For the rev-heads...

[Peter Ward]

To avoid possible destruction of the engine in F-cars the cam belt needs to be changed every 2-3 years....and yep, three years was nearly up.

This also means the engine has to come out as you cannot get access to the belts in situ. What amazed me is the subframe was designed to drop out and make the process as painless as possible....talk about the tail wagging the dog

Anyway, of possible interest to Top Gear fans is the toy with its engine out...

[TrevorW]

I'd hate to think of the cost

[h0ughy (David)]

wonder if that would fit in a VW?

thanks for the mechanical lesson Peter

[traveller (Bo)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

wonder if that would fit in a VW?

thanks for the mechanical lesson Peter

Didn't they use the old Beetle air cooled engines for powered gliders? This engine will certainly go well...
As for the cost, it's all part of the ownership...
Bo

[TheDecepticon]

Just another day at the office for some of us.

Many manufacturers use sub sections that make removal of major components easier. Ferrari is no exception.

Bit like a VW Beetle, about an hour and a half to do the clutch by dropping the engine out the back.

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by TheDecepticon

Just another day at the office for some of us.

Many manufacturers use sub sections that make removal of major components easier........

I'm told the subframe is held in place by 16 bolts. It's the disconnecting of the ECU's, cables, radiator tubing etc. that takes the majority of the time.

The subframe is not lowered as such...they simply lift up the car away from the engine instead. The cost is not too bad so long as you keep clear of the authorised dealership.

Pictured: Restored cam covers...they were previously looking a little ratty

[Lee]

Looks a bit like a Nissan 200SX from behind??

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Lee

Looks a bit like a Nissan 200SX from behind??

Yes, the rear view is all a 200SX driver would have

[Lee]

Touché! What would I see from my Mazda 323??

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Lee

Touché! What would I see from my Mazda 323??

Dunno. I see a lot of Holdens, Fords, Toyota's.

What do you normally see?

P.S.
Chances of seeing a 348TS are pretty slim.....only 12 or so were imported. TB's are more common....I have no idea how many of the various models are left.

[Nightshift]

One for the timing chain......32 years and still going strong.

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

I see loads of Dancing Donkies.
Mostly in my rear view mirror as they disappear behind me - their poor old intakes clogged with my dust and the drivers choking on the sweet, sweet exhaust fumes of Av-Gas and German engineering.
Mwaaahahaha

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Waxing_Gibbous

......exhaust fumes of Av-Gas and German engineering......

Av-gas ? 911? 964? or something later?

Originally Posted by Nightshift

One for the timing chain......32 years and still going strong.

Given the service bill....No argument from me .

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

351 for me...
But I do like the toy - what's the clutch like?
My Brother has a 911 - I hate the clutch in that.

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by jenchris

351 for me...
But I do like the toy - what's the clutch like?
My Brother has a 911 - I hate the clutch in that.

Recently fitted a new (Kevlar) twin plate. Positive but heavy. The trans-axle gear box was a pain until I discovered Redline oil.

The shift gate is very slick now.

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

Sounds nice - I reckon the Porsche clutch feels like a dead log.
My Ford was Malcolm Frazer's Commonwealth car - so you've seen it before - everyone has!!!

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Waxing_Gibbous

I see loads of Dancing Donkies.
....

I was going to let it slide...but couldn't resist....

I guess you might with a donkey always dancing on the bonnet

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

Technically its a 964 C4, but they were badged '911' outside Europe.
It was balanced and blueprinted by the original owner and stock gaskets were swapped for HD metal ones. I've been fiddling with gear ratios and finally found a compromise between 'roadability' and "flee for your life" top speed (stock is around 270kph).

It runs very happily on 100LL but goes like a rocket on Elf 104 racing fuel!!

From Philip Island:
AvGas: 0-100kph 3.63 sec (1 second off stock) Top Speed: 296.7 kph
Elf 104: 0-100kph 3.12 sec Top Speed: 302.1 kph

I get the 100LL from the local crop duster who lists it as "other services" on the invoice!
The Elf costs a fortune ($35 p/l a.t.m.) but is way worth it. Unfortunately they only make to-order and unless you can buy some from a racing major outfit, you'll have to order a minimum of 2000ltrs.

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

Oh yeah..
I believe you can have the belts swapped for chains (or even gears if you've a mind).
Belts were originally installed to help meet American EPA noise regs.
I was thinking of doing this as Porsche belts don't last any longer than Ferrari's (which is Italian for 'Smith' btw ), but I was quoted something around $15k and quickly lost interest!

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Waxing_Gibbous

From Philip Island:
AvGas: 0-100kph 3.63 sec (1 second off stock) Top Speed: 296.7 kph
Elf 104: 0-100kph 3.12 sec Top Speed: 302.1 kph

Impressive. No way my very much stock and naturally aspirated Fezza would catch that...in fact the latest 458 would have trouble... hence very impressive numbers.