danwebster

Hmmm....quite honestly, no I'm not.

It seems like a big task, but when you break it down into its component parts its not too daunting. I've built several engines and gearboxes before so I have a good understanding of how they go together and when to consult the manuals for the critical bits. I got hold of a copy of the oem honda civic manual which I needed for stuff like torque settings and the correct procedure for installing the chain tensioner, but general assembly is just a matter of being methodical and taking your time.

Likewise, when I took the car apart I made a note of anything that was new to me so that I new how to reassemble it. Stuff like the shims inbetween the chassis and the subframe. I've never removed the subframe on an elise before, but now that I have I know what goes where and how it goes back together.  Taking stuff apart is the best way to learn I've found!

If you're that way inclined then I think there's nothing you can't do yourself without a bit of patience, its very rewarding when it all comes together I must say.

More exciting developments...

I now have an oil filter:



And the fuel system is finished!



The pressure gauge is temporary, once the pressure is set i'll remove it and stick a shiny little plug in there...

The fuel flow and return in all its glory...





I even filled the engine with oil, although unfortunately i'm still missing one oil fitting as I was sat on the potty when the postie came so rather than leaving me a package he left me a little love letter instead...

its getting tantalisingly close to being more than just an expensive sculpture though, exciting times

Possible, yes. It probably looks worse from the pictures but the pipes are plenty far enough away from the belts for it not to be a concern.

I wanted to keep the length of the pipe runs as short as possible to reduce the effect on oil pressure.

My fuel pressure regulator turned up so I'm in the process of finishing the fuel system, after offering it up I've decided to change what id planned slightly, I was going to fit the fpr on the bulkhead where the return joins the hard line, but I realised this would leave me with a very short and straight run of flexi hose with no slack in it, so I've changed the setup slightly and moved the fpr next to the fuel filter. It's actually neater this way but means I need a couple of new fittings, which I ordered on Thursday.

Still, the return is almost done now.



I also now have three working pedals

After a lot of trial and error I've also plumbed in the laminova, which was bloody tricky given my choice of -12 fittings. I hindsight I probably should saved a whole heap of cash and put smaller, cheaper steel fittings that don't take up as much space, but at least this should last a life time.

I used the existing bulkhead water pipe fixings and spaced the laminova off slightly like so



And then measured up and made the hoses...this stuff is hurendously expensive so getting it right first time is critical, measure twice cut once!



Again, following a change in method, I need another fitting so I wasn't able to fully complete the oil system, but once the final 90 degree fitting arrives for the other side of the remote filter head it'll be complete.



Aiming for the first start next weekend....!