Ride height question

[kevins2]

Lots of little details to tend to. It's been said that you're never really done with these cars, which makes them a perfect hobby. I appreciate all the helpful advice. I won't completely obsess over the ride height just yet but will tinker with it to get it close. The driver's side rear is just shy of 1/4" lower than the passenger side. I'll at least get things close and then get some miles on it.

As for corner weighting, I'll have to ask around locally to find someone to help with that.

It's supposed to rain hard tonight and tomorrow, so hopefully it will and wash all the salt off the roads so I can get it out for a drive. That would be a great Christmas.

Kevin

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by kevins2

As for corner weighting, I'll have to ask around locally to find someone to help with that.

It's not hard. The hardest part is just finding the scales, but usually someone in your local club has them. You can even do it by cleverly cantilevering on to bathroom scales to reduce the apparent weight. But you've got to do it. The world will come to an end and you will never be happy if you don't.

[kevins2]

Originally Posted by patrickt

...The world will come to an end ....

Well, I certainly wouldn't want to add yet another reason for the world coming to an end. Enough of those out there already

[patrickt]

Now, if you just happen to have 16 bathroom scales sitting around.... Or, more likely, you just order 16 of them off of Amazon, set your corner weights, then return 15 of them for a refund saying you accidentally hit the wrong key on your smart phone when you placed the order.

[Bernica]

I have heard of folks renting the scales from race shops in the past. Also, if you visit a track day event, you will most likely see a few guys with them who may offer some help or a loan. Ask around at your local Cobra Clubs too.
Good luck!

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by kevins2

It's supposed to rain hard tonight and tomorrow, so hopefully it will and wash all the salt off the roads so I can get it out for a drive. That would be a great Christmas.

Kevin

Some un-asked for but serious advice about the 'first drive'.
Don't bring anyone in the car with you-that's for when it's debugged and carefree.
Drive around your own block until temps and pressures come up. Until you're bored if you have to. Easier to push home if needed.
Avoid hilly terrain.
Drive in areas where you need to brake as well as accelerate-get the brakes warm.
Have a chase car with a nylon tow strap follow you; even if just around the neighborhood.
Go during full daylight hours.
Avoid desolate areas; in case you need help pushing.
Bring a simple tool box in the chase car. You may need to adjust the idle or move the distributor for example.
Especially have a vice-grips in the car with you-always. I snapped the shifter clean off at 80MPH on a 2-3 shift and used one clamped to the stub to drive home.
Watch in this order; the oil pressure, water temp and amp gauge (or volt meter).
Head back at the slightest sign of abnormal readings.
That's 3 decades of 'first drives' after building, rebuilding and modifications...
Oh and corner weighting the car is fine, especially if driven hard or on track-but don't go nuts.
You're getting hammered by cornering wiz Pattie who's greatest need for corner weighting has been the 15 MPH traffic circle near his fave restaurant...

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Some un-asked for but serious advice about the 'first drive'....

I think you should try punching the throttle hard, say, about half way around your very first turn. I think this "the rear end comes out from under you" stuff is just a bunch of malarkey. Or, you could just pull in to your favorite fancy restaurant, throw the kid at the valet station a twenty, along with the keys, and tell him "break it in for me, you'll be doing me a favor."

[Bernica]

All excellent advice from Chas!

I am searching for the YouTube of PatrickT drifting and throwing smoke around that traffic circle!.