Oh dear, I bought a 302...

I finally did it. I found an '85 302 and I bought it. Now I have to do something with the blessed thing.

I'm in the UK and my ultimate goal is to get hold of a Tornado kit, new or part built and begin the build.

Initially I want to build the motor and naturally I have a great many questions so here come the first few...

1. Can I realistically aim for 350-400hp from the 302? I'd like low down power, not a high revving race oriented motor.

2. What do I need to keep in mind to make this thing road legal for the UK?

3. It will be mainly street use, some track but only for fun (bikes are my weapon of choice for the track!), is a Renault transaxle going to last ok?

4. Where can I source the gearbox? Will it be simplest to source a Renault 21 and scrap it, then refurb the gearbox?

5. Does anyone know a respected engine builder in or around Southampton or Portsmouth?

6. Is the Tornado the best option for the UK? I don't know of any others that I should be looking at.


I saw the 302 going cheap and defied the misses to get it. So long as I get her a new GSXR600 asap she'll stay sweet ;-).

I am so looking forward to building this '40, it's been a lifelong dream. I know that there are a few owners that live in my area that also use this site; I hope that someone might feel like taking me under their wing, someone that doesn't mind me asking loads of dumb questions and could maybe introduce me to a few of the events in the South of the UK...

Matthew

 

[Howard Jones]

You will be able to get 375Hp without trouble and run 91 Calif USA gas. I have a R21 renault behind mine and I don't expect to have any trouble with it. If you drive it "Like YOU paid for it you will be fine" You might want to rework or install a better clutch though. At 350 Hp and above I wouldn't bet to much on the renault clutch.

So now you are hooked, you have come to the right place and sence you live in the UK the renault tranaxle will be a lot less difficult to work with.

Use the search tool on this forum. Everything you need to know is here. Be aware that the GTD guys have a lot of knowlage on using a renault behind a SBF.

Keep the wife happy, and have fun, good luck!

 

Thanks Howard,

375hp with the R21 it is then. I'm not going to spend a lot of time pondering on this.


"Drive it like you paid for it", I like that advice, I have a lot of empathy with that having seen my own Ducati charioted by my best man take me on his Yamaha up the inside on a left hander on a country lane on the grass verge (we drive on the left, remember!). There's a lesson there, but I'm not sure I learned it. Soemthing to do with not letting him near my stuff anymore, maybe. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Simon]

Matthew, welcome to the forum. There are lots of '40 owners in the south of the UK, I'm sure someone will give you advice where you can see some and speak to the owners.
Although GTD as a manufacturer are no longer going, it is still possible to get a brand new GTD chassis made by Roy Smart, and there are several people supplying bodies, so there is more of a choice out there.
Why not rebuild the engine yourself? Unless you're looking for mega horsepower, the 302 is a relativly simple beast. There are several books on the subject so you could have a read up and see if it was something you could tackle.

Simon

 

[Brett James-McCall]

Matthew,
Remeber that when building this motor, being an 85, you will have to go through emissions testing for SVA. I'm not in the UK at the moment, but mail me at the club account and I'll get back to you on requirements, then we can discuss 'options'. [email protected]

Brett

 

[Tony Hunt]

Matthew,
You live in an ideal location to be a member of the GT40 Enthusiasts Club. There is a monthly regional meeting not far from you at Bullington Cross, where the Club Chairman (who also lives near Southampton), may occasionally be seen /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif. Also experts, Committee members, builders, owners and searchers. Go to the website for details and a membership form.

 

Simon,

I fully intend to do as much of the engine myself as I can, so that's why I'm looking for someone local for machining work, etc. I'd like to find an engine builder rather than a general machine shop as they're more likely to spot mistakes before I make them! At least, that is the theory.

Thanks

matthew

 

[Chris E]

Matthew
You will find us at the Bullington Cross Inn which is just north of Winchester on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
As luck would have it, thats TONIGHT, so why not run up and meet us.