Gear Return Srings

This is my version of a gear return system. It is still in the development stages and I will get my first bit of film footage to show it working. There are two reasons for having this , one it gives a great positive gear change feel to the leaver and second it reduces the risk of blowing up the gearbox or engine due to a missed gear change, as a fellow GT-R owner has found out when he blew up his Blackbird gear box, he did admit it was an expensive omission.

Gear Linkage

The picture shows part of the gear linkage at the front.

Dash Electrics

Acewell-3250 digital dashboard

I am using an Acewell-3250 didgi dash for two reasons, one I think it looks cool and two they are relatively cheap. It comes with a temp. and speed sender the RPM can be taken directly off the ECU. I’ve also made myself a gear indicator which runs directly off the gear selector switch in the gear box, the plans I found on the Internet and sourced all the parts from my local maplin.

electronics

Detailed wiring of gear selector electronics

Looks a bit of a mess, It’s not very clear but A to G is in reference to the cathode [no. 8 ] segments. The wires coming in from the bottom are from the gear selector switch 1 to 6 and you can just make out the neutral. You should have seen version 1!

Basic loom

A view of the car's base loom

The car wiring is in two basic parts , one is for the engine ignition and the other a simple lights and switches. I’ve had the ignition loom doctored by Chris [ main man ] at Z CARS, he has cut out all the unnecessary parts of the original zx12r loom just leaving the basic ignition loom. I did have a couple of teething problems not due to Chris but the second hand ignition switch was faulty, a feeling of relief and stupidity washed over me. Still all part of the experience!

The picture shows the main loom in place so I can cut or add more wires as necessary before I tape and seal it off. All the wiring will be running down the O/S as all the water works and exhaust are on the other.

Electrics

steering column end

At some of the kit car shows I’ve seen some great looking cars - look a little closer at the wiring and some look a little ropey. I am spending plenty of time in this area aiming to get the best standard of wiring possible for aesthetic reasons and efficiency.

Final Exhaust parts

Exhause for Spire Sports Car

The left hand image shows the final elements of the exhaust, the can is a standard ZX12R can which is a challenge to fit but will work. A little more grinding is needed on the header welds and heat wrap will be used to keep the engine bay temperature down as much as possible.

Headers finished

Headers finished

Last two pics, on the left pipe no.3 I found the best way is to tape the pipe ends together but they do have to be tight to make it accurate. On the right no.4 job done!!

All told if I had my time again I would give it to somone else to do but I am pleased with the result.

Exhaust Header

Exhaust header

I started with the pipe labeled no. 1 this really was the easiest one to start with, two cuts tacked in place, no.2 now getting a little trickier but still looks pretty cool.

Exhaust time

I have decided to have a go at making my own exhaust out of a standard zx12r system. Two reasons cost and the standard system comes with its own catalytic converter nice and helpful for the SVA.

I will only show a couple of steps but trust me when I say many hours where spent one reasonably severe burn to the left hand and a trip to A&E with angle grind in my eye!! All in all thank goodness this bit is over.

This picture shows the first cut of the headers, a bit of a gamble at how much to cut off but it has paid off.