Mid- Engine Modified Sports

[robfrey]

Neil,
This is a fantastic build! Just read through the entire thread.
I don't know how I missed this before.
I've always loved these cars. Do you plan in making it to Speed Week 2013?

[manta22]

Robfrey;

Thanks for the kind words. Comments like yours help me get through periods where I feel a bit "burnerd out" by the work ahead of me.

I'm working to get it to Speedweek ASAP; it has taken a long time-- unavoidable I guess when you do everything by yourself. Maybe 2013-- we'll see. I'll post a few more pictures later today.

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[Milwaukee Midget]

Neil, I understand about the burn-out aspect.  But I think you're well within striking distance for August. 

I certainly hope so - I've gone beyond planning to be at Speedweek to the point of scheduling it, and I want to meet you and check out this elegant monster you've been screwing together.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Chris

[Dr Goggles]

You can do it Neil, we're , um all cheering for you, I think that's the right words?...Bill?

It has been a great read, you're on the cusp.

DrG

[salt27]

You can do it Neil, we're , um all cheering for you, I think that's the right words?...Bill?

It has been a great read, you're on the cusp.

DrG

I believe what Dr. G was trying to say is "bugger, I'm rooting for you".

Neil, one bite at a time and you will get there.

Can't wait to see it, Don

[manta22]

Thanks to everyone who wrote with words of encouragement. I truely appreciate it.

I finished making a mounting bracket for my fuel pump inlet filter; this is a 10 micron filter that is plumbed between the fuel pickup in the tank to the Hilborn pump inlet. Normally a fuel filter in this position is "iffy" because it can cause fuel to create vapor bubbles due to low pressure but this filter is a very low restriction filter. Its stainless steel filter element is unusually large so there should be very low pressure drop across it. The gold-anodized filter is for the fuel pump output--- also a 10 micron filter.

I mounted the fabricated bracket from 1/4" 7075-T6 which is then riveted with 3/16" CherryMax countersunk rivets to a 2024-T3 angle. Then the angle is riveted to a 0.060" 6061-T6 flat bracket with 10-32 Riv-Nuts inserted. I made another flat piece of 0.060" 6061-T6 to act as a doubler plate to spread the load of the weight of the filter full of fuel over a larger area on the aluminum heat shield. It is fastened with 1/8" Avex blind rivets.

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[manta22]

One more thing about the fuel filter-- it had square flanges for its input & output so I cut out a couple of squares of 1/2" 6061-T6, drilled holes in each corner for 10-32 socket head cap screws and drilled & tapped each one for AN-8 fittings sealed with o-rings.

It's the little stuff that slows things down dramatically....

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[Rex Schimmer]

Neil,
As they say, "The devil is in the details" but it is the details that make it right! As usual it is great to watch your build, great engineering and fabrication, although I would not put a 10 micron filter on the inlet to a pump but you are "fornicating" this cat we are only holding its head! Like everyone else I am looking forward to seeing you and your car at the salt.

Rex

[manta22]

Rex;

Normally I wouldn't put a filter on the pump inlet either but this one has such low restriction that I think it will be OK.

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[saltwheels262]

very clean build.
super detailed.
nice.

bf

[manta22]

bf;

Thank you. There was a note at the beginning of a book I read years ago that said "Impatience to get the car on the road has been the downfall of many a good design."

I guess I took it to heart.

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[saltwheels262]

and I always think - if I can't do it right I shouldn't be doing it at all.
and hgTV mike says " make it right ".
you seem to be doing both and more.

as are many of the builders on this forum.

good holidays to all.

franey

[manta22]

Thanks, franey. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Regards, Neil  Tucson, AZ

[manta22]

I finally finished mounting my coolant header tank to the left side heat shield. Like the others, it is mounted with 10-32 bolts into steel Riv-Nuts. This tank runs to the radiator hose tubing and also to a small fitting in the top of the radiator. This fitting is plumbed back to the tank to provide a continuous air bleed out of the radiator. This is necessary for low- mounted radiators-- otherwise the radiator eventually fills with air and no coolant gets circulated.

[38flattie]

Fantastic Work, Neil!

I sure hope we see it on the salt next year!