326 replies to this topic

[apbellamy]

Made the actuator bracket today and shortened the rod to suit.

[CaptainBland08]

i <3 this van

[apbellamy]

Had a productive weekend.

Wasn't happy with the gonzo's nose. A baggy boost hose with a 135 degree bend on it isn't going to help anything



So I made up a new one. Not pretty, but should do the job.



Then we stuck the remaining bits on the engine




Shoved it in and did a bit of wiring and plumbing, leaving us with this



Been doing the little PITA jobs today, like the interior and fitting/wiring in the coolant re-circ pump and screen wash.



Had it running briefly yesterday, it's not quiet. Fired first turn of the key which was reassuring. Once it's all sorted I'll put a video of it running up.

[apbellamy]

[yousmeg]

sounds nice mate

[apbellamy]

Passed it's MOT this afternoon, tax is in the window. For 6psi, it goes deceptively well. Doesn't feel anything like it did with the T3.

Just need to sort the oil drain on the turbo, as most of the oil is draining down the back of the block....

[apbellamy]

THe oil drain from the turbo was leaking badly causing a load of blue smoke when you stick your foot down and the turbo to manifold joint was blowing badly, so we striped the turbo etc of the other day and (hopefully) got it sealed onto the manifold. Now the parts have finally come, I've made the new oil drain.





Can't think why the old one didn't seal to the turbo...



Just need to 'adjust' the actuator bracket so that it doesn't hit the bulkhead and it can all go back together. All being well it will be back on the road tomorrow. )

[Tommyboy12]

Looking good. I have a secret liking for this van. Engine looks cracking.

[apbellamy]

Thanks. It will be at Avon again and we have permission to run it at Mini In The Park. Wonder if it will beet last years consistent 14.6 second 1/4 miles times...

[Tommyboy12]

Turn the boost up and find out!

[John H]

thats the general idea.

[apbellamy]

We've got a BCA needle ready to go in now, maybe we'll drop that in tomorrow and see if we can turn the boost up a bit before it goes on the rollers....

Don't think we can run more than 7 or 8psi with the standard BDD needle...

[apbellamy]

Got it all back together on Saturday after running round to find a new clutch slave cylinder. The old one was continually letting air in. Typically the new oil drain leaked....

Spent a fun afternoon today getting the oil drain off. Took me nearly an hour to get one bolt out. In the end I had to adapt an allen key to get at it.

Welded up the joins on it and tried it on my test bed. Still leaked. So I butchered an oil pickup from a gearbox...



No leaks from the welded bit, just need to drill the bolt holes out and reface the mating side (No gasket fitted in that pic).

So John can put it back on tomorrow, the we can fit the BCA needle and wind the boost up a bit in preparation for a visit to the rollers on Thursday.

[GreaseMonkey]

What did you do to the Allen key?

[apbellamy]

Applied some fire and bent it over with a metal bar. Had to be done to get to the bolt on the block side of the drain....