1973 Midget build by ianjoub

6 minute(s) of a 203 minute read

The starter is fixed. The intake hoses are back together and holding. I have now started rust mitigation. There is a lot of flash rust from having bare metal. I started brushing on Ospho as a temporary fix.

2-11-2015

I managed to get the e-brake installed. Where to put it was a problem, there is so little room in the passenger compartment with the seats I have. I went with the 16" handle. This should make the Ken Block maneuvers easy

2-22-2015

Thanks!

Well, apparently this car driving stuff is tough. I'll admit, it isn't my specialty. I am a motorcycle racer. I had to learn that cutting the throttle mid corner make the back come around I did 12 runs. I got lost on 2, spun on 6, and had 4 clean ones.

The tires on the concrete runway provided excellent grip. I ran 20 psi. They actually had a little heat in them by the end of a few runs. The grip actually kept straight line wheelspin to a minimum. I'll head back to the tuner and add some more boost to fix that :p

I ended up 12th or 13th for the day, not too impressive. I am sure I will fare much better with some more practice though. I was holding us back, not the car.

A video for your viewing pleasure. Open it in full screen, it is much better.

2-23-2015

I am going through the car this morning. I found a few issues.

1. A vacuum line was off of the boost controller. It felt weak while driving. I likely was losing a bunch of boost pressure (horsepower).
2. The drive shaft flange at the pinion lost 2 of the 4 bolts. The other 2 were loose. These now have safety wire on them.
3. I have a little mist of brake fluid from a fitting on the left front.
4. A wire to one of the secondary injectors was chaffed. I may not have been getting consistent signal to that injector (more power loss).
5. Some exhaust bolts that weren't safety wired were loose. They will get wired.

A couple of pics...

2-26-2015

These should stay put now.





New tires are ordered. Hoosier A6 roadrace/autocross tires in 255/40-13 rear, 225/45-13 front

2-27-2015

I have investigated wind tunnels. It looks like a trip to NC and $1000 will get me 2 hours of test/tune time. I want to get a splitter and wing built and have plenty of easy adjustment before I go. Does anyone know about this stuff? Is a splitter that sticks out farther forward more effective? All the ones I see appear to be level with the ground.

3-2-2015

I am starting with some lauan plywood to make a template. I will use 1/8" aluminum plate for the finished product





And here are the new sneakers!

Looking good!

3-4-2015

The larger rear tires were rubbing the 4 link bars a bit. I need to space out the wheels. 1/4" should do it. I bought some 1/4" aluminum plate



Cut the center hole



And drilled the holes for the wheel studs. I was too cheap to buy the 6" holesaw for the outside, so I just ground it close to round

Here is how they look on the hubs



And I have almost 1/4" clearance between the tire and the round bar that is part of the 4 link. The wheel studs were long enough so I have no worries there.