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Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes
Posted: Fri May 08, 2015 8:50 pm
by economiser
So here it is: For about the cost of replacing the 10.5" rotors, it now has 11.3" rotors, no need to spend hundreds. Just a cutting disc and a grinding disc for my angle grinder, $1.43 of spare steel, a few rods for my stick welder, and a little electricity, it looks better, resists fade better, and stops shorter when loaded.

Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes
Posted: Sat May 09, 2015 6:12 am
by spirit r
Thanks for sharing your V6 seven project.
What's your targeted 1400kg? I for my self economise weight, cause i am a fan of leight -and balance weight sports cars. Goal is a bit over 1000kg in the moment and driving feels good for me.
Thomas
Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes
Posted: Sat May 09, 2015 1:25 pm
by economiser
Thank you!
I agree, minding the weight is worthwhile.
The owner isn't worried about every last MPG in town, nor will she ever corner hard enough to squeal even these cheap tires, but I've done a few things, such as starting to drill lightening holes in my overkill Panhard mount, cutting the right side Watts mount off the axle, cutting off the excessive adjustability I added, and even shortening the motor mount bolts. It may add up to very little, but it still looks like a Mazda, and to me Mazda is about being mindful of every gram that can be removed easily.
Or maybe I've been re-watching that recent episode of Top Gear too much, where Richard was in the latest MX-5
I'm not happy with the current wheel / tire package, how it fits or how it looks. I'm leaning toward tucking some 7.5s, at least 16s. If I go 17s then I'd be doing even larger front rotors. But that would make the Mercedes-sourced Brembos easier.
Current plan is finish the rear brakes, then rear shock mounts, rear spring seats, followed by the rear anti-roll bar, before the exhaust and fuel pump.
Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes
Posted: Sat May 09, 2015 7:18 pm
by spirit r
economiser wrote:I agree, minding the weight is worthwhile.
The owner of the car is a lonesome, anorexic driver, so he can't reach the vehicle payload then?
THOMAS
Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes
Posted: Sat May 09, 2015 10:22 pm
by economiser
Not funny. She's a retired widow. That's why this is a V6 grand tourer, not an LSx-powered FC.
Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes
Posted: Fri May 15, 2015 4:16 pm
by economiser
Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes
Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 9:14 pm
by economiser
Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 10:37 pm
by economiser
Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 10:40 pm
by economiser
Re: '83 3.8L, 50 MPG, big brakes
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 10:42 pm
by economiser