MDA Mk1 with Gulf Arches - Martin P

[Martin]

In preparation for paint, i've changed the way i'm finishing the nostril panel. The photos show the detail but basically the lower part will be Matt black and the top body colour. I wanted a more defined segregation of surfaces at the rear than the normal bonded on and blended panels so I had the bottom section sent to me separately and did my own thing with respect to shaping and finishing. I've seen some original cars done this way and wanted to replicate it. It wasn't easy though.

Martin

 

[Martin]

So now my car is almost done, i thought i'd summarise my journey.

1. I did my homework on current manufacturers at the time and decided I should buy from a U.K manufacturer (As thats where I live). I did as much searching as I could, talked to owners, looked at cars etc. There were only really two U.K manufacturers in the running at the time. Tornado and MDA. Southern GT were only just starting up.

2. I decided to buy an MDA after seeing their series two chassis on display at the Exeter car show and getting a good deal which included rose jointed suspension, pin drive wheels, black powder coated panels, gulf body work and wheels and tyres.

3. Took delivery on time, as promised and started putting it together.

4. I started getting some poorly fitting parts or incomplete part sets sent to me but as I was not a million miles from the MDA factory, i managed to get the bits I needed eventually.

5. MDA went bust. During this time I had an engine on order from Mark Sibley (Not MDA fortunately) but was being given the run around (Very stressful).

6. One year later I recieved my engine (massive relief). It wouldn't be fired up for some time so I was hoping I didn't have a bag of nails in a shiny box.

7. Parts were nearly impossible to get from MDA or Mark Sibley moving forward (As you would expect) so I approached Southern GT who were recommended to me. They took on the challeange and helped me complete the car, get everything working and get IVA.

The engine incidentally was fine although I had to swap out the Motec injection system for an Accel management system (Not cheap) as this had all the correct features to get me through an IVA emmissions test.

This has been a very stressful build, although not since Southern GT have been involved I must say. I now class Mick and Adam as personal friends. Thanks to them I can now relax, get her painted and then enjoy the driving.
If it had been easy, I probably wouldn't appreciate it so much. And believe me, I do.

Martin

 

It sounds like Mr Sibley and the closure of his business caused you heaps of grief.
My only experience with Mr Sibley years ago was a bit stressful I can say. He appears to have never changed.
Some people are born that way, live that way and die that way.
I agree about Mick and Adam and the team they a totally different bunch...

Dont look back now ...look forward...

 

[Andy Green]

Hi Martin,
Glad to hear that you’ve got through your build with only a few mental scars, but at least you’re there and can look forward to driving it
Regarding the ECU, I’m intrigued to know why the Motec system you originally had wouldn’t have got the vehicle through the IVA test. I’m using a Specialist Components Typhoon ECU and has no special features for the IVA test
Regards
Andy

 

[Malcolm]

Looking forward to seeing it finished and in the flesh Martin.

 

[Jimmy P]

Martin, It must be thrilling to know you endured such an ordeal and that you are just days away from taking your 40 out for a well earned drive. Well done sir and lets see the completed car when you can.

Now I know why your avatar says MDA/SGT Mk1 !

 

[Martin]

Hi Martin,
Glad to hear that you’ve got through your build with only a few mental scars, but at least you’re there and can look forward to driving it
Regarding the ECU, I’m intrigued to know why the Motec system you originally had wouldn’t have got the vehicle through the IVA test. I’m using a Specialist Components Typhoon ECU and has no special features for the IVA test
Regards
Andy

Hi Andy,
It really depends on what year your engine is as to what limits are set for IVA. I have a 1990 engine so although I didn't need catalytic converters, I did need to control the emmissions quite tightly at idle which you can only do reliably with IAC control as part of your ECU. You also need to make sure you have sequential firing and not batch firing. (Hope I got all that right).
My Motec ECU was an old serial number with limited features and no IAC control. It was really for a race car and not suitable for an emmissions tested road car. I sold it to a guy who raced Ferraris and got some money back. I was also sold it without half the sensors and it wasn't mapped for my car. It would have cost me a lot to get it dialed in whereas SGT know the Accel system inside out so it was easier for me to go that route in the end.

Martin

 

Hi Martin, with that 1990 engine did you get the new reg plate ?
My ecu did not have the IAC control, Mick methioned it but my engine man said he had never fitted one and of course it did go through IVA ok.
SGT 's Accel system seems to work well though so yours should be a belter.
When is it being painted and what colours do you have in mind ?
As I type, mine is on a transporter heading for the paintshop....Whoopie....

 

[Martin]

Hi Keith,

You must be very happy right now. Yes I got a new plate as only the block is 1990. All other parts new.
My car will be red. I've never deviated. It'll go into the paintshop soon I hope. I'm next in line.

Martin

 

Will be good to see it, keep us posted mate.

 

[Martin]

Got my leaning throttle bodies + Turkey tray :happy:
It's coming together so well, I couldn't be more satisfied. All credit to Mick Sollis for figuring out how to do it. A hell of a lot of work, but it's worth it.
Phase two will be to add the stand offs and top V-Tray. Although I'll probably not wear it that often as the throttle bodies and Ram pipes look so good naked.

Martin

 

[Martin]

Made myself a bug deflector today.
Shown modelled on my MG. I'll offer it up to the GT40 next week. Nice to be concentrating on the finishing touches.

Martin

 

Looking @ doing something similar Martin but I'm trying to get the right thickness of perspex.
Also I was looking at the angle being the opposite way round so that fixings are at the back.
I have been looking at polished persex poster holders from stationary suppliers but most are only 2mm thick and it feels a little floppy " excuse the pun "
Really want 3mm and cut it to suit.

 

[Malcolm]

Suggest you make these out of polycarb sheet to give it some strength in case it gets clobbered by something a bit more than a bug. Don't want it breaking up! But polycarb is a pain to fold.

 

[Martin]

She's in the paint shop for Christmas..:thumbsup:

 

[Martin]

Some pics from the paint shop

 

Getting there martin.
If you look at where the filler is you can see the usual places where it needs attention.
There all the same
Looking good

 

[Jimmy P]

Looking good Martin....I'm liking the stance at the back....very beefy (fat tires), very wide, very agressive, very nice.

 

[Martin]

Hi Jimmy,
Thanks for the comments. That's the look I wanted. Very happy with the way its turned out so far.

 

[Keith]

Was this the latest MDA chassis Martin? I know that SGT have had input but I must say I like the way the car sits.

From what I remember, the latest (or last) MDA chassis had some nice parts especially the uprights.

Is that a practical ride height for the road?