Nice work Julian! I'd say you earned a night out on that one. Your gears look perfect, the boxes are nearly indestructible unless the motor gets turbos. Can you see any difference in the syncro's? I have been told that the manual boxes have different syncros due to the difference in the pressure the F1 hydro actuator uses vs. us humans pushing on the lever? Supposedly the F1 syncro's are tougher to withstand the abuse. It's only rumor to me, but as your knee deep in guts...what do you think? That car will really be something special, keep it up.
Evening all - well - first off there are a few differences anyway on the Stradale box like this one. Its detail changes for the different ratios - unfortunately I don't have the manual box anymore either to be able to make any kind of comparison. Looking at the parts diagrams however seems to show no difference between the internals of F1 and manual versions. (But I did only take a quick look so don't quote me on that.) So today was put most of it back together day... let's review what mischief I got up to! First job was to remove the inspection grille which had become damaged, either in the crash that wrote off the donor car or by some errant jacking... Image Unavailable, Please Login
Next up I cleaned the threads on the back of the gearbox. Absolutely nothing wrong with them but it's a great way to make sure you don't have any problems later especially when lots of old sealant and dirt has been floating about Image Unavailable, Please Login
This is where the F1 pump or manual actuator fits on. The two lower studs are longer on the manual - had to use the blow torch to warm them, extract and swap... Image Unavailable, Please Login
They use the same synchro's. Same 'box. Only the method of actuation is different. They are also FAR from indestructible. They commonly require rebuild....
Lower engine oil inspection cover removed, cleaned up and prepared for reinstall... Image Unavailable, Please Login
The hondabond 1184 can be spread really even with a finger - nice to use... Image Unavailable, Please Login
Assembly back in and gently torque it down. Tip. If you do this job the most important thing is (well I suppose it's all important but) that you get the main worm drive securing holes lined up inside before you make any attempt to tighten this thing down. I used some long bolts to key the fixings just to help it line up. Worked great - required 2 attempts. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Reverse and the other fiddly bits going back in. Don't forget the detent springs!! Haha Image Unavailable, Please Login
There we go looks much nicer. That p shaped washer you see on the lower gear needs sticking to the back cover with oil as you install it because it keys into the rear cover. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Et voila - no more nasty sealant and it's back together in time for tea and perhaps another cheeky beer Thanks for the tip on the shaft seals - will do That's it for today guys but pleased with progress it went back together really nice and now at least I know the box is in great shape Image Unavailable, Please Login
Good work Julian, Q Does anyone here know (RustyBits?) the difference between the Challenge Gearbox end cap and the road car one (other than weight and size)? Is it just a weight saving part and are they a direct swap? I never got around to fitting this... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi Trev - yes that's absolutely identical apart from the back bit being "ground off". Didn't even know that part existed as a difference and would definitely have bolted one on if I had! Looks cool.
In fact Trev if you want to sell that cover I'll take it - may as well when it's so easy at this stage.
Love the hands on approach to this thread. Its much more fun that way. Julian have you in the past had a bit of a dabble with a vehicle beginning with E? or is that just a namesake
Haha Paul I wondered how long it would take before someone asked that. When I was building my Caterham special it was more Lotus related obviously and the number of times was funny. But no just to be clear I am not (sadly) the famous and brilliant designer of the Lotus Elise, Mr Julian Thompson.
Yes I remember now you're right - I think he does - I'm so pleased I turned down a lovely Dino fifteen years ago for £50k. Excellent business move :-(