SLROC Forum

General Category => TECHNICAL CHAT => Topic started by: corvettedave on December 08, 2011, 12:07:05 AM

Title: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on December 08, 2011, 12:07:05 AM
I thought I would do a build thread for my tomcat 100inch comp racer for anyone that might be interested, to help others in there builds, also for peeps to help me with my build problems, all contributions welcome.

Ive started off with a rolling chassis(disco 1) and engine/gearbox bolted in, fia safety cage, disco 1 axles, fox 2.5inch shocks, tomcat springs.



(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/FIAcage.jpg)
fia safety cage

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/ls3a.jpg)
GM LS3 v8 engine(430bhp, 430lb/ft torque)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/engine-1.jpg)
engine in chassis

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/enginespace.jpg)
engine placement in chassis, 10inch back from standard

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/gearboxtop.jpg)
Tremec tko600 5 speed gearbox, can handle 600lb/ft of torque, close ratio version and lt230 tranfers box with changes made to the gearbox tail houseing to allow lt230 fitment

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/manifold.jpg)
engine manifold hanging out over the chassis rail, need some clever exhaust work!



Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Tomreade93 on December 08, 2011, 12:49:44 AM
Wow this is looking like its going to be one lovely tomcat!

Keep up the good work and keep those photos coming!
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on December 09, 2011, 08:54:11 AM
Will do, thanks
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Alan Mc on December 09, 2011, 09:07:05 AM
Looks great & please keep the updates coming.
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: boghog on December 09, 2011, 01:43:43 PM
Quote: "engine manifold hanging out over the chassis rail, need some clever exhaust work!"

I see your problem but the solution is simple. Your engine is too small, add a few more cubics and ponies and the manifolds will clear the chassis.  ;D


Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on December 09, 2011, 10:01:55 PM
lol
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Team Wasp on December 13, 2011, 02:11:00 AM
Hi Dave

Photos look good.  Really like that FIA cage as it seems such an improvement over the original design with the extra triangulation beside the passengers heads, the upright from the corner of the windscreen to the floor and the diagonal bracing in the doors.  Although it's still not a multipoint it's a lot more like the rally boys use rather than the basic 6 points we have used for years.  Much safer.

Like the engine and box and you have obviously parted with a few quid for those.

One weak point we discovered with our car (now rectified) is that the radius arm mounts at the chassis end take quite a pounding so we had to beef them up.  Bear in mind though ours is using D2 axles and radius arms rather than your D1 which are not quite the same style but I thought I would mention it.

Don't know if you are looking for seats yet but I have just the thing.  Due to a change of plans i have a pair of QT seats with removeable vinyl cushions available.  these have never been used so are as new.....at much less than new price. PM me your email address and I can send you more info if you think you may be interested.

Best of luck with the build.
regards Brian
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on December 13, 2011, 10:59:56 PM
Hi Brian

thanks for the info, I will keep a eye on the radius arm mounts

Pm on its way

cheers

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Team Wasp on December 15, 2011, 02:34:10 AM
Hi Dave

It might be worth considering front axle strengthening with internal tubing and external guarding, strengthening the chassis where the steering drop arm is and putting in a larger and stronger bolt, a heater and/or a heated windscreen.  I find three wipers work quite well too.  Tomcat supply heated screens (don't know the cost) but bear in mind you can get a plant glazing firm to cut you a normal screen for ?90 approx.  My last one got destroyed in its first race due to the wet grinding paste that Auchentorlie threw up at it this year.  oh, and that's the first event next year.... ;D

Regards Brian
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on December 15, 2011, 06:44:35 PM
"considering front axle strengthening with internal tubing and external guarding"

done and dusted, tomcat have done all above mods to both front and rear axles

I was going to get a front screen from tomcat, but it will be the last job done, dont want to break it with a flying spanner!

many thanks

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on February 13, 2012, 07:28:26 PM
Update:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/Mach5wheels.jpg)
Mach 5 wheels and fedima extreme tyres

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/frontpulleys.jpg)
Corvette accessory drive kit

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/steering.jpg)
Anti-play Quick Release Steering Boss

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/Wormedoutgear.jpg)
Wormed out transfer box gear to fit my larger gearbox shaft

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/APracingtwinplateclutch.jpg)
AP racing twin plate clutch

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/Downpipe.jpg)
Downpipe made to fit around the chassis

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/alternatorclosetofrontshockloop.jpg)Alt very close to the shock loop, had to grind some of the alt case to get it to clear

Progress is quite slow, getting there tho!

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: KIERON on March 04, 2012, 10:36:11 PM
dave-it looks cracking.i got plant glazing to supply and fit my bowler windscreen for £110 and paul from tomcat done me a great deal on their windscreen wiper set up-dead easy to install.   
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on April 05, 2012, 11:48:36 PM
updates -

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/tomcatfront.jpg)
front wings and front arches fitted

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/tomcatrearside.jpg)
rear arches and internal panels fitted

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/tomcatinside.jpg)
fitting trans tunnel

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/100Lfueltank.jpg)
new 100L fuel tank

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/tomcatrear.jpg)
exhaust system done, with a rather nice 4 inch exhaust silencer! lol
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Pilot Custard on April 06, 2012, 03:44:07 PM
exhaust system done, with a rather nice 4 inch exhaust silencer! lol

So long as you keep it to less that 100dB (as per Blue Book) - make is as big and deep and throaty as you can!!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on April 06, 2012, 07:33:05 PM
exhaust system done, with a rather nice 4 inch exhaust silencer! lol

So long as you keep it to less that 100dB (as per Blue Book) - make is as big and deep and throaty as you can!!!  ;D ;D

should be interesting!, there are 2 cats, one either side of engine, so that should help to reduce noise, have to wait and see

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Pilot Custard on April 06, 2012, 08:50:08 PM
If its a wee bit over, you get a warning & allowed to play (but it needs to be right the next time).
If its a lot over, no playing.....
:)
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: robertspark on April 10, 2012, 09:26:03 PM
Hello,

My first post on this forum, I must say this tomcat looks very interesting.

Questions:

1) the TKO600, who's done the adapter for the LT230 transfer case?? Rakeway or someone else? 

2) The bellhousing, is it a GM - T56, with spacers to adapt it to the TKO600?

Many thanks for any direction you can give, I'm in the process of putting an LS7 into a 90, and am having gearbox dilemmas as to which way to go...
TKO600, 6L80 (but there is a torque issue here and controllability as it's all fly by wire via the GM controllers, and the 6L90's seem hard to come by, as well as figuring out how I'm going to get an LT230 on the end of it) or T56, T6060 (same issues with the LT230 though).

Originally I was going to try to see what the torque rating of the LT85 was, but I'm not sure as no one seems to know what rating the LT85 has or is likely to withstand, I am aware that they tend to go through bearings with constant high speed running, but like all gearboxes if I could keep the oil temperature down, and maybe look at mods to the bearing specs it may just hold up, but I'm not sure about the actual mechanical strength.  I have a HD LT85 (non-splitcase) reconditioned, but there is no sense in wrecking a good box.

With regards to the rest of the drivetrain, I am intending on using True trac front + rear torque proportional differentials and a Quaife LSD within the LT230 which should go some way toward spreading the engine torque around the drivetrain components a little

Thanks for your time in advance, Rob
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on April 10, 2012, 11:56:03 PM
Hi Rob, the LS7 into the landrover should be a monster!

the tko600 adapter was done by rakeway, iam sure rakeway could build an adapter for any gearbox, but may cost more if they have not done it before

yes the bellhousing is a t56 bell, with the rakeway doing the adapter/spacer, they used the t56 bell, cos its fits better to the ls3, compared to using the bell that fits the tko600, which is older in design and doesnt fit 100% to the ls3, it will fit, but you have some missing bolt holes in the bell, to suit the ls3, so iam lend to believe

I would go with the tko600, it can handle 600lb/ft of torque, your engine will be at 500lb/ft of torque, the lt85 was never built with that amount of torque in mind, it will just a matter of time for it to destroy it self, not too keen on the autos for a racer either

regards the diffs, Iam using tomcat lsd system in both front and rear, and then ashcroft joints, shafts, stronger crown and pinion, pegged, etc, Ive been told the weak piont for me will be the landrover diff case, thats what will break, just need to be carefull with the throttle!, only time will tell

the lt230 transfer box will be run as standard and just see what breaks, have it in locked diff when racing

Keep in touch, post some pics of your monster and where abouts are you located?

cheers

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Pilot Custard on April 11, 2012, 04:35:40 PM
So dave..... will it be ready for Sunday?
:D
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on April 11, 2012, 10:34:40 PM
So dave..... will it be ready for Sunday?
:D

No chance!, 2 months away I think

cheers

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Pilot Custard on April 12, 2012, 04:24:51 PM
Forrest for its first event.... bring a brick for under the accelerator pedal ;-)
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on April 12, 2012, 09:56:17 PM
lol, Yes u maybe right

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: robertspark on April 13, 2012, 12:08:14 AM
Thanks for the info Dave,

I'm based in south Lancashire.

It's a nut & bolt rebuild (started off as a chassis replacement, but has grown), at present am rebuilding the axles, rear disk brake conversion using the well known Salisbury conversion, but on a HD 90 (v8, 4-pin diff) landrover axle, and galvanising everything with a god quality galv paint (in my opinion) after it's all been sandblasted to base metal. (bit of a perfectionist unfortunately).

I fancy a 6 speed box, as its my toy, most of my mileage is on road, but I prefer the understated appearance of it.

I'll be in contact with Rakeway to discuss the options and let the forum know in case there is another nut looking at a similar conversion in the future when the realisation bites that an LS can be sought for less than a Rover v8 with a decent power rating for the capacity increase out of the box. (no stroking, merlin / wildcat heads / cross bolted block / slipped liners, etc)
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Pilot Custard on April 13, 2012, 06:53:23 AM
an LS can be sought for less than a Rover v8 with a decent power rating for the capacity increase out of the box.

It can..... but it means the car is no longer ALRC compliant.
Not a problem for the SCCC comps, but it does rule you out if you are hoping to do any of the club championships
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: sainter4x4 on June 02, 2012, 10:31:32 PM
will it be ready for next event
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on June 02, 2012, 11:51:59 PM
Not a chance, I wish it could be, there has been delays for parts, radiator and diffs, got wiring loom, which Iam fitting as we speak, just so much to do and always takes longer than you think!

you racing at the next event?

cheers

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: sainter4x4 on June 03, 2012, 09:43:03 AM
oh yes its the best one of the year minus hill rally
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Pilot Custard on June 04, 2012, 09:23:49 AM
So.... ready for Forrest Estate? (16/17 June)
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on June 04, 2012, 07:25:40 PM
I wish, to many parts been delayed

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on June 16, 2012, 09:04:25 PM
new seats

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/seats.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/seatsrear.jpg)

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on July 07, 2012, 03:13:37 PM
radiator now installed, tight squeeze, need to start the plumbing now

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/rad.jpg)
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on July 14, 2012, 05:36:24 PM
All the diffs, cv's and half shafts have arrived, already installed the 2 diffs, doing the halfshafts tomorrow

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/heavydutycvs.jpg)
heavy duty cv's

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/reardiff.jpg)
LSD 4.75 ratio pegged rear diff with heavy duty parts


(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/frontdiff.jpg)
LSD 4.75 ratio pegged front diff with heavy duty parts

Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on August 12, 2012, 11:57:36 PM
some more progress

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/frontpic.jpg)
bonnet needs some fine adjustment

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/sidebpic.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/sidepic.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/sideapic.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/cockpitpic.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/newalloys-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Team Wasp on August 15, 2012, 06:11:24 PM
Hi Dave
Glad to see some more progress.  Don't worry too much about the bonnet adjustment.  There are usually plenty of bumps, rocks and trees to help you with that!

Hope to see you at Bathgate.
Regards Brian
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on August 15, 2012, 11:35:59 PM
Hi Dave
Glad to see some more progress.  Don't worry too much about the bonnet adjustment.  There are usually plenty of bumps, rocks and trees to help you with that!

Hope to see you at Bathgate.
Regards Brian

Hi Brian

I will see at bathgate, along with my helmet

thanks

David
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on September 02, 2012, 09:12:15 PM
managed to start the V8 today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_CgMK5D0sY&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_CgMK5D0sY&feature=youtu.be)
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: allyipod on September 02, 2012, 10:00:16 PM
Very Nice... Love the sound
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Team Wasp on September 03, 2012, 01:04:33 AM
Hi Dave

That's progress.  You must feel you are getting somewhere with it now.  I suggest you do a noise check in accordance with the guidance in the blue book.  If you haven't got one I can get you the information for Drumclog.  My exhaust silencers need repacked after only 2 events.....

Cheers Brian
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: LBART on September 03, 2012, 11:34:16 AM
Well is it going to be ready to go to drumclog as it looks far to shiny..

I have a noise tester that you can borrow to check it.if your near airdrie
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on September 03, 2012, 05:51:38 PM
Thanks guys, there's still lots to do, so wont be ready for drumclog, but will be ready for next season, yes will need to check sound levels, but at idle its not too bad

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: boghog on October 21, 2012, 10:38:51 PM
Congratulations Dave! Not only for completing it in time for the last Comp Safari but for achieving a finish first time out at Forrest Estate despite the little 'off'. Sounds good and will no doubt get faster as experience and confidence allow.

Hope you were happy sampling the fruits of your labour.

Calum.
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on October 22, 2012, 11:20:31 AM
Thanks Calum, it was great fun, looking forward to next season

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on November 17, 2012, 06:49:22 PM
here's a pic and video of a practice session today

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb295/dieseldave_2007/sidedirty.jpg)

http://youtu.be/bZGfGezrZfE (http://youtu.be/bZGfGezrZfE)

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: Alan Mc on November 17, 2012, 10:14:10 PM
Well impressive.  Have followed your thread and the end result had me watching the clip twice.  Well done and here's to some silverware going your way...

Alan.
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: corvettedave on November 19, 2012, 07:50:47 PM
cheers mate, just need lots of practice!

dave
Title: Re: Tomcat 100 inch Comp racer build
Post by: mikes lr on November 19, 2012, 08:23:51 PM
Very nice sounds awsome  buddy