Nlc - Lister Bell Stratos Build Thread

[chris_h]

There is a limit on how many pictures you can post in a row. You can post more now after my reply...

[jonnyfox]

Isn't there 

[Dr H]

Cheers Chris - more pics

 

Suspension arms, linkages etc.

 

 

 

 

 

ARB Bushes and wishbone bush sleeves

 

 

 

F+R ARB Brackets

 

 

Lots of silicone hoses

 

 

 

More laser cut stainless – no idea what it is!

 

A massive bag of fasteners in a ‘Russian doll’ style….

 

 

 

 

The labeling could take a bit of deciphering!

 

[Sundaydriver]

Woah, some very nice cnc stuff there !!! Great quality:-)

[Dr H]

Wiring arrived. I hate wiring - I don;t understand it.....

 

[Dr H]

I'm storming ahead

 

Did the first job today. Painted the master cylinders with Eastwood Brake Gray paint. It's going to take me a while to do this as everything will be prepared in some way before it goes on. Can't just bolt it all together.....

Blurry picture



Also had to remove the brackets form the rad and swap them round so the rad can be put in with the bleed screw on top rather than bottom. Basically had to bend the ally back, swap them and then push it back.

 

Dropping loads of stuff off with a powder coater tomorrow. Lots of consumables ordered today like tie wraps and saddles, rivets, rivnuts, p-clips etc. Also plan to stone chip the underside and the inner front wings (not fitted yet) so ordered all that too.

 

Hopefully I can start in anger in the next couple of weeks. Lots of prepping to do in the meantime.

[mambosasa]

Stop painting and keep building man! 

[Dr H]

Still waiting for some powder coated stuff but have now drilled all the ali paneling at the back read for install. Just need to add some sound deadening and heat shield and then it can be riveted on.

 

Will update with some pics over the weekend.

[Daveb99]

Excellent stuff Leigh. Who does your powder coating?

[Dr H]

Excellent stuff Leigh. Who does your powder coating?

 

Dave

 

I usually use Dumelows in Burton on Trent. However I've recently been put on to a bloke in Ravenstone. He did some for another MLOCer. He's very good but can't do very large stuff. He might just be able to do an undertray - not sure though. He can do wishbones etc.

[Dr H]

The build is progressing very slowly. I'll get some decent pics up in the next couple of weeks. I keep coming across small issues that put things back but I'm generally heading in the right direction I guess. Just much slower then expected......

 

Anyway - the engine is in bits so I went over to have a look today. What does the inside of a 176k Alfa V6 look like?

Bloody good actually.

Crank and camshafts all fine, no scoring or wear.

One of the heads is a darker colour (inside) than the other. Engine builder not sure why and never seen mismatching colours on twin head engine. Maybe one was replaced in the past?
 

But best of all, you can still see the honing marks on the bores after 176,000 miles!!

 

One small issue. Whoever did work on the engine before (we think maybe the rocker covers and / or sump have been off before) used a *bit* too much sealant and the surplus found its way into the sump. About 30% of the pickup area of the pump was covered! (Thanks to Dan Webster for this pic - the engine is with a guy who has a unit in the same palce as Dan's).

 

So - these engines seem very very strong and well made.

Trouble is the cost of parts is insane. To completely rebuild the engine with new stuff to make it 'as new' and add ITBs will cost over £5k. and then there's the gearbox, ECU, loom etc etc.

[Phil S1]

Any more updates for us yet Leigh?....and I bet you'll be going to Donington at the end of the month won't you?

 

http://www.thefastcarfestival.co.uk/stratos-enthusiast-club

[Steve J]

Well it's not as though you've other things to spend your money on is it Leigh?

[Dr H]

Cheers Phil, was aware of this and might try and go along.

 

Just collected the last bits of the engine for the rebuild. Reground cams now back from Piper too. But build not really started yet. Have asked for it to be done by the end of August so we'll see how it goes. It's all in bits, it’s a case of rebuilding it and having it fully balanced.

 

Still waiting on some of the suspension and brakes parts from Lister Bell. They are having new shocks made by Nitron so I've agreed to wait for these instead of have the stuff they have in stock. Hopefully I can collect the shocks, brakes and exhaust at the end of next week.

 

Wheels are 9-10 week delivery. Only ordered then about 2 weeks ago. really need it on the wheels before I fit the engine as I want it off the built trolley before I do.

 

Pretty much fitted all the other bits to the chassis.

 

So hopefully by mid Sept I should be at the point of fitting the engine and starting it (or trying at least).

 

Promise I'll post some pics once I have the shocks and brakes on.

[Phil S1]

Good to hear it's still progressing, looking forward to the next update