of minutes the rattle started again. Its definitely emanating from the from left of the block and doesn't seem to be particularly engine speed consistent. I actually sounds like a metal plate (sump baffle?) Its all a bit academic now since I've started to strip it ready to come out for the rebuild, but here's a couple of videos of the sound.

https://vimeo.com/160949864
https://vimeo.com/160949862

Hopefully all will be revealed in the next couple of evenings once I get the lump out.
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