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Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 11:42 am
by fixwheelmad
Hi there.

Been a while and after my two children have grown up, failed business, a divorce, i am now rebuilding my old faithful HFO 501.
A 59 Morris Minor, ran for many years always with a Fiat Twin cam, firstly 1.6 single carb, then 2.0 twin carb.
Its now back in the shop, out of the weather and ready to be torn down, fundamentally its going to run a Lancia VX Volumex, supercharger and single 45 DCOE, 4:1 exhaust and have a roll cage, 4 bar, coil overs all round.
It already has Ford front hubs, 2.8 i disc, princess 4 pot calipers, poly bushed, lowered etc.
The feel for the car will be vintage race, stripped out and if i can drill it, it will be.
Loads of custom components including bonnet and boot hinges, door handles, gear shift, handbrake, door cards, seats etc.

Like so many things by posting this on here, means its has to be done, a bit like promising you going to do the marathon, so any help, advise and just general support will be most welcome.
I have a deadline my daughters 18th birthday, two years away and a good budget, so lets hope it all goes well.

The plan is to do most of the work myself with help from Guy Croft (Supercharger, Head work), Steve Phillips DSE (4 bar link,engine dry fit) , and Gavin Lusby (anything with paint- although i do all the prep work).
Thanks Eugene

Re: Newbie, with an old car HFO 501

Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 12:25 pm
by Sleeper
Eugene
Welcome and good luck...

John :wink:

P.S.
Slight thread drift but what is the black item next to yours at Hickstead?

Re: Newbie, with an old car HFO 501

Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:34 am
by irmscher
Hi Eugene nice car and Guy Croft is one of the best albeit a bit expensive

Re: Newbie, with an old car HFO 501

Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 10:18 am
by fixwheelmad
Update, pulled engine out of container, started to find the bits needed, 45 DCOE, manifold, extra, over the next week will start a dry run of engine, gearbox, prop in , check for tolerances and go from there.
A lot of work ahead of me.

Re: Newbie, with an old car HFO 501

Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 11:55 am
by fixwheelmad
irmscher wrote:Hi Eugene nice car and Guy Croft is one of the best albeit a bit expensive
Pay peanuts, get monkeys, yes his one the best for a reason, fed up with dealing with less than helpful people, if theirs a cost attached, even in paying for his website, so be it!

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501

Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2018 2:59 pm
by fixwheelmad
Busy in the shop this week, removed front and rear fire wall, new steel going in the front and aluminium for the rear. Made the plates for the 4 bar, fitted and positioned, need new bolts and to take in position prior to axle removal. Ordered rear AVO coil overs and panhard hoping to fit those this weekend. Then engine , gearbox, prop, supercharger and single 45 DCOE to go in. Happy to be back on the project. Think the final colour to be BMC tweed grey, black mohair roof and raw carbon detailing, in bumpers, wing mirrors, dash etc

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2018 12:03 pm
by fixwheelmad
A sneak into the workshop during the week, to install my two new toys, always nice to see the workshop coming along. This weekend see the 4 bar link and the panhard going in, albeit just tacked in position.

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2018 10:45 pm
by Wal
Hi Fixwheelmad,
I'm also fitting a Volumex twin cam to my Moggy. Going around it a slightly different way as I already have a twin cam fitted so currently having the Volumex rebuilt by Guy Croft. Heads done, supercharger is done and the block is in the final stages of build so hope to have it in the spring. I'll be swapping out my existing full Guy Croft normally aspirated engine for the Volumex. Fully expecting it to be totally wicked as my current one produces 180hp normally aspirated so looking comfortably into the 200's with the supercharger.

Issues for me are the ignition as the distributor has to go so will be a simple ecu and wheel sensor system. the other biggee is the radiator which has to move forwards due to the extra pulley requirement, this one is not so simple to fix. If I was looking from "new" I could move the mounts accordingly but don't want to do this as I have an existing installation. Might move to a mesh grille to "grab" some space. Sure there will be others but that'll wait till the engine arrives and I have to start the strip down

Good luck with your build, looks great.

Regards,
Wal

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:24 am
by fixwheelmad
Dear Wal
Thanks for input an incouragement, a couple of question is i may and i will DM you has well.

1. What configuration are you using, eg, the standard fiat/Lancia with a supercharger and 45 will not fit in the bay, i have made a airbox behind the headlight
2. You mentioned electrics, i am hoping to retain the dizzy but use a Bluetooth controlled, electronic ignition, on looking they seem very expensive, so interested in your configuration
3. I guess as your comments, your is more a sleeper, like mine used to be, i am just building how i want and not my partner wanted!
4. I would like to disucsss GC but will DM you if that’s ok.
5. How have you arrange the belts, the set up on mine seems wrong, as i am only doing a dry fit this spring, then engine tear down, be interesting to see.
6. Rad, i have the tried and tested Marina with a Sherpa diesel core, and bigger inlet, i intend getting this copied in ally, the an integral oil cooler, probably a 13 or 16 row, also running a accusump, and already modded GC design lower sump.

PLeeas keep in touch, love to know how you get on, thanks for the input, all helps.

Cheers Eugen

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:34 am
by fixwheelmad
Update from the workshop, welder blown up, so need to look for another one, although thinking TIG is the way forward.
I had a comment about retaining the springs, i did point out, they are not needed, and i will be weighing them in. I have seem some systems that include them and coil overs, god know why.
A 4 bar is just that (adjustable parallel and horizontal for the road) , with coilivers ( adjustable height and damping rate) and a panhard rod.

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 10:07 am
by fixwheelmad
Wal wrote:Hi Fixwheelmad,
I'm also fitting a Volumex twin cam to my Moggy. Going around it a slightly different way as I already have a twin cam fitted so currently having the Volumex rebuilt by Guy Croft. Heads done, supercharger is done and the block is in the final stages of build so hope to have it in the spring. I'll be swapping out my existing full Guy Croft normally aspirated engine for the Volumex. Fully expecting it to be totally wicked as my current one produces 180hp normally aspirated so looking comfortably into the 200's with the supercharger.

Issues for me are the ignition as the distributor has to go so will be a simple ecu and wheel sensor system. the other biggee is the radiator which has to move forwards due to the extra pulley requirement, this one is not so simple to fix. If I was looking from "new" I could move the mounts accordingly but don't want to do this as I have an existing installation. Might move to a mesh grille to "grab" some space. Sure there will be others but that'll wait till the engine arrives and I have to start the strip down

Good luck with your build, looks great.

Regards,
Wal
Found this after looking at the GC site, any others?
http://trigger-wheels.com/store/content ... /p194.html

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 10:39 am
by Wal
Eugen,
looks like some really nice work.

Got your PM and I've replied with my mobile number so give me a call it's easier to talk than type, for me anyway.

Mines a Lancia Volumex, bought it as a complete unit about 10 years ago. I'll be running the supercharger on a 45, until I get the engine back not sure exactly what issues I will have installing it. But I think I'll be looking at the airbox in the front wing behind the headlight as well. Might also need to make some bonnet mods just have to wait and see.

Got to ditch the dizzy because the block mount won't fit with the Volumex and I can't use a head mounted one without moving the engine about or making further engine bay mods which I don't want to do. So going to use something like an OMEX ECU with a trigger wheel off the front crank pulley. Not cheap but I need it to be reliable.

Mines a rat rod in primer and rust, a recent change and I prefer the look.

Give me a call re. GC

Belts are reasonably standard just I'll be running the supercharger, alternator and water pump with a toothed belt off the front crank nose. This is why I need to move the radiator.

I already have an alloy rad from an old Fiat 2300 currently installed so will be looking to retain it as it is more than sufficient and probably overcools currently. Already have an accusump with remote filter and 13 row oil cooler so going to retain these if possible. Sticking with a wet sump due to cost.

Like your 4 bar and panhard rod setup your working on, looks good. I'm still on leaf springs with adjustable gas dampers and radius arms, it works so don't want to change it.

Give me a call and keep up the good progress. Will be interested in the engine fit as mine is currently running I don't want to start the strip down until I get the Volumex back.

Regards,
Steven



Cheers

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2018 2:23 pm
by fixwheelmad
Wal wrote:Eugen,
looks like some really nice work.

Got your PM and I've replied with my mobile number so give me a call it's easier to talk than type, for me anyway.

Mines a Lancia Volumex, bought it as a complete unit about 10 years ago. I'll be running the supercharger on a 45, until I get the engine back not sure exactly what issues I will have installing it. But I think I'll be looking at the airbox in the front wing behind the headlight as well. Might also need to make some bonnet mods just have to wait and see.

Got to ditch the dizzy because the block mount won't fit with the Volumex and I can't use a head mounted one without moving the engine about or making further engine bay mods which I don't want to do. So going to use something like an OMEX ECU with a trigger wheel off the front crank pulley. Not cheap but I need it to be reliable.

Mines a rat rod in primer and rust, a recent change and I prefer the look.

Give me a call re. GC

Belts are reasonably standard just I'll be running the supercharger, alternator and water pump with a toothed belt off the front crank nose. This is why I need to move the radiator.

I already have an alloy rad from an old Fiat 2300 currently installed so will be looking to retain it as it is more than sufficient and probably overcools currently. Already have an accusump with remote filter and 13 row oil cooler so going to retain these if possible. Sticking with a wet sump due to cost.

Like your 4 bar and panhard rod setup your working on, looks good. I'm still on leaf springs with adjustable gas dampers and radius arms, it works so don't want to change it.

Give me a call and keep up the good progress. Will be interested in the engine fit as mine is currently running I don't want to start the strip down until I get the Volumex back.

Regards,
Steven



Cheers
Steven

Thanks, i will drop you a call perhaps one evening, i had springs and tramp bars with dampers at the rear before, but as i drove quiet hard the rear used to bounce all over the space, especially in the sussex country roads.
To get the best out of your engine, you will have to go down 4 bar route, although, its an awful lot of work, especially if building from scratch. Or taken over a half built system.
Yes i will take pictures of the dry run, as you mentioned, my concerns too are carb position/airfilter/ram chamber (the thinking was a plenum behind the front light-drill the light bucket and join to the wheel arch box). The final position of the radiator/oil cooler.
The clearances at the gearbox are the same as before, slight rubbing of steering rack on hard cornering, that might all change when the chassis reinforcing/ roll cage has been done. It should take out the front arm twist.

And finally if i go to single or split prop, before i had a shorten Ford prop, was thinking a bonded Ally single prop, but have heard Low Frequency resonance to be a nightmare, akin to running MTs on landrover!.


Thanks Eugene

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2018 9:28 am
by fixwheelmad
So checked all my numbers its a original VX, very pleased!
Engine 828CB1A0
Head 5936188
Supercharger 09252

Had a really good chat with Guy Croft during the week, minds made up really, its a full rebuild, albeit in stages.

Did a trial fit yesterday, minus the gearbox, but placed in correct position because the minor has the steering rack in the way, and you have to cut the bellhosing, used that dim as the set up.
Well it fits, but issues are clearance, the blower wheel to the back of the rad, the old fan, that’s going to have to go, and the carb in the wing plenum.
My issues are now, where do i put the rad, in the boot ala NIc Mann V8, do i get a custom rad that occupies the wasted space of the grill void, or do i try and move the engine further back, resulting in even more work.
Got a price to soda blast the sheel, a mobile guy £450 plus £10 per media bag, just need to work out when and how to sheet the workshop out.
Then crack on with body repairs and front frame strengthening ala John Beardmore, that will include x brace behind the new bulkhead.
Some images from yesterday, off to the shop again, because the cranes just turned up, that means i can put the whole trans in, any excuse.

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2018 5:03 pm
by fixwheelmad
I hate bad news.

So I thought that many years ago (about 25), i had bought a Escort Atlas axle (from the guy who installed the first engine), told they were bomb proof and easily look after 200bhp.

In the build I thought i would buy an service kit, and low and behold the gaskets don't fit, mmmm a bit of looking around I have two bolts top and bottom at irregular spacing.
Its not a Atlas!!!!, very annoyed to say the least.

Its Koln axle, found on German Escort Mk2, 53" outer, 4.11 Diff and apparently pants, can't take power well, no upgrade paths blah blah.

So I am now looking for a Altas axle, so anyone who can help, please ping me, thanks.

Eugene

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2018 10:54 pm
by Wal
Eugene,
thanks for the picys on the build has helped me think a lot more on mine. Gonna be really tight fit but will be worth it.

Re. your issue with the axle. I have an English axle so personally just going to have to be really careful as already destroyed a diff with my current set up, so not looking good. Hoping an LSD might help a bit. Have you tried the guys at https://www.morrisminorowners.co.uk// ?There are many very knowledgeable modified minors bods there and lots with big, big power who can probably provide good experienced advice.

Steven

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Mon May 14, 2018 1:56 pm
by fixwheelmad
Update, basically finding more holes than would have liked, and blaster has said i need to strip all the rubber/bitumen off, so i am.
However been making and building some nice bits too, see the photos

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Mon May 14, 2018 1:57 pm
by fixwheelmad
Dashboard, plug to be made in carbon fibre

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Mon May 14, 2018 1:59 pm
by fixwheelmad
Rear wings, boot lid primer and ready.

Re: Newbie, Fiat TC & Volumex HFO 501 NEW BUILD 2018

Posted: Mon May 14, 2018 2:01 pm
by fixwheelmad
Front and rear bulkheads, front steel and rear will be ally, both with bead roll detailing