SouthernGT No8

[MartinGough]

Managed to hang the suspension on the near side and fitted the exhaust which I have just received from Mick Sollis. Also on with a few other small jobs including the hot water pipes for the heater system, plumbing for the engine and just the small job of the wiring.

[Brett James-McCall]

Wow Martin, that looks fantastic! Is that Mick's standard system? Also is it mild or stainless?

Keep up the excellent updates!

Brett

[Frank Catt]

Going for full loud then Martin, brave stuff.

[MartinGough]

Sorry Frank your going to have to explain that comment.

[MartinGough]

Hi Brett
This is Mick's standard pattern although I have had the pipe size reduced to 1" 5/8th as it produced another 35bhp over 1"3/4 on the dyno. Mick has continued to develop his exhaust system and mine is in mild steel although he has a stainless system on a customers car (pictured) which passed SVA before the noise change for ISVA from 101db to 99db which my car will satisfy when it goes for test later this year. Today I have done some more bits and pieces around the engine which take forever.

Regards Martin.

[Paul Thompson 'Hooligan']

Great pics Martin - it's really coming along now and I can't wait to hear / see it in action.

[MartinGough]

Hi Paul
The build has all of a sudden come together. The next big job is the wiring which I am dreading. Going to do some work at the front today and try to finish the plumbing. I will crimp all the aircon pipes next week and make a start on the dash, then I am pretty much done. I will probably have a start the car party/bbq just for a laugh. Paul will you be at the Manx Classic?

Regards Martin

[Phil]

Martin:
Looks great, I was wondering what coating you will be using on your exhaust. I also am opting for 1 5/8 tubes and had numerous discussions with othere who think the 1 3/4 is the way to go, but I am glad I stood my ground and after all its my build.
Your build looks great, and I am looking forward to the day you "Fire it up" and post some audio/video.
Cheers
Phil

[MartinGough]

Phil
The pipes and 99db silencers will be cermachromed (think its spelt correctly) by a local company in Warrington. I think the pipe sizing is something you should discuss with your engine builder as each engine will react differently dependant on capacity, cam, compression ratio etc etc. I am running 10.5 to 1 ratio on a stroker 347 and a middle of the road cam.
Today I piped up the heater and the oil pressure line to the cabin. Also fitted the rear clip to check clearances in the engine bay. It really feels like its getting there now. Fire up the BBQ soon!

Regards Martin

[Phil]

Martin:
I have not heard of that product, but I would assume its probably close to Jet Hot that we have here. The silver colored ceramic looks very good especially if the substrate is smooth,and I believe there are numerous colors available.
I would like eventually to go 421 stainless, but probably will go carbon steel and fab a new set later on.
I plan on installing a 331 stroker, based on a "65 289 hi-po motor, so I think we are in the same ballpark for tube sizing.
Keep the photos coming.
Cheers
Phil

[MartinGough]

Done some work on the dash which is the ISVA switch layout.

[RobGT]

Are switches like that ok for IVA testing or do you need to put some guards around them first?

Slightly off-topic things.... where do you stand with insurance or IVA cert/worthyness if you change your dash and other parts after you pass an IVA test? Does it invalidate anything?

Are you 100% you will get 99db with them silencers?

Cars looking sweet mate

[MartinGough]

Rob
The switches are fine as long as they are within 127mm of the edge of the steering wheel.
As regards insurance not sure and would invite anyone to comment, I will probably leave them where they are anyway.
Mick assures me that the exhaust will pass ISVA and that's good enough for me.

Regards Martin.

[MartinGough]

Been quite busy over the last few days. Crimped all the aircon pipes and started wiring the car which is proving to be quite a task. I am rubbish with electric's but this evening managed to turn the engine over on the ignition switch, get the radiator fans working, handbrake and low brake fluid level light working, horn fitted and making noise, windscreen washer to pump water and fill the engine with oil and water. I am still waiting for some puddles to appear under the car! If I knew how to time the engine as I have had to replace the distributor (I managed to buy the wrong one) then could fire the engine up, or should I hold back for the "Start the car Party?" Anyway it really feels like the car is coming to life. Once I have it running its straight down to Mick's to prep for the ISVA then test. Maybe I will get it roadworthy this side of Christmas.
I spoke to Mick today and he now has some Hartwell latches available for anyone who is interested They look really good with raised lettering. How did they do that?

[Allen English]

I like the latches! PM sent.

[MartinGough]

Been very busy getting all the electric's done which is very nearly complete. Today I have put the car on it's wheels for the first time since I received the chassis a few years ago. Kenny Coleman will be over tomorrow to help me with the timing and get her running.

[Simon]

Martin, it looks fantastic. Don't forget to get the video camera out for your first start, it's a moment worth savouring (and sharing with us lot!)

Simon

[MartinGough]

The battery is on charge as we speak. Not sure how to post on You Tube if anyone knows how.

[Paul Thompson 'Hooligan']

Originally Posted by MartinGough

Hi Paul
Paul will you be at the Manx Classic?

Regards Martin

Not sure yet, pending on other raceprep commitments but hope to be. Hoping to get the COH Baines Trophy back eh?

ps - car's looking better and better with every photo....

[Pantera1889]

Looks like you are getting close to maiking some noise!!! Great work so far!