Superformance MKII, Riverside Racer 289 FIA vintage race car

[1795]

So, have kept up the pace a little, although was slowed down slightly for a couple of days. Realized that the slave cylinder and fork setup was not going to work due to space considerations, so had to order a hydraulic throwout bearing. When it arrived I was test fitting it on the Toploader, and these things are a tight fit. Well, the transmission was sitting on top of a couple of 2x4's on top of concrete blocks and as I was trying to slide the throwout bearing onto the shaft the transmission slipped and fell on my left-hand middle finger. Split it open like a hot dog/sausage on a grill. Let loose a few choice words and then finished placing the bearing on the shaft. It was after that that I realized i was bleeding quite well and that a bandied would not be sufficient, so it was off to urgent care for a little surgical glue. The NP did mention what big hands I have! Seriously though, I really do have big hands for my size, I can palm a basketball with either hand ad am only 5'10".



I also worked on the front tower access holes for the radiator cooler lines and oil cooler lines. There are two holes in the front tower and it is recommended in the manual to use some rubber tabs to prevent the aluminum line from chafing. It has been reported to me that these rubber tabs have a tendency to fall out. I recalled using rubber compression fittings on hoses from my maple syrup production days, so I bought a couple of rubber compression fittings, cut them to size and they will work when the time comes.



I also enlarged the slots on the engine mounts to accept a larger bolt due to concerns over the torque of a race engine as opposed to a street engine. The slots on the engine mounts are slightly smaller than the mounting points on the frame, which will accept the next larger sized bolts.



I then move to the trunk and worked on the mounting of the fuel cell and fabricated a steel bracket to hold the fuel cell in place. Had to drill and tap holes in the bracket and the frame to secure the bracket.



Well, that is all for now. Will update you as the build progresses. Happy Father's day to all the fathers out there.

Jim

[Mark IV]

Jim,

Remember, no project is "official" until you bleed! You and your FIA are now "blood brothers"!!

You are making steady progress. Has the Harrison tank arrived yet?

[1795]

Rick,

No Harrison tank yet, probably will not show up until the beginning of next week. Found some empty 1 quart paint cans at Lowes for $2.50 that I will use for catch cans. The ones that they sell in the racing catalogs and sites can go from $25-$150 per can. Nice savings. You need to have a one quart catch can for all vents, i.e., radiator over flow, crankcase vents and differential vent.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by 1795

.... Realized that the slave cylinder and fork setup was not going to work due to space considerations, so had to order a hydraulic throwout bearing....

Sorry to hear about the finger....but back to the important things , the clutch. I am thinking of using an external slave, but I'm concerned about clearance to the tunnel as well. Jim, are you easily able to tell me how much the fork/lever protruded from the opening in the bell housing, so that I can check my clearances? Also, what bellhousing / scattershield are you using, and another also, which McLead HTOB are you using and what spec. clutch?

Thanks. A great thread

Cheers,
Glen

[1795]

Glen,

The clutch for protruded about 5" from the back of the bell housing, it was about 10" from the centerline of the bell housing. I am using a Quicktime bell housing. The clutch is a McLeod 75213, which is sufficient for the horsepower that I am running. Was considering going with a dual disc, but having never used one previously, wanted to first learn the car, and then when it comes tie for a refreshing, to move up to a different clutch. The McLeod HTOB for a top loader is the 1400-30.

Thanks for all of the support, and looking forward to your build coming to completion. Been working on the fuel system, battery install and the fire system. Will post pictures when I get the chance.

Jim

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by 1795

....The clutch for protruded about 5" from the back of the bell housing, it was about 10" from the centerline of the bell housing. I am using a Quicktime bell housing. The clutch is a McLeod 75213, which is sufficient for the horsepower that I am running. Was considering going with a dual disc, but having never used one previously, wanted to first learn the car, and then when it comes tie for a refreshing, to move up to a different clutch. The McLeod HTOB for a top loader is the 1400-30....

Thanks Jim. I'm using a QT scattershield too, so good information there for me.

Cheers,
Glen

[1795]

The car is in to the welder getting the roll cage installed. while the originals did not race with side protection, I would prefer some and my wife is much happier with additional protection. Should have the car back next Wednesday and on Thursday will start the engine and transmission install.

My Harrison tank arrived yesterday



Looks nice! Thanks Rick.

I also have decided to sell the original seats that came with the car, as I doubt that I will ever try to convert the car back from race. Will be posting them in the for sale section if anyone is interested. Never used.



Should have a lot to post about next week.

Jim