Post by enigmas on Jun 19, 2012 13:12:00 GMT
I visited Neal (NODSMODS) today. As always during the brief visits I was keen to see what progress had taken place. As an aside, I can’t recall seeing a chair in the factory, as Neal and Ryan (his son) are always on their feet either welding or cleaning their workspace. Even when they eat lunch, it seems to be done standing with little time set aside for rest.
Engine to Body & Frame Clearance
Neal has refitted the engine and as a consequence realized more clearance on the passenger side exhaust manifold flange was required. He told me there needs to be a minimum of 10mm clearance between the engine, the firewall or frame. This clearance is required so that no contact is likely to occur during engine flex or torque on its mounts when running.
The exhaust manifold flange was cut off and rotated 90 degrees to provide this clearance.
Koni Shockers (Dampers)
Neal has also fitted Koni shock absorbers (dampers) front and rear. He told me that the manufacturer (Koni) had compared the damping rates on one of their machines, so that they would ensure to match the characteristics of the Jaguar front suspension and the Rover P5 leaf spring rear suspension. These oil filled (no gas) shockers are quite expensive, but are adjustable and can be rebuilt again when required. Having tried their action at his workshop I can vouch for their incredibly smooth operation in both compression and rebound.
I’ve included the part numbers of the items within the pictures. The front shocks are not suitable for the P5 front suspension as they are setup for the Jaguar front end.
Steering
I managed to get partially under the car for a nice image of the power rack and pinion steering setup. Take a close look. It fits like a glove and will have the correct engineered ‘Ackermann’ for steering, i.e., no bump steer and each wheel will move through the correct arc so the tyres won’t scrub. The vehicle should also have a nice turning circle.
Neal is currently working on the components and fit of the steering shafts and universal joints, which he tells me will easily clear other components and sections of frame and enter through the existing steering column aperture in the body.
Brake Discs / Caliper & Booster
You’ve seen these in prior images and what a powerful set of brakes these ‘4 spotters’ will be. The vented discs are to be renewed.
The car will have twin circuit brakes with the placement of the booster yet to be addressed. The owner would like it placed under the dash but this may present some difficulties.
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension is to be left as is…which to my frame of thinking is quite sad, as the ‘cart-sprung’ rear end (sorry guys) was never the apex of sophistication and is certainly not up to the quality of the Jaguar suspension and brakes up front. Perhaps Neal can convince the owner, who will have this marvellously engineered car, to fit an appropriately matched and sophisticated 4 link, coil over shock system or equivalent, to the rear of this vehicle. Given its potential for ‘going and stopping’, a properly engineered rear suspension system would not only enhance the vehicle’s ride qualities, but also it’s ability to deal with the power of the Lexus V8. Great work Neal.
The pictures below tell the story. Enjoy!
Engine to Body & Frame Clearance
Neal has refitted the engine and as a consequence realized more clearance on the passenger side exhaust manifold flange was required. He told me there needs to be a minimum of 10mm clearance between the engine, the firewall or frame. This clearance is required so that no contact is likely to occur during engine flex or torque on its mounts when running.
The exhaust manifold flange was cut off and rotated 90 degrees to provide this clearance.
Koni Shockers (Dampers)
Neal has also fitted Koni shock absorbers (dampers) front and rear. He told me that the manufacturer (Koni) had compared the damping rates on one of their machines, so that they would ensure to match the characteristics of the Jaguar front suspension and the Rover P5 leaf spring rear suspension. These oil filled (no gas) shockers are quite expensive, but are adjustable and can be rebuilt again when required. Having tried their action at his workshop I can vouch for their incredibly smooth operation in both compression and rebound.
I’ve included the part numbers of the items within the pictures. The front shocks are not suitable for the P5 front suspension as they are setup for the Jaguar front end.
Steering
I managed to get partially under the car for a nice image of the power rack and pinion steering setup. Take a close look. It fits like a glove and will have the correct engineered ‘Ackermann’ for steering, i.e., no bump steer and each wheel will move through the correct arc so the tyres won’t scrub. The vehicle should also have a nice turning circle.
Neal is currently working on the components and fit of the steering shafts and universal joints, which he tells me will easily clear other components and sections of frame and enter through the existing steering column aperture in the body.
Brake Discs / Caliper & Booster
You’ve seen these in prior images and what a powerful set of brakes these ‘4 spotters’ will be. The vented discs are to be renewed.
The car will have twin circuit brakes with the placement of the booster yet to be addressed. The owner would like it placed under the dash but this may present some difficulties.
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension is to be left as is…which to my frame of thinking is quite sad, as the ‘cart-sprung’ rear end (sorry guys) was never the apex of sophistication and is certainly not up to the quality of the Jaguar suspension and brakes up front. Perhaps Neal can convince the owner, who will have this marvellously engineered car, to fit an appropriately matched and sophisticated 4 link, coil over shock system or equivalent, to the rear of this vehicle. Given its potential for ‘going and stopping’, a properly engineered rear suspension system would not only enhance the vehicle’s ride qualities, but also it’s ability to deal with the power of the Lexus V8. Great work Neal.
The pictures below tell the story. Enjoy!
