Fiat 125 race car - finally back together!

[1969race125]

Actually they (the Chapmans) now have three of the prototipo replicas in their stable, and all three were running at the Whittakers meeting last year. The 16v conversion seems to be working for them - they are running 1:21/1:22 at Manfield, which is a couple of seconds quicker than any other classic Fiat can manage. I inherited their old 8V forged pistons and rods, which are in my current race engine.

[FIAT125T]

Nice folk Dennis and Debbie Chapman ... stalwarts of the race scene down here. The X/19s are what I would now term lookalikes not replicas. But that said they are great wee race cars. Dennis also races a replica (very close) of a Ferrari Dino P3. The V6 mid 60's sports racer. Very nice.
Toaday was practice and set up day for our big summer meeting down here (Skope sponsered) My 125T is back and running and will race tomorrow for the first time in 9 months. 225 cars entered with top of the tree being Peter Gidings in an Alfa P3 which won the Monaco GP and an ex Jackie Stewart Matra Tyrell. Yum.

[harold]

Can you tell more about the LSD. What vehicle is it from? What is involved in fitting it?

Harold

Testament - no we were still running through the chicane and old hairpin - they didn't approve the new turn 9 until the very last minute before the A1GP. I managed around 1:57/1:58 and had a great tussle with the Odlins 124 coupe who was running the same times. I ran 1:24/1:25 at Manfield this weekend.

Andy - yes the car handles beautifully on the throttle. Nothing too fancy about the back end - just rebuilt and reversed leaf springs, and Bilstein shocks, plus a Ford LSD. The original 125 was always nicely balanced and handled remarkably well for an old-fashioned live axle.

Andrew

[per]

That is a very nice car you have there!
Me and my dad recently bought a 125 Special 1972. It will need some TLC but hopefully it'll be up and running soon!
Where did you find the Bilstein shocks and what code are they mate?

[1969race125]

Hi Harold,

The LSD is a standard, readily available Ford steel plate type as fitted to Escort / Cortina / Anglia etc. As the (22-tooth) Fiat axle splines are the same as the Ford, the LSD can be fitted straight into the Fiat differential housing, with a couple of minor alterations (just removing some material where clearance is too close). I also have a custom drive shaft as the engine and gearbox placings are non-standard.


Hi Per,

I will look up the Bilstein codes when I get a chance. Naturally the car has been significantly lowered for race use, so they may not be suitable for a standard set-up.

Andrew