Clint’s R27 (daily / track)

[Clint197]

I introduced myself a little while back so I thought I’d update with a project thread...

I bought the car around 16 months ago. I wanted an F1 (253/500) with the Recaro seats, cup spoiler and front splitter, and this was just down the road in Grimsby.

I’ve done a lot of little jobs since buying it. The car was a little rough around the edges and needed the belts and a full service doing, so it was booked into DDC at Doncaster. This also resulted in new front discs and pads, track rod ends.

Shortly after, I had the wheels powder coated in the OE Anthracite. They were black...





Much better IMO.


A good few months passed and the weather improved so next up was an opportunity for me to get under the car myself and crack on with the mods and more TLC. The car came with braided brake hoses and H&R lowering springs.

Off came the wheels and I noticed a bent ARB drop link!!





This prompted me to check and replace the other side and also the anti rotation links.

 

[Clint197]

Next was the gearbox oil change, scuttle drain checks and PCV clean.

Wow! Definitely check you scuttle drains. Mine was chokka!



I had also noticed a knock while driving. The cause was revealed while the drains were being cleaned. Knackered top mounts..




Two new top mounts were duly ordered and installed.

 

[Clint197]

The PCV clean and gearbox oil change was straightforward with no more surprises




Powerflex engine mounts where also installed as these, I believe, are essential for a track going car and after all I do intend on getting this car on the track (my first ever track day!). The gearbox, torque arm and dog bone mounts where installed. They have been on the car for a year now and I have no complaints. Even as it’s my daily.

 

[Clint197]

Squealing / sticking rear brake calipers lead to them being stripped, cleaned and new seals fitted..

 

[Clint197]

Exhaust time!!!

I purchased a second hand Scorpion resonated exhaust off here and installed it. Great sound and not too loud. A good balance for a track / daily car

 

[Clint197]

To be continued...

 

[Beany]

Nice little intro... if your ever Donny way let us know

 

[Clint197]

Nice little intro... if your ever Donny way let us know

Will do mate. I’ve just done my first track day at Cadwell. I’ll update on here in due course. Safe to say, I loved it!

 

[Beany]

Will do mate. I’ve just done my first track day at Cadwell. I’ll update on here in due course. Safe to say, I loved it!

How was the weather as it hasn’t been great.. look forward to the write ul

 

[Clint197]

How was the weather as it hasn’t been great.. look forward to the write ul

It was spot on. Got really lucky with it

 

[Clint197]

Next up was;

Repairing the blower which wasn’t working on number 4. Spliced in a new harness connector from eBay.

New pollen filter.

De-tangoing the indicators.

And spraying the front grills, bullets, door handles and spoiler end caps. Also repairing the keyless door lock buttons (which can be done!) and carrying out the interior door handles mod.
That was a busy few days

 

[Clint197]

Then I decided to replace the steering rack bush (got one from track focus direct) and I also bought a Recaro lowering subframe to lowers the drivers seat. The subframe made a huge difference to how the car felt and it was another mod I wanted to get done before I took it out on track.

 

[Clint197]

Whilst installing the Bush I managed to damage the airbag clockspring / squib even though I was aware it could happen.

New second hand squib from ebay for £35 and all sorted.

 

[Clint197]

I then treated myself to a re-trimmed steering wheel, gear knob and gator. Great addition! Thanks to Royal Steering Wheels

 

[Clint197]

Track was booked! Cadwell! 30 minutes drive from where I live. MSV where holding a novice only track and I also booked on with some tuition.

With this in mind, I replaced my brake fluid with Motul RBF600 and dropped a set of used but very good condition Michelin PS4’s on the back (the fronts are nearly new).

 

[Clint197]

The night before my track day and a few final checks lead me to check the towing eye and test fitting it...

DISASTER!

There was no hole behind the plastic flip down cover!

Further investigation revealed that the crash bar had been removed at some point in the cars life and put back on the wrong way. So some swearing later and the issue was resolved!

I also found a bolt rolling around in the front under tray. This had apparently come loose from the alternator. This was refitted but one of the other two bolts that were holding it had also sheared! This meant my alternator had been held on by only one bolt!!
It’s was re-secured on the two for now. I’ll have to go back to this when I can be arsed...

 

[Clint197]

First ever proper track day. Cadwell. 27th August. Awesome! Will definitely be doing more.

Turned up on my own as it was a Wednesday and none of my mates would book a day off (I ain’t got any mates really ). Got there in good time for the briefing and sign on. I also booked track tuition for 12.00.

The format was 6 x 20 minute sessions as it was a novice only track event. Although, talking to people it became apparent I was the only first timer.

Sighting laps done and on to the first session. Started slowly and thought I was going pretty well... until my overfilled ‍ brake fluid reservoir expanded over and dropped down on to my offside front brake disc! Took it easy for the last lap and the session ended. Upon further inspection I also found all 5 offside front wheel bolts loose!

Luckily they were the only issues for the day. Except having to nip out to refuel after burning through a full tank of Shell V-Power after 5 sessions.

Kept an eye on tyre pressures throughout the day and all was well

The tuition was also well worth the £20. Flying past loads of stuff after that. Carrying more speed were others weren’t was a great feeling.

Oh and I parked up and got chatting to another 197 owner, Keith. Not sure if he’s on here.

 

[Big Ben]

Addictive isn’t it?! Glad you enjoyed it. Car looks well

 

[Daverb]

Cars looking good, glad you enjoyed the trackday.

What seat did you go for and how did the Sparco mount work? I have the OMP ones and they are terrible.