"The Project"

[Smokey]

Site track car will be there :D

[Maxxed_Ross]

it's a mate of mine that's orginising it so I don't see why not Blair

It's only a site meet if it's all working by then lol

[peterzs]

Targets make the deadlines work.

Know you can do it Ross.

:bow::bow::bow: :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Maxxed_Ross]

I've stopped making deadlines... because it never makes them lol

[Smokey]

Good things come to those who wait... although death also creeps closer :S

[Maxxed_Ross]

it better be worth it haha

[Smokey]

You'll have more power on the straight than us anyway!

[Maxxed_Ross]

Don't forget the car will need alot of track time to get it set up right, at the moment I have everything set in the "middle" of the settings. I'll be taking it easy until everything is right - plus I've no idea how the tyres and brakes are going to heat up with them being so huge... I might not be able to drive it fast enough to warm them up!

And it's no passenger seat yet

[Quadcam24]

i found heating up the rear slick tyres a bit tricky and ended up swapping ends once ,lol.

[Maxxed_Ross]

the slicks that are on mine are rock hard, so I'm not looking forward to it at all

[Quadcam24]

if theyre old they may be no good, slicks are supposed to be stored away from any low temperatures, you might be able to pull them back with that chemical you can paint on to soften the rubber again, karters use it for extra tyre life and better grip......but i cant remember its name.

[Maxxed_Ross]

I used to use something similar when I was big into my R/C car racing... but these slicks should be ok. They're only 2 years old and have been in the loft (nice and warm) since I bought them. UV lights does more damage to the rubber.

I'm hoping they're just hard compound tyres... I'd need to check the number on the side. I'll get softer ones if they turn out to be a handfull

[Nobrainer]

Goat p155

[Maxxed_Ross]

think I'll give that a miss

[Nobrainer]

No sense of adventure :-)
I seem to remember petrol or paint thinners being used as well, though I believe it shortens the life of the tyre.

[peterzs]

Bet you would get a good burn out with the petrol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[petet16]

Bleach gives top burnouts as well.

[Maxxed_Ross]

Bet you would get a good burn out with the petrol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

probably too literally!

[talkingcars]

Diesel is better for burnouts.

[Maxxed_Ross]

looks it's not going to happen, I'm not doing any burn outs. I didn't spend the thick end of 4 years building it to drive it like a chav

[Mark S]

grip softner is the stuff.

a bit of toe in on the rear will help with heat in the tyres (or even toe out).

a clean with heat gun and scraper to get any track pebbles off if they're not already, or even just to get the hard skin off the rubber.

[Maxxed_Ross]

I will be giving them a scrape before they go on the track, no point at them moment with the amount of time its spending going in and out of work shops

[Maxxed_Ross]

Well got my first confirmed Mag request today from an online mag... they said they don't care if it runs yet or not as long as it looks nice lol

Better get my finger out then!

[Steves Cleenz]

need to send some more stickers up then with the new logo lol

[Nobrainer]

Not sure if its applicable to cars but we used to cut the slicks to get more heat into them when i was racing bikes

[Mark S]

Not sure if its applicable to cars but we used to cut the slicks to get more heat into them when i was racing bikes

I tried that last year with bad results, it caused them to overheat and they became a real mess. with 300bhp and those brakes it shouldn't take long to get them up to temps.

[Maxxed_Ross]

need to send some more stickers up then with the new logo lol

Well yours are about the only stickers that have all survived the winter :bow:

[Maxxed_Ross]

I can't remember who it was, but someone asked me about the size of the brakes

343mm... or bloody massive in normal terms lol

Did a quick search for prices on replacement disks out of interest.

£430 (+VAT) a disk :whistle:

[Maxxed_Ross]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/598555_10151167561952712_485675787_n.jpg

mmmm alloy arms

[redzed]

where'd you get them? how much?

[stamford]

Group buy off rovertech, think it was £105 posted.

[Mark S]

where'd you get them? how much?

If its for your race car you may be better with the arms that have spherical bearings - at least these will not deflect like bushes.

[Maxxed_Ross]

it seems that these don't actually fit without some work... so I'm still un-decided on whether to fit them or not... they look fantastic next to the skinny standard items!

I'm going to take the back end apart and see what happens

[Mark S]

oddly enough, the spherical bearing version I had needed a bit of machine work for the shock/strut to fit.
The other mounts (chassis and hub) were fine.

[BUCKYDEVIL]

What's the plans for the car in 2013 Ross ?

[peterzs]

Get it to Santa Pod????

[talkingcars]

What's the plans for the car in 2013 Ross ?

Touring car:

Finish the engine pipework
Strip head and check bores (due to sitting so long)
Fill with water / oil
Bleed brakes
Fit front brake pads
Fit Sheddist clutch kit
Fit Skunk2 rear arms
Polybush roll bar mounts
4 wheel alignment
Pipe up air-jacks
Fit passenger seat
Have sticklers re-done

Tis in the plans for 2013 thread (http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=23859)

[BUCKYDEVIL]

Tis in the plans for 2013 thread (http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=23859)

Thanks James, never seen this one :thumbsup:

[Maxxed_Ross]

haha yeah as above really.

The track night that was my deadline has been binned, so I've got a bit more time to get it perfect... but it WILL be running in the not to distant future.

Struggling to find the time to work on it just now as there have been a few issues with both the house and the other members of the road going fleet that needed attention first. Hopefully I'll have a bit more time to spend on it now

[sneekyparrot]

it seems that these don't actually fit without some work... so I'm still un-decided on whether to fit them or not... they look fantastic next to the skinny standard items!

I'm going to take the back end apart and see what happens

they will go straight on your chassis Ross, its the older R8's that have a prob but not that big an issues tbh lol!

[sneekyparrot]

If its for your race car you may be better with the arms that have spherical bearings - at least these will not deflect like bushes.

on a race car i would agree, had a gd chat with hardrace and a couple of other car builders and they all talked me out of spherical's as mine will be on the road as well.

time will tell i suppose?

[Drew]

i thought it was the shock bush that was too wide? fit on the chassis but the shock wont fit over them?

Drew

[Maxxed_Ross]

that was my understanding of the problem too... better be as I've already had the bush and tube turned down 10mm and I'm about to have the arms milled!

on a race car i would agree, had a gd chat with hardrace and a couple of other car builders and they all talked me out of spherical's as mine will be on the road as well.

time will tell i suppose?

I might look into this in the future, but at the moment it's just a toy so I'm not too worried

[Drew]

mine is on sphericals, seems ok atm but not driven very far in it.

Drew

[sneekyparrot]

i thought it was the shock bush that was too wide? fit on the chassis but the shock wont fit over them?

Drew

right have to look at that then when i get my coilovers???

not sure if i would just sell the skunk ones and get the ones from hard race if that's the case.

P.

[Maxxed_Ross]

The Skunk ones won't be hard to fix, there's a bloke on RT offering to do them for about £25 a time if you can't do it yourself

[Drew]

if you havnt got the coilovers yet, then ask for a 50mm rear lower shock mount. i have to assume that they will be able to, as the rears on the ZS are the same style as the honda's.

i bought the 40mm lower arms thinking i could add spacers if need be, then ordered my gaz asking for a 40mm lower mount. they didnt have a problem, im guessing thats because they are std zs size.

Drew

[Maxxed_Ross]

Time for another big update :snap:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/427052_302477599806436_1465851371_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/3830_397000500354145_823708045_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/61633_428807513840110_1797399347_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269569_416274685093393_1032676375_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/400510_397000637020798_765711479_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/557690_416274565093405_526972573_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/188470_428807470506781_94774857_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543977_455391177848410_1831052449_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/554465_455391114515083_1764742743_n.jpg


So that's the engine pipe work 90% finished (just a fuel pipe and coolant pipe to make up) and I've been in talks with Sitech about getting it mapped and set up in the near future.

Looks like EX259 might actually be running before it's 4 year anniversary after all :cool2:

Also coming up within the next few weeks it's off to Goldie at ZRed to have another engine fitted (a nice forged version with toys) and a couple of other little things finished off.

It's getting to the final push now :medieval:

[stamford]

All sounds and looks very positive Ross, will be nice to see this up close one day.

[peterzs]

Think I would put some great big bull bars on the front. To protect all those rads.

Glad its coming on a pace, Knockhill booking time soon.

Well done Ross.

:hooray::hooray::hooray::clap::clap::clap:

[Maxxed_Ross]

All sounds and looks very positive Ross, will be nice to see this up close one day.

thanks, it's getting near the end finally :smart:

Think I would put some great big bull bars on the front. To protect all those rads.

Glad its coming on a pace, Knockhill booking time soon.

Well done Ross.

:hooray::hooray::hooray::clap::clap::clap:

Still got the engine oil cooler and the radiator for the water-cooled brakes to move to the front somewhere... no idea where yet :unsure:

It'll be on track soon hopefully!

[Maxxed_Ross]

Another update... After spending the day visiting uncle G at ZRed EX259 now finds itself without an engine again - ready for the next big step

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313844_477609698959891_219043723_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/31470_477609688959892_557987474_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/5706_477609685626559_601687110_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/65586_477609765626551_134421718_n.jpg

[Craig-ZS180]

Another update...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/5706_477609685626559_601687110_n.jpg



An Awesome view... Fantastic! Love the rear end of this car. Eager to see the new engine in its place. :yes:

[Maxxed_Ross]

it's even better when you step back a bit and see how much the rear wheels stick out haha

[Mark S]

any rubbing on the arches?!?

[Craig-ZS180]

it's even better when you step back a bit and see how much the rear wheels stick out haha


I bet.. Would love to see it in person at some time somewhere, never know may be a show where it happens.

[zsserbia]

With it's low and wide stance and that enormous FMIC it looks like it's ready to leap forward and devour someone... Next thing it will do is roar I suppose.

Seriously, a fine beast that.

[Maxxed_Ross]

any rubbing on the arches?!?

ooooh yes. I'm hoping once I wind on more camber it'll help... but I'm not convinced that will fully sort the problem. The rear arch can be rolled a bit as it is metal, but the front is plastic :wacko:

The first time out will soon tell

With it's low and wide stance and that enormous FMIC it looks like it's ready to leap forward and devour someone... Next thing it will do is roar I suppose.

Seriously, a fine beast that.

haha yeah it might... hopefully it will be roaring soon :happy:

[stamford]

I really want to arch mine, might have to with the replacement wheels I have in place ;)

[Maxxed_Ross]

it wouldn't be an issue if the stupid thing wasn't so wide and low.

Think I'm going to have to wind the rear coil overs up a touch so they don't contact the arches when they compress.

Wonder if there's any way of reducing the travel?

[Craig-ZS180]

I dont know if it would work with coilovers dues to spring diameters and so on and on a track car may affect the handling but would spring assistors or a similar thing help? Only thinking back to when a friend used to have his 800 vitesse that was lowered, he used to tow his race car with it and every time he hitched it up it would scrub like buggery.
We fitted the spring assistors, a rubber block to go between two coils and it stopped it from happening as it stopped one coils worth of travel as they took up the compression. Didnt affect the ride height at all though.
As I say not sure this would work on yours but may be a possibility?

[Maxxed_Ross]

no that wouldn't work, all they do is prevent the bottom few coils from compressing.

[Craig-ZS180]

Didnt think it would but thought would still say just incase. Can the coilovers not be stiffened up more to compensate the compression in the bends?

[Maxxed_Ross]

probably, I'd need to look into it

[Maxxed_Ross]

Another update

After spending a chunk of time at ZRed the new engine is 80% back in and things are moving to get it finished and running ASAP

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/575815_567315093293652_1143869859_n.jpg

With the new turbo being bigger, it's caused a few issues with pipe-work that I wasn't expecting... so that needs sorted before anything else can happen.

Also made a start on getting the map for it sorted out

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/253653_567159683309193_675286684_n.jpg

So it's all moving in sort of the right direction again

[andy-81]

Ooooooh I've made a man mess in me trousers!!! This is gonna be awesome I can't wait to see the first video and maybe get to see it in the flesh

[Maxxed_Ross]

Right suppose it's time for an update on this since it's been a while

To cut a long story short it's all gone a bit wrong.

The engine swap turned out to be a bit of a nightmare... I thought it would be more or less a straight swap but a few of the major components are in totally different places - so all the pipework that I had made up recently for the intercooler and cooling is going to have to be modified to suit.

During all that a few points were highlighted as being... not quite right. So I did a full nut and bolt assessment on it and found a load of things that either need looked at again, need changed or I'm not happy with. A few parts of the suspension are going to cause issues and I've found another few things that would cause problems if I ever want to race it.

As a result of that I've now totally run out of money for the project (buying that last engine that was supposed to solve all my engine needs actually put me into a fair bit of debt)... I can't justify spending the silly amounts of money that this car seems to constantly require to inch it closer to the finish line.

To top it all off when I was pushing it into the garage one of the front tyres caught the body kit and ripped the arch in half. That has highlighted how unsuitable the body kit is going to be for track use. I honestly thing it's going to fall apart.

So for the last few months it's been stashed in the garage in bits and I've not even looked it it. I've properly had enough of it now.

I'm totally lost as to what to do with it now. Put it away and look at it again with fresh eyes next year? Sell it? Set fire to it?



Now in the past few months my frustrations and stress levels have been taken the wrong way by a few people, so to save any more arguing or falling out with people none of the above is the fault of anyone that has been involved in the project past or present. Things have been done wrongly or missed because of lack of knowledge on my part or situations that were never expected. I can't think Dreadnought Racing, Stainless Creations, Sitech and ZRed enough for all the work done so far.

[Maxxed_Ross]

oh and since it's tradition to update with a picture... I finally got the Skunk2 arms fitted with a bit of machining

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/935277_586542254704269_546198940_n.jpg

[maxtherotti]

Those arms look sweet!!!

As does the whole car for that matter!!

Rob

[BUCKYDEVIL]

Damn sorry to be reading all the ball ache this project is giving you,
Ive been following your updates for a while now & there seems to be a recurring problem of you making progress then getting the legs taken from under you...
the idea of a time out might not be so bad unless you really want to cut your losses with everything youve put to it though with not just cash but blood n tears it would be painfull to sell at a loss.
good luck with what ever you decide buddy,

[peterzs]

Can now see why the development costs for the BTCC cars are so expensive.

Trouble is you are doing this on your own without even the backing of sponsors.

Could you just go back to a T16 or something that will more or less drop in?? Dont know what the new engine was but sounds pricey to get it fitted and plumbed in.

Have no idea of the money that would cost, but maybe keep the other engine and turbo till you might be in the position to fit it.

Seems a shame to lose heart now, when you are so close. But can understand your position, we all know what a money pit our own ZS's can be, multiply that by a 100 and expect getting nearer to you.

I expect things can be said, or thought in the heat of the moment, but hopefully all with the best intentions.

Anyway, we are all behind you and wish you well with whatever you decide. Just following your attempts to rescue EX259 wins my admiration. From a scrap body to 95% back to a Touring Car...............fantastic.

:beer2::beer2::bow::bow::bow:

[Supercharged_Z]

sad days but making a playstation car into what you really like was always going to be hard work.

I am about to advertise 2 race winning BTCC cars in auto sport you could buy one for 40k, big money but a well proven car and so on. I don't need to tell you as I know how much you have wasted but playing the devil you should have got the thing running with the bhp you wanted first and then worry about the rest.

lovely car none the less

[Mark S]

you have come a long way with it, possibly too far to throw the towel in.

But being realistic, you are unlikely to race this competitively as the suspension side has not been built race spec levels, there are club level ZS's out there with better suspension.
Couple this to the fact that it is very difficult to find a race series to enter a car like this in running the slicks on the wheels you have;
the series tend to be standard silhouette and slicks (such as cockshoot cup), or fairly free body regs but list 1b tyres (such as msvt/msvr and castle combe perhaps - but geographically not sensible for you).
Above all, the body is quite bespoke and its not like you can change wings, splitters and arches easy and cost effectively every time you prang it like a true touring car.

Don't take the above the wrong way, what you have is something to cherish, it is at least a piece of history, but perhaps it will always be the replica that never was and a great looking road car with decent performance.
If it was mine, I would view it this way.
You can spend too much time trying to perfect it, when you could be out enjoying it for what it is, even with compromises.


On another note, those ex 888 vectra's were great cars, and if it includes an engine, pretty good at 40k.
The BINZ vectra - as tatty as it is - proves that they can still lead in Jack Sears
I wonder if the Jack Sears will separate in time and run its own series/championship like there is for the old (yet still current here in the UK) nasp clio cup? There is already a series for them running this season but it will likely be full next year when the cup goes 1.6T

I think the ex wsr BM's were about 50k, but not sure about the engine package tho.

[andys1981]

a know its costing you a lot doing this ross,but its getting there mate,fingers crossed bud,maybe leave it for a while,and then go back to it,your doing well tho mate seriously,hope it works out for u mate really do

[Supercharged_Z]

is gyou have come a long way with it, possibly too far to throw the towel in.

But being realistic, you are unlikely to race this competitively as the suspension side has not been built race spec levels, there are club level ZS's out there with better suspension.
Couple this to the fact that it is very difficult to find a race series to enter a car like this in running the slicks on the wheels you have;
the series tend to be standard silhouette and slicks (such as cockshoot cup), or fairly free body regs but list 1b tyres (such as msvt/msvr and castle combe perhaps - but geographically not sensible for you).
Above all, the body is quite bespoke and its not like you can change wings, splitters and arches easy and cost effectively every time you prang it like a true touring car.

Don't take the above the wrong way, what you have is something to cherish, it is at least a piece of history, but perhaps it will always be the replica that never was and a great looking road car with decent performance.
If it was mine, I would view it this way.
You can spend too much time trying to perfect it, when you could be out enjoying it for what it is, even with compromises.


On another note, those ex 888 vectra's were great cars, and if it includes an engine, pretty good at 40k.
The BINZ vectra - as tatty as it is - proves that they can still lead in Jack Sears
I wonder if the Jack Sears will separate in time and run its own series/championship like there is for the old (yet still current here in the UK) nasp clio cup? There is already a series for them running this season but it will likely be full next year when the cup goes 1.6T

I think the ex wsr BM's were about 50k, but not sure about the engine package tho.



All engines are leased anyway, there is one engine but it's old spec about 12k should give it the bhp of the rest, all thr work to do is in the head.

There is an almighty sized spares package with the cars I have never seen anything like it and thats after ChrisJames took his fair share of bumpers etc.

Price wise it's hard to value they were originally up at 105k for the pair so this is a big drop. I think it's pprobably still a bit high as the cars have no series to run in and the grid is full this year. It's a massively deprecating asset which will get a lot worse if not used

[talkingcars]

Frustrating - might be worth getting it running as it is and then going around improving the bits you are not happy with between sessions.

Alternatively take a break for a while until it seems less of a burden.

TBH I would hate to put so much effort in to take it racing, the risk of damage is too great, I'd be looking at track days.

All IMHO of course.

James

[Ritchy]

So what physically needs doing now to make it run? Sure you must be getting pretty close to it, nightmarei know but i'm sure it will be worth it in the end

[sneekyparrot]

Ross, cover it up and put it in the garage until you are in a better place. You will not be able to sell it for anything like your current investment.

Built enough bikes to see the rut your in. Last one was left in bits for 18months i was so pissed off with it, but 18 months later i was glad i did not sell the parts cause 8months after that i was riding it down the road.

why can't the car have a vic test to get a plate and make it road legal?

P.

[Maxfly]

Take that time out Ross, I think you would end up feeling worse in the future if you did get shot of it. The time you have spent as well as the money already and to get shot without having her do at least part of what you want wouldn't sit well with you. Find that giant kit kat and have a break :)

[p_b82]

I know i have not sunk in the funds you have - but keep it /store it and come back to it on another day... maybe take the time away from the car to try and plan the next steps.

If you sell you may regret it after everything you have done. While it may not ever make it into the race series you wanted it too - a good quality replica would still be fun on the track as a toy.....

Hope you keep hold of it after everything you have done already...

Good luck with whatever you decide though!

[Maxxed_Ross]

thanks for all the replies guys.

If I could go back and do it all again, I wouldn't. I had no idea it was going to be this difficult a project. One or two people on here know the true cost of the project, and all of them nearly fell over. To put it generally there's a Lambo Gallardo on Pistonheads just now for less than what I've spent on this.

I'm still undecided as to what to do. I think the point of cutting my losses and running away has long passed by, so it would be a shame not to finish it now - and as a few have said there's no way I would get even half what I have spent on it back again. Saying that I probably won't even when it's finished... but it was never about that. I wanted to save it and finish what MG half started all those years ago.

At any rate it'll be sitting in storage for a while until I make up my mind

[sneekyparrot]

I still don't get why u don't make it road legal and at least then u could have some fun on the roads :-))

[Mark S]

I still don't get why u don't make it road legal and at least then u could have some fun on the roads :-))

+1

[Maxxed_Ross]

It's no VIN numbers or chassis numbers so would be on a Q plate, would be the 5th car in my fleet that I would need to tax, MOT, insure (I dread to think what that alone would cost!), would need an MOT friendly exhaust, tyres with tread on them (again 10" wide tyres would probably be an insane price), there's no wiring loom for the lights other than the headlights and brake lights, no horn, no fuel gauge, it would NEVER get over a speed bump, the 6 pot brakes and racing clutch would be a nightmare to use in traffic or at low speeds, it leaks like a sieve when it rains, the window wiper currently doesn't have anything to control it and since it doesn't have any door locks I would never be able to park it anywhere - if it passed the IVA test which I VERY much doubt it would.


Come to think of it I don't know why I didn't do it either...

[stamford]

Plenty enough reason why not there in that list. Which begs the question, what were you going to do with it, just track days etc?

[sneekyparrot]

It's no VIN numbers or chassis numbers so would be on a Q plate, would be the 5th car in my fleet that I would need to tax, MOT, insure (I dread to think what that alone would cost!), would need an MOT friendly exhaust, tyres with tread on them (again 10" wide tyres would probably be an insane price), there's no wiring loom for the lights other than the headlights and brake lights, no horn, no fuel gauge, it would NEVER get over a speed bump, the 6 pot brakes and racing clutch would be a nightmare to use in traffic or at low speeds, it leaks like a sieve when it rains, the window wiper currently doesn't have anything to control it and since it doesn't have any door locks I would never be able to park it anywhere - if it passed the IVA test which I VERY much doubt it would.


Come to think of it I don't know why I didn't do it either...

Ah point well and truly made :-))

[Maxxed_Ross]

quick update

In the end I've decided not to sell it, so I've been nibbling away at little tasks when I have the time.

It's not dead yet, just in hiding for a while

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/577073_565343410157487_1377905529_n.jpg

I had started to build up a fund for finishing this off, then someone reversed into the front of our brand new C30 in a car park, then the Defender threw a load of issues at me that ended up costing a small fortune to fix, then the head gasket went on the RB320 (oh the irony!) so that was away being rebuilt for nearly 3 months... then the week I got it back I fired it off the road backwards into the shrubbery and ripped the front end off it.

It's just not been my year for luck with cars!

[maxtherotti]

jeeze if it wasn't for bad luck you would have no luck

[peterzs]

Enough to put anyone off cars for life.

But........think the RB320 looked after you and hope it can be rebuilt.

Glad EX259 is still around, is a money pit but you cant put a value on a "one off", car. Hope the funds will be found to get it up and running in whatever guise.

:smile1::smile1::smile1:

[p_b82]

glad to hear that even if on a back burner it is still with you :)

that is a load of rotten luck with the other cars though it has to be said, hope you are done with it now though!

[Maxxed_Ross]

in a strange way I'm almost getting use to it now :yawn:

There's a few ideas in the pipe line for it... I'm tempted to paint it black again :construction:

[Mark S]

If I may humbly offer a little advice?...

would be to, make it track worthy as soon as you can, even if its still a little rough around the edges.
This way you will have some real '3-dimensional' fun in it.
You will find 'direction' on track, which may take you a different route to what you have in mind at present and perhaps also on what you have done to the car so far, but this way, from now on, you won't be revisiting something you have looked at before.

It is a great looking car and I hope you get the driving enjoyment on track from it also.

[Supercharged_Z]

If I may humbly offer a little advice?...

would be to, make it track worthy as soon as you can, even if its still a little rough around the edges.
This way you will have some real '3-dimensional' fun in it.
You will find 'direction' on track, which may take you a different route to what you have in mind at present and perhaps also on what you have done to the car so far, but this way, from now on, you won't be revisiting something you have looked at before.

It is a great looking car and I hope you get the driving enjoyment on track from it also.

spot on. just get it drivable standard brakes or not, standard engine or not etc. just so you can actually be rewarded for your hardwork

[BUCKYDEVIL]

Feel for ya mate, big time. been following the story for a while now and know of the hastle with your own cars lately, must feel like everything is against you at times and kinda
http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad182/Buckydevil/556769_299758083467799_472930250_n_zps6dccc53d.jpg (http://s934.photobucket.com/user/Buckydevil/media/556769_299758083467799_472930250_n_zps6dccc53d.jpg .html)

But testament to your character your still not defeated or thrown in the towel just yet,
Great idea from Mark S in just get it to the point you can have a little fun with it on track. wish you well mate & like others Im still enjoying the updates.
Sad to see the RB was in a bad way but that coulda been far far worse for both you and the car, good luck with however you choose to move forward.

[Maxxed_Ross]

Thanks lads.

The plan is to get it running asap, but unfortunately that's where the most money needs to be spent - again. The engine I have is more or less good to go once a couple of little things are fixed, the big BTCC brakes are now 100% working (finally!!) and I think the electrics are also good to go. All it really needs is some pipework sorting in the engine bay, a power steering pipe and the exhaust moved to suit the new turbo... oh and it still needs to be mapped before it goes anywhere on it's own.

Unfortunately I don't think the bodywork will survive a track session in it's current state. At the moment the front extended wheel arch is hanging off and the side sills are disintegrating due to water ingress - so whatever colour it ends up there is some serious bodywork to be done :judge:

Sad to see the RB was in a bad way but that coulda been far far worse for both you and the car, good luck with however you choose to move forward.

Yeah it could have been so much worse, I was fairly lucky I missed all the solid things. So far the damage seems to be 3 bent alloys, a cracked sump and a new front end. In the grand scheme of things not too bad really... but I've got all winter to fix it

[B8sy]

Just read this thread from start to finish, what a story it makes. A roller coaster ride and them some. Huge respect to your commitment and knowledge Ross , I look forward to seeing some more updates and hopefully not too long till we see it going round a track.

[Maxxed_Ross]

Sorry for the serious lack of updates on this lads :sorry:

To be honest not much has changed. EX259 has been parked up for well over a year :(

Since I was last here - 2 years ago according to the details in the top right corner of the screen - I've moved house twice and I now have a double garage! Well I will do once all the junk is out of it!

I'm hopeful that progress will be made next year. Priorities have changed so much since I started this journey, but I'm still determined to finish it

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1482757_605210506199809_300969885_n.jpg?oh=bcc6998 99ce460bff1f3f099f4012de5&oe=56E19445

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/v/t1.0-9/10494612_775543939166464_4672343717885928846_n.jpg ?oh=17e5f02c56dbbd52d141f7dd0caa7080&oe=56E1BFE0

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/v/t1.0-9/10703977_775543959166462_5607444920496977251_n.jpg ?oh=0949069d8ae685d6097e053cf108d7e3&oe=5715394D

It breaks my heart to see it sitting like this after all the work that was done to drag it from this condition in the first place... but life is never a straight road is it?

But looking at it positively for a minute:

- The brake lines are finished, the bias valve works and so far none of the seals have fallen out of the pistons
- The drive train is finished
- Most of the engine is piped in (just a few mods to do to the exhaust and inter cooler connections)
- The fuel system just needs an adapter to mate the T series to the ZS pipe work
- The DTA ECU is all wired up (managed to source a CAN BUS for it eventually!) but still needs mapped (Base map is sorted out)

So the main sticking points:

- Budget required for welding work to exhaust and intake pipes
- Body needs some work as the boxed side skirts have dissolved... again and the front arch has cracked... again
- Engine probably needs a strip down as it has sat for over a year (will do that myself)
- I had to sell the trailer when I moved house, so need to rent one to move it


If anyone can help with the fuel system please drop me a message :thumbsup:

[peterzs]

Good to see the updates.

Good Luck with it.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Maxxed_Ross]

I went to visit it recently for the first time in about a year... I know, I'll try harder this year!

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/12507337_994582823929240_2972063855252328446_n.jpg ?oh=69998f741f008a5dcec6e6e7c5becb47&oe=57471EBD

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/535042_994582853929237_8494820874866292078_n.jpg?o h=cd1e2fcc5f675c7adb0f8da8ad4fec75&oe=573CA3B9

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/12507658_994582930595896_4784166158661060252_n.jpg ?oh=8122bd121cc4448f5d44ad28697588fb&oe=57318B31

[peterzs]

Have to have a "Hands on meet", like the track car had, back in the day.

Not far off now, by the look of things, just your time is limited, I suppose with all the other things going on.

;););)

[Maxxed_Ross]

I keep thinking that if I could get it back to the house all the little tasks would soon be nibbled away

...but the Subaru and Defender still need work doing to them first - the Defender in particular since a few bits are starting to dissolve at a ridiculous rate. The Subaru still needs a new sump and a re-map, neither of which are cheap.

On the plus side the house is more or less finished, so that shouldn't cost anything big this year haha

[Maxxed_Ross]

Well I've not sold it yet

https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10712897_858010434224115_4600476105912537763_n.jpg ?oh=dea9393b4ef4c9552ad264c4c5c83085&oe=59AB52C9

Been in here for quite a while now :no:

[ZS]

Shame to see it not used, but sometimes everything else gets in the way.

What are you plans for it currently? or are you still "distracted" by everything else?

[Maxxed_Ross]

the "everything else" list is getting smaller and there is a plan afoot to get the car back to my house over the winter to do some work on it.

I've been buying bits for it as I find them, so I think i have 80% of the bits needed to get the fuel system finished. Just need the bit for the end of the fuel rail to get it plumbed into the ZS pipe work.

After that it needs the rear engine bracket sourcing and the map downloaded into the DTA - I'm not getting my hopes up too much but it's almost ready to run. Well after i strip the top off the engine to lubricate everything again. It's not turned over in about 2 years

[Drew]

What bit do you need for the fuel rail?


Drew

[p_b82]

Hope you get a chance to get it sorted out soon - I know what it feels like to get delays that are outside of one's control delay projects!

[ZS]

If there is anything on my MK2 180 Breaker that you need, let me know :)

[Maxxed_Ross]

At the moment I'm struggling to find out what I actually need to mate the ZS fuel lines to the T series fuel system. I was checking out a ZR with a T series recently and it had a machined adapter that bolted into the end of the fuel rail

At the moment I don't have the flexible hoses either, as I didn't want to end up with the wrong ends on them

I also need the bracket for the engine that goes to the rear engine mount on the ZS, but it looks like the oil cooler is in the way

[Drew]

Ok so the engine mount? That for the sump at the back?
420 nasp mk2.

I have a T in my zs180. Wasn't hard to do. I'll take a look if that's what your doing.


Drew

[Maxxed_Ross]

thanks Drew that would be useful

It'll probably make total sense if I see one fitted. I'm sure I remember from advice at the time of fitting it originally that I need the sump mount off a bubble shape 400

[Drew]

I think it's just std 420 nasp fuel pipe. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170611/6753cc984dd6db8bd1caf98eba2df77d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170611/ecacae771ac4c47f5443f0502b4d5ffc.jpg

Drew

[talkingcars]

https://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID003501 - line 1

[Drew]

Doesn't look too far away from this though..
https://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID001371

Fuel filters seem the same.


Drew

[Maxxed_Ross]

that's helpful lads thanks

so does that hose go straight into the standard T series fuel rail at the other end?

EDIT: Just looked closer at the second link, it looks like I'll need the hose and the adapter bit at the end of it if it's not one piece

[Drew]

Well mine is a 420 naps so comes out of the filter and straight into the fuel rail. The other end is a simple rubber hose from the fpr to tank return. I have removed the charcoal canister on mine.

I can't remember if the k series rail is the same bolt centres.


Drew

[Maxxed_Ross]

Well lads...

yet more time has passed, more things have managed to get in the way and I have less time than ever


Seriously considering letting someone else finish it off now before it's too far gone and needs a mountain of work done again :no:

Any interest in it from here before I put it up for sale properly?

[p_b82]

As I said on Faceache I reckon try and get some Fundraising done.

What is actually on the to-do list, and do you have an idea of the costs involved to finish it off?

Maybe between the fundraising, and a "do stuff" type meet we could get things moving - although your distance does make popping round for most of us a bit of a challenge!

[Supercharged_Z]

Well lads...

yet more time has passed, more things have managed to get in the way and I have less time than ever


Seriously considering letting someone else finish it off now before it's too far gone and needs a mountain of work done again :no:

Any interest in it from here before I put it up for sale properly?

what is the current state?

[peterzs]

All that snow rescuing work taking all your time up.

Bet its a money pit just trying to get that last few bits sorted. Could you cheat a bit and just put ZS off the shelf bits in it to make it move under its own steam.

:):):)

[Dan1971]

what is the current state?

Thought it might interest you ....

I'm a bit shy of 2 yrs away from a garage and the time to invest I'm afraid ....

[Supercharged_Z]

Thought it might interest you ....

I'm a bit shy of 2 yrs away from a garage and the time to invest I'm afraid ....

I have just bought a house with a den plus i have the workshop. I dont remember to much about that car other than is what the half pint version in comparison with a proper shell. However i suppose it will need to much work for me but what a toy to have :lovers:

[Maxxed_Ross]

I'm really struggling to find the last few bits to get it moving on it's own.

Fuel system has been causing me a bit of a night mare as per the last few posts - but I think I know what I need now.

Lower engine mount was causing me another head ache but I've recently tracked down a drawing of the brackets that I need to make it work, I just need to find the right donor car in a scrap yard to pinch them off.

Other than a few bits of modification to the exhaust to suit the new V band turbo it should be ready to run once the map is downloaded. I have the map, just need to find someone with the right cables to get it into the DTA ECU and then set up the DTA dashboard. I managed to get that half set up, but since them my 15 year old lap top that I was using for all that has packed in

The brakes are working after a huge hassle that most of you know about at the cost of £6k! If nothing else that was the beginning of the end.

Wiring is all in and working, fuel pump runs, custom made AVO suspension is all in with the Skunk 2 lower arms and rear camber adjusters. Still needs front adjustable top mounts and I'm convinced the shocks have too much travel on them, but only a track would confirm that.

Body wise it needs a bit. After sitting outside for so long while the hub debacle raged on the sills filled up with water, so need cut out and re-done. Shouldn't be hard as it's just a big steel box. The front wide arch has cracked again in the same place it did before. I always planned on making fibreglass wings for it as I can see this being a fairly regular issue.

Sheddest clutch kit is half fitted so just needs finishing off and bled through

Power steering pipe work went missing while it was getting work done somewhere, no idea how much of it will be off the shelf or even if it can still be bought as it's a mix of 220 turbo and ZS180.

Realistically I budgeted another £2k to get it up and running with the stuff that needs doing that I can't do, £5k to get it perfect and exactly how I want it.



The plan was always to get it back to my house to work on when I had the time... but I underestimated the amount of junk that would end up in half of the double garage after loosing the loft space above it that the previous house had. The Subaru fills the other half and there's no way that is sitting outside. I did hope to do a swap around over the winter and stick the Subaru into EX259's storage space, but as I don't have space for a trailer at the new house I had to sell that too. That means either hiring one or constantly having to borrow one from mates... neither are ideal


I did start adding up all the receipts when I half put it up for sale last time... stopped when I got to £20k over and above the original purchase cost. It's ridiculous what was spent on it in the early days

[Maxxed_Ross]

https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12507658_994582930595896_4784166158661060252_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=0&oh=fc903953cb8bd0d1a33f220721a4f806&oe=5B35DD31

https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10494612_775543939166464_4672343717885928846_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=0&oh=54775bc1cc11758092c7bf814143ab0e&oe=5B352BE0

[Street Elite]

Doesn't look too far away?!


Drew

[Maxxed_Ross]

In the grand scheme of things it's not really

Having zero budget and no where to work on it without paying for it is the biggest problem

[sneekyparrot]

In the grand scheme of things it's not really

Having zero budget and no where to work on it without paying for it is the biggest problem

Unfortunately you know that you will never make back the monies you have poured into it :no: we never do

how about advertising for free storage? you never know a petrol head around you would be happy to have it sitting there?


if you were happy to get it transported down to Birmingham i would put it in our unit till you were ready to do something with it.

cheers
P.

[peterzs]

Good offer

:):):)

[ZS]

Unfortunately you know that you will never make back the monies you have poured into it :no: we never do

how about advertising for free storage? you never know a petrol head around you would be happy to have it sitting there?


if you were happy to get it transported down to Birmingham i would put it in our unit till you were ready to do something with it.

cheers
P.

To be fair i would have offered the same, but as im Winchester way its even further :)

[Skillen]

Guy on rover tech offering long term storage for £12 a week in Manchester if that’s any closer and any affordable for you

[LozMachine]

These guys may be able to help you out.
http://www.wigtonmc.co.uk/
Based in Cumbria and the Borders.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180409/b3304ea837bc5b084f80cf4ba1f8bad3.jpg

Sent from my Redmi Note 4 using Tapatalk

[Maxxed_Ross]

thanks for all the replies everyone

Managed to secure somewhere for it to live for a very reasonable fee for now, but it's not going to be long term

Plus the Mrs has finally had enough of it sitting about and wants it gone. She made a very good argument about all the other things I could do with the money it freed up - like finishing off the engine in the Subaru the way I want it (which makes a load of sense as that's what I'm currently using on the track fairly regularly anyway)

Ross did sound interested, but never returned any of my phone calls / messages :no:

[p_b82]

Glad it's got a new home for now - I hope you see it through to completion; even if you then move it on...

The counter argument to spending the money on the Scooby, is that once you have the touring car finished you'd be using that instead..... (playing devil's advocate).

I know keeping my ZS & getting it finished is a heart decision not a head one; but sometimes you just got to go with the flow and take that hit!

Good luck, hope you do get it finished though!

[Maxxed_Ross]

The counter argument to spending the money on the Scooby, is that once you have the touring car finished you'd be using that instead..... (playing devil's advocate).

I'm starting to wonder if I'd want to track it after all the work :no:

[sneekyparrot]

I'm starting to wonder if I'd want to track it after all the work :no:

Man don't be a Wuss! I could say exactly the same , ive lost track of how much time and money i've thrown at the Reyland ZS. But i bloody well intend it give it a damm good seeing too when its running this summer.
Ive also spent years and thousands on one off bikes but the moment the visor went down and i hit the track all that was forgotten although i did sell a bespoke RGV500 before i spanked it good and proper after a rather fruity day at Cadwell PArk :trampoline:

Just imagine the surge of excitement as you sit in pit lane waiting to be let onto track :trampoline::trampoline:

P.

[Dan1971]

I'm starting to wonder if I'd want to track it after all the work :no:

And, if after all the work - you simply gave up and passed it on to someone else without having taken it to the track - would you not regret it .... ? It's not like in 10 years you could do it all again from scratch if you thought you'd made a mistake. When you conceived the idea to do it all, was it to trailor it to shows, or to drive it?

Easy for others to comment as it's not us who have put in all the time, effort and cash thus far. Only you know where your head is. If it's - that's it, I'm through, no more for me - fair enough. I think your decision of - pause, store, review before I get rid - is a good common sense way to deal with what has been a huge investment in terms of finance, effort and emotion.

[p_b82]

Even if you don't decide to track it - or only do a few installation laps and then keep it is a show car or sell it on I get the impression you'd regret the decision - even if at the time you'll feel like a huge weight has been lifted.

I say this as I've had the same thoughts about the ZS myself; I nearly threw in the towel a number of times - when it got stranded on the farm I was made an offer to "take it off my hands" and I was very very tempted.

[Mark S]

I'm starting to wonder if I'd want to track it after all the work :no:

get the engine and chassis sorted and use it on the track, looks are less important there :)

[Maxxed_Ross]

Thanks all for the comments

Trust me all thoughts that have crossed my mind many many times already. It's looking likely that it will be staying for at least the time being - I've actually started to collect bits for the engine again so it might even make a bit of forward progress. I just need somewhere to work on it and the time to do it now!

Just need to buy a bigger shed so I can get the other half of my double garage emptied of all the stuff in there

[Street Elite]

I'm sure I remember someone asking about this?

Happened upon a Facebook page about it
https://www.facebook.com/EX259/


Drew