Got a few bits done up at the unit this evening - slow progress, but I'm hoping to finish getting the underside of the car stripped back to bare metal on Sunday then should be able to finally get the POR-15 on next time I have a full 12hr day available for paint.
Pressing in the new Energy Suspension polybushes with a hefty screw press that's probably older than the unit itself:
Some of the suspension components back from the powdercoaters. The finish looks pretty good, unfortunately some of the old rubber was not removed by the blasting process as I hoped it would be, so I had to use a wire brush to get the last of it off. If I had to do it again I would make sure it was all gone before sending it off! Hopefully it proves to be durable, which is my main concern:
One of the exhaust heatshields back from blasting, painted with silver stove paint. Will see how this looks when it's dried fully before I do the rest:
I also spent some time thinking about the fuel pump setup. I picked up these Corsa D assemblies at the breaker's just to have a play, hoping that I would be able to use the housing and upgrade the pump itself:
Having had a mess about with them, I don't think they'll work for a few reasons:
- They're set up as a returnless system; this looks like a neat way to do it but from doing some research it seems this is not ideal for a high performance application, although a return could be added
- They're too big! There's no flat area on the tank large enough to fit them, so welded modifications would be needed.
At the moment, I'm tempted to go with this, the Aeromotive Phantom:
It's pricey, but seems like it's going to be the neatest, quietest way to ensure reliable fuel delivery. The installation instructions call for a 3 1/4" mounting hole, which should work fine on this tank:
I think the flat under the spare wheel well is probably going to be the best location and I it should be possible to make an access panel in the well, and/or modify it for clearance if required. Any thoughts/suggestions would be gratefully received.