I just reached the 40k milestone, so I thought that maybe I should pass on a few things learned in the process. My biggest mistake is the gas tank. It was built with only one baffle. A tank built with a single baffle will allow the fuel pump to starve for fuel, if the tank is less than half full, within the short duration of a typical Auto-x corner. To solve the fueling problem, I had to fabricated a dropped gated sump in the bottom of the tank. The single baffle also affects my fuel gauge level. I see ¼ tank reading swings during corners and bumps. If you can package your fuel sender float in a small area, by all means design your tank with two or three baffles. I also wish I made my tank a little wider so it would hold another gallon, 8½ Vs 7½ for the two or three longer trips I take each year. Another design issue; I knew the steering rack needed a very fine adjustments, Up-Down for bump steer. So I designed slotted attaching brackets, and used shims for fore-aft adjust. It is very difficult to bolt down a slotted bracket without moving it more the .010” U/D. Design your steering rack attachment, so shims can be used for both fore-aft and Up/Down adjustment on the steering rack attachment. Things done right; Added a tee or fitting to the highest point in the cooling system for filling. Think accessibility and adjustability during the build. It will help after the initial build, when it comes to final development. Install an adjustable clutch stop to limit pedal travel, if you have fixed seats. Also you need easy access to your pedal push rods. This makes a world of difference if you can easily adjust the pedal angle and location. I over killed the pedal adjustability. I have up/down, fore-aft, angle, and cross car, but the design and fab time needed was well worth the effort. Finally adding a Bikini top makes these cars much more livable, relative to wind, noise, the sun and foul weather. Last and probably the most important is very 10,000 miles I follow a check list, and pull a good 15 to 20 hours of maintenance. Cleaning, lubing, tuning and tightening critical fasteners. Dave W
|