CAV Series 100 Performance Parts

[Ian Clark]

CAV Canada Motorsports has been representing the CAV GT since 2003. The first chassis number imported was s/n 047. Between then and when CAV (Cape Advanced Vehicles) restructured there were 100 chassis manfactured. We sold over 10% of the production from 047 to 095 in that period of time.

Along the way we saw a lot of potential in those early cars to improve peformance with upgraded parts, not unlike the offerings of AMG or M Group for Mercedes and BMW. CAV Canadas' parts have been developed independant of Cape Advanced Vehicles and Autofutura.

The easiest way to distinguish betwen the Autofutura and Cape Advanced Vehicle GTs is by the serial numbers. We will refer to the cars produced up to serial number 100 as the "Series 100" CAV GTs. This matters as our components were designed to upgrade the early cars. In addition to which Autofutura has made substantial revisions of the cars they produced post "Series 100".

Almost one third of the Series 100 cars have received upgrade parts from CAV Canada and our technical support has reached many more. We're always happy to answer calls or emails about any area where you want to improve or personalize your CAV GT.

Cheers

 

[Ian Clark]

The Fabricated Steel Uprights have been our most appreciated enhancement to the CAV GT. These are available in pairs, front or rear and as a set of four which includes the new Reversed Lower A-Arms.

Seen below are pictures of original "Series 100" front uprights and our new steel versions. We started out looking to increase the range of motion in the upper ball joint, optimise Ackerman to sharpen up the steering, stop pigeon toeing in tight turns, reduce heat soak from the brakes to the hub bearing and provide a stronger bore to hold the hub bearing tight.

We accomplished all those objectives while adding only 500 grams (sorry Colin) in weight over the stock aluminum/steel assembly. It's a little over 1 pound heavier, however after examining the original CAV parts sent in (we strip down the upright and swap over the stub axles no charge) it became obivious we did the right thing.

So please take a look at your CAV GT if it's a "Series 100" car and check over the uprights thoroughly. We posted what to look for here: http://www.gt40s.com/forum/cav-gt40-talk/21857-more-new-upgrades.html , however please note the overhaul parts for the old uprights and core credits are no longer available.

The Fabricated Steel Uprights sell for 2,995.00 pair. Take off 10% for GT40s Forum members, nets 1350.00 each which includes new SKF bearings and your choice of black or metallic aluminum finish. We're going into our third run of these, all CNC machined, tig welded, inspected and painted. Any questions about these essential parts, please call.

Cheers

 

[Ian Clark]

The Fabricated Steel Rear Uprights and the new Reversed Lower A-Arms for "Series 100" CAV GTs actually came before the steel front uprights. The motivation behind this setup was to get away from the binding and friction of the rubber bushings and provide adjustable toe-in without using shims.

These parts have been available for a couple of years. The CAV GTs are equipped with them deliver on all counts. Everything got better, cornering, braking, acceleration, ride and feel. The way the rear end would bind up on the bushing made it feel nervous in transitions and less predictable near the limit. You don't have to be on the race track to notice the difference, even at posted speeds on public roads, it's right there in the palms of your hands and the seat of your pants.

We did cover these parts in more detail in a previous post Here: http://www.gt40s.com/forum/cav-gt40-talk/21858-rear-uprights.html It's important reading not just because it covers off the technical aspect, also because the core credit program enabled us to see what was happening across the production run of Series 100 cars.

Close examination of the stock CAV GT cast rear uprights sent in revealed some potential problems that can be aggravated by over tightening bolts, rough roads or track use. We have cracked castings around the lower mounting block holes, loose bearing bores, oversize clevis pin bores and bent clevis pins as pictured below.

So owners of "Series 100" cars must have the rear uprights thoroughly checked over, just like the fronts to be sure the parts have not deteriorated. Certainly anyone with big power or track asperations really needs to have it gone over. The extra strength of the steel rear uprights comes with no weight penalty by the way.

The Fabricated Steel Rear Uprights sell for 2995.00 less 10% for GT40s Forum members, nets 1350.00 each which includes new SKF bearings and your choice of black or aluminum finish. We had to drop the core credit program on these parts.

Also shown is the wide track version of the upright and comparison pics to see how they fill out the Gulf wheel arches with stock 10" wide wheels, very cool.

The new Reversed Lower A-Arms are additional and covered in the next post. There is a package price for the set of two A-Arms and two Uprights however. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns, thanks.

 

[Ian Clark]

The "Series 100" CAV GTs require the new Reversed Lower A-Arms to use the Fabricated Steel Rear Uprights. As much as we would like to offer the uprights as a bolt on to the stock A-Arms the problem of bending clevis pins and no toe adjustment would remain. So you're all-in on these parts.

The arms are jig assembled, tig welded, CNC machined bearing carriers, Aurora USA .750 monoballs inboard and outboard. The .500 spherical rod end gives plenty of toe adjustment as well. Paint finish is metallic aluminum unless otherwise requested. A really well built and functional part.

These A-Arms eliminate all the binding and friction in the stock rubber bushings, also support the outboard monoballs so there is no verticle load on the clevis pins. There is more information and feedback on these parts Here: http://www.gt40s.com/forum/cav-gt40-talk/18170-new-arm-kit-2.html Please read carefully, thank you.

Note: because the stock CAV Series 100 rear upright castings have issues we are no longer offering the billet steel mounting blocks shown in pictures. There is nothing wrong with CAV Canadas' mounting blocks, if you're using them already there is less chance of breaking the casting in comparison to the stock a-arms with shims. The matter really is getting away from the cast uprights all together if exhibiting any problems at all.

The new Reversed Lower A-Arms sell for 1595.00 a pair. As is our policy, GT40s Forum members take 10% off the top, net 1435.00 for the pair. Since you really have to buy the A-Arms and Uprights as a set the package price is 2995.00 for the Uprights plus 1595.00 for the A-arms less 20% total discount, net for set is 3672.00 a savings of 918.00.

This is probably the best time of year to put the old girl up in air and have look. When it comes to the Series 100 cars we've pretty much been there, done that and bought the t-shirt. So please feel free to call with any questions or concerns about your early s/n CAV GT.

 

[Ian Clark]

Here's a neat part we've sold a bunch of. Locking gas caps with hardware. Fits all "Series 100" CAV GT filler necks. The locking cap is one way vented to prevent cavitation of the fuel cell, stop fuel and vapour smells sloshing up the necks under severe braking (an authentic GT40 feature!). As well there's peace of mind too.

The filler necks on the Series 100 GTs are welded directly to the cowl, seal with an O-Ring under the base casting and are retained with eight cap screws. There is a little bit of silver coloured silicone between the base and the cowl cladding panel.

So the install requires removing the Monza Caps, install the locking cap retaining ring in the filler neck and reassemble. There is an optional .250 thick CNC cut spacer ring available to lift the Monza cap, makes more room for the locking cap and gives more clearance between the open cap and the paintwork.

When reassembling use a generous amount of fuel resistant sealer, you'll find this will also dramatically reduce vapour smells from filling spills, #$$% happens!

The pair of locking caps, with keys, retaining rings and spacer rings goes for 159.00 less 10% GT40s Forum member discount, call it 143.00 for the six pieces. If you go without the spacer rings it's 99.00.

Cool part, real problem solver ... Oh yeah, the picture on the end is part of the new single filler setup for Angelos' 1075 clone. The stainless steel cowl plate has a cover plate over the left side Monza hole. The rest of the parts make up the fuel cell fill vent and vapour separator / capture system.

The right side has the Monza Cap, Locking Cap underneath and fill vents for both sides integral to the filler neck. More details to follow, I promise! but call me up on the locking caps anyways. Thanks

 

[Ian Clark]

While most of our products and services are geared to CAV GT owners, we are up for any challenge regardless of make. Here we have some examples of work done on Weber 48IDA setups. CAV Canada can take a new out of box induction system and set it up to work properly, port match the manifold, provide vacum for power brakes or ignition, steam passages, linkages to work with your car, custom made heat sheilds, really whatever you need.

Like many things that look simple when done, the underlying design, fabrication, asembly and testing proves itself in the final product. We done Webers for 302 and 351 windsors, rotated one bank of carbs to match original intake, created throttle pulls inline or perpendicular (like the original).

The heat shields are tricky enough even before packaging challenges like the close header wrapping of the CAV exhaust. Still the results speak for themselves in the "wow factor", unreal sound and performance.

Putting a set of Webers on your '40 is probably the best money you'll ever spend. Seriously. Also you'll get more than you paid in added value to the car come time to sell.

Each GT40 is different today, just as when new, the pictures show some of our work, only a fraction of what goes into these setups. Besides supplying complete new setups we can upgrade, restore and setup older parts too. Please feel free to ring me up to discuss your needs. Thanks

 

[Ian Clark]

Here's another great part, our starter locating dust sheild. This is used in conjunction with CAV supplied aluminum bellhousings for ZF applications. The "Series 100" ZF dust sheild had a hole for the starter to pass through however it is oversize to the shoulder on the starter.

On big engines with high compression there's a lot of torque required to start and occasionally the engine will kick back against the starter. Initially the starter just sounds noisy, eventually eating up the bendix gear or worse the ring gear on the flywheel.

The picture on the right shows a pre production part before the slot to clear the oil pan and lightening holes were added. The plate will not interfere with offset the dowel pins required to dial in the ZF bellhousing.

So if your running an early ZF setup and it's sounding rough on start, or your clutch has been getting heavier, or it's time for some driveline out maintainance, this is a must have part.

 

[Ian Clark]

Size Matters! After many requests about fitting bigger brakes to CAV GTs we went to work on this upgrade designed for Series 100 cars. Like most of our parts, it's a bolt on convsersion that retains as much as possible of the stock components and hardware. You need 17" wheels to clear these brakes.

The Big Brake Kit is an add on option for the Four Corner Kit. The Fabricated Steel Uprights featured extended brake mounting ears to accomodate the larger radius rotors, up from 11.375 to 13" diameter, width up from 1.00 to 1.25" The stock CAV/PBR parking brake is replaced with a new mounting bracket and Airhart Caliper. Cross drilled and/or index slotted rotors are available as an option too.

The new parking brake assembly saves 3lbs each and was required because the stock part will not accept a rotor over 1.00 wide. The bracket was designed on Solid Works, uses the stock CAV mounting points and parking brake cables.

As it turns out, the complete Big Brake Kit rear assembly comes in at 54.0lbs as pictured below, with the stock CAV assembly weighing in at 54.5lbs! That's what we strive for, increased functionality, stronger parts, ease of installation and weight savings whenever possible.

The Big Brake Kit retails for 1395.00 including four 13" rotors, 2 Airhart Calipers, 2 Mounting Brakets with hardware. Net of 10% GT40s Forum membership discount is 1255.00. The combined increase in swept area, clamping radius and mass to absorb heat will really help out on track days, besides looking cool at the local cruise night.

 

[Ian Clark]

Hi Guys,

Some new developements re: customer requests. Our Reversed Lower A-Ams with full monoball and rod end adjustable toe has been revised to include a concentric lower sway bar pickup point, more in keeping with the original design.

Yeah, I know it's not exactly the same, with this setup you can dial in the toe without pulling the clevis pin and rotating the upright out of the way as per original cars.

The mounting hole for the rod end is elongated to prevent side loading the rod end as different amounts of toe are dialed in. Just correcting the wheelbase, adjusting rear camber or castor all affects the toe setting.

What we're going for is the simplest, strongest and authentic as possible appearance (within the limits of the chassis). These are all TIG welded, CNC Monoball Sleeves, all geniune Aurora bearings with PTF liners, Dupont base/clear paint, met silver or black.

There's another tricky bit in these arms, the inner monoball sleeves are rotated to accomodate the rear castor. That way when you tilt the upright back 4 degress the inner pickup is still horizontal... cool.

These arms are to be used with our fabricated rear uprights although I still have a couple of retrofit kits in stock if you just wanted the arms to use with your stock CAV cast uprights. Price as before, 1595.00 per pair, less 10% for GT40s Forum members.

Cheers

 

[Ian Clark]

The Big Kahuna! Here's the complete four corner kit with fabricated uprights, reversed lower a-arms, monoball front upper and lower a-arms.

This setup takes all the OEM rubber bush friction/binding out of the suspension, corrects wheelbase, corrects ackerman, minimizes bumpsteer (front and rear), adds substantial rear anti squat and saves about 2 pounds per corner in unsprung weight.

Can be had with wide track rear uprights for Gulf spec cars, uprights set for 13" rotors for your 17" wheels, or our latest upgrade, 11.70 dia x 1.25 vented two piece rotors. Very cool parts for sure.

The set retails for 10,395 if bought individually,the GT40s member price discounts to 8995.00.

 

[Ian Clark]

The question came up if the newest parts are backwards compatible with earlier CAV Motorsports upgrades, say you already have the Revised Lower A-Arm Kit fitted to the stock, cast aluminum rear uprights? Answer: Yes, these parts allow you to retain your upgraded lower a-arms so you only need the fabricated steel uprights, Hooray!

The GT40s forum member price is reduced from 5980.00 to 5395.00 for the four corners, with hardware,including new SKF bearings but no arms. Your choice of standard or wide track rear uprights, black is standard colour, options include metallic aluminum, metallic grey or metallic gold.

 

[Ian Clark]

Having ridden along with the factorys' (pre Autofutura) mid production run changes in the Series 100 cars, we've accomodated two different lengths of Upper A-Arms and variations on the front billet aluminum uprights. Kept us entertained.

Along came 17" wheels came the need for big brakes to fill those big wheels, did that too.

Now we're having requests for upgrades and assistance on the post 100 cars as well. Always happy to oblige. This of course meant another front upright as the move to Wilwood from PBR brakes made a huge change in the components.

So we are currently offering our Fabricated Steel Uprights to fit: a) Stock CAV Series 100 with Stock PBR Brakes, b) CAV Series 100 with PBR Calipers and 13" Rotors, c) CAV Series 100 Rear Uprights - Wide Track, d) CAV Series 100 Rear Uprights 13" Rotors - Wide Track e) CAV Post 100 Front Uprights for Willwood 11.75 Rotors* Good thing we have modular jigs and laser cut parts. *Wilwood setup requires new front upper and lower a-arms as well.

Here's a pic of the different Front Uprights, 13" PBR on left, Stock PBR center, Willwood 11.75 on right in metallic gold. Coming soon, 11.75 two piece rotors for stock PBR calipers, nice upgrade for occasional track/lapping days.

 

[Ian Clark]

New Package Price available now.

Here's a great deal for upgrading your Series 100 CAV GT. The complete set of four fabricated steel uprights and the new spec reveresed lower A-Arms for 5985.00 all discounts in and no cores to ship back. New SKF axle bearings, Aurora monoballs included.

No more wobbly bearings, cracked steering arms, friction in the rubber bushes and vastly improved ride and handling. Straitforward installation, no cutting grinding or welding. Includes new lightweight parking brake bracket.

Saves almost six pounds in unsprung weight as well as far stronger parts. In stock and ready for your choice in colours, black, aluminum, anthrasite and gold.

Cheers

 

[Ian Clark]

Lightweight Parking Brake Bracket

Here's a part we should have come up with years ago. The stock CAV GT Series 100 rear brakes have two calipers per disc. A twin pot PBR for hydraulic brakes and a single pot PBR for the parking brake. The parking brake caliper uses a steel bracket to mount to the upright.

Our new lightweight aluminum bracket saves over 1lb per side! plus it rotates the caliper upwards and away from the through bolts on the lower coilover shock mount. This saves a ton of grinding on the steel bracket to fit the new uprights and clearance issues with the shock. Cool eh?

So cool in fact, those of you with CAV MotorSports fabricated steel rear uprights will receive a pair no charge (just cover shipping thanks). These will be included as part of the rear upright kit on all future orders.

Cheers

 

[Ian Clark]

Something new to talk about. On the Series 100 cars, about 20 have been fitted with our fabricated steel uprights, on the front or rear. A few cars have all four which is the best way to go.

The CAV MotorSports uprights save weight, are stronger, have geometry built in that improves handling and flow through vent holes that reduce heat transfer to the bearings and CV Joints. All good stuff.

To help the guys with only one end of their CAVGT done we're having a sale! Whatever you need to complete your setup, for a limited time only, take an extra 10% off the retail price along with the 10% off for GT40 Forum members. For example Rear Uprights 2995.00 pair, includes new SKF bearings and choice of colours, now just 2495.00!

I don't know what the weather's doing where you are but it's frickin cold here so a mid winter sale is in order... Please feel free to call or email any questions, most parts in stock. Discounts also apply to special orders. Talk to you soon.

Cheers

 

[Ian Clark]

We've done a few sets of these, really frees up the front end. Available for Series 100 cars and the post 100 production. Monoball front suspension arms eliminate friction in the sleeves of the rubber bushings. Steering response, directional stability under braking and feedback through the wheel are all dramatically improved. Ride quality is not affected. Top quality American made Aurora bearings are used throughout.

These arms can be bought outright and come complete with new lower ball joints. Also you can have your existing a-arms brought up to spec by sending them in. Several cars have been done this way particularily where track width or wheel offests were upsetting the car.

The best thing you can do for a car with stock front arms. If you have our fabricated uprights already please take 20% off! Four A-Arm Kit Complete 2795.00 Four A-Arm Kit Upgrade (send in yours) 1595.00 before discounts. That's 1276.00 for upgraded arms or 2236.00 for all new.

Pictures below show stock rubber bushed arms, and monoball equipped versions. All modified arms are precision cut, jig fixtured and new bearing housings tig welded in place. Price includes black or silver paint finish. E-nickle available option.

To accomodate the various hub/wheel/track setups we now offer three different upper A-Arms and four lowers! Depends what you have but we can handle it. Cheers

 

[Ian Clark]

Sale Pricing - News Flash!

Good news for Series 100 CAV GT owners. The price of our fabraciated steel uprights has dropped. Recent price breaks from our sub vendors means savings for you!

Anyone with a pre s/n 100 CAV GT that has not been fitted with these needs to take advantage of the price drop and order now.

The increased performance in braking, cornering and linear feel in the controls is well documented now. Also the parts are lighter and stronger than the stock bits.

The extra strength is a bonus even if you never plan to do lapping days with your car. While the parts were designed to optimise traction and feedback the elimination of wobbly wheel bearing bores, cast or billet parts that crack and bent clevis pins is a safety feature that cannot be ignored.

So here's the deal: uprights are now 995.00 each, down from 1495.00 each when introduced. We have them for all early CAVs so give me call, let's get'r done!

Cheers

 

[Ian Clark]

Now for something completely different! Not just parts anymore, this is the end game, the ultimate spec CAV GT40 available for custom build. This CAV GT40 embodies everything we've learned, developed and solved over the past seven years. No worries about importing for our Canadian customers, the car will be built to order from the ground up from components already here. Attached is a brief spec sheet, please call for more details.

Cheers

Ian