Thursday 27th March 2014
After passing IVA, Andy said to me that I needed to put about 500 miles on the clock and then bring it back to the factory to be set up properly once everything had time to settle down.
I was keen to get this done as I haven't been entirely happy with the handling up til now, particularly under powerful acceleration as the car seemed quite 'twitchy' and a bit like a high power front wheel drive car with a bad dose of torque steer.
I had discussed this with Andy and he was confident this would be resolved quite easily... and as usual he was right!!!!
Having had several consecutive days of early Spring sunshine, it was no surprise that on the day of the factory visit the forecast was horrible!!! So, arriving at the factory with the car on the new Brian James Race Shuttle and one eye on the weather, the trailer was unloaded and Andy was straight out with his various gauges and spirit levels.
First off damping was adjusted slightly on the front suspension. Then the rear alignment was adjusted, adding a fair bit of toe in. Next, rear ride height was dropped about 10mm and damping adjusted. The final tweak was then to set the rear camber angles correctly as there was a quite a bit of variation between left and right wheels.
Having made these adjustments, it was off up the road with Andy at the wheel. As a passenger, the car seemed stable and responsive through the various bends and roundabouts and was pulling up in a straight line under braking.
Andy then asked me to drive the car to see how it compared. Literally a mile up the road I could tell that the changes had make a huge difference. The car now went in the direction it was pointed, it didn't twitch under acceleration and it didn't follow the camber of the undulating roads as it had previously.
We got back to the factory just before the heavens opened and loaded the car back on to the shuttle for the short ride up to EDA in Castleford to have the carb set up. Ken rang just as I was leaving to say he had been called away to Donington, but 'Dyno Den' his colleague would be there to sort out the carb issues I had been experiencing.
Arriving at EDA, Denis decided to change the plugs and increase the plug gap to .040" from .025" before looking at the carb. This didn't seem to make too much difference so the carb was swapped for a brand new one. Float levels were checked and adjusted and vacuum was set up. Several tweaks later I headed back home hoping that the slow running problems were now a thing of the past - unfortunately I am still getting lumpy tick over and uneven performance sub 2000rpm particularly when coasting. A further trip back to Ken is required.
Showing posts with label Factory Visits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Factory Visits. Show all posts
Post IVA Photoshoot
Saturday 18th January 2014
Today was another massive day in the story of this Cobra build. Andy had advised me last week that Steve Hole, editor of Total Kit Car Magazine, was visiting the factory and wanted to do a feature on GD and what they had in build. Andy told him about my car and said it was a good example of an old school Cobra and Steve asked if I would object to him doing a photoshoot and write up on my build.
As you can imagine I was delighted with this news and needed no encouragement to agree. I arranged with Andy that he would strip back all the nasty ugly IVA bits and bobs and make the car look pretty in time for the shoot.
When I walked in to the factory and saw my car gleaming I couldn't hold back the smile - it looked every bit as good as I hoped it would when I first set about my build - better in fact because it has been built to my exact specification, by me and my good mate Ali and there isn't another car anywhere in the world that is the same as this. It truly is unique and I love it.
Sadly, when I arrived at the factory, the rain was pouring and the sky was black and the chance of a photoshoot seemed impossible but after a cup of coffee and a good old natter with Andy and Steve about the build the rain stopped and we were able to get a few photos taken. To add to my pleasure, Steve was really complimentary about the car and said if the images come out ok he wants it to feature on the front cover of the Stoneleigh issue of the magazine and he also asked if I would object to having the car on the stand for the weekend. Andy also told Steve that he would gladly have my car as his factory demo car - high praise indeed from the main man himself.
Steve has promised to send me copies of his professional images, but for now heres a few I took myself.
Today was another massive day in the story of this Cobra build. Andy had advised me last week that Steve Hole, editor of Total Kit Car Magazine, was visiting the factory and wanted to do a feature on GD and what they had in build. Andy told him about my car and said it was a good example of an old school Cobra and Steve asked if I would object to him doing a photoshoot and write up on my build.
As you can imagine I was delighted with this news and needed no encouragement to agree. I arranged with Andy that he would strip back all the nasty ugly IVA bits and bobs and make the car look pretty in time for the shoot.
When I walked in to the factory and saw my car gleaming I couldn't hold back the smile - it looked every bit as good as I hoped it would when I first set about my build - better in fact because it has been built to my exact specification, by me and my good mate Ali and there isn't another car anywhere in the world that is the same as this. It truly is unique and I love it.
Sadly, when I arrived at the factory, the rain was pouring and the sky was black and the chance of a photoshoot seemed impossible but after a cup of coffee and a good old natter with Andy and Steve about the build the rain stopped and we were able to get a few photos taken. To add to my pleasure, Steve was really complimentary about the car and said if the images come out ok he wants it to feature on the front cover of the Stoneleigh issue of the magazine and he also asked if I would object to having the car on the stand for the weekend. Andy also told Steve that he would gladly have my car as his factory demo car - high praise indeed from the main man himself.
Steve has promised to send me copies of his professional images, but for now heres a few I took myself.
 |
| Mean and Menacing |
 |
| Reflections |
 |
| Cute Ass? |
 |
| 6.3ltr V8 455bhp EDA Blueprinted Engine |
 |
| Ready to Rumble... |
Pre IVA
Spoke to Andy today who confirmed he had completed the pre-IVA jobs on my car that I had been unable to get finalised.
Andy also kindly sorted out the handbrake which I couldn't get to adjust properly. Turns out I had fitted the adjuster collar on the wrong side of the handbrake lever as can been seen in the photos below. This was a bit of a pain as it meant the drivers seat had to come back out!
The only thing needing doing now before the big day is to get the starter motor sorted. The one supplied by EDA doesn't engage properly with the flywheel no matter how I have shimmed it. Ken supplied an alternative unit a few weeks back but it looks identical and I have been having the same problems. Hopefully Andy can sort this out once and for all.
Andy also gave me some exciting news. Steve Hole, from Total Kit Car magazine is visiting the factory on Saturday 18th Jan and he is going to do a little feature on my car!!!
And to add to the excitement Andy has confirmed that he and a couple of other guys want to join me and a group of mates at Classic Le Mans in the summer.
Andy also kindly sorted out the handbrake which I couldn't get to adjust properly. Turns out I had fitted the adjuster collar on the wrong side of the handbrake lever as can been seen in the photos below. This was a bit of a pain as it meant the drivers seat had to come back out!
The only thing needing doing now before the big day is to get the starter motor sorted. The one supplied by EDA doesn't engage properly with the flywheel no matter how I have shimmed it. Ken supplied an alternative unit a few weeks back but it looks identical and I have been having the same problems. Hopefully Andy can sort this out once and for all.
Andy also gave me some exciting news. Steve Hole, from Total Kit Car magazine is visiting the factory on Saturday 18th Jan and he is going to do a little feature on my car!!!
And to add to the excitement Andy has confirmed that he and a couple of other guys want to join me and a group of mates at Classic Le Mans in the summer.
Update
Sunday 5th January 2014
Guess its time for an update as I've been pretty quiet on the blogging front of late.
Whats the reason this time for the lengthy absence? Well quite simply I haven't done a fat lot on the car until the past few weeks.
With hindsight, rushing to get the car drivable for Blyton was a mistake because since then I have hardly done anything as most jobs needed stuff that had been completed for Blyton to be removed to allow other jobs to be finished off and then re-done. It has felt like a bit of an anti-climax to be honest particularly as holidays followed Blyton then before I knew it late autumn was upon us and cold, dark damp nights are hardly the most enticing weather to get working in the garage.
I applied and paid for my IVA back in September and there was some confusion with my application regarding the engine performance figures I had supplied to VOSA and also they said the engine needed to be certified by an approved inspector prior to IVA and the certificate was to accompany the car. This was something of a shock as I was led to believe that Ken at EDA could provide all the evidence that would be needed to verify the date/origin of the block. As is typical of many government agencies the red tape in getting this sorted delayed things several weeks. Anyway, following these delays I decided that I would wait to IVA and register the car until early 2014 so in the event I ever sell it, then it will be a 2014 car not a 2013.
The engine inspection was arranged and passed (although I am still awaiting the certificate in the post) and the performance data clarified and a test date of 13th January 2014 agreed.
I have now arranged with Andy at GD that I will drop the car up there on Tuesday 7th January and he will do the final IVA prep and I will then accompany him to the test in Nottingham on 13th. The car will then stay with Andy for some final fettling of panels and fitment of hood and tonneau before I register it, hopefully on 1st March. This will then entitle the car to a '14' plate but I plan to register on my own 'AC 62 COB' plate that I bought a while back.
Over the next few days I will do my best to update the blog with all the little jobs Ive been working on to get the car ready...
Guess its time for an update as I've been pretty quiet on the blogging front of late.
Whats the reason this time for the lengthy absence? Well quite simply I haven't done a fat lot on the car until the past few weeks.
With hindsight, rushing to get the car drivable for Blyton was a mistake because since then I have hardly done anything as most jobs needed stuff that had been completed for Blyton to be removed to allow other jobs to be finished off and then re-done. It has felt like a bit of an anti-climax to be honest particularly as holidays followed Blyton then before I knew it late autumn was upon us and cold, dark damp nights are hardly the most enticing weather to get working in the garage.
I applied and paid for my IVA back in September and there was some confusion with my application regarding the engine performance figures I had supplied to VOSA and also they said the engine needed to be certified by an approved inspector prior to IVA and the certificate was to accompany the car. This was something of a shock as I was led to believe that Ken at EDA could provide all the evidence that would be needed to verify the date/origin of the block. As is typical of many government agencies the red tape in getting this sorted delayed things several weeks. Anyway, following these delays I decided that I would wait to IVA and register the car until early 2014 so in the event I ever sell it, then it will be a 2014 car not a 2013.
The engine inspection was arranged and passed (although I am still awaiting the certificate in the post) and the performance data clarified and a test date of 13th January 2014 agreed.
I have now arranged with Andy at GD that I will drop the car up there on Tuesday 7th January and he will do the final IVA prep and I will then accompany him to the test in Nottingham on 13th. The car will then stay with Andy for some final fettling of panels and fitment of hood and tonneau before I register it, hopefully on 1st March. This will then entitle the car to a '14' plate but I plan to register on my own 'AC 62 COB' plate that I bought a while back.
Over the next few days I will do my best to update the blog with all the little jobs Ive been working on to get the car ready...
Engine and Gearbox Installation
18 August 2012
Today is another big day in the build of my Cobra. The engine and gearbox are to be put together and fitted into the rolling chassis up at GD.
So another early start, another sunny summer morning, a Range Rover with a trailer and two excited car builders in it and its off to GD to we head.
On arrival, Andy had already fitted the clutch. So we set to work attaching the gearbox.
Fitting into the chassis was fiddly but not overly troublesome. Some bits and bobs had to be removed off the chassis and with some jiggery pokery we got it in place. The engine mounting bolts look a little on the short side to me and I plan to fit longer bolts there at some point.
Today is another big day in the build of my Cobra. The engine and gearbox are to be put together and fitted into the rolling chassis up at GD.
So another early start, another sunny summer morning, a Range Rover with a trailer and two excited car builders in it and its off to GD to we head.
On arrival, Andy had already fitted the clutch. So we set to work attaching the gearbox.
 |
| Clutch Fitted |
 |
| Pairing Engine & Gearbox |
 |
| Paired and Ready to Install |
Fitting into the chassis was fiddly but not overly troublesome. Some bits and bobs had to be removed off the chassis and with some jiggery pokery we got it in place. The engine mounting bolts look a little on the short side to me and I plan to fit longer bolts there at some point.
 |
| Left a bit, right a bit!!! |
 |
| And in she goes |
The gearbox mounting plate needed drilling so we also took advantage of Andy's workshop facilities to do this.
Once everything was in place and bolted securely we loaded the rolling chassis on to my trailer for the long journey home.
Rolling Chassis
Saturday 21st July
With the van loaded with my shiny new engine it was back on to the A1 for a trip down to GD to drop the engine off and to have a first look at my rolling chassis.
The plan being that we would head back to GD a few week later once the clutch and gearbox arrived and we could assemble everything and fit it into the chassis at GD using their engine hoist.
With the van loaded with my shiny new engine it was back on to the A1 for a trip down to GD to drop the engine off and to have a first look at my rolling chassis.
The plan being that we would head back to GD a few week later once the clutch and gearbox arrived and we could assemble everything and fit it into the chassis at GD using their engine hoist.
 |
| Rolling Chassis |
 |
| Wheels |
 |
| AP Brake Upgrade |
Engine Collection
Saturday 21st July 2012
The day has finally come to collect my engine and to be hinest I'm feeling a little like a kid on Christmas day.
A van is hired and its off to Castleford we go.
Driving to Engine Data Analysis on a bright summer's morning has also added to the air of excitement being shared by Ali and myself. On arrival the engine is already on an engine hoist and is in the entrance to the workshop. My grin is now from ear to ear and Ken is out to greet us with a handshake and a coffee.
Looking at this magnificent looking engine, I'm even more convinced I have done the right thing going down the iron block route as opposed to the supposedly more refined and less thirsty LS fuel injected units that GD like to use. I set out wanting original looks and great performance and I think this fits the bill just nicely.
The day has finally come to collect my engine and to be hinest I'm feeling a little like a kid on Christmas day.
A van is hired and its off to Castleford we go.
Driving to Engine Data Analysis on a bright summer's morning has also added to the air of excitement being shared by Ali and myself. On arrival the engine is already on an engine hoist and is in the entrance to the workshop. My grin is now from ear to ear and Ken is out to greet us with a handshake and a coffee.
Looking at this magnificent looking engine, I'm even more convinced I have done the right thing going down the iron block route as opposed to the supposedly more refined and less thirsty LS fuel injected units that GD like to use. I set out wanting original looks and great performance and I think this fits the bill just nicely.
 |
| Rear View |
 |
| Front View |
One thing that I had always liked when looking at original AC Cobra's was the large oval air filter. I had asked Ken if he could source this for me and we quickly changed the standard big round Edelbrock filter for the 'Cobra' filter. I hope you agree the final result looks bang on. As Steve comments in his blog, this might upset a few of the Ford purists but you know what? I don't give a damn - I just love the look of my engine. And the best thing is that it is unique. It has been built to my exact specification and design.
Time now to load the precious cargo into the van...
 |
| Now with the Oval 'Cobra' air filter |
Time now to load the precious cargo into the van...
 |
| Leaving EDA |
 |
| Loaded and ready to roll |
Engine Update
Received a call from Ken at EDA to say that the engine was built and ready for me to see it on the Dyno machine.
Ill post a photo here later showing the engine on the Dyno and put all the results up - but suffice to say I was over the moon with the performance figures. In short its about 75 bhp/tonne more than a Porsche 911 GT Turbo!!!
Ken, the perfectionist that he is still wasn't quite happy and suggested a few more tweaks were needed. A couple of days later he had changed some of the Carb settings, worked some more magic, squeezed a few more horse power and a created better torque curve. The engine was now ready for collection... Big smiles all round :)
As promised here is the engine on the Dyno
Ill post a photo here later showing the engine on the Dyno and put all the results up - but suffice to say I was over the moon with the performance figures. In short its about 75 bhp/tonne more than a Porsche 911 GT Turbo!!!
Ken, the perfectionist that he is still wasn't quite happy and suggested a few more tweaks were needed. A couple of days later he had changed some of the Carb settings, worked some more magic, squeezed a few more horse power and a created better torque curve. The engine was now ready for collection... Big smiles all round :)
As promised here is the engine on the Dyno
Max Power - 412Bhp @ 5500rpm
Max Torque - 455lb/ft @ 4100rpm
Engine Update
Having ordered the engine from Ken at Engine Data Analysis, I was a bit disappointed that it was going to be Easter time before he cold get the engine built. I was worried that I would have finished the body and would be sitting around doing nothing waiting... how wrong I was!!!
As it happens the engine build was delayed which didn't matter due to lack of progress with the body (for reasons covered elsewhere in this blog).
Midway through the engine build programme I went up to visit Ken (10th April 2012) and the team with my trusty assistant Ali. Ken showed us some of the many parts that would be going into my engine build.
My theme for the engine was to be a combination of black and silver - so the block was painted gloss black (in fairness against the advice of Ken as he felt the engine detailing would be lost when fitted in car) and all ancillary components would be in aluminium.
As it happens the engine build was delayed which didn't matter due to lack of progress with the body (for reasons covered elsewhere in this blog).
Midway through the engine build programme I went up to visit Ken (10th April 2012) and the team with my trusty assistant Ali. Ken showed us some of the many parts that would be going into my engine build.
 |
| Moroso Aluminium Sump |
 |
| Holley Road Avenger Carb |
 |
| Edelbrock Aluminium Cylinder Head wiht 'D' Shaped Exhaust Ports |
 |
| GM Chevy 383 Block S/N 3970010 |
 |
| GM Chevy 383 Block S/N 3970010 |
 |
| Pistons & Rings |
My theme for the engine was to be a combination of black and silver - so the block was painted gloss black (in fairness against the advice of Ken as he felt the engine detailing would be lost when fitted in car) and all ancillary components would be in aluminium.
I felt the rocker cover was a little too bright and would make the engine appear to 'blingy' so we agree that this would be powder coated in gloss black with the fins remaining in natural aluminuim. The finished version looks great on the engine!!
 |
| Aluminium Rocker Cover - to be powder coated |
Excitement - Engine & Chassis Ordered
Tuesday 17th January
Well, today proved to be a very exciting day in my Cobra Build program.
After phone calls to various engine builders, a visit was planned to see Ken Coleman at EDA up in Castleford, West Yorkshire. It took three hours to get there after M6 traffic problems but have to say it was well worth the journey.
Met Ken and his two colleagues and they couldn't have been more accommodating with coffee on arrival, a workshop tour and an explanation of their build process. Some two hours later, I had shaken hands on a deal for a 400+bhp 383 Chevy Stroker engine, blueprinted and built to EDA's exacting standards including steel crank, steel conrods and aluminium Edelbrock heads.
Estimated delivery to be end of April 2012. This gives plenty of time to complete all body work tasks without any excuses!
A trip back down the A1 followed calling in at GD to meet with Andy to discuss the Chassis configuration and options.
Another hour later and I've shaken hands on the deal to supply the rolling chassis complete with AP brake upgrade. Still need to give some thought to the radiator though and decide if I go for conventional with single fan or the aluminium rad with twin fans.
So... best part of £30k later and I'm driving back home. Broke but happy and looking forward to the end of April. The engine will be delivered to GD and Andy has agreed that we can help with the installation!!! How exciting!!! And much better than any Easter Egg :)
Well, today proved to be a very exciting day in my Cobra Build program.
After phone calls to various engine builders, a visit was planned to see Ken Coleman at EDA up in Castleford, West Yorkshire. It took three hours to get there after M6 traffic problems but have to say it was well worth the journey.
Met Ken and his two colleagues and they couldn't have been more accommodating with coffee on arrival, a workshop tour and an explanation of their build process. Some two hours later, I had shaken hands on a deal for a 400+bhp 383 Chevy Stroker engine, blueprinted and built to EDA's exacting standards including steel crank, steel conrods and aluminium Edelbrock heads.
Estimated delivery to be end of April 2012. This gives plenty of time to complete all body work tasks without any excuses!
A trip back down the A1 followed calling in at GD to meet with Andy to discuss the Chassis configuration and options.
Another hour later and I've shaken hands on the deal to supply the rolling chassis complete with AP brake upgrade. Still need to give some thought to the radiator though and decide if I go for conventional with single fan or the aluminium rad with twin fans.
So... best part of £30k later and I'm driving back home. Broke but happy and looking forward to the end of April. The engine will be delivered to GD and Andy has agreed that we can help with the installation!!! How exciting!!! And much better than any Easter Egg :)
Budget Realignment - Engine & Chassis Decisions
Wednesday 11th January
This week I have been talking to engine builders to get some idea of lead time and costs and also been in touch with Andy at GD to get an estimate for the GDEURO rolling chassis - OMG!!! My budget certainly needs realigning.
Engine Builders
Spoken at length with Ian at British American Engines and have a price of c£5.5k + VAT for a 400BHP+ Chevy Stroker.
Then spoke to Ken Coleman at EDA (as recommended by Andy at GD) and he has quoted £8k + VAT for what on the face of it is a very similar unit. Off to visit him on Tuesday to have a look around his workshop.
Could really do with hearing from some other builders about their experiences.
Chassis
Andy has sent his quote through for the rolling chassis and this was an even bigger fall of my chair moment - c£18k + VAT
Need to go through the bill of materials in detail and see what, if anything, can be deferred until later in the year without overly delaying my build - a set of temp wheels and tyres would defer best part of £2k!!
This week I have been talking to engine builders to get some idea of lead time and costs and also been in touch with Andy at GD to get an estimate for the GDEURO rolling chassis - OMG!!! My budget certainly needs realigning.
Engine Builders
Spoken at length with Ian at British American Engines and have a price of c£5.5k + VAT for a 400BHP+ Chevy Stroker.
Then spoke to Ken Coleman at EDA (as recommended by Andy at GD) and he has quoted £8k + VAT for what on the face of it is a very similar unit. Off to visit him on Tuesday to have a look around his workshop.
Could really do with hearing from some other builders about their experiences.
Chassis
Andy has sent his quote through for the rolling chassis and this was an even bigger fall of my chair moment - c£18k + VAT
Need to go through the bill of materials in detail and see what, if anything, can be deferred until later in the year without overly delaying my build - a set of temp wheels and tyres would defer best part of £2k!!
Body in Mould
Friday 28th October
After the disappointment of not seeing my car in the mould on 18th October, I was very pleased to receive an email from Andy with some photos showing progress....
Roll on collection day - 3rd November!!!!
After the disappointment of not seeing my car in the mould on 18th October, I was very pleased to receive an email from Andy with some photos showing progress....
 |
| GD427 Mk4 As moulded |
Factory Visit
Tuesday 18th October
Woke up feeling excited. Visiting factory today to see my car being moulded.
Arrive at factory late morning and excitement sadly fades. Mould assembled and masked ready for moulding but no gel coat or fibreglass applied at this point :(
Not to worry, Had a good chat with Andy and looked at a recently moulded body destined for Oz and got some good tips on de-flashing and the like
Andy says the body should be ready for collection by end of month. So I best get on and finish the A Frame Trestles and a get a Luton van on order for collection!!
Need to make final changes to garage in readiness!!!
Woke up feeling excited. Visiting factory today to see my car being moulded.
Arrive at factory late morning and excitement sadly fades. Mould assembled and masked ready for moulding but no gel coat or fibreglass applied at this point :(
 |
| Mould marked up for body stripes |
Not to worry, Had a good chat with Andy and looked at a recently moulded body destined for Oz and got some good tips on de-flashing and the like
Andy says the body should be ready for collection by end of month. So I best get on and finish the A Frame Trestles and a get a Luton van on order for collection!!
Need to make final changes to garage in readiness!!!
Gardner Douglas Factory Visit
Thursday 1st September
Went to GD Cars and met Andy Burrows - great chap and extremely helpful!
Saw lots of cars in different colours, was taken for a mind blowing ride in ACC898A - a fantastic example of a GDJAG with Iron Block in Signal Red
Went away with my head in a complete spin - should I go GDJAG or GDEURO? If I go JAG then should I go rolling chassis or kit form? Side pipes or underslung? What colour should I go for - I went along thinking it would be the traditional dark blue or black and definitely not red but fell in love with ACC898A - decisions, decisions!!!
After boring the wife with all my thoughts and I went to bed still undecided about pretty much everything
Went to GD Cars and met Andy Burrows - great chap and extremely helpful!
Saw lots of cars in different colours, was taken for a mind blowing ride in ACC898A - a fantastic example of a GDJAG with Iron Block in Signal Red
Went away with my head in a complete spin - should I go GDJAG or GDEURO? If I go JAG then should I go rolling chassis or kit form? Side pipes or underslung? What colour should I go for - I went along thinking it would be the traditional dark blue or black and definitely not red but fell in love with ACC898A - decisions, decisions!!!
After boring the wife with all my thoughts and I went to bed still undecided about pretty much everything
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
