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Lotus Europa Forums => Members Cars => Topic started by: StephenH on Saturday,June 29, 2013, 03:18:14 AM

Title: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Saturday,June 29, 2013, 03:18:14 AM
Thought I would start a bit of a running history on this forum.
Apologise in advance for any double post of the odd image.

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/9065150597_2ba5e6c94b.jpg)(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9065156165_12fffe8f11.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/9067380386_653d2a77b8.jpg)(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/9067374628_3c6fac86dc.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9112808291_c71c3d6d5c.jpg)(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/9124364222_b2a57a71a4.jpg)
Images below courtesy of Gary Hill, Elgee Word & Pictures.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/9159190010_1c861ac383.jpg)(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9159190094_e3a76d389c.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/9159190196_3c839e81a5.jpg)(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/9159190228_d0fded344b.jpg)

And yes, we do have to race against all local classes.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/9163791651_422422fe5e.jpg)(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9159190144_e76976601e.jpg)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: cal44 on Saturday,June 29, 2013, 07:33:41 AM
The Roo shots.............are amazing.  I would hate to be on the receiving end of the claws...........dang.
Your car...........I can't get enough
What make and model of camera?

mike
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: LotusJoe on Saturday,June 29, 2013, 05:11:51 PM
 :trophy: Very nice car
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,June 30, 2013, 01:06:03 AM
The Roo shots.............are amazing.  I would hate to be on the receiving end of the claws...........dang.
Your car...........I can't get enough
What make and model of camera?

mike

Roos are not to be argued with.

Ran 5th in the 1600 class, the Alpine was 2.5sec faster on race rubber, my target was within 2sec and until the last run I was there, but with the Alpine turning it's fastest ever time (and ripping out its gearbox sump plug for that last 0.5sec) I'm happy.
Would also have run 5th in the 2000 class, 2nd in 3000 class and was 22nd from 52 outright.
Plenty of modern cars behind me.
Car damage for the day was a little bit of paint where I was too heavy handed removing one of the numbers  :-[

Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
While I'm at it, acknowledgment that the shots where I'm behind the wheel and of the Roo are courtesy of Gary Hill, Elgee Word & Pictures (bought & paid for).
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: cal44 on Sunday,June 30, 2013, 05:23:34 AM
Thanks Stephen.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Mecky on Monday,July 01, 2013, 07:23:13 AM
Hi Stephen,

your car looks really well built and tidy. What kind of races are driving? Hill climb?

Give us some more information about the car. Do you use the 1565 cc engine? Is your crossflow head in original condition? How much Horsepowers does the machine have? Have you ever checked the weight of your S2?

I like that there are a few racers showing up in our community :-)

Regards

Stefan
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Monday,July 01, 2013, 08:18:24 PM
I can't take the claim for any of the build or preparation as I bought the car basically as is.
My work has been some small modifications to the throttle linkage and gearshift, plus adding a 12V outlet to charge my phone  ;)
Basically I got out my toolkit and climbed in under and around checking bolts were tight.

I do have a large file of notes from the previous owner but haven't yet sorted them out into a summary.
I can tell you it has a 1565cc based engine with a slight overbore, Gordini rods and twin 45mm Webers (which seem too big).
Head and valves are unlikely to be standard (I found an order for some valves in the file).
Details of the cam, choke, pistons etc are also all buried in the file.
Gearbox is a later model 5 speed with the 4 spider diff.
Radiator is a custom aluminium unit and the chassis and suspension has been plated and braced for additional strength.
Springs and Dampers are adjustable but I haven't touched them as yet.

Many of the parts either came from Banks engineering in the UK or were recommended by the same source.

Eventually I'll get all the notes together as well as weights (will get it corner weighted soon for reference), then I might have some answers to all the questions.

So far I have run 1 short hillclimb event, I don't plan on racing car to car, just on time in hillclimbs and sprints.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,July 07, 2013, 12:08:14 AM
Had a nice morning run in the hills with a mixed group of sporting cars from several nations.

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/9229411344_ab725bfb40.jpg)(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/9229406708_36431def7a.jpg)

Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Bainford on Monday,July 08, 2013, 06:40:46 AM
Stephen, your Europa is gorgeous. It's very nicely trimmed and finished, and obviously performs well also. Cheers.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Thursday,November 28, 2013, 01:19:40 AM
A couple of videos from last Sunday.
The best run in each of wet & damp conditions.
Good enough on the day for class win and 3rd outright.

In the wet, 2nd gear start, sorry about the wiper position.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nk-BlYk7uE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nk-BlYk7uE)

Later in the day when it was only damp, with mud on the track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ujPV9a2Dp4&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ujPV9a2Dp4&feature=youtu.be)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Thursday,November 28, 2013, 06:33:35 AM
 :)

A great engine sound...   thanks for posting the links

Brian
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: cal44 on Thursday,November 28, 2013, 08:19:21 AM
Man........they don't provide much stopping distance at the end.  I was getting nervous.........
Your car is so nice and Brian is spot on.......the sound is a delight.

mike
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Thursday,November 28, 2013, 03:35:35 PM
Unfortunately due to environmental overlays in the local planning laws, the previous 'oh crap' gate must now remain closed as it exits onto a fire access track.
So recently it changed from 'just keep it straight and all is OK', to 'which bit do I want to bend if it goes wrong'

Hence backing off the throttle before the actual finish line as grip in the braking area was uncertain.

Also a justification for why I was talking to Richard Banks last night and ordering a brake upgrade for Christmas...........
I'm sure my wife will remain calm and understand  :help:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Thursday,November 28, 2013, 10:06:59 PM
I'm sure my wife will remain calm and understand  :help:

 :)

I find the key thing in these cases is to use perspective. For example when I bought some s/h wheels for mine last year and got the raised eyebrows when they arrived, I just used the perspective that all 4 wheels (plus 2 good tyres) cost less than the single tyre we'd fitted to her TT after hitting a pothole.  So household items, decorating, perfumes, etc are all great perspectives.

Of course, if that doesn't work my favourite and most used perspective is being in the next county when she finds out.....   ;)

Being serious, what upgrade are you going for, 4 pot calipers ?

Brian
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Thursday,November 28, 2013, 10:56:19 PM
Nothing over the top.
Europa Engineering's road biased upgrades with vented discs up front and disc conversion rear.
Both use 'period' looking Girling calipers so are in character, but should lift my confidence a little if nothing else.
I already have a dual master cylinder setup with balance adjustable from the dash.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Friday,November 29, 2013, 10:11:17 PM
A few pictures from last week available here (including some fine Lotus 11 recreations): http://martincreely.photoshelter.com/gallery/2013-11-24-MGCC-22nd-Historic-and-Classic-Hillclimb/G0000h.NrQot5GDQ/0/C0000wLSoJ_PZnFk (http://martincreely.photoshelter.com/gallery/2013-11-24-MGCC-22nd-Historic-and-Classic-Hillclimb/G0000h.NrQot5GDQ/0/C0000wLSoJ_PZnFk)
Copyright Martin Creely.

I'll just post a direct link to a couple, hopefully Martin doesn't mind, as examples of his fine work.
The Victor (have to get lucky at least once).
(http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000UcUQ9MnMXhQ/s/750/750/24-11-2013-MGCC-22nd-Historic-and-Classic-Hillclimb-146.jpg)

The Benchmark ('The Judge' in his genuine Group 4 Alpine).
(http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000y.sNilnTR7s/s/750/750/24-11-2013-MGCC-22nd-Historic-and-Classic-Hillclimb-125.jpg)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Bainford on Monday,December 02, 2013, 09:35:21 AM
Beautiful Europa. I love the stance of the side on shot. A very purposeful looking machine. I like the A110 also. A car that is at the very top of my 'want' list, but unfortunately they are priced out of my range now. Cheers.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,February 11, 2014, 02:15:47 AM
A bit of work around thecar.

Maintenance.
Front wheel bearings repacked.
Uni joints replaced, rear wheel bearings replaced.
Everything underneath that moves cleaned, lubed and tightened.
Have a small amount of play on one of the gearbox output splines, but not significant and will be some replacement yokes next time around.

Modifications.
Rear disc brakes fitted.
Shut-off valve for the heater circuit.

Short test drive showed that the brakes work and the cabin was less hot, it was pushing 40C ambient so less hot is a relative measure.
Also explains that it was a short drive, not enough to actually bed the pads and discs in.

Next modifications.
Additional expansion bottle for the cooling system, I want to allow the system to vent into a catch bottle that will return some volume when the system cools.
Then work on the front disc upgrade.


Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Monday,February 17, 2014, 01:34:41 AM
Rear discs and pads now nicely bedded in and working a treat.

Have been able to wind some bias to the rear and reduce pedal pressure for a start.
Much better feel and the car squats down and stops with less chance of one of the fronts nipping up.


Low speed cooling issue investigated and with great surprise I find the fan is basically installed backwards!
Not going to push much air out the front of the car unless completely stopped, not so efficient regardless.
Tomorrow nights job is to correct that.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Wednesday,September 24, 2014, 01:56:25 AM
Some pictorial updates.
FYI rear discs have worked out fine and give greater confidence when pulling up, I need to upgrade the wheel studs as with current clearance you need some care in getting everything centered.
Rear number plate up and out of the way although will restrict oil cooler flow a little (don't think a significant issue, summer will tell).
Front number plate has been shrunken in the wash, how did that happen.....

Title: Certificate of Provenance
Post by: StephenH on Friday,October 17, 2014, 11:22:45 PM
Nice delivery from the postman today with the 'birth certificate' for my 54/1690 arriving from Lotus.

The surprise to me is that the original paint was BRG, same as it is now.
So with the paperwork I have from 2 owners ago indicating a previous change, I'm happy the most recent paint is back to birth.

Now all I need to do is track down the original distributor (Taylor Speed - Adelaide) if possible to see what I can dig up for further documented history.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: jbcollier on Saturday,October 18, 2014, 07:04:05 AM
Lucky as they do not have the paint code for the earliest Europas.  I have one coming for 46/0601 and they don't know the paint for it.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Saturday,October 18, 2014, 08:46:08 AM
Sorry I'm coming to this late. WRT the heater valve, it confused me why, on the TCs anyway, the valve had a 'step' in it such that if it were closed, you had to overcome resistance to open it but if you opened it you generally couldn't overcome the resistance to fully close it. There must be a reason. Anybody have any ideas or solutions (I used the same valve when I rebuilt my car)?

Congratulations on getting the 'birth certificate' for your car, Stephen! You have a lot more documentation on your car than I have on mine - and I am the original owner! I do have the original window sticker but it's not in great condition. The lack of documentation on the earlier cars, especially, would make it hard to document a car's originality for a concours competition!
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,October 21, 2014, 02:22:01 AM
I've found an address for the owner of the 'Taylor Speed' trademark, no idea if it will lead me to any more information but it is worth a letter.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Tuesday,October 21, 2014, 04:48:04 AM
Rear discs and pads now nicely bedded in and working a treat.

Have been able to wind some bias to the rear and reduce pedal pressure for a start.
Much better feel and the car squats down and stops with less chance of one of the fronts nipping up.

Stephen, you have Richard's rear disk kit, right? How did you change the brake bias? Do you also have a bias valve or a twin M/C setup?
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,October 21, 2014, 05:33:42 AM
The same design of heater valve is also used on the TR6, MGB, etc.  It is not a great design for the very reasons you mentioned.  Usually the problem is that the bowden cable can't overcome the tension in the valve.  Lube the valve with rubber friendly product as well as your control and fir a thicker bowden cable.  Even better is to fit a modern heater valve, say from a VW, in the circuit and leave the stock valve open.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,November 02, 2014, 01:36:17 AM
Stephen, you have Richard's rear disk kit, right? How did you change the brake bias? Do you also have a bias valve or a twin M/C setup?

Yes rear discs by Europa Engineering.
Twin master cylinders with a flexible cable drive from the balance bar to to a dash mounted adjuster.

Regarding the heater circuit, I added a shutoff valve in the engine bay as even with just a little circulation the core still ends up hot.
More hot air in the cabin is not something typically needed in an Australian summer.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,November 02, 2014, 01:02:12 AM
A run today at the short Rob Roy hillclimb which started out cool and damp after rain last night.
New Toyo R888 have done the trick, just shy of 1sec from previous best and 1st in the 1600cc open class even with less than perfect conditions  :trophy:
Much nicer to drive and when the car gets a bit loose it is without drama.

This new PB time brings me to within 0.17sec of the best time for the benchmark Alpine A110 and 0.42sec of the long standing course record for the Group S historic class I normally run in.
That record (held since 1996 by another S2) I have thought pretty much untouchable with that car banned (because the driver was obviously an Alien Superbeing from the planet Europa).
However looking at some of the other competitors today being 0.5-1sec off what they normally run, maybe not......
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Bainford on Sunday,November 02, 2014, 08:06:52 AM
 :trophy: Congratulations on a great weekend. Those times seem very impressive.  :beerchug:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Sunday,November 02, 2014, 08:43:20 AM
Yep, well done again, you're chipping away at it and I can see you with a record before too long.   Any video footage this time ? 

Brian
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,November 02, 2014, 01:02:23 PM
I have some video from my phone so will see how it looks and load something up the next few days.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Sunday,November 02, 2014, 11:04:36 PM
Sounds good. It doesn't have to be perfect, just to get the spirit of the drive across. Looking forward to seeing it.

Brian
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Wednesday,November 05, 2014, 02:08:35 AM
I probably should have reduced the resolution, but for what it is worth here is the quickest run of the day for me.
Ended up being 6th outright and 0.03 off bumping a 968 CS (race prepped) and 0.25 would have left me equal 3rd outright.
Pretty good day really :)

http://youtu.be/c7AwX0DrPoc (http://youtu.be/c7AwX0DrPoc)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Wednesday,November 05, 2014, 07:13:19 AM
Nice drive, Stephen!!!  :beerchug: The car sounds great and seems to go pretty well! Good luck in shaving another half second off your time to get the record!
 :lotus:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Wednesday,November 05, 2014, 09:32:02 AM
Phew, that braking zone after the finish didn't seem long enough to me, I could feel my right foot pressing down under the desk as I watched it  !  :)

Great run. That engine note is brilliant and the car looks to handle very well on what looked like the ideal bends to flick you off into the scenery. When's the next one then ?

Brian
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Wednesday,November 05, 2014, 02:15:54 PM
I have to make a decision today on which of 4 available events running on the 23rd November.
One is a historic event at the same venue with the Group S class running (so a shot at glory), but I'm leaning towards a private practice day at another (much better) venue where I need to get some experience.
 
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,November 25, 2014, 10:05:31 PM
Briefly 'featuring' at the 10sec mark.

Europa playing among the newer cars at Haunted Hills in Victoria.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCUyI1IRByE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCUyI1IRByE)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Tuesday,November 25, 2014, 11:10:29 PM
That looks a great place to play !   From the overview of the circuit it should be very suited to a light, well handling car so I could imagine you doing really well after you've learned where all the bendy bits are.  Lots of squeaky tyres from the modern machinery with some x-box style sliding about. When's your first race there  ;)

Brian
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Wednesday,November 26, 2014, 02:13:28 AM
It's a great short course venue, I have run one event there (in the other direction and a bit damp) but this was first run clockwise (practice and untimed).
No competition events there for me until 2015.
Really good format by the MR2 club and no complaints about the amount of track time available.
They run 2 cars on the long circuit at a time.

Most of the noise coming from the main offender (the red 86) was due to being fitted with tyres from a Prius because the owner wants fun not grip.
He can drive a bit though, I sat in as passenger for a couple of laps and spent most of the time laughing at the long slides and tyre protests.

Had plenty of willing passengers wanting a ride in the Europa, even when the temperature was getting nasty in the cabin.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Wednesday,November 26, 2014, 06:21:06 AM
That looks like a nice facility where you can have a lot of fun! Could you get a feel - since it was untimed - for how you did as compared to the other folks? I would think you would do very well!
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Nuk on Monday,December 01, 2014, 10:35:02 PM
Really enjoy seeing your vdo, wish my car car drive like yours soon  :trophy:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,April 12, 2015, 02:13:48 AM
This might not look like a great photo from a technical point of view, but today I think it is near perfect.
Car came off the trailer, didn't miss a beat, lowered the class record twice and finished 1st in class.
Yes, the sun was shining on 54/1690 today.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: blasterdad on Sunday,April 12, 2015, 05:31:39 AM
Congratulations!  :trophy:
And yes, she is very "photogenic".  8)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Sunday,April 12, 2015, 09:01:04 AM
Nothing wrong with that photo at all, well maybe you could have gotten rid of all the "second raters" cluttering up the background  ;)

Well done on the results, it sounds like it was a good day. Any video taken ?

Brian
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Sunday,April 12, 2015, 09:50:35 AM
Great job!!  :trophy:
I think the photo is appropriate - the sun is shining on your Lotus!
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,April 12, 2015, 05:02:12 PM
well maybe you could have gotten rid of all the "second raters" cluttering up the background  ;)

Well done on the results, it sounds like it was a good day. Any video taken ?

No video from onboard, I didn't bother as I went for the minimal prep and distraction approach.
Did get plenty of visitors to the pit area wanting to check out the Lotus and comments like 'that thing is too fast, absolutely clean' (referring to the engine singing away from launch to VMax through the gears).

Well I did cut out the second rate Ferrari 250 TR and the Lister Jag, plus a few other that are unworthy.....
Automotive porn
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Sunday,April 12, 2015, 10:30:12 PM
Well I did cut out the second rate Ferrari 250 TR and the Lister Jag, plus a few other that are unworthy.....

Yeah, I don't blame you. Heck, that car isn't even finished properly - there's no roof and not even a bonnet over the engine !   :)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Wednesday,April 29, 2015, 06:00:26 AM
Another couple 'up the hill' shots.

Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Mecky on Thursday,April 30, 2015, 12:47:47 AM
Great job, Stephen. You are waving the Lotus Renault flag greatly!
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Willa on Thursday,May 21, 2015, 03:57:55 AM
Hi Stephen,
I am based in Adelide and The Taylor's old family friends.
Taylor Speed was owned by John Taylor who has unfortunately passed away, his son also John may be able to help with the history. You may also have some luck talking to the sporting car club of SA who have detailed records of most of the interesting cars in SA

I was lucky enough to secure the original sale papers for my car and can post a picture if anyone is interested.
Cheers
Willa.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,June 30, 2015, 04:02:29 AM
Heading uphill....... in record time  :pirate:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Tuesday,June 30, 2015, 05:19:01 AM
Congratulations, Stephen!!   :trophy:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,September 20, 2015, 09:48:20 PM
Short clip from Maryborough Wings & Wheels 2015.
1st in class and lowered record by about 0.7sec.
Was pretty dusty as planes were still using the unsealed runway and dumping clouds of fine dust down the strip.

Good to get buzzed by a Russian stunt plane though :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xamFuw4wBos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xamFuw4wBos)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Nuk on Sunday,September 20, 2015, 09:54:43 PM
Short clip from Maryborough Wings & Wheels 2015.
1st in class and lowered record by about 0.7sec.
Was pretty dusty as planes were still using the unsealed runway and dumping clouds of fine dust down the strip.

Good to get buzzed by a Russian stunt plane though :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xamFuw4wBos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xamFuw4wBos)
The vdo was set as private or I just cannot see it  :help:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Sunday,September 20, 2015, 10:40:48 PM
The video is also set to private from here as well, it must be something in the way it's uploaded ? I can't help with the answer as I've never uploaded on myself.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Monday,September 21, 2015, 05:40:13 AM
I think I have fixed the video, should be available now.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Monday,September 21, 2015, 08:14:06 AM
That's a pretty car that makes a nice noise!  :beerchug:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,October 27, 2015, 07:13:49 PM
Some recent short runs down an airstrip and up a short hill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKKBKTgwGaE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKKBKTgwGaE)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1z1hpvvWDk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1z1hpvvWDk)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Tuesday,October 27, 2015, 11:36:30 PM
Good video, they ought to get that noise on the Playstation  :)

Brian
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,November 22, 2015, 01:26:16 AM
Last historic meeting of the year at our short local hillclimb.
I have been creeping down towards the Europa benchmark (which is the 1600cc Production Sports record) for a while and thought I had a shot if I could get a good run together.

Today was the day  :beerchug:
My aim was to equal or maybe shade the best Reno engined Europa time, but I did a little better.
A good start and some curb hopping took a 0.44sec chunk out of the benchmark that I didn't think either the car or I had, so in reality must have pulled out of my @&$#
The 1600cc record has stood since 1996 and although I dropped below that time, it was in the 2000cc class as the organisers have shuffled the deck.
Dropped below my previous PB 3 times during the day although backed out and settled for 2nd in class (to a very quick competition spec MGB) as I decided the risk trying to bridge the gap was too high and I wanted to drive the car home.

Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Sunday,November 22, 2015, 09:18:57 AM
That's got to feel good! Congratulations!  :beerchug:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Sunday,November 22, 2015, 09:19:54 AM
Great news, well done that man. A PB in any area is always worth celebrating, so break open a can for me !

Any video yet ?  (don't say you forgot to turn it on !)

Brian 
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Valerio Leone on Sunday,November 22, 2015, 09:48:20 AM
Nice!!! Are you using the standard gearset?
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,November 22, 2015, 02:22:01 PM
I have video of some of the runs (yes I do still forget to start the camera) including the 3 fastest.
Will post something later this week after getting some chores out of the way.
Attachment is 3 screenshots at the same point showing me getting hungrier with the curb, had a quick look at the data from the VBox last night and this is the point that almost all of the time is coming from.

Edit: Added in some of the data after looking to see where the time came from, basically at the critical corner exit I have found 8kph to carry up the hill.
The screen captures in the secon attachment are from the same point of the circuit but from 2 different runs with the relative speeds shown in the data trace.

Yes, standard gearset in NG3 gearbox, only use 1-3 on this course but almost out of revs in 3rd.
As it happens I was offered a set of close ratio (and straight cut) gears yesterday that came out of a local special using a NG3.

Tempting but have to think it over, the reality is this is a roadcar with some speed, not a racing car.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,November 24, 2015, 02:23:04 AM
Trying something different with video.
A test of split screen using 'RaceRender', same 2 runs as mentioned in earlier post, you can see the effect of carrying the extra speed up the hill.

YouTube video, tell me if it doesn't work (https://youtu.be/uKio7c1LtJU)

Same video but with VBox data overlay, again, tell me if it doesn't work (https://youtu.be/uf8jysW0U2c)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Tuesday,November 24, 2015, 05:35:22 AM
They both came out great, Stephen! I especially like the one with the overlay!
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Bainford on Wednesday,November 25, 2015, 08:08:03 AM
Very Interesting, Stephen. I've been enjoying your race videos. There is much to be gleaned. Cheers.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Monday,November 30, 2015, 12:10:23 AM
I like this image, suspension load is rising as the track transitions uphill sharply and I'm just starting to turn in to the next apex. You can also just make out the marks ahead where the car will scrape.
Wasn't a balls out run, the windows are open :)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Rosco5000 on Monday,November 30, 2015, 04:02:04 PM
That is a great shot.  It really looks aggressive with that compression in the suspension if only it was practical to drive it all the time that low.   :coolpic: and videos.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,December 01, 2015, 02:40:59 PM
I wouldn't mind a photo taken 2m further up the road so I could see the full compression being applied.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,December 27, 2015, 12:06:38 AM
Not a great day of weather so a day including Europa maintenance wasn't such a bad thing.

Tappet clearances checked, a couple were a bit tight so I will keep and eye on those.
Cylinder head torque checked while the cover was off, all good.
Flushed and lubricated the door latches.
Got rid of a rattle from the radiator ducting.
Fixed the non-functional horn (slip ring and contact set in the wheel/column needed work).
Fixed the backwards reading ammeter (been putting that off for ages given the location up high behind the dash).
Fitted a more obvious 'backup' throttle return spring as a couple of scrutineers can't be convinced it already actually has 3 seperate springs (now it has 4).

Booked the osteopath to fix my back and neck, from fixing the ammeter.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: jbcollier on Sunday,December 27, 2015, 08:56:07 AM
I'm sure you actually did it in the correct order but re-torque the head first and then adjust the valves.  Retorquing the head means, one at a time, loosening each head bolt and then torquing back to spec.  I also mark the heads to ensure I at least get back to where I started.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,December 27, 2015, 04:14:03 PM
No problem and correct, it is a list of tasks done, but not in order :)

Except for the Osteo, I did book him last after I was sure everything that required squeezing under the dash was done!

Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,April 10, 2016, 10:00:32 PM
Haven't updated anything for a while, so as yesterday became a nice day after the last week of things going wrong (away for work, flights cancelled, flights delayed, food poisoning......).
I flew back in on Saturday from Asia and had an early start Sunday morning for a community fund raising event in rural Victoria.
Third time I have run the Europa here, first time as defending 'champion' and record holder.
Friendly rivalry with my A110 Alpine Renault driving friend resumed and he set the pace from the start, taking out my record in the process.
Came down to this last run after the mark had fallen twice and even with my best ever start to date, I still lagged the French Pest (a friendly term).
Took a big breath and managed to shave a few more tenths at the start and then got the rest of the course right as well, pulling a surprising 0.7sec out of nowhere and being 10kph faster over the finish line.
There is 40 metres of elevation change along the short course and the surface is your typical rural mix of bumps and stones, the useable line is narrow and being so short there is nowhere to make up time.
Smoothest run as well, must have got something right as it looks easy in hindsight.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcWgG1hLEMo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcWgG1hLEMo)

Outright winner on the day was in a 5.7ltr Chev Camaro in period race trim, equalling his own record and 1.9s clear of the little Lotus and it's new class record.
Final good thing for the day was being flagged down by the outright winner to be congratulated on my starts (he was observing as next car in line all day).

Was almost worth the food poisoning...........  :trophy:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Monday,April 11, 2016, 05:29:03 AM
Congratulations, Stephen!  Nicely done! :trophy:

Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,May 08, 2016, 05:05:05 AM
Getting the foot down for passenger sessions at Sandown racecourse.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: 3929R on Wednesday,May 11, 2016, 07:39:22 AM
 :coolpic:
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Monday,October 17, 2016, 03:51:45 PM
1st run for me at one of the oldest (running more than 80years) hill climbs in Australia, limited to historic (pre-72) cars and bikes it follows the access road from the camping area at the bottom of Mt Tarrengower to the fire lookout at the top.
Met my targets of:
1. Drive home at the end of the day.
2. Time within 3sec of the class winner.
3. Get below 50sec.

Link to video here: https://youtu.be/Lp8MZR-ZxSU (https://youtu.be/Lp8MZR-ZxSU)

There is time left in the car and shifting back to 3rd would have let the engine pull better even without more commitment half way up (where I was losing speed), but all those trees, rocks and armco look a bit close given the bumpy and undulating nature of the surface.


Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: GavinT on Monday,October 17, 2016, 07:04:31 PM
Brilliant Stephen.
Mt Tarrengower isn’t slow and there’s certainly no shame in remembering you're expecting to drive the car home after the event.
You make me want to be back in Melbourne now . . except for the weather. ;)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,June 04, 2017, 04:27:27 PM
A day of competition run by the Porsche club started with being banished to the 'other cars' part of the paddock away from the nice neat garages and run on the track among the unworthy (joking in both cases, Porsche club does a great job of making you feel welcome).

Track is actually a motorcycle track so not often available to cars but suits the Europa quite well.
I have run many laps here years ago on 2 wheels but this is the 1st time I have had 4 wheels and a roof.
Event was a Super Sprint, so running against the clock for 4-5 laps at a time with cars released with about 5 seconds separation.

Link to a lap on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/OaKlUpjq_AA (https://youtu.be/OaKlUpjq_AA)
Bit messy and I need to do some work both on the vehicle throttle response as well as my throttle control.
Tends to be stall, fast ideal, fart, surge, full noise...... good old Webers :).

Great day in the winter sunshine, and by the end of the day starting to get my head around the lap.
Running in the non-members group I was 5th with a  997 Carrera S  being the only registered car in front of me (by about 3 seconds which I thought was OK).
Missed my sub-70sec target by about 1/2 second but I at least know where to look for that time.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Sunday,June 04, 2017, 06:21:29 PM
Nicely done, Stephen!  :trophy:


I know what you mean about Webers. For me, it almost doesn't matter what kind of carb, they are all a challenge! You might consider joining the sidedraft_central yahoo group. There's a lot of knowledgeable people there. I've learned a lot there.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,June 04, 2017, 07:06:25 PM
It's more about finding the time to invest :)
Did run through a few changes and adjustments previously which improved the tractability considerably for road use, as well as shrinking the thirst for fuel so that a tank (I only run the L/H one) can actually take me somewhere useful.

Have a Weber guru ready to organise along with dyno time to take the next step (Weber and timing tweaks), just need to find a window that works.

Or I could just learn to driver better :)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Monday,August 20, 2018, 09:39:26 PM
And this folks is why you can't trust anyone to have used the parts or work performed claimed, unless you see evidence.
If anyone can identify that piston..., would also solve a mystery....

Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Monday,August 20, 2018, 10:20:59 PM
 :o

ouch, I bet that was noisy.

I've no idea on the piston source, I've only experience of Ford & A series engines which have had basic simple things.  Have you figured out what happened, valve contact or something like that leading to metal bouncing around ?

Brian
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,August 21, 2018, 01:08:12 AM
Actually wasn't that noisy.

Clatter, clatter, clatter, loss of power, bit of a light knock.

More details here: http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=2154.0 (http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=2154.0)

Has been a long winded return to a functioning Europa between availability of parts and discovery as the engine came apart.

Root cause is simple enough, the previous owner/engine builder wasn't completely honest about the build components.
Excessive material removed from the head to get the cylinder pressures up, insufficient valve/piston clearance and possibly the timing chain tensioner backed off or misbehaved on downshifts enough for a valve to give up.

Wasn't any apparent witness marks on pistons during earlier inspections (was a camera in there a few times looking) and I'm confident on the RPM (camera and logger in the car) so combination of factors, time and use.

It is now a known build and I have sighted pretty much every component as well as the progressing build each time I was back in the country long enough to go and look.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: LotusJoe on Tuesday,August 21, 2018, 10:34:24 AM
And this folks is why you can't trust anyone to have used the parts or work performed claimed, unless you see evidence.
If anyone can identify that piston..., would also solve a mystery....
I can definitely identify that piston a broken.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,August 21, 2018, 08:41:41 PM
I can definitely identify that piston a broken.

Thanks, I was concerned I might be replacing parts without cause  :D
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: GavinT on Wednesday,August 22, 2018, 06:41:51 AM
Excessive material removed from the head to get the cylinder pressures up, insufficient valve/piston clearance . . .

G'day Stephen,

That piston looks like a Renault 12G or Alpine equivalent to me . . the 160HP version.
The quoted ~ 11.5 compression is achieved without shaving the head.
However, some material needs to be removed from the combustion chambers in order to clear the dome of those pistons.

Cheers,
Gavin
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: SwiftDB4 on Wednesday,August 22, 2018, 06:40:04 PM
As Gavin said looks like a Gordini version piston. I had an 807-G 160 hp engine years ago. The pistons were 11:5-1 compression and looked like yours. Original manufacturer was AE. At some point I had custom replacement ones made using the AE as patterns.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Thursday,August 23, 2018, 12:41:09 AM
As Gavin said looks like a Gordini version piston.

Not according to my local Alpine/Renault expert, piston crown too low for a start.
Sort of a pointless identification exercise now anyway I suppose.

Engine now carrying forged pistons and rods, 43mm inlet and 37mm exhaust valves, new 'everything' that wears/breaks or leaks other than the camshaft and block (which has been reworked around the main caps).
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: GavinT on Thursday,August 23, 2018, 05:49:37 AM

Not according to my local Alpine/Renault expert, piston crown too low for a start.

It's difficult to be absolutely positive but you may just be right, Stephen.

Here's some pics of different versions.

From left to right:
Alpine 1800 (82.5mm bore)
R12G or Alpine - 160HP, 11.5 compression ratio.
R17TS or Alpine - 125HP, 10.25 compression ratio.

The middle one is from an F2 engine I purchased ages ago. The head had been shaved quite a bit which necessitated the significant valve reliefs.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Thursday,November 22, 2018, 08:40:36 PM
New engine settling down nicely.
On the way to a class win.

Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Thursday,November 22, 2018, 10:00:19 PM
More congratulations to you, Stephen!!
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,February 05, 2019, 09:18:39 PM
Starting the assembly of my new fuel system.

In addition to correcting what I think was wrong with the earlier system (long suction length and lift from the tank), I'm going for excessive capability as well as a level of redundancy and protection.
Adding relays and circuitry for individual pump control as well as a oil pressure cut out.

Filter and pumps being installed low down, in the void in front of the tank.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Saturday,April 06, 2019, 07:26:14 PM
This is titled: 'When things go wrong' .....

Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: BDA on Saturday,April 06, 2019, 08:48:33 PM
Uh... that looks like a problem...
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,April 07, 2019, 03:30:44 AM
Not great, but recoverable without too much drama.
My fault, leaning on it a bit before a dyno check for mixture.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,February 09, 2021, 09:41:44 PM
So I haven't posted much in the ongoing history of 54/1690 for a while, with covid interfering and a few other life distractions.

But, as the Europa is to be used as intended, not just looked at I took the opportunity to have a run on a 'skid road' in Canberra.
We had heavy rain the day previous so at times the water depth was about 100mm+, which left me with some issues on a 70mm clearance.
I'm still drying it out......

Some footage from the outside: https://youtu.be/oKSlvohgv90 (https://youtu.be/oKSlvohgv90)
and from the inside: https://youtu.be/Ae1lCLAIvPw (https://youtu.be/Ae1lCLAIvPw)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Tuesday,February 09, 2021, 11:33:24 PM
 :)

that looks great fun, the perfect way to learn how to control skids. There are a few "skid pans" in the UK which are very similar where you can go to be taught skid control, but generally speaking the ones I've seen are only a simple small circle, not as good as that. You can get both left & right skids going there and that's probably more relevant.

I'm looking forward to your next hillclimb video now.....   ;)

Brian
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: JR73 on Wednesday,February 10, 2021, 12:42:29 AM
:)

that looks great fun, the perfect way to learn how to control skids. There are a few "skid pans" in the UK which are very similar where you can go to be taught skid control, but generally speaking the ones I've seen are only a simple small circle, not as good as that. You can get both left & right skids going there and that's probably more relevant.


Oulton Park runs ‘drift days’ on what it calls it’s rally stage - it’s smooth tarmac with a liberal amount of diesel (or something similar) applied to the surface to encourage sliding, no gravel spec suspension or ride heights required!

Looks like you had fun there.
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: EuropaTC on Wednesday,February 10, 2021, 01:46:27 AM
Ahh, Oulton Park.....   (dons scarlet tinted spectacles, cue blurry scenes & 70s music) I remember it well.  Believe it or not, that was the first "date" I had with the missus and it poured down all day, we both got completely soaked. I knew from that day she was a keeper.....

I didn't know they did skid pan stuff though, but then again we left Cheshire in 1980 and only went back to Oulton to watch the odd race. But in true Walter Mitty Mode, I do like tearing round Oulton on the Playstation with Project Cars...   ::)

Back to Topic !
 
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Sunday,February 14, 2021, 05:43:15 PM
I'm looking forward to your next hillclimb video now.....   ;)

Brian

Next video will probably be a Khanacross held on one of the local hillclimb circuits.
Low speed but maybe some included skids :)
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Tuesday,January 30, 2024, 09:59:23 PM
For historical purposes, finally got around to getting a 'wet weight' with normally carried gear aboard including tools, spare, jack etc. and about 2/3-3/4 tank of fuel.
716kg
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: Bainford on Wednesday,January 31, 2024, 07:19:30 AM
That seems pretty close to advertised numbers. My Special is registered with the DMV at 710 kg, so, very close to your verified weight. Also, I believe the official advertised weight of a Special is 1570 lbs (714 kg), so again, very close.

I find this a bit refreshing, as advertised weights can often be tweaked by the manufacturer to present favourable numbers. I would expect that the 1570 lbs advertised for the Special would be a car with no fuel in the tanks, spare tire and tool kit not onboard, etc. However, whenever anyone has their Europa weighed and reported back to this forum, the results are very close to factory advertised numbers, and often lower. [edit: On second thought, I see your car is a Type 54, which should be lighter than a Special, so, perhaps the weights are indeed tweaked a bit in original literature]
Title: Re: 54/1690
Post by: StephenH on Wednesday,January 31, 2024, 08:42:21 PM
I see your car is a Type 54, which should be lighter than a Special, so, perhaps the weights are indeed tweaked a bit in original literature]

The manual and handbooks I have (for S2) give kerb weight at 710kg, so mine coming in at 716kg is actually better than I expected given it carries some additional and changed hardware.

Attached are the corner weights without/with allowance for approx. 70kg of driver.
Not sure how that distribution aligns with the wider Europa community experience.