Volumex Fuel Injected Montecarlo

[Ammy]

The only thing I recognise is the "cam-box" covers.  Wonderful ! ! !

[WestonE]

So the car now has a LOT of new wire and is very soon off to the Rolling Road now it has a working Link G4+ Fury ECU. I did not finish the Traction Control and I will now leave that until after the 3000 mile Turin trip with the Monte Consortium in mid September. I need the CNC shop to finish the trigger rings for the front hubs and I have to fabricate brackets for the Vauxhall Astra Crank sensors that act as signal pickups.

I am looking forward to using the Toucan sensor information display and just being able to drive the car again after so much change. A couple of pictures to entertain:



Cheers

Eric

[Hawk]

mmmm nice

[WestonE]

So Now the car has some new paint roll on Goodwood.

[squiglyzigly]

Super impressive work Eric. Bravo.

How did you get on with the 10:1 compression pistons? I’m looking into having some pistons made this year but wasn’t planning on changing the compression significantly, if at all.

Did the dyno yield good gains?

Cheers
Ian

[WestonE]

Hi Ian

Higher compression needs more control over ignition, consistent use of high octane fuel and the Cometic MLS gasket and ARP studs I use. I see around 300 BHP and 270 ft lbs of torque. It is frankly too much without great throttle control. If you build in turbo type mapped ignition with a sensor on the carb throttle spindle and better knock sensors as I have fitted it will make for a quick VX that does not die from detonation.

Eric
 

[squiglyzigly]

Thanks Eric,
I thought it might be a little tricky controlling detonation with those boost+compression levels.
I’m currently on 9 psi with 8.5:1 and have the max advance held back to 29 degrees (+/-2 degrees flutter) or the detonation creeps in.
The new bottom end I intend building this year will be much the same as the current one but with forged pistons/rods, oil jets squirting from the main bearing caps like the fiat 1.2/1.4 16v engines and trigger wheel/sensor mounts for programmable ignition initially then ultimately FI.
So to keep it simple I think the current compression mark is a safe bet.

Do you have a preferred piston manufacturer?

Ian

[WestonE]

Hi Ian

My pistons came from Guy Croft and were made by JE to his design parameters. I also have Cunningham Forged Rods in this engine which have oil spray to the pistons via grooves in the rod cheeks. No Oil Jet install required. If you fit mapped ignition from the start that has load via a map sensor you can dynamically back off the advance and get benefit from 10:1 pistons. Obviously having Knock sensors and water/ air temp is even better. I fitted a pair on the exhaust side of the block.

Anything you can do to reduce induction heat is a winner so no metal box on top of the engine picking up heat and no heated inlet manifold. 

Be aware FI on these engines is very tricky because of the airflow in balance. This is why I have the ECU I do and the Cam Phase sensor adapted from an Integrale for sequential ignition. DCOEs and DCNFs mask the problem at the expense of fuel economy.

Enjoy

Eric

[squiglyzigly]

Thanks Eric, some very good food for thought there to help me decide which direction to go on several aspects.

I like the thought of a knock sensor but thought it might be difficult to achieve properly.
Air/water/manifold and ambient pressure/T-pos sensors etc are a given imo. Will have to see how best to achieve knock installation.

Still considering a DCOE double throttle body type injection system for simplicity but I realise there are pros and cons to this setup.

Thanks again for the info.

[WestonE]

Hi Folks

I am working away quietly on getting Electric AC into my Monte before heading to Turin in September this year. Slight understatement "this is a little complex" One of the elements is the Radiator with AC Condenser. The Monte original is not well suited to modern AC gas.
The Condenser comes from Car Builder solutions as does the core AC Heater unit. The Electric AC Compressor from Australia. I had 2 radiators made is it takes months to get this done so a spare was essential.

Enjoy
     

[WestonE]

After driving to Classic Le Mans I was forced to show the Monte some love. The clutch was slipping. I had a misfire like 2 pistol shots. The exhaust cracked and the handbrake was not playing nicely. Oh and the Electric AC was dripping cold water on my foot!

I ended up doing so many jobs I wrote an article called Whilst I am here to amuse Monte owners.
Nearly back on the road. Just the AC casing drain to fix then re-build the interior.     

The Helix High performance clutch came out as soot, some poly bushes had melted and the inboard Weber Pico injectors had to be replaced along with fitting my spare R10 Supercharger.

At least I am getting use out of the large Garage I bought that came with a free house!

Eric

[squiglyzigly]

Hi Eric
Crikey that sounds like an intensive/expensive trip.
Was there a problem with the R10 or just testing the spare?

Sounds like it’s worth installing a hammock in the garage.

[WestonE]

Hi Ian, The VMET R10 had a casing leak and I suspect 1 internal oil seal is letting oil by into the blower. I have the phasing jig and all the reference numbers for bearings and seals so I just have to take the brave pill to get the VMET back to its best in the back ground.

Eric

[WestonE]

OK I just drove my Montecarlo to a very high end Nismo garage that has state of the art 4 wheel alignment. Yes that is right actually drove it with so far no oil or water leaks and a working clutch. Also no comedy misfire either. Now looking to drive to the Monte consortium EOTB and I can finally get on with the Beta Spyder.

Eric

[WestonE]

By way of an update. I did not make the EOTB in the Monte due to the new top mounts not working well with the Leda Struts leaving the top of the struts loose. I also still had belt squeal when the AC was turned on and too much current drain ignition off. Yesterday I drove the car and the struts stayed where they should be and the addition of a Ford Transit belt idler for more belt wrap has stopped the squeal. A large relay on the AC power feed ignition controlled and removing 1 USB charger has the current drain sorted. This means finally uncover the Beta Spider and let the games continue at last.

Eric
PS It is quick quiet until really pushed and as agile as a bally dancer even on a rough road. Happy Christmas!