APRIL UPDATE
It is important to keep everyone on the same page during a project. In my Mach 7 build it is even more critical given that I am in Japan and the car is in Christchurch. Mark and Robert quickly established themselves as excellent communicators from day one and this has been a vital part of this initial build.
Today was a recap of progress and the next steps that will be taken. I was very fortunate to work within the MRP [Manufacturing Resource Planning] world initially in Marketing and Management then Seminar Training. Learning about the BOM [bill of material] alongside the theories of assembly to manufacturing has been so valuable in this Mach 7 Kit Car project to date.
The update today from the factory was;
The Chassis is ready to be cleaned, prepared for powder coating after a final install check of all the components for a basic rolling chassis.
The engine is pristine and attached to the transmission awaiting a standard or aftermarket complete air intake. I am going to source that here in Japan given I am in the land of Mazda!
I again confirmed that I want this as a rolling chassis build. This means that the car can start and drive onto a transport vehicle. Now I am using the term car very liberally as it will have no body parts, they may need to sit on a milk crate but it will go forward, backwards and turn. The temptation for Mark and Robert to take the milk crate mounted chassis around the block may be hard to resist! I am sure that sanity will prevail!
Another very valuable conversation – SKYPE is going to be such a valuable part of the build in Auckland with live viewing of any, which there will be many, puzzling moments.
Month: April 2009
Tuesday 28 April 2009
MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION
After the test drive I was convinced that the MX5 1800 motor and transmission would be more than adequate. It has an excellent power to weight ratio and the fit was as if it was made for a 7 chassis! Once seated your hand fell naturally to the gear lever allowing for effortless changing.
The standard motor produces about 140-150 HP at the flywheel so it was decided with the motor easily accessible it would be the right time to;
Install a set of performance camshafts.
Port and polish
Powder Coat Custom Parts
New Intake plenum.
These two procedures should produce more low end power and a zippier response overall. The standard ECU will be replaced by entire LINK G4 ECU package. This is by no means a race motor but will keep me more than happy.
Monday 27 April 2009
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
McGregor Motorsports uses a space frame chassis. The heritage descends from the Colin Chapman 1957 Lotus 7 Design but with considerable improvements. A slightly longer cockpit, larger foot-well area increases comfort. The McGregor Design results in improved safety, strength and production simplicity. NZS4711 certified trades people maintain the high quality.
I am following McGregor Motorsports Suspension recommendations;
Independent rear suspension
Fully adjustable front and rear suspension
Fully adjustable GAZ shocks
Ford Sierra differential and axles (need shortening)
Ford Cortina front uprights and brakes
Ford Escort steering rack (std) and Mazda 323 steering column and an adjustable binnacle.
Monday 13 April 2009
APRIL IN JAPAN
Back in Japan, a large amount of time passes searching endlessly via Google for all facets of Lotus Super 7 information. A seemingly endless search uncovers incredible information, some shared, discussed and saved. More importantly in New Zealand, progress is happening so I have decided to blog the build in the following categories;
Which Lotus 7 Kit set?
Chassis and Suspension
Motor and Transmission
Fabrication and Paint
Body and Paint
Great Drives
McGregor Motorsports
New Modifications