V1 TravMac's Extended Track Goblin (#253) - 2007 SS/SC Doner

[comegetjoe]

Yeah... lol

 

[SmsDetroit]

However it’s super easy to title a car

 

[Mahkoi]

Tell Michigan to get with the times. That looks like a plate from the 70s!

Hey....those are our new plates! And they look better than the other options.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Sheriff Roscoe P Coletrain is missing his squad car, someone stole it and it's driving around in Michigan!!! LOL!!!

 

[TravMac]

We are a special bunch up here lol. I went with the throwback plate over the others... it just looks the best I think. Though the new digital plates are interesting.

All great ideas for the paperwork storage. The bag under the seat idea was on my mind. That's how my motorcycle has it, so should be good for this too for now. Maybe I'll make a nice waterproof case for it and some small tools when the 3d printer comes!

 

[comegetjoe]

Wee Woo! Wee Woo!
That STOP on the hood kills me.

 

[Rttoys]

Thinking I could use a rear view mirror and some sort of storage for the insurance and registration too. If anyone has a good spot they use other than their pocket, I'd like to hear it!

I use a motorcycle tank bag between my seats to store small odds and ends. It hangs from the tab for engine cover.

 

[TravMac]

Well got it out and about! I'm amazed how different you have to drive it cruising around town compared to ripping around at autocross. Now I understand a lot of folks with bounce in the throttle. A few miles in figured bracing against the center tunnel helped a lot. Did some highway, some back streets, some city. Overall was just so cool to get it out. Not the best beauty shots for now, but first trip needs something!

 

[Rttoys]

Well got it out and about! I'm amazed how different you have to drive it cruising around town compared to ripping around at autocross.

Since it’s not 100 yet, I have been driving mine around lately. It’s weird driving “normal” vs autocross. Totally different car.

 

[TravMac]

I can't believe it's basically been a year since my last build log post. After getting the car registered last year, it was a lot of driving around town to work and back. Not exactly the thousands of miles I hoped for, but a good few hundred. Having a station with E85 right down the road was really helpful too!

Didn't touch any winter plans. The winter was like last racing season... too busy to do anything. Luckily, I've already been able to change that this year! Got new plugs, fresh fuel, new oil, and clean filters for the season auto cross open in Midland. Showed how rusty I was after spinning in my first 2 runs, but got an ok time just taking it slow and remembering how the car likes to behave. Brakes are balanced out a lot better now after a few tweaks, and now all I need is more (stickier) tire. And camber too, but we'll see how to get there.

Will share my videos soon of the first runs, but uploading the raw video to YouTube is a bit bland. Does anyone have a good free-ish editing software they use for videos? Wouldn't mind trying something new! In the meantime, here's a few good pictures from the car getting out!



And nearly taking out a landing light...

 

[TravMac]

One problem I've continued to have is a leaky front coolant hose. It's the driver's side, at the connection to the hose out of the rail. No matter how tight these hose clamps get, I get a puddle. Hoping it's something I can bandaid for this weekends racing in Oscoda MI.

After drying up my puddle, I got the car out this weekend for a few miles around the block. Got a good picture in the shade too! Still need the front wing mount back on to really get the full racecar effect.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

This stuff can provide a temporary fix, if you can get a tight wrap around the leaking area. It bonds to itself and a clean surface. We used this stuff for many temporary fixes in the Air Force to get something flying until a part could be replaced.

https://www.grainger.com/product/32XV31?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2295:4P7A1P:20501231&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI57Wln8WhhgMVMgGtBh0ECAokEAQYBiABEgL1NfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Joebob]

A second set of clamps?

 

[Robinjo]

One problem I've continued to have is a leaky front coolant hose. It's the driver's side, at the connection to the hose out of the rail. No matter how tight these hose clamps get, I get a puddle. Hoping it's something I can Band-Aid for this weekends racing in Oscoda MI.

Have you tried cleaning all the junk off the coolant port? Mine had a lot of buildup over the years and needed to be polished a bit. What type of clamps are you using? Cheap Harbor Freight worm clamps or something reputable?

 

[jirwin]

Better hose clamps are worth getting. I'll never go back. I use the ones that are like the Norma's in this video.

 

[TravMac]

I haven't taken apart and cleaned the coupler, mostly because I don't really want to drain the system if I can help it (or crush a line to avoid coolant draining, although I'm sure it'd be fine).

Double clamp I haven't done, but is certainly worth a shot. I like that wrap idea as a temp fix too for something I can toss in a tote and take with me in case anything else leaks on me.

It's for sure one of the more cheap clamps sent with the kit. They are right there, front and center in my picture. You can almost see them dripping, ha! I'll have to watch that video and see what you got, that guy's reviews are my favorite.

The only time I have this leak is when I'm running things hard after autocross. I guess I am getting lots of heat pushed through this thing! I'll have to try a few of these and let you all know how it holds up!

 

[Mahkoi]

I had a leak in the same area. I ran the clamp down with a 1/4in impact and figured who cares if I strip it. It's leaking anyway. It didn't strip on me and hasn't leaked in the past 1500 miles or so. Not saying your results will be the same and that clamp is probably shot if I ever need to remove it but it worked for me.

 

[TravMac]

I ended up running 4, better, tighter clamps on that lower radiator hose (thank you again on that project farm video!). I also borrowed a tool to pressure test the coolant system, and actually found another leak that needed a better clamp. I added back my front wing as well. Lots of little good changes.

And with those tweaks, the last autocross weekend was a success! No leaks, lots of grip, and more seat time. I still want a more stiff mounting solution on the front wing, but it worked better than being without it. I did end up bending an endplate at the very end of the weekend, but that'll be fixed short term... and maybe replaced long term.

I'm running just about middle of the pack in the group. Not nearly as fast as the guys in karts, but just about as fast as some very nice purpose built cars. A few of the more seasoned folks mention how hard my tires were. I think it's about time for some new rubber, and maybe wheels. More to come!

 

[Robinjo]

I got rid of the PEX tubing due to so many people mentioning leaks and just did heater hose all the way from the heat exchanger to the pump and Laminova core inlets.

 

[TravMac]

I got rid of the PEX tubing due to so many people mentioning leaks and just did heater hose all the way from the heat exchanger to the pump and Laminova core inlets.

Oh those were a nightmare too when building the car. It's luckily been dry where I can see. Probably a mess in the center tunnel. I have more issue with overflow dripping onto the fuel cell, so also looking at doing a larger reservoir in the back.