Neil_M
RMS Regular
- Messages
- 4,766
I've been busting for a suitable track car for quite a few years.
It was time to push on and get something organised.
I'd looked at MX5s as another contender, likewise with a classic Impreza Turbo. However I don't fix in MX5s comfortable, the Impreza I'd be worried would end up costing quite a bit to maintain, especially for track use.
The EP3 then steps in. The engine and gearbox are the main positives. However a fairly inert chassis needs a little work (an excellent aftermarket following helps loads).
So a few months of scouring the classifieds had me concerned a I may need to look beyond NI. I found most EP3s haven't been maintained (they best mates cousin twice removed serviced it, with no evidence). They had been lowered on eBay coilovers, clocked or were just heaps. In fairness to the cars, they must be pretty robust to still be running based on the condition of some.
A mate @aza89 was helping me look at cars. We nipped out of work one lunch time to look at one (I was dubious about the pre-facelift looks). It had tonnes of history, it was standard and nothing on the car was of major concern, beyond poo tyres, needing brakes etc.
I picked it up that night so on it goes.
Jonny @ AI Autosport was of superb advice as always, so the chain and tensioner was ordered (there was no evidence of it ever being replaced). He fitted these on record time, along with drop links, performing a leak down test, along with a thorough check over. All was reported healthy beyond the ball joins and tie rod ends showing a little wear.
The clean-up begins
Wheel cleaner (Dragon's Breath), trying to clean up the wheels.
Plates done by @Neil@rockvale . This is the original supplying dealer, Neil done a cracking job at replicating their logo.
Found this in the CD player, WTF! I've left it in
.
Cabin filters being replaced.
Parts started to arrive. Cheap drop links, timing chain, chain tensioner and aux belt.
Ferodo DS2500 brake pads front and rear.
An additional set of wheels (excellent condition), with a set of slicks. Thanks @Delboy23
Road tyres arrived, Michelin Pilot Sport 4's.
Mounted onto the new rims. Slicks are in the garage.
Gear knob has seen better days.
Another parcel arrived. Rebuilt calipers all round.
Wheels mounted with centre caps (I added the H badge and lacquered them.
Calipers painted up.
Brembo Group N discs treated with a lick of paint too.
Airbox opened to find an admittedly dirty K&N. It was cleaned up and oiled.
Airbox has had part of the baffle removed. It goes some way to the Hondata airbox mod (removing the internal baffling to aid flow).
Removed and washed.
I refurbished the gear knob with several coats of lacquer and added in the shift extension (a great little mod, especially when you buy a
generic threaded road, no scene tax).
Wiper arms painted up with new aero blades.
It was time to push on and get something organised.
I'd looked at MX5s as another contender, likewise with a classic Impreza Turbo. However I don't fix in MX5s comfortable, the Impreza I'd be worried would end up costing quite a bit to maintain, especially for track use.
The EP3 then steps in. The engine and gearbox are the main positives. However a fairly inert chassis needs a little work (an excellent aftermarket following helps loads).
So a few months of scouring the classifieds had me concerned a I may need to look beyond NI. I found most EP3s haven't been maintained (they best mates cousin twice removed serviced it, with no evidence). They had been lowered on eBay coilovers, clocked or were just heaps. In fairness to the cars, they must be pretty robust to still be running based on the condition of some.
A mate @aza89 was helping me look at cars. We nipped out of work one lunch time to look at one (I was dubious about the pre-facelift looks). It had tonnes of history, it was standard and nothing on the car was of major concern, beyond poo tyres, needing brakes etc.
I picked it up that night so on it goes.
Jonny @ AI Autosport was of superb advice as always, so the chain and tensioner was ordered (there was no evidence of it ever being replaced). He fitted these on record time, along with drop links, performing a leak down test, along with a thorough check over. All was reported healthy beyond the ball joins and tie rod ends showing a little wear.
The clean-up begins
Wheel cleaner (Dragon's Breath), trying to clean up the wheels.
Plates done by @Neil@rockvale . This is the original supplying dealer, Neil done a cracking job at replicating their logo.
Found this in the CD player, WTF! I've left it in
.
Cabin filters being replaced.
Parts started to arrive. Cheap drop links, timing chain, chain tensioner and aux belt.
Ferodo DS2500 brake pads front and rear.
An additional set of wheels (excellent condition), with a set of slicks. Thanks @Delboy23
Road tyres arrived, Michelin Pilot Sport 4's.
Mounted onto the new rims. Slicks are in the garage.
Gear knob has seen better days.
Another parcel arrived. Rebuilt calipers all round.
Wheels mounted with centre caps (I added the H badge and lacquered them.
Calipers painted up.
Brembo Group N discs treated with a lick of paint too.
Airbox opened to find an admittedly dirty K&N. It was cleaned up and oiled.
Airbox has had part of the baffle removed. It goes some way to the Hondata airbox mod (removing the internal baffling to aid flow).
Removed and washed.
I refurbished the gear knob with several coats of lacquer and added in the shift extension (a great little mod, especially when you buy a
generic threaded road, no scene tax).
Wiper arms painted up with new aero blades.
