Project 2.

[funkyscooter]

Nice bit of fab there Brett - hopefully the effort will be worth it!

[Brett027]

Job done..

[Brett027]

Got to love Japanese engineering. Pulled the Celica 5 speed apart today to check for teeth and any other damage before biting the bullet and pulling out the M20. I'm also waiting on synchro cones and rebuild kit to turn up from USA and some other bits and bobs ordered before Xmas shutdown. Probably will use a hydraulic throwout bearing in the Dellow bellhousing, but could also use the original EK hydraulics.

[Brett027]

While I'm waiting on gearbox conversion parts to turn up, I have been progressing my thinking about using Electric Power Steering (EPS) on the ute. I only have one real option available to do this and that is to insert the EPS unit between my column and the steering box. There is not enough space to do it under the dash and it would break my agreement with my engineer not to make any changes to the telescopic steering column shaft if I mucked about with the collapsible section. See pictures of column to see why it wont fit.

[Brett027]

There is enough space to fit it (just) at the end of the column, by removing the rag joint and getting some sleeves/clamps made to join the shafts on the EPS unit. The shafts are aligned, so the rag joint currently is just making the connection, not dealing with misalignment. It will be very tight as the handbrake pulley is in the wrong place. The electric motor can be rotated, so I think I can find a spot for it angled downwards. It will require some mounts to be welded to the steering box, and also will need my column to be shortened and the firewall plate remade to allow for 40mm or so more space and access to the clamp/ bracket to join the column shaft to the EPS input shaft. I can slide the telescopic steering shaft up a bit without making any changes to it. I will make a sleeve to join the steering box input end to the EPS output shaft. Just thought bubbles at present, but I am trending positive.

[Blacky]

Very interesting , I bought a couple of these units and the controllers a couple of years ago with the view to making them fit under the dash in a "hidden as much as practical" guise for some of our older club members but have done nothing with them as the demand isnt really there.

Another retirement project ......

[Brett027]

Yes I have a few of them now too. It's major restructure if you go behind dash because of the pedal box and the rest of the clutter. I like my Torrie column so the only option for me is in the engine bay. Of course as you have said previously, I could just go R&P and do it the easy way...

[EK283]

Good work Brett,

It will be interesting to see how this ends up.

Keep the posts coming.

Greg

[Errol62]

I admire your original approach on the steering and air-conditioning solutions Brett. Will be great to drive with the Toyota overdrive added in. Should eat up the road heading west in June mate. Money on project 2 for best ute at Bunbury.

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[Brett027]

Hold your bets Clay. See you in NSW a year later. I might have it the way I want it by then. Including a lift chair the way bones are going

[Blacky]

But you'll never never know if you never never go ........

[Errol62]

They are never finished. Yes, mobility is key. Same hymn book. Which is a very good reason for doing it while you can.

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[Brett027]

A bit of progress on Celica 5 speed changeover. Dummied up empty gearbox box to remake crossmember. Mount is about 80mm closer to engine than M20 and uses 4 bolts and not 2. Gear lever is in the same spot so nothing to do there. Have yet to redo the handbrake cable lever and set up hydraulic clutch. Moved the crossmember forward and made a new mounting plate. Driveshaft is also going to need shortening.
In the meantime, have started work on the electric steering mods. Also pulled the head off to get it worked to get a higher compression ratio. It's currently about 8.5:1 and will be going to 10:1. Need more ponies

[Brett027]

As part of my 6 months review and upgrades, I have decided to up the compression and harness more horses. The big strategy for this is to swap from the current large chamber head to a small one (' L' to 'H'). For those unfamiliar with the physical difference in chamber size, I hope the photo shows it clearly. The callipers are the size of the H chamber compared to the L chamber they are sitting on.

If anyone is looking for a stage 3 L chamber head with dual valve springs and set up for bridge type rockers with about 500kms use, let me know

[Errol62]

Good strategy Brett. What else is being done to the head? It looks like the valves have had some enlarging and unshrouding.

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