Merlin's 4G Time Attack Lude

[NafemanNathan]

Good news! :d Looking forward to the pics.

[Merlin]

It was a loose toe arm bolt that was rattling so its been tightened and all is well on that front. The problem is now that when driving the car the steering wheel would start to wobble at a particular speed and would not go away by increasing speed. I thought that it was a problem with the black wheels as this didn't happen with my old wheels, but I also stopped using my old wheels once I had the mecahnical failure on track I bought a new set of alloys to hopefully solve the problem.

Met up with IndigoLemon this morning to pick up another set of alloys (this time 16") for my semi-slicks which I have been using on my 5th gen when on track. We went off to a wheel place and got all the tyres and wheels swapped over on his car and my one.

17's with my RainSport'2


16's with MaxSport RB5 semi-slicks (hard compound)


Unfortunately new wheels didnt completly solve the problem I have tried wheels off Vanep's car and both sets of my new alloys. With the black wheels I didnt feel like the car was happy a lwer speeds where the wobble isnt noticable. However with the new wheels even at slower speeds the car seems more planted. Wheel wobble is also less agressive with these wheels. I'll try the black wheels again once its been sorted.

The only things not to have beem changed out that I think may cause the problem is driveshafts, steering rack, and wheel bearings. Phil on FB said it might be inner CV joint, which may be right. I get a small clunk on the drivers side sometimes as I gently press the brakes. Could that be the brearings moving in the cup? I have never had the drivers drive shaft out before so I dont know the condition of the bearings, I have had the passenger side out many times and two weeks ago it seemed fine.

Its so close to the track day now that im just going to take the car anyway. I can put up with a little vibration for this one day. No blistering times are going to be set anyway as its meant to be bucketing down and I'll be on, what is essentially, a new track for me as its in reverse.

Just to top things off I pretty sure I have leaking heater martix, which would explain the water in my footwells and the odd wiff of coolant I have been getting

[indigolemon]

Strange seeing those 16's on another car

[vanzep]

Strange seeing those 16's on another car

They look good

looking forward to seeing the vids of reverse circuit splendour

[macky_6]

The first bend will be entertaining (the mad last bend when running normal, clockwise!)

[Merlin]

Yeah I bet there will be plenty cars going into the gravel at the hairpin.

Im convinced the problem with my car is the drivers side driveshaft. Me and 3rdGenSteve spent yesterday poking around. I have new driveshafts on the way courtesy of Newkid

[NafemanNathan]

I have new driveshafts on the way courtesy of Newkid

Finally, someone bought them!

[Dino]

Looking great Al. What are the tyres like on track?

[Merlin]

They are great for the money, I got them for £30 a wheel with the new ones being £65. I doubt they are as good as R888's but they are not R888 money They make a weird noise. They gave immense grip for two track days but have then leveled out at decent level. I have probably used them for 6-8 track days and they still have meat left. The grip thats still there is still much better than my RainSports, even though they are good in the dry themselves. I dont think they have a very high speed rating, something low like 105mph But I never get above that speed at KH.

When you have tread they are road legal (for now).

[indigolemon]

Weather seems changeable - you might get to use them tomorrow!