The Motor Forum

"him" · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 1:58 pm Post subject:

I guess it depends how much shorter the side exit pipe will be than the std. system as obviously the exhaust more the further it gets from the manifold.

If the exhaust is only marginally shorter (and then cranked outwards) then I doubt it will be a problem IMO, after all a Vectra is quite a long car.

My car is much shorter (though has more silencers), and I have less clearance with no issues.

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TimR · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:15 pm Post subject:

I was meaning that the exit stops short of jutting out from the sill so the hot gases may have come into contact with it.
I'm sure a stainless plate will be perfect though.

Jasper · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:19 pm Post subject:

I would think about protecting the fuel tank. graham is going to be driven hard and that exhaust is going to get very hot
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Blarno · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:58 pm Post subject:

The pipes actually exit directly under the sill, the extensions haven't been welded on yet.

I have 2 ideas for the fuel tank: Either cut a scallop out of the exhaust pipework so it doesn't hit, or bash the fuel tank with a rubber hammer and dent it in where the pipe hits. Then heatwrap the exhaust, or line the outside of the fuel tank with Rockwool. The exhaust actually passes under the fuel tank as standard, so I can't see there being much of a problem if there is some clearance.
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Matt · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:04 pm Post subject:

Bashing fuel tanks sounds a little dangerous, no?
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Small car, big heart.

Blarno · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:07 pm Post subject:

Only if you use a metal hammer. I have a trusty rubber mallet called 'Persuader' who will have 'a word' with the fuel tank for me!
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Matt · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:15 pm Post subject:

Fair enough. In Blarno we trust.
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Small car, big heart.

Blarno · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:17 pm Post subject:

I'm glad someone does!

To be honest, I may drain the tank first just to be safe. I only need to dent it a bit, just enough to clear the pipe and allow me to shove the Rockwool in the gap.
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Blarno · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 3:27 pm Post subject:

Also bought some Nissan Bluebird wing vents to aid cooling. Need to cut holes in the bonnet, should fit straight in and help release a lot of the heat the big 6 pot creates.

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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Blarno · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 5:23 pm Post subject:

Bloodyhell, that fuel tank is a resilient beast. I've just spent half an hour solid 'Persuading' it and only gained about 10mm of clearance. Should be enough, though. Worst case scenario is having to take it off, steam it out, cut a bit out and weld it back up.

Whilst I was there, I took the grinder to the bonnet for the vent holes. I'm very impressed, the vent fits perfectly. I only need to measure and cut the other side, paint them and mount them. Best £5 I ever spent...

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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Jasper · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 5:39 pm Post subject:

I should have known you'd have it under control.
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Blarno · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 5:44 pm Post subject:

I let nothing phase me. A huge, dribbling chimeara could leap from behind the back wing of the Vectra whilst I was under it, and I would probably just ask it to pass me a spanner!

I love working on that car, it's so easy and relaxing. I only went out there today on a spur of the moment decision. With any luck, it will be back on it's wheels in a couple of weeks. I have a set of GSi brakes and front hubs arriving.

One day, I may even get it running again!
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

marcg · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 4:51 pm Post subject:

Engrossing thread. Can't wait to see the results!

Blarno · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 4:28 pm Post subject:

Cut the other vent out now. Given my lack of equipment, they actually measure up to be only a couple of millimetres askew of each other, which has chuffed me no end. Ran out of primer whilst priming the right hand one, but all that's needed is to finish that and throw the paint on them.

I know they're going to look the dog's bollocks when painted and mounted properly.
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Stuntman · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:42 pm Post subject:

It's looking good...

When are you hoping to debut Graham on track? Spring 08, perhaps?
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Drifting through life

Blarno · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:57 pm Post subject:

Hopefully, although I think the arrival of Junior may put paid to those plans. I finally have some of the switch gear to enable me to wire up the ignition switch and starter button.

It should be on it's wheels by the end of next week, possibly running a couple of weeks later. It needs to be moved out of the garage for a wash, the roof has leaked all kinds of crap over it!
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Blarno · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:34 pm Post subject:

Today was supposed to be the day I fitted the new hubs (Including GSi discs and calipers). I got as far as stripping the old hub off, only to discover my bottom balljoints are goosed and now I need to find new control arms:

All is not lost, however. The guy I bought the hubs off has a pair of control arms off the same car, and he only wants £15. Bonus!
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Jasper · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:32 pm Post subject:

Pesky Graham.

However I suppose there's only so much that can go wrong when it's that stripped.
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Blarno · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 7:08 pm Post subject:

True, I just hope the second hand control arms are in a good way, otherwise it's gonna get expensive.

It may also be slightly my fault the balljoint seals are knackered. I was a bit over zealous with the balljoint splitter and geet-big hammer!
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Li'ldude · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:49 pm Post subject:

Tell you what, from the front, Graham's a mean-looking bastard...
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Ode to Mr. B, Mr. C, Mr. W and the Northstar.

GonnaBreakABuggy · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 9:17 pm Post subject:

I've some balljoint boots if the joints themselves are OK....
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*Innocent Whistle*

Dr. Hfuhruhurr · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:07 pm Post subject:

Blarno · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:38 pm Post subject:

Blarno · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:40 pm Post subject:

GonnaBreakABuggy · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 12:29 pm Post subject:

Measure the hole widths either end and I'll see if these will fit - I've a couple of sizes and they're v.stretchy so I should have something that fits
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*Innocent Whistle*

Blarno · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:29 pm Post subject:

Base of the balljoint is 32mm, shaft is 18mm. (Measured from the remains of the old seals) You could be saving me a lot of time and money with these!
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

GonnaBreakABuggy · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 4:27 pm Post subject:

Biggest I have are 16 and 28mm, only got one of those, got a few 14mm which may stretch enough.
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*Innocent Whistle*

Blarno · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:06 pm Post subject:

Cheers anyway, they may come in useful for the track rod ends if I knacker them!
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

GonnaBreakABuggy · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:09 pm Post subject:

Send me your address and I'll post 'em off tommorow.
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*Innocent Whistle*

Blarno · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:15 pm Post subject:

How much for 2 14mm ones?
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

GonnaBreakABuggy · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject:

You can have 'em, only sat here collecting dust, I only use 10mm ones these days anyway.
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*Innocent Whistle*

Blarno · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:47 pm Post subject:

Thank you very much, Phil. PM sent.
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

GonnaBreakABuggy · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 10:20 pm Post subject:

/signs Blarno up for gay porn letters.

Think I might have a couple of slightly bigger boots somewhere I used on some 18mm BJ's now I think about it, have to have a rummage.
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*Innocent Whistle*

Blarno · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 4:06 pm Post subject:

Short shifter anyone? Take one Mk4 Astra gearlever and swap it with the Vectra one. Et Voila, a one-inch shorter throw!

Hubs and GSi brakes all now fully mounted and waiting for re-juicing.

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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

GonnaBreakABuggy · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 3:52 pm Post subject:

Now, me being a pikey just chopped the bottom of my lever off, threaded and fitted a rose joint for adjustable length ;)

Total cost, £4.50.
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*Innocent Whistle*

LittleSwill · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:57 pm Post subject:

That carbon effect gear knob's got to worth a couple of seconds a lap though.
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Blarno · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 4:58 pm Post subject:

Blarno · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:01 pm Post subject:

He's back on his wheels again! Minus rear brakes, mind, but rolling nevertheless. Thought I'd give him a quick wash.

The GSi brakes in tasty Hammerite gold!

Freshly washed, but in need of a serious polish. The paint is rougher than a badgers arse-crack.

Despite all the weight loss, he's still a heavy bugger to push back into the garage!
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Jasper · Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 5:53 pm Post subject:

I've seen a lot of these advertised on VW aftermarket places, but all of them I've seen are made from real pool balls amd are going to be heavy.

Heavy! Not really something Graham does well.
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Blarno · Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject:

canadian bacon · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 11:37 pm Post subject:

DaveGibson · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 12:18 am Post subject:

Matt · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 12:44 am Post subject:

One less for him to eat when the new Fiesta is revealed.
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Small car, big heart.

GonnaBreakABuggy · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:26 pm Post subject:

Do my rubbers fit over your rod then?

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*Innocent Whistle*

Blarno · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 3:35 pm Post subject:

Blarno · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 3:40 pm Post subject:

Right! Finally finished the side exit's tailpipes at work last night. I've gone for the 'Brushed with emery cloth' finish, and it looks damn fine up close if I do say so myself.

The mounting bracket has yet to be finalised, there's currently a couple of bricks holding it up for the pictures, but otherwise it's a perfect fit. I have roughly cut out the heatshield, which will be riveted on in the next few days.
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Li'ldude · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 12:10 pm Post subject:

Gonna be an agressive bastard...
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Ode to Mr. B, Mr. C, Mr. W and the Northstar.

Blarno · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 8:05 pm Post subject:

Bonnet vents now fully painted and lacquered. One of them is a bit ropey, but hey, I'm no professional or perfectionist.

Near enough is good enough!

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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.

Guest · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 8:36 pm Post subject:

I must pop round shortly iain to take a look !!!
I like the vents, something i wanted to do a while back but was to scared at going nuts with a grinder and the side exit - class matey !!!

Well when i get the st200, i will give the old beast a run ! :)

Blarno · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 3:24 pm Post subject:

Bonnet vents are now in, fully mounted and looking damn fine, if I do say so myself. I had no black sealer, so I'm going to have to paint over the white sealer with touch-up paint.

I know there is bare fibreglass visible under the bonnet, but this isn't a show car people! No more cosmetic work for the near future, I must crack on with making the damn thing work!
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Arms held out, in the Jesus Christ Pose.