Suggestions for FE 428 specs

[lovehamr]

Originally Posted by kevins2

I'd love to find a road like the photo that elmariachi posted or an abandoned air strip - somewhere where I could just let loose without worring about hitting anything. Not sure if there is anything like that around here but will check with the locals. Probably won't be able to get on a track with a car set up for street.Kevin

Hey Kev, southern OH, former airbase, lots of power....... jus sayin'
East Coast Timing Association

[kevins2]

Originally Posted by lovehamr

Hey Kev, southern OH, former airbase, lots of power....... jus sayin'
East Coast Timing Association

Thanks, that would be perfect except it is over 500 miles and 9 hours away. I did a lot of motorcycle drag racing in the mid-70's on an old airport runway in Alabama. Don't think it's in operation anymore, but those types of facilities are awesome. I know it kept me from doing stupid things on the streets (instead I did even more stupid things on the runway ).

Thanks,

Kevin

[patrickt]

Kevin, let us know what sort of options you're opting for. Some of the "little ones," like the extra venting and shielding around the primaries, really makes a difference. Instead of rivets, you might consider using a Marson Thread-Setter Tool. It lets you set a nice machine screw installation instead of a rivet. In fact, one of my first projects when I get her out of hibernation this spring will be to put in an access panel on the tunnel to service the front u-joint (which you can't get to if you have the outboard braked rear and handbrake). I'll use the Marson on that and post pics, of course. Here's the tool:

[kevins2]

Hmmm...something to consider - I'll read up on the Marson Thread-Setter Tool. As for options:

Smith gauges, leather, ss sidepipes, heater, powder-coated frame, glovebox, soft top, side curtains, tonneau, sway bars (maybe just front for street driving?), wheel housing vents (Peter actually tried to talk me out of those, but I think they will make a big difference so will get them. Don't know about shielding around primaries?), 5 pin wheels, Mickey Thompson tires, dual front fans (love the look), oil cooler (would look empty without it - may not even hook it up), trunk carpet, fluted switches, coolant tank, insulation on outside of footboxes, ERA floor mats, round tail lights/reflector shields.

Still have my configuration with the standard Jag rear-end with inboard brakes. Have it in my list of questions to discuss with Peter. If I'm reading their website correctly, the optional ERA rear includes the adaptors for the pin wheels (it isn't clear on 5 or 6 pin). If that is the case, then the cost difference to upgrade to the ERA outboard setup isn't as much as listed because with the Jag rear I'd have to buy the adaptors. Haven't priced it out yet so don't know the cost yet. I don't need the ERA rear since I'm not going to track the car, but it seems to be a desirable option and may play into the value of the car.

Also, I initially had the brake/clutch fluid reproduction resevoirs on the list, but Peter crossed them out and put in BMW single reservoir. I think that's the see-through plastic reservoir - will have to ask. Peter probably noticed the sweat beads forming on my forehead as I was doing the math in my head and was trying to help me out a bit

I'm bad about wanting options, as you can see. Did the same thing with my Harley and chrome/accessories. My wife finally asked me why I didn't just have the bike dipped in chrome. I responded with a look like I thought that was a good idea and she just shook her head and walked away...

Kevin

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by kevins2

Still have my configuration with the standard Jag rear-end with inboard brakes. Have it in my list of questions to discuss with Peter. If I'm reading their website correctly, the optional ERA rear includes the adaptors for the pin wheels (it isn't clear on 5 or 6 pin). If that is the case, then the cost difference to upgrade to the ERA outboard setup isn't as much as listed because with the Jag rear I'd have to buy the adaptors.

I don't know the answer to that. But I will tell you that for a mostly-driven-on-the-street car, there is really no need for the outboard braked rear. The Jag rear is just fine, even for casual track use. The only reason I got it was that I just liked the looks of it all. One of the things you have to kind of watch out for when you're laying out your plan is that an upgrade in one area can trigger an unexpected upgrade in another area. For instance, back when I had my car built Peter did not want the smaller brakes up front with the outboard braked rear -- so that meant an upgrade to the big Sierras up front. And I don't even remember why I went with 6 pins instead of 5. You can't even see the difference unless you pull the wheel, and I don't think it had anything to do with the brakes or the rear. Those black Girling brake reservoirs look cool, but they blister and drip. I still keep them, though; just because they look cool.

[kevins2]

Bill,

Think what you're saying is that with a rear gear too high (3.31 instead of 3.54, for example) and too radical a cam, the engine will lug or buck driving at too low RPM's. I'll have to watch out for that.

Patrick, I hear you on the rear end considerations. That's why I still have the Jag/inboard brakes on the list but just want to talk to Peter about the ERA upgrade. I've read posts about having to upgrade the front brakes with the ERA rear but I also read a post that it isn't necessary because the brakes can be balanced with easy adjustments - will get to the bottom of that. As for the reservoirs, I read your comments in another thread about these leaking and the sealant you used to stop it. They do look cool but the difference in cost is just under $400, so that's one option that I may resist.

Kevin

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by kevins2

They do look cool but the difference in cost is just under $400, so that's one option that I may resist.

They're $400 now? They're not worth that. Put that down as a "to do later" a few years from now after you've sorted out all the bugs that have left you stranded out in Bumf---, PA. Someone on here, maybe it was elmariachi, had a nice thread about making identical cans for less than $25. You couldn't tell the difference unless you got close enough to read the "Girling" on the top lid.