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Red Devil's Blue Devil 3.2 Carrera hot rod


reddevil

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17 minutes ago, reddevil said:

Anyone got anything similar? Or do you just not bother with a radio on the way to the track.

I just took the whole stereo out and saved c5kg. :cool: Hardly listened to it, even driving all round Europe... had the engine to listen to and meditation-driving to do instead :D

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1 hour ago, Chris T said:

but the real improvements come when you take the bass frequencies out of the main speakers and give them to the sub.

:lol::lol::lol: The existing speakers have done me a favour there is absolutely no bass in them whatsoever to start with. 

Will it be OK to supply signal to the amp from the stereo's rear speaker feed? I guess that is already (mildly) amplified. There is a level on the sub so I could turn it down. Adding an additional amp feels like more of a project, can't be accomplished from what is already on my shelf, and more importantly looses me points in the pit garage concours.

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As long as your sub has a level control that can go down to control the level of a loudspeaker level feed (and as a domestic bit of kit, it should), then yes why not. You could then fade between front and rear to control sub's balance with other speakers. Don't expect deep bass, big bass needs big speakers..... As Scotty would say 'Ye canna change the laws of physics". You may not be able to hear much bass from the fronts, but it is going there and it's what makes them square off (distort) as well as using a lot of the available amp power. Best is to filter out the bass then feed an amp.

 

Chris.

 

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I'm looking for a cheap and removable improvement (just want to be able to actually hear the Radio not join a Max Power pageant) so I think I'll start without an amp and see where I go. If the box yields no improvement I might chuck it and then focus on better door speakers themselves next.

I did find this online for £20 which plugs into the existing loom meaning no wires to cut and reduces the level to RCA low level so might be a good shout.

59ce12263118b_Phonocar4_136HighLevelAdaptorCarAudioDirect.jpg.dc20d1f0f717f2a865e9bca184f33912.jpg

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  • 5 months later...

Been a while since I updated this thread. 

After seeing a shocking 1500 miles between MOTs back in October I've resolved to use the car a bit more this year.

So, we have two trips to France booked (including Classic Le Mans) and I'll be exercising the car a bit more regularly in between. I'll try and get at least one track day in somewhere and on top of that the kind fellas at Alfaholics are going to let me run the car in the afternoon at their annual bash at Castle Combe.

The car is booked into Fenn Lane just after Easter for a major service and fan refurb, and then straight back to the detailers (sorry) for a bit of paint correction two years on and to see to some light scratching I seem to have picked up on both nearside wings.

What with the rally car I don't seem to have time to work on it myself, and I want it tip top for this year's festivities. 

Despite all the neglect it always starts up and runs perfectly, and I had a good run out to Shelsley Breakfast Club the other week, with the father of a neighbour (who ran many IBs back in the day). We were greeted warmly and parked right at the front next to a 991 GT3.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Isn't it nice when a specialist exceeds your expectations? That's consistently how it seems to work at Fenn Lane.

Picked the car up today after dropping it in for a major service with valve clearances and refurb on the fan + housing (nothing fancy just starting to look a little messy). I forgot to ask Chris to check the shifter for slop so rang with that and a few other jobs a few days' later. No problem.

Just picked up the car and it seems they've been right through it and even given the dizzy a refurb, clean up and refinish, plus refinishing the cam covers, fixed an oil leak and a squashed breather tube.

Vince the mech came straight over as usual and started talking me through the car and the various jobs etc. 

And the bill was extremely reasonable.

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I like working on my own cars, but the Porsche is too valuable to have a DIY service history. It's great to have places that actually use their brains and go through the car rather than just the jobs you can see/know about.

Always grates on me giving the BMW dealer a wedge for an oil change and a posh cup of coffee on my wife's car, it's a pleasure to deal with the likes of Fenn Lane.

Oh, and thanks to Type911 for the charity keyfob!

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  • 2 months later...

Took the 911 over to race HQ today (I'm swapping the engine on our little C1) as it needed a shake down before a road trip to Classic Le Mans next weekend.

I noticed the throttle was a bit sticky, you had to hook your foot under the pedal and pull it up a smidge to get it to settle down to an idle. I quick search on IB when I got there to see if this was a common issue revealed a post by Jevvy suggesting the pivot near the gearbox might need some attention.

So it would be rude not to use the ramp whilst I'm there.

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Linkage dismantled, cleaned and greased back up, also re-lubricated at the throttle body in the engine bay. Seems a bit better but still present although getting better with use and not too annoying so I think I'll see how I go next week after the 1000 miles or so trip.

Underneath the car is in such good general condition for something past it's 31st birthday. The only spot that has ever been welded is a rear anti-roll bar mount, one of which I noticed is starting to crack again, not where it meats the body but near one of the bolt holes. Perhaps when it was replaced the additional reinforcement present on the other side was not reinstated?

With reinforcement

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Without, and cracking, not obvious on this photo though:

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Whilst I'm in there sorting this, is there any kind of ARB upgrade at the rear I should consider?

Next up coming in the post this week some Focal speakers to complete the minor audio refresh and replace the ancient Pioneers - these will see reuse in the G Wagen, that recently received the same Continental DAB radio I have fitted to the 911.

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

The late Carrera front ARB is generally considered big enough.  Any adjustable rear bar that is a couple of mm larger than std offers a nice little change in balance.  I had the cheapest Weltmeister version on the old car and never felt short changed vs the spendy Elephant et al type ones.

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A casualty of the CLM trip was the blower fan. On return found a nice thread here c/o Jonny Miller on removing the fan and lubricating it. It was obvious mine would need replacing once removed, the fan bearing had completely disintegrated, metal filings everywhere!

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I took a leap of faith and bashed off the white impeller (thought it might shatter) and looked to the usual Porsche specialists for replacement - around £100. 

However I found the Bosch part number - 0 130 007 002 - and got the same part for less than half - £48 - from the dreaded Autodoc. Unusually for them it arrived relatively quickly from Germany today and is boxed, branded and identical to the part I removed. Same part is used in various Mercedes and BMW from the same period.

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So it just goes to show avoid Porsche tax on these kinds of parts by shopping around. Same goes for the clutch master/slave I picked up a couple of weeks less for under half the same brand part at the specialists.

Will let you know how much it improves fresh air supply!

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  • 1 month later...

Got the IB back today - not driven it since the day I bought the GT3, because it has been in the queue for some small jobs at Majestic Motors (my friend's classic shop).

He has sorted the ARB mount - actually it was not cracked, when it was replaced the first time around it was not welded properly along it's whole length, and the reinforcement piece was left out. Now sorted back to how it would have looked from the factory.

There had been an occasional issue with the clutch pedal staying down after a long run during the CLM trip. So while it was on the ramp the slave cylinder was replaced, along with the master, and fresh ATE Super 200 fluid. 

So, conundrum time. The car drives better than ever, it is in the best condition it has been during my ownership, and tonight on the way home it just ticked over the magic 100k miles.

The air cooled car is certainly characterful, but the problem is in nearly every department the GT3 is subjectively better. It doesn't have the charm (or the build quality) of the air cooled car but in terms of ride, handling, engine, performance, comfort - it knocks it into a cocked hat.

Will I really be able to find the time to do justice to driving both as they are intended? Another factor is that track time these days is becoming focused on competition, and that is likely to get more so next year, as we are expanding our fledgling team. 

I'm really torn whether to make the IB a bit faster, revvier and noisier (probably Fenn Lane's ITBs + 3.4 conversion), or backdate it further (again with FL) - or both. But will that make me drive it more?

Or maybe I should sell it and let someone else enjoy it. ☠️

Any thoughts from the congregation?

 

 

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In your situation its tough, you have two superb cars from Porsches back catalog. If you’re driving the GT3 more and feel that the 3.2 would sit even with further modifications I would sell it and let someone else enjoy it. 

I have tried the multiple sports car thing and it never worked for me, 1 was hardly ever driven while the other got the lions share of the miles. Seemed a waste so I sold the lesser used one and have stuck to 1 sports car formula since. I am pretty busy though so some may have the time to work in multiple cars. 

Let me ask you this, if conditions were perfect to go for a drive which keys would you reach for first? That should answer your question. 

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7 hours ago, reddevil said:

Got the IB back today - not driven it since the day I bought the GT3, because it has been in the queue for some small jobs at Majestic Motors (my friend's classic shop).

He has sorted the ARB mount - actually it was not cracked, when it was replaced the first time around it was not welded properly along it's whole length, and the reinforcement piece was left out. Now sorted back to how it would have looked from the factory.

There had been an occasional issue with the clutch pedal staying down after a long run during the CLM trip. So while it was on the ramp the slave cylinder was replaced, along with the master, and fresh ATE Super 200 fluid. 

So, conundrum time. The car drives better than ever, it is in the best condition it has been during my ownership, and tonight on the way home it just ticked over the magic 100k miles.

The air cooled car is certainly characterful, but the problem is in nearly every department the GT3 is subjectively better. It doesn't have the charm (or the build quality) of the air cooled car but in terms of ride, handling, engine, performance, comfort - it knocks it into a cocked hat.

Will I really be able to find the time to do justice to driving both as they are intended? Another factor is that track time these days is becoming focused on competition, and that is likely to get more so next year, as we are expanding our fledgling team. 

I'm really torn whether to make the IB a bit faster, revvier and noisier (probably Fenn Lane's ITBs + 3.4 conversion), or backdate it further (again with FL) - or both. But will that make me drive it more?

Or maybe I should sell it and let someone else enjoy it. ☠️

Any thoughts from the congregation?

 

 

Put it on ice for 2 or 3 years. Many have regretted selling and now find it difficult to get back in.

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It's a tough job but someone has to do it 🤣

I think the advice about doing nothing and holding on for a while (at least till spring) is sound - I probably just needed to hear it - and make some decisions then.

If nothing else I should be looking at the corner in the garage taken by the Alfa and selling that - 1000 miles in 10 years - and three engine rebuilds! Hopefully it's rise in value has offset the many £££ that have been spent on it over the years...

 

 

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Out of interest, why 3 re-builds? performance or maintenance related? Thought those old Alfa engines were pretty sturdy.

Odd you have the complete opposite thoughts to me with regards keeping or selling a classic v new! Don't you find the newer car is just too capable? it needs to be on a track to get anywhere near using its proper capabilities. That's what i'm finding with the CR even if it is perfectly dosile on the road when required.

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3 hours ago, MarkJ said:

Out of interest, why 3 re-builds? performance or maintenance related? Thought those old Alfa engines were pretty sturdy.

Odd you have the complete opposite thoughts to me with regards keeping or selling a classic v new! Don't you find the newer car is just too capable? it needs to be on a track to get anywhere near using its proper capabilities. That's what i'm finding with the CR even if it is perfectly dosile on the road when required.

First two with a "marque specialist" who should have retired years ago. His first effort span a bearing on the dyno, during his attempt at redemption he forgot to clean debris from machining which although didn't lead to a failure scored all the bearings and jammed the relief valve on the (very expensive) oil pump open. 

It's now with my buddy - having fully blueprinted it, he has upgraded the spec further with oversized valves, bore out and alfaholics pistons. Let's hope this time it doesn't explode!

On the GT3, I find it's a great blend of oldskool and more modern 9x7 vibes. The front bobs around and the steering is great, yet it has usable torque and you can stick it in a higher gear when you're not in the mood. On the road though your options are 2nd and 3rd gear and even then your licence may be at risk.

It will be exciting to get it out on track, although ironically that is where my IB is most exciting too! That or very smooth flowing A-roads.

 

Edited by reddevil
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  • 1 month later...
On 9/12/2018 at 11:18 PM, reddevil said:

Or maybe I should sell it and let someone else enjoy it. ☠️

 

First time in the car since September yesterday, for a blast up to Donnington to have a look at the Wheatcroft F1 collection (it's closing forever on the 4th Nov as it doesn't fit in with MSV's plans). When I woke up I had to try very very hard to not take the GT3, but I need to get back and spend time in the IB to help decided whether to keep it in the fold or not.

Well I did not expect to have such a ball in it, especially given the roads between me and Donnington are far from special (save a few detours to old haunts in Leicestershire).

The weather was just gorgeous - sun out, heated seat on, windows full down, air cooled engine just seems to be crisper this time of year. I think Autumn is an epic driving season - weather permitting - no reason your classic's year should be over at the end of the summer. You're missing out on quieter weekend roads and a lot of fun.

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It's just sailed through it's MOT again, which shows I have used it a little more this year than last (3000 miles vs 1500 in 2017) - so 12k in total added in exactly 3 years I have owned it.

With both new master and slave clutch cylinders, and the work Fenn Lane did on the shifter mechanism last year, the gear change is an absolute joy; and the car just seemed to get keener and keener as I put some miles on it yesterday. Middle pedal firmer too I guess it was indeed time for fresh fluid and a bleed.

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Thoughts on the Wheatcroft collection - if you haven't visited before, it's a must see before they close it. But I can see where Dr. JP is coming from - if he wants a heritage collection to rival Silverstone's. Also the replica W125 Mercedes GP car, no doubt recreated at epic expense, does just not do it for me. It looks too clean and clinical.

Back to the IB - I think the conclusion I have come to is that the old car is just not that good unless you are going solo. It's hot and too small for two on a road trip (when one of you doesn't get it) and these days SWMBO point blank refuses to engage with it. So I think the plan is for now to reinstate the rest of the cage and harnesses and make it a Sundays-only type of affair, rather than a car to do any trips in.

I was down at Fenn Lane on Friday, and amongst other things talked over some of Chris' new engine bits for the 3.0/3.2's. Very tempting indeed. But as we all know, this is where the trouble starts! 

Final pic with requisite bumper bugs:

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Nice looking IB. Yes, I think these cars are much more fun solo or in a convoy of similar cars. Mrs Bee would want to install he man dual controls (funny how I remember that from my driving lessons at 17, all 8 of them!) if she came with me on most of my runs and that’s just not happening. 

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  • 6 months later...

Few updates on the old dawg.

On 9/29/2017 at 11:06 AM, SP72 said:

That should do the trick.  I've considered one of these for the Merc, I think Alpine do a similar one (if this isn't Alpine)

https://www.classiccarstereo.co.uk/classic-car-speakers/autosound-classic-car-stereo-speakers/compact-powered-subwoofer/

I took your recommendation SP and replaced the spare Sub I had that sat in the rear passenger footwell with an Alpine underseat unit. It's quite heavy which won't please the trackday crowd but the sound is a significant upgrade on the spare old Pioneer tube I had hanging around, and it fits perfectly between the seat rails. It's way too powerful for what I need so it's turned down quite a bit but it does tidy up the whole interior and is now completely invisible, so the illusion of RSness is maintained!

It's not quite the same as the one on your link, Amazon are doing a deal on them at the moment, model is PWE-V80

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If you recall I was puzzled at a previous "repair" on my rear ARB mounts last year, the LHS appears reinforced, whilst the RHS wasn't

On 6/30/2018 at 8:39 PM, reddevil said:

With reinforcement

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Without, and cracking, not obvious on this photo though:

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Turns out this is "factory". We had a very original never welded G50 targa in the race workshop and this has exactly the same setup. Wonder why they did it this way around? 

Elsewhere on the forum I've already posted images of the interior with new belts and wheel.

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I'm thinking of going a bit further with the interior and getting the dash and door tops leather covered with some nice double stitching, the originals are a kind of green which is weird on a blue car. I'll also get the seats recovered at some point this year, as the pascha trim just isn't to my taste and I suspect the seat covers are really synthetic leather. 

Might even go wild and echo the yellow in the belts and new wheel in the stitching!

Obviously all this love is being lavished on the car because it is staying for the time being. Had a great run in it cross country to Oulton Park in it yesterday for round 1 of the British GTs. We were guests to Barwell who run 2 lambos and had a great day with P2 in race 1 and a win in race 2!

Check out the embossed shield on the brake discs and the sheer depth of those enduro pads - about twice the thickness of road ones! Still need 3 or 4 sets for a 24hr race.

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