Nicks Forte Scratch Build - to Stunning Mk1 GTD

[NickD]

Hi Everyone,

As previously mentioned, I had started the process of converting the existing cable gear change mechanism on the GTD over to a rod change.
Yesterday I took delivery of a new complete rod assy specific to the GTD and its Renault box. Manufactured by Southern Sheet Metal here in the UK.

Very happy with the quality of the parts and the workmanship throughout to say the least, in addition to the customer service.

(You'll note that the selector has the reverse lockout which I specifically wanted).

 

[NickD]

Hi everyone,

After a fantastic break with the wife in Thailand, now it back to getting my GTD upgraded.

A good hour spent setting the carb float levels and making sure all the needle jets are set the same before I went any further, then a further 3 hours getting the linkages just right , finally, ready to consider pulling the old set up and fitting the new.

Going to lay the car up Tomorrow and begin my list of upgrades Starting with installing the 8 stack.

More pics and videos to Follow but as of now, All’s still in the kitchen.

Best.


Nick.

 

[JP Verweij]

Nick, will you suply lots of details & pics about the rod assy conversion.
Its one of the things I consider as an upgrade to my Citroen gearbox.. now on cables with an MR2 mk2 shifter.

 

[NickD]

Early days with the upgrades being made to the car. New inlet manifold and IDF’s fitting well underway and should be ready for a test run next weekend. Really happy with the improved look, rear view mirror visibility a massive improvement too.

a massive improvement also.

 

[NickD]

Almost ready for a test fire up, scheduled for Tomorrow. Whilst I was changing the Induction system over I decided to spend a little time upgrading the rear silencer to improve the look etc.

All back together and I'm pleased with the look.

 

[NickD]

So I finally got there. The new exhaust is fitted and the Weber 44 IDF‘s are all set. Had the carbs set so the butterflies are fully closed and she is running purely on the Idle jetting circuit of the carbs. Seems ok at this stage. Will soon take her a test drive when I’ll see if there is any hesitation under load. Then it’ll be off to the rolling road for a final tune and get a dunk test done as I’m eager to see whet this engine actually produces.

44 IDF - Fire Up

 

[Frank Catt]

Hi Nick, from the pics you have quite a few issuesyou may like to consider before running this, Frank

 

[NickD]

Hi Nick, from the pics you have quite a few issuesyou may like to consider before running this, Frank

Hi Frank, I’ll drop you an email.

 

[NickD]

A few little jobs left before the upgrade is finished (manifold bleed pipes to the header tank) but as she stands I’m well happy. The induction system seems to be well balanced, new HT leads fitted along with mods to the exhaust and a couple of outstanding niggles addressed that needed putting to bed.

She drives great in addition to both looking and sounding better. Well chuffed.

 

[NickD]

Have been spending the last few weekends fine tuning and adjusting the new carb set up. Am now taking a weekend to really get to grips with cleaning so the rear clip is off and its time for plenty of TLC and polishing the ally panels so she will look great for the Le Mans classic which is now only around 3 months away.

The car is running really well with great torque and just wants to get up and go, just Luv It !

All the hard work is paying off. Once I'm happy with the new set up will spend a weekend or so fitting the new Southern GT rod change system to really crisp up that gear change.

 

[NickD]

All the hard work and fine tuning has paid off. Gave her the first serious run since I made the final tweeks to the set-up and balance of the 44 IDF’s.

Runs and sounds a dream. Extremely responsive to the throttle and certainly feels quicker all in all.

Couldn't be happier all in all.

 

[NickD]

Three days in with the job of stripping out the existing cable change mechanism on my GTD and replacing with a rod system designed for a Southern GT. Not the greatest marriage of parts to car given the difference in the chassis designs but all in all it gone well so far.

Going to make good the cabin access to the gear selector as right now its very raw.

All in all, well chuffed. Could I improve on it, yes, but as is, it works fine so will go with it and test.

https://youtu.be/XynCrNSTe8s

 

[NickD]

Been taking my time to swap the existing cable change mechanism out for a Southern GT rod change with the reverse lock off. I set out to do this with as little change to the car interior as absolutely possible. Simply didn’t want to go cutting the GTD chassis around or the internal panelling / carpeting etc. just for the sake of perfection. Hence, I’ve kinda boxed it all in so it’s practical. It works and on this occasion that’s good enough.

Also, whilst the sill and fuel tank were out, popped in a new throttle cable that seems much smoother.

All in all, well chuffed !

 

[Morten]

Well done Nick! Impressive work as always bud!
I’m back from the rig tonight… back on mk2 and startup to scare the neighbours

 

[NickD]

Good to say that job is now done and dusted. Everything came Together just right with the Southern GT rod change addition to my GTD. Minimal cabin changes made and along with the new (not 27 year old sticky) throttle cable, she is now a pleasure to drive.

Far more confidence in moving up and down the box

Cabin now duly cleaned up and I even managed to get the clearance hole correctly placed at the rear. I normally get that sort of thing all on the piss ;-)

Just 2 months to go and were are almost ready for the Le Mans classic.

 

[NickD]

Just sailed through the UK MOT (Ministry of Transport) annual test. No advisories. ;-)

Over 27 years old and getting better with the years !

Less than 2 months to go before her day with destiny, a trip to Le Mans For the Classic !

Magic.

 

[Udo]

Just sailed through the UK MOT (Ministry of Transport) annual test. No advisories. ;-)

Over 27 years old and getting better with the years !

Less than 2 months to go before her day with destiny, a trip to Le Mans For the Classic !

Magic.

View attachment 129655

Nick, where do you stay in Le Mans?

 

[NickD]

Nick, where do you stay in Le Mans?

Hi Udo, I believe we have a 10 bedroom Villa booked relatively close to the circuit. A friend made the booking. We are travelling down as a group as we are all on the same Ferry. I’ll drop you a PM when I clarify the location.

 

[NickD]

Quick update as the car is readied for the Le Mans classic now only a month away. Looks like I’ve solved the slight misfire and rich running. New idle Jets and a carb swap out seem to solved the issues.

some slight fine tuning to fully balance the carbs but the video below should tell the tale.

Best to everyone,

Nick.

 

[JP Verweij]

Nick, explain carb swap.

Fingers crossed, we both make it to LMC.