Since starting to do a few sprint events and track days back in 2011, I have wanted to put together a replica of an old Group 2 race car. Finally this year I snagged a really nice, non sunroof 316 base car on which to base the conversion. I also had the arch kit and fiberglass panels ready to go on, once the shell had been stripped, caged and painted.
First task was to get everything over to the workshop.
Once the shell had been stripped, all the glass removed and the sound deadening chipped away, there were just a couple of repairs needed beneath the front and rear screen rubbers. The rest of the bodyshell was excellent.
The original Group 2 cages were pretty poor by todays standards, so I opted to go for something a bit more comprehensive. I also tied it in with the diff support and went for 2 diagonals. I had to put the driver side door bar a little lower, as I have a disability and getting into a fully caged car can be a bit awkward. It's still good and strong though.
Once the cage was finished and any seam welding complete, I opted to paint the inside battleship grey.
In order to get the shell as light as I could, the rear bulkhead and boot floor were removed and replaced with aluminium. A 12 litre fuel cell and 2 litre swirl pot are going in the boot. I know that's not much fuel but hillclimbs aren't all that long.
Once the outer paint went on, along with the arch and spoiler kit, there was quite a transformation from the original beige 316.
I opted for some period touches, like Engelmann mirrors.
I finally took the shell home a few days ago.
I'm starting on the m10 engine next and I know there's a lot of inspiration and know how here. Initially I will just run an injection 1.8, but with Weber 40's and a 4 branch manifold. Whilst I learn the car and develop the handling, I hope to learn how to build myself a hot 2.0 litre.
Next though, I need to crack on and get the seat in. I'm of 'generous proportions' but have my faithful old fatboy Ridgard to do the job, till I have a custom seat made or lose some weight. The wider crosspoke rims should be here next week and once on, I can finally make a start on sorting the suspension geometry. I'm not too far away from being ready to get the engine and box in though. Time for another ''to do list''.
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