Next up is a shot of the tubs without anything in them. I was surprised to see that the newer style tub is a LOT deeper than the original part. In fact, the forward lip of the new tub extends almost to the edge of the lip of the '87 front air dam. Looks like there will be a bit more fibreglass work to be done to integrate this part into the car.
There are several other detail differences between the two parts, like hole placement for mounting and hoses, the way the trailing edge of the tubs are formed, the lack of the raised platform for the oil cooler, and the sculpting of the leading edge. The '87 actually flares out a little (see top photo), while the newer part is narrower in the front and opens out to the radiators. I think part of this sculpting is to make some room for the split oil coolers. There may be room between the tub and the side of the air dam, but I'm not gonna bet on it.
Speaking of oil coolers, it looks like Lotus just about doubled the size of the radiator surface with the split coolers. On the top are the left and right coolers from the V8, below is the single unit used in the early turbos. This setup should be more than adequate for FrankEnSPRITs powerplant, assuming I can provide a good amount of air to them and get the air back out again.
So, the next steps for this end of the car is to secure the new radiators in the new tray and mount them to the car, or at least place them where they belong. I will need to fill the current holes and redrill them to line up with the bobbins in the bodywork, plus sort out how to route the hoses for the A/C and chargecooler. I will also start fiddling around with the oil coolers and ducts to see how they might mount up in the space available.
2 comments:
Dear Mike,
I'm amazed at the level of reconstruction and the high standards of workmanship you are using on FrankEnSprit. I'm always both pleased and envious when I see these kinds of projects: first, you obviously have a great deal of ability and second, you have a coterie of friends upon whom to call to move forward quickly on some tasks. I like the way you scrounge for parts. On small projects I've done [I'm restoring a 1997 Miata R Package---#9 of 49] the hunt for quality, inexpensive new or used parts is at least 50% of the fun.
It's obvious you're having a good time! Good luck on your project. I look forward to each installment.
GP
Thanks Gary - it's nice to know somebody is listening.
I agree with you about finding the parts. You get to meet a lot of people in the hobby you wouldn't ever come across otherwise. One thing I have noticed over time is that once you find some parts, it seems to get easier to find others, as people start to hear about the project and fill you in on other people who may be able to help. That is how I am finding some of the rarer bits.
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