Barry H

For what it's worth I am very pleased so far with 195 SO2's on 15" wheels compared to 185 RE720's on 13" (despite the extra 2.5 kg per corner). However......I also changed dampers and front camber so an improvement of .9 sec on a Curborough single lap may not all be down to tyres. That said, the car feels more planted and the turn in is better. I wouldn't knock the RE720 - just look at Dave Jackson's times on 13" 720's - I just hope he never uses SO2's. Barry

Paul, not you as well! But how would I know you really knew? I could be giving up all future glory for nothing. Aint life difficult. Barry

Hmmm and it uses a conventional gearbox. Interesting. Let us know when it is off the top secret list. Barry

Chris, Curiosity gets the better of me! What is your new engine that only weighs 45 kgs including carbs? Half a X-flow? Barry

Here I am Graham - a day late but I had to get to Curborough yesterday for a sprint. Lovely day! Yes I went to throttle bodies, dizzyless, etc., just over a year ago. Cost about Oily's estimate. Benefits much as those claimed for 3D - very tractable (drives cleanly from 2000revs in 6th gear through to 8500+ on a 254 cam), instant throttle response and a lovely noise. I can't comment on the 3D but if it is only 80% as good as throttle bodies at half the price then it is probably better value. Either way is an improvement. Barry

ARB disconnection is an interesting point. Philosophically I have difficulty understanding the need to disconnect for the following reason:- If the car is set up, as say Allan's is (bricks et al) with the ARB disconnected, as soon as Allan (or bricks) get into the car with the ARB reconnected the corner weighting will be different from the set up with the ARB disconnected. This must be the case because the front ARB is resisting the twisting caused by Allan's weight by weighting up the front wheels differently. Therefore to my mind it would seem logical to set up the car with ARB connected as that is how it will run, pre-load and all. I am sure I must be wrong so can someone please explain. Barry

Hugh, You have mail. Barry

There are two possible adjustments - You can insert a couple of washers between the engine mount and rubber either side of the engine to twist it slightly as suggested in the build manual. Or you can rotate the steering rack slightly to raise or lower the steering column - don't overdo it or the steering becomes stiff. Barry

My manual agrees with Ian's! However it also gives an inset of 19mm for a 16x7 HPC wheel with only the 15x6.5 at 13mm. I suspect that this is an inexact science. At the rear the wider the track the better provided it doesn't foul the wheel arch. At the front I assume considerations of steering geometry must effectively limit the amount of inset possible. Hopefully someone who knows what they are talking about will come along soon. Barry

As I recall the different wheel sizes and offsets were listed in my build manual in the competition section. Certainly the standard 13" is 23mm. I'll have a look this evening. Barry

Yes, the Escort axle is slightly narrower than the Ital - from memory, about 3/4 inch. Barry

Hi Chris, You have mail. Barry

Hi Carrie, You have mail. Barry

Thanks. Sounds like a job for next year or perhaps the year after!!! Barry

I have never thought to change bushes. What frquency is recommended and how are the old ones removed? Barry