Locost 5.0 wrote:
Hi Lonnie,
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I haven't checked the mileage lately, probably around 15k or 16k. Been working on the fuel injection a lot, software and hardware upgrades. Runs even better, gas mileage is up too!
I used the gas, clutch and brake pedals, all with quite a bit of modification. I ditched the stock master and booster, in favor of a Wilwood master and no booster. It works great, the booster would be over kill. I think the pedal pressure is perfect for me. The fronts are 10.75" Wilwoods with aluminum hubs., the rear are stock Ford disks. I used braided brake lines too, you can really feel the difference compared to stock type rubber lines.
At first the pedal mounts flexed quite a bit, had to add a lot more triangulation than I thought it would need.
The seats are working out great, it would be nice to have some sort of suspension type lower cushion. I plan on doing that in the future. We've done many 8 hour trips without too much fatigue. I did add adjustable lumbar supports with a bulb to pump them up. Kirkey's have crappy lumbar support!
Rod
Thanks for getting back to me, Rod. I'm glad to hear you're still having fun. Eight hours driving is a good long stint, so that's impressive it can be done with simple seats and padding.
Actually, your response is all-around good news for my plans. By using as much stock (donor) stuff as possible, I hope to keep my costs under control. Not needing the vacuum booster is really excellent news because it is so bloody huge. Do you have any photos of your completed pedal box arrangements? Did you re-use the Mustang brake proportioning valve? I've kept mine, but since it does not seem to be adjustable, I'm not sure the Mustang proportioning will apply well to a Locost. I have to learn a little more about how the donor proportioning works.
I just rechecked my caliper-to-chassis hoses and they are indeed plain, black rubber. That tip on the braided brake lines is appreciated. Right now, I'm trying to keep things as simple as possible just to get my car done. I'm trying to stay really focused and leave the nice-to-have, but not really necessary things until later. So, the braided lines sound like a "Phase II" improvement in my case. However, I'm very glad to know about it.
Cheers,
Lonnie