It's been a while since the last update so I think we need a bit of a catchup on what I've been up to:
At the end of the 2003 I set myself a list of things that I'd like to get done to the car prior to the 2004 season, the list being:
To date the top half of the list is done and I'm working my way down. You can see the result of the FIA switch, temperature displays and new battery here:
The FIA cutout switch is mounted on then new panel, above the tunnel. This also houses two of the three temperature displays that I had planned to fit, there just wasn't room for the third. At some point I'll probably add a small switch to the bottom display so that I can flick between sources.
In the passenger footwell you can just see the new false end to the footwell, behind this is a RedTop Gel battery. The new battery is somewhat lighter than the old one yet still has lots of spare capacity, it's shape makes it a lot more convenient to mount. This shape is why it's now able to fit in the footwell, allowing me to lower it's center of gravity by 10 inches, this may not seem significant but the old battery, at 15KG was quite a Legroom isn't really compromised, I am 6 foot tall and with my legs straight out my feet are just brushing the new end-plate. In the engine bay you can see a second cutout switch, on the right of the picture below. This cutout operates on the negative feed from the battery meaning that it's possible to easily isolate the battery when you're working on the car, without this removing the panel to gain access to the battery would be a real nuisance.
You can also see that I have relocated the header tank to the centre, manufactured new pipework to suit that, which in the process reduces the amount of silicone hose in the system. The move gives me more clearance around the pedal box for the modifications there and shifts the weight closer to the center line of the car. As far as the pedal box is concerned I've been through many possibilities and although I've found a number of very nice options none quite work out perfectly. As a result I think I'll be taking a 2-pedal design off the shelf and manufacturing bracketry and the throttle pedal myself.
The new sidescreens are made out of 4mm lexan and improve visability and reduce bluster immensely. The fixings at the rear are marine grade catchplates and secured in place with shock cord. At present I have re-used the bottom half of my two-piece doors but I will be replacing that with a new lower half that will improve elbow room.
The new plenum I've had made has turned up, it's made from stainless to simplify construction and features a taper design as well as a 50mm extension at te end to make sure that the air flow is as even as possible into all cylinders. Tapping it has proved interesting and some care is needed to ensure that you don't work harden the material as you drill it.
Whilst waiting for the appointed date at the rollers I made up the new lower half sidescreen, pretty much as per Tim's design. I used filler to fill and bond the gaps which has made for quite a good, stiff end product and I've also managed to make the covering from a single piece of material. The improvement to elbow room is quite significant.
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