Most important upgrades on early Mono CAV

Bob Gaines · 09-03-06, 09:18 PM

I am trying to get suggestions on some of the more important upgrades that would need to be done to my early 036 mono ZF CAV. I am starting from scratch since I havn't touched the car for almost two years. The car runs and drives but I stopped after I got frustrated not being able to center the wheels in the wheel well and each problem that seemed to pop up when I tried to correct that problem. After reveiwing some older posts I feel the lower control arm upgrade would give me the most satifaction so I plan on that problem to be the first thing I tackle. Any imput that would help formulate a plan of attack would be appreciated. Bob G.

JCoop · 09-05-06, 07:36 AM

Bob, the lower arms mod from Ian at CAV Canada is a must for the early cars. Lowering the rear is challenging when you're done. I machined the coilover spacers down and cut the shock rod bumpstops to 1/2.

I also opted to replace the fans and install the 12" curved blade fans and the SPAL PWM controller. They move 2X the air.

The most expensive and visually satisfying mod:

David Briggs · 09-05-06, 10:18 AM

I would second the lower control arms, I removed the rear spring spacers all together. Upgrade to the newer firewall kit, toss the Facet fuel pumps, the early cars have a clumsy foot pedal arrangement, I went with a Tilton 3 master cyl system, much more precise and frees up a lot of room in the front of the car. What transaxle are you using? Have you taken a very close look at your front suspension? Mine had incorrect bolts and missing washers connecting the hubs to the billet blocks for the ball joints.
I have probably made (and am still making) 35+ mods to the car, many minor but still important(to me). I have copied a lot of the upgrades made to the Auto Futura cars

Bob Gaines · 09-05-06, 07:16 PM

Dave, I talked to Ian Clark of CAV Canada Motorsports and was giving some exciting options . I discussed the lower control arm upgrade and with Ians suggestion I am trying to use my current 12 inch halibrands wheels which uses one type of lower control arm upgrade and gives optimum ride height . The big problem is tires after burning the phone wires I found some 335 35 15 P zeros for the rear and 225 50 15 for the front. I was told they were none existent so I was ready for the price .Try 1500.00 plus shipping. actually that isn't bad compared to some tires I have bought for my Shelby's. But It is worth it to me for the satisfaction of using what I wanted. But I am not going to count my chickens until they hatch. If they don't come in a week or two I guess I will buy some ten inch wheels and then use the other type of lower control arm upgrade. In any event I will have to wait and see what I am going to do with the tires/wheels before choosing which lower control arm upgrade. The other thing I am doing while waiting for the UPS man is to send a picture of my modified ZF 5 speed shifter linkage to Ian C. and seeing if there is room for improvement. A shifter bushing plate upgrade next. I will then move to modify the bulkhead plate to a two piece design so Number one ,the lower plate can support the linkage running through it with a bearing and 2 seal out unwanted engine bay fumes. Man, It was really great to talk to Ian he is someone who already knows the pain and more importantly has ANSWERS. I have IDF webers and was admiring the heat shield/air box that Ray had posted previously. They look very close to the edge . Do they rub? I have been recovering from knee surgery so I have had a lot of time to read the forum .You guys have a collective wealth of knowledge. I hope I can start contributing with some info of my own. Bob G.

Bob Gaines · 09-05-06, 07:23 PM

David, I forgot to say I will inspect my front suspension for irregularities at your suggestion . I can't remember the last time I was under there . I think it was a factory warning of some kind but I will check again. Thanks .Bob G

Ian Anderson · 09-06-06, 04:13 AM

Bob

I seem to remember that Lambo Countach used 335/35/15 tyres

Perhaps a Lambo shop can steer you towards some at a better price

Ian

Bill Musarra · 09-06-06, 05:52 AM

I was talking to a Tires Plus guy the other day and he mentioned that their warehouse caries the 335s and I believe they were Goodyears and the price was way less than what you posted. Can't remember the exact price, but if you check with Tires Plus they can give you a quote. Seem to remember around $400 or so. There was nothing else in a 15 though.

Bill

David Briggs · 09-11-06, 11:37 PM

Bob, one of the mods I did was to the shift linkage, I cut the shaft right behind the firewall, welded a bracket and installed a heim joint. The shaft now runs thru a small hole in the firewall(sealed with a boot from a Pantera).
It is necessary to add an extra flexible joint to the system, but it works great and is easy to seal up where it goes thru the firewall. The other thing I did was cut the bracket supporting the rubber bushing that supports the shaft just behind the shifter itself, you may not need to do that I had clearance problems because of crank fire ignition and the Armando oil pan.
I can send you photos if you would like.