Friday 1 April 2011

Roadsport-B upgrades...

In preparation for my racing in 2011, the car needs to be altered - or 'upgraded' - to meet the requirements of Roadsport-B.

These upgrades are designed to make the car faster - mainly in the corners.

I don't have a blow-by-low account of the changes and how I went about fitting them but as a list...

- The engine needed modifications to strengthen the valves and belt pulley.  This is as a result of stickier tyres being fitted (they don't lock as easily so put more strain through the powertrain).  There is no change to the power output of the car.
- The stickier tyres are a change to more track-focused Avon CR500 tyres.  The wheels stay the same, though.
- A Rear Anti-roll Bar results in less roll at the back of the car.  It is adjustable to alter the characteristics and grip to suit the conditions.
- A short undertray is required at the front of the car to protect the engine.  This is because the car sits a little lower on the new tyres and there is a greater risk of debris lifting into the engine bay.
- Again, as a result of the tyres, there is an Oil Catch Tank system.  As the car is wet-sumped (oil sloshing around in the sump of the engine), it risks going into the breather system in high-speed corners.  This oil would be burnt but it isn't good for the engine.
- A new cap is needed for the brake master cylinder.  I already had this part fitted last year.  It's there to stop brake fluid leaking (another symptom of sticky tyres).

The changes make a massive difference to the way the car handles and I love it!

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