AMMO Posted January 8, 2002 Share Posted January 8, 2002 In the recent icy conditions I managed to scare myself a couple of times due to a complete lack of rear end grip. Pulling away was almost impossible. I have 185-60-13 AO21R tyres with around 3 mm of tread left. The middles are more worn than the edges. I've been running 16 psi, now reduced to 14 psi. In damp conditions whilst accelerating in second the damn thing snakes around quite a bit, sometimes when you don't expect it. It happened today whilst on a slip road. This exquisite little inconvenience, although quite fun when done deliberately, has only manifested itself since putting in the Zetec lump. Even though there is tread left I think I will put some new rears on. I was thinking of sticking some 205-60-13 AO21Rs on. This would raise the gearing a tad but my gut feeling is that the grip problem may be worse rather than better. Any opinions? AMMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fast Westie Posted January 8, 2002 Share Posted January 8, 2002 Ice + Zetec torque = wheelspin You need to set the traction control (right foot) to be a little more sensitive wink.gif To be honest nothing much is going to help on ice except studs and they are only useful on sheet ice. The car in front is a Westfie1d wink.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oilyhands Posted January 8, 2002 Share Posted January 8, 2002 Ammo, What diff are you using, mine doesnt get too upset with 185ft/lb and a viscous diff (4wd Cos). Oily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMMO Posted January 8, 2002 Author Share Posted January 8, 2002 Fast Westie Two other people I've spoken to have suggested a little less right foot as well. Just come back from the shops when pulling onto the main road in first with very little gas in damp conditions the thing went sideways again. Completely unexpected. Oily I have a 3.92 diff, no lsd. Do I need one? I've never driven a car with an lsd so don't know what I'm missing. Did toy with the idea of a 3.62 diff at one stage. What about tyres? Definately AO21Rs as I use the car every day in our lovely British weather. 185 again or 205? Engine is 1800 Zetec, 33/29 valves (1mm oversize), ported head (134 cfm @ 10" with smallish ports), 45mm Dellortos with 36 mm chokes, 10.6:1 CR, Kent 2001 cams, MBE 3D ignition. Quite soft state of tune with scope for more work later if I need more power. For the moment I absolutely need more rear end grip. Still running in, only 600 miles. Going on dyno at end of month so have no idea what power it's producing. Feels quite lively. Hate to think what tuned 2 litre would be like in wet conditions. AMMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I reply to every thread Posted January 8, 2002 Share Posted January 8, 2002 Try adding a paddle clutch as well - then you'll be grateful for what you've got now!wink.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevefoster Posted January 8, 2002 Share Posted January 8, 2002 In the wet 185's have more grip than 205's. This I tested with 021R's. On slippery surfaces there is probably less difference as water is not needed to be cut through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted January 8, 2002 Share Posted January 8, 2002 AVES, You did add 50bhp and a paddle clutch..... Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Riches Posted January 9, 2002 Share Posted January 9, 2002 Hey AMMO, this "exquisite little inconvenience" is that the same as in Frank Zappa's, Stinkfoot, or perhaps in your case it's Stinkpants, people dont write songs like that now, mores the pity, getting old and grey, but still listen to Frank. Bye Nigel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taran Las Posted January 9, 2002 Share Posted January 9, 2002 Ammo, Just remove Zetec and replace with your old Xflow - problem solved! Regards (and good luck) Phil Owen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMMO Posted January 9, 2002 Author Share Posted January 9, 2002 Steve On the basis of your experience have ordered some 185-6-13 21Rs from George Polley today. Out of stock at the moment should be in in around ten days time. Thanks for your opinion. It just re-inforced what I already felt. Nigel Don't eat the yellow snow. Anyone got any opinions on lsd diffs? AMMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMMO Posted January 9, 2002 Author Share Posted January 9, 2002 Phil HA HA. Very funny. Don't think I could go back. Zetec is much quieter. I can drive without earplugs now. No oil leaks, popping and banging and much quicker. AMMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fast Westie Posted January 9, 2002 Share Posted January 9, 2002 Ammo Hate to think what tuned 2 litre would be like in wet conditions. Try a 200bhp Zetec on slicks in the rain with a twin plate paddle clutchteeth.gif The car in front is a Westfie1d wink.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMMO Posted January 9, 2002 Author Share Posted January 9, 2002 FW I'd rather not. Must be getting old. I get scared really easily. Whatever happened to the young man who would climb mountains, ride motorcycles and stare death in the face at every opportunity? **** knows! Replaced by my present incarnation. My idea of a dangerous activity is adultery and I'm too scared to do that too. AMMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMMO Posted January 9, 2002 Author Share Posted January 9, 2002 Maybe this should be in Chit Chat? AMMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alias Posted January 19, 2002 Share Posted January 19, 2002 You could try the old 'Ford Capri' trick of putting a couple of sandbags in your boot to put some weight over the rear tyres. Alternatively eating a few cream cakes should do the trick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardtail Posted January 19, 2002 Share Posted January 19, 2002 a new diff will help but it wont mean that you can hoof the car like an impreza, i have an lsd in my 2.0 vauhall and it is still a bit twitchy if you are too enthusiastic on anything other than bone dry roads,even then it might still give you a fright, good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMMO Posted January 20, 2002 Author Share Posted January 20, 2002 I've decided to keep everything as it is and to be more careful. The problem was after snow and ice. I assume ther was a lot salt and muck on the road. Now it's been washed away grip seems a lot better. I did about 60 miles in the wet the other day (to go to buy an LSD diff that turned out not to have an LSD in it after all). You had to be a bit careful around roundabouts but could give it quite a bit of welly coming out of them. I suppose I'm still learning the car with the new engine which has a lot more grunt than before. The rear end is the only area for concern. Front end grip is very good. Roll on the good weather. AMMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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