Saturday, September 01, 2012

BRC Vintage Sports Car Race Prep


BRC Race Preparation Update:

1. Replaced steering box oil - Conoco 80W-90 API GL-5
2. Replaced brake and clutch master fluids
3. Greased suspension and steering fittings (18 fittings)
4. Cleaned air and fuel filters
5. Adjusted the twin carburetor idle and balance settings
6. Cleaned and adjusted the rear drum brakes (brake shoes and drum)
7. Tightened screws and bolts (will have to check the chassis bolts as well)
8. Replaced transmission oil - 80W-90 MAG1 API GL5
9. Replaced differential oil - 80W-90 MAG1 API GL5
10. Lubricated drive shaft U-joints
11. Checked the front left suspension ride height
12. Checked spare tire clearance for the rear brake drum
13. Change engine oil and oil filter - Ultron Rallye 10W-40 Semi-synthetic motor oil and Osaka cartridge oil filter
14. Replaced contact points, adjusted the points gap, cleaned the rotor, cleaned the distributor cap
15. Cleaned the engine bay and twin carburetors
16. Cleaned the spark plugs - plugs were tan in color indicating a good burn
17. Checked brake, clutch, water, and motor oil levels
18. Applied rubber conditioner on the windshield rubber trim
19. New rear tires - Goodyear Duraplus 185/65/R14 86H Rating (Treadwear: 340)
20. Balanced all wheels
The Fairlady drops by at the shop of suspension and steering greasing.

Greasing the suspension and steering fittings
 a much needed wash and wax
Tightened the four-point seat belt bolts fixed to the roll bar.
Tightened the four point roll bar bolts

 Cleaned the rear brake drums and brake shoes



 Replacing the transmission oil with fresh lubricant

 Found minute metal particles on the magnetic transmission drain plug, at least no big chunks!

 Same with the differential drain plug, just small metalic particles

Been using this lube for quite some time. Transmission shifts smoother and the differential is noticeably more quiet.

 Replacing the differential oil.

 Rear brake drum clearance for the rear spare tire is good. I'll need to buy a front spare tire as well.

 
 Draining the old oil from the engine took a bit of time.

 The old oil still had good viscosity, but it was time for a change just before the race.

I changed the oil using Ultron Rallye semi-synthetic blend 10W-40 API SM motor oil. Long drain capable oil, but I change it every 6 months or depending on the race schedule. I used up approximately 4.5 liters of the Rallye.

 Cleaned and checked the right front Sumitomo disc brake, cleaned the A-arms as well of grease and dirt

 Sumitomo caliper and rotors look ok, lubricated the front spring and shock

 I also cleaned the oil filter assembly



 Brand new Osaka oil filter

 Oil pressure is at around 60 psi at idle. I also checked for leaks around the oil filter cartridge assembly and drain plug, but none so far.

 Replaced the contact points with new ones and adjusted the points gap.

 Newly installed contact points - points gap: 0.019 in. (service manual - 0.018-0.022)

 Cleaned the engine bay, twin carburetors, and spark plugs.

 Brand new rear tires at last! - Goodyear Duraplus 185/65/R14 (Lower profile than the old rear tires Goodyear NCT 5 185/70/R14)

Better traction in the rear - resulted in more understeer during the race

Final rear drum brake check, cleaning, and adjustments

Fresh 2012 tires!

New race number for the 2012 race