Fantasy 1984 RHD Twin-Turbo DeLorean

[Starglider]

Hello, I would like to talk a little about the build I'm working on at the moment. Or rather Chris Nicholson is working on : the car is being built at P J Grady Europe, I am just doing the plan and some minor electrical and engine work. There is already a thread about this on both UK club forums, but I've got so many useful suggestions from those I hope no-one minds if I make another one here. There's always more to learn that could make things better or the build go smoother.

The concept for this car is 'what if the management buyout of the factory had suceeded, and the Wooler Hodec and Legend prototypes had actually gone into production'. The starting point was a damaged and never-completed WH car that P J Grady Europe salvaged, just a chassis, some miscellaneous body parts and a VIN really. Chris N is working hard on completing this car and we hope to get it on the road next year. I am glad this car never previously existed as a working, registered vehicle as it gives me a bit more freedom to depart from stock configuration without the purists getting too upset; whatever we build will be 'original' for this particular vehicle. I am trying to incorporate every sensible fix and upgrade that I can afford; I have spent a lot of time reading forums, cataloguing problems people have had, researching vendors and upgraded parts.

Basic configuration :
* Manual, grey interior (I know, wrong for WH, but that's what was available)
* Early windscreen (for appearance) plus rear power aerial (for functionality).
* Early style dash digital clock
* Dash vents and radio slot swapped around (to allow pop-up screen) : also intake filter mesh
* Right-hand-drive conversion (completed following Wooler Hodec pattern).
* Dealer options : small grey side stripe, luggage rack, cargo net, floor mats

Upgraded parts that are fitted, purchased waiting to be fitted or under construction :
* Eibach euro-spec springs, Spax shocks, improved sway bar, front tower brace strut
* Byrne Heninger's reinforced lower control arms
* Rear intercooler air scoops based on the ITAL Design concept for production turbo DeLorean
* Three row brass / copper radiator with metal ends + upgraded low current fans + air dam
* 140 Amp alternator and high power low-noise fuel pump (SpecialTAuto)
* All exterior + cabin lights replaced with SuperBrightLEDs, with PWM courtesty light dimmer module
* All cooling/brake/clutch/fuel hoses sillicone and/or with stainless braided covers (as applicable).
* Air bleeders on the coolant + clutch lines.
* PJ Grady fibreglass front + rear fascias (gloss finnish); rear to have 'twin turbo' moulded into it.
* Wings-A-Loft remote locking w/trunk release, battery isolator
* Electronic replacements for fan/fan fail/RPM relays + headlight switch saver relay
* Much stronger fuse panel with light-up-on-fail fuses + improved earth wire (SpecialTAuto)
* Soft-lift gas struts with SS mounting reinforcement plates
* Two-tone grey seat covers (from SpecialTAuto), also DMC logo steering wheel center patch
* Improved cargo area sound insulation + sound insulation in wheel arches
* Cabin speakers upgraded to Infinity 329CF fronts + Infinity 529I rears
* LED-lit VGA 7" flip-up monitor in dash w/integrated radio
* Front + rear four channel ultrasonic parking sensors, third brake light
* Lots of stainless bits : engine grills, rock screen, rear logo, coolant tank, assorted brackets,
de-ice cover, throttle cover, coil cover, warning & information plates, oil drain plug etc
* Illuminated shifter plate + stainless shifter knob

Upgrades that are still being worked on :
* Bracket for detachable tow hook. Chris N is working on a plan for this, obviously will
need electrics & sockets if fitted.
* Center console switch array to be replaced with five of the DMC Texas light-up window
switches, three of which I will rewire to be touch-on / touch-off toggles with colour-changing
LEDs in them to show state. Intend to make stainless (black gloss) caps for all switches with
toggles used for defrost, fog light and aux lighting (last to have 'hover mode' logo, thanks Simon :) ).
* Powered USB3 hubs will be integrated into center console and glovebox.
* USB-driven time departure display (removable BTTF prop) : making this at home from spare bits

Things that are still undecided / not sourced / up in the air;
* Engine. This is the big one, I would really like one of Josh's upcoming Legend-replica engines, but I
have blown so much of the budget on other improved bits that I'm not sure if I can still afford it.
Currently waiting on quote from DPI (crated engine and possibly coupler + clutch shipped to UK);
if not possible then the original and now backup plan is to put an Island twin-turbo kit on a stock engine.
* Brakes : don't currently have any discs or calipers. Looking at the Hi-Spec parts.
* Wheels : would like slightly larger than stock but Martin G's are just too big. Hoping Welmeod
eventually gets his spec manufactured.
* Hood style. Was originally going to go with the late / flat style; I like the look and it matches
the '1984 DeLorean' theme. However certain people have said that a Wooler Hodec car absolutely
must have an early style grooved/flapped hood. Problem with that is, where could I get a locking gas cap?
* Frame : considered galvanising it, but the build was already very complex and I was starting to get
concerned about being able to afford a DPI engine. Standard for now but maybe one day will fit a
stainless frame, if a viable post-Pearce vendor emerges.
* Waterless engine coolant : saw some people on here getting good results with the Evans stuff?
* Car PC - I will make a decent car PC eventually but currently I have no budget left for it.
Also have run coax for backup camera, might add one eventually.
* External speakers; have run cables to behind grill in case I want to fit marine speakers later.
If/when more funding is available might also put a subwoofer in a cubbyhole and a little LED spot
pointing at the front grill DMC logo.

Suggestions welcome!

[David T]

You will find it very difficult to assemble all of the parts required to do an Island Turbo kit at this time. Unless you know someone who hoarded enough of the hard to obtain pieces do not figure on that as a back-up plan. On a limited budget you do not have many options available to upgrade the motor. I agree an '84 would have had some kind of turbo-charging but one option is maybe to get a Stage II motor from DMCH. Again, it also has to fit your budget. Maybe you should just stay stock on the motor for now and do something later. Many of the things you are planning to do would not have been available back in '84 if your objective is to try to build a car as the factory would have done it in 1984. The Legend engine was not going to be what the Island Turbo kit is. The Legend engine was to have custom cams and forged pistons to handle higher levels of boost than the Island kit running @ 5 lbs boost. For the fuseblocks, I would make up 2 as Lotus did, one in back and one in front. The rear one would have mostly the engine circuits, the front would have most of the circuits in the front of the car. You might consider putting a emblem or some kind of design on the seat backs for the Twin Turbo if you do it. I had a decal made up that said Island Turbo with a circular design to distinguish the car when I did an Island conversion. That car is now in Italy. It was put on over the rear wheel well arches on each side. For cues and ideas on what the '84 Delorean might have been you can always look at Lotus and see what they were doing circa 1984. You also have to consider that DMC would have tried to make some minor styling changes to differentiate the '84's from the previous 3 years.
David Teitelbaum

[Starglider]

Many of the things you are planning to do would not have been available back in '84 if your objective is to try to build a car as the factory would have done it in 1984.

Given the additional electronics it would definitely be a 1984 car that has had at least one gadget-obsessed owner in the intervening years. Nothing like this is ever going to win a concours competition though so I'm not bothered.


The Legend engine was not going to be what the Island Turbo kit is. The Legend engine was to have custom cams and forged pistons to handle higher levels of boost than the Island kit running @ 5 lbs boost.

I know, that's why I'm hoping I can afford Josh's design, which although not a strict replica should be much closer (and more reliable).


For the fuseblocks, I would make up 2 as Lotus did, one in back and one in front. The rear one would have mostly the engine circuits, the front would have most of the circuits in the front of the car.

That's an interesting idea. I'm tempted, I'm just a little concerned about future maintenance (e.g. by later owners) if I significantly deviate from the original wiring harness layout. Additional cables for things like USB sockets can just be ignored or removed but altering the original wiring harnesses could cause problems. One of the advantages of Josh's design vs some other vendors is that he's using near-stock K-Jet rather than EFI, so the engine electrics don't change much.


For cues and ideas on what the '84 Delorean might have been you can always look at Lotus and see what they were doing circa 1984. You also have to consider that DMC would have tried to make some minor styling changes to differentiate the '84's from the previous 3 years.

Probably although funds would have been limited for a production restart under the management buyout plan. Don't know if they could've altered the moulds although they could've changed trim : any ideas? I considered a minor alteration of the headlights but I didn't find anything appropriate that I was confident of getting a UK legal beam pattern out of.

[David T]

My comments had nothing to do with trying to maintain originality or concours quality. If your objective is to create a 1984 Delorean as DMC might have built it then those standards do not apply. Any styling changes would have been superficial, maybe a different rub rail, different taillights, some badging, etc. Not only was DMC short on money, they would also have to use up the existing stock before making changes. So what would be changed would also depend on how much they had of different items. If you do make changes other than a stock 81-83 Delorean (the wiring for example) you of course must also document it for future maintenance purposes.
David Teitelbaum

[Starglider]

Any styling changes would have been superficial, maybe a different rub rail

Here is an idea; I could split the rub rails longitudinally into upper and lower halves, mount them on a thin rigid backing, then fill in the area inbetween with material similar to the grey dealer side stripe. Hmm, would have to mock that up and see how it looked.

In retrospect the hood style should definitely be flat as they wouldn't have gone back to grooves with a limited budget. However the hood logo would plausibly have been located on the other side for a production RHD car, so will implement that.

[David T]

You are definitely on the right track. The factory would have tried to modify existing stock if they could to change the look of the car. That has 2 benefits, it doesn't cost much and makes use of the existing stock. Use your imagination and try to make use of what DMC had on hand and how it can be modified or used differently. They didn't have any grooved hoods and certainly none with gas flaps. They also no longer had the windscreens with the antennae. Likely they would have gotten a different radio too. The 81's had the Craig, the 82's had the ASI. BTW, the '83's were "put-together's" not really a production year. They were the 82's that were not built in '82. They were built too late to be considered 82's, they would have been too old so they were relabeled as 83's. I guess what I am saying is the last "real" production year was '82 so what you are really trying to build is what would have been a production '83. Just a minor point really.
David Teitelbaum

[Bitsyncmaster]

I like your idea of making the light up switchs work with two color LEDs and work as an SPST switch. I was going to do this for my ECON/POWER switch but the problem is to get a new switch cap made. My fan fail unit already has two color light planned. I drive a -5 volt signal to the light now when the fans are on and no failure has been detected. When I make a new AC LED board, it will have a green "FAN" light when the fans are on and will turn red when the "FAN" fails.

[Starglider]

I was going to do this for my ECON/POWER switch but the problem is to get a new switch cap made.

P J Grady Europe previously had some stainless steel engraved window / defrost switch caps made up by a local firm that looked very good. I'm not sure exactly what the finish was; I plan to investigate and see if a versions with translucent markings can be made when I next visit. Will report back on my findings. :)


When I make a new AC LED board, it will have a green "FAN" light when the fans are on and will turn red when the "FAN" fails.

Good idea.

[Phil Peters]

* Right-hand-drive conversion (completed following Wooler Hodec pattern).


The question is, which pattern? The evidence indicates that there were two distinct 'phases' of Wooler-Hodec conversion patterns:


Phase 1: Single brake servo/booster
Phase 2: Dual brake servo/booster

In my research I am referring to the dual brake servo/booster cars as the "phase 2" cars since the car(s) destined to be launched by DMCL at the Birmingham Motor Show, England in October 1982 have the phase 2 set-up.

I understand Chris's pattern for RHD conversion is based on templates taken from VIN# 12179 which is a phase 1 car.



* ...certain people have said that a Wooler Hodec car absolutely must have an early style grooved/flapped hood.


No, the Wooler-Hodec cars have flat hoods.

[Starglider]

In my research I am referring to the dual brake servo/booster cars as the "phase 2" cars since the car(s) destined to be launched by DMCL at the Birmingham Motor Show, England in October 1982 have the phase 2 set-up.

This came up in an earlier conversation with Chris, I expressed a preference for the later pattern, but Chris said that the existing dual-servo cars have had reliability problems and that's why he uses the single-servo pattern.
I am prepared to sacrifice time, money and sometimes functionality for authenticity, but not braking system reliability!


No, the Wooler-Hodec cars have flat hoods.

It turned out this person was thinking of VIN 12199, but the fuel flap hood on that car was atypical (and I believe recently replaced with a flat one).
Due to being new to the DeLorean community I have a bad habit of assuming anyone who has been around longer than me knows what they are talking about. :)

[Rich W]

This came up in an earlier conversation with Chris, I expressed a preference for the later pattern, but Chris said that the existing dual-servo cars have had reliability problems and that's why he uses the single-servo pattern.
I am prepared to sacrifice time, money and sometimes functionality for authenticity, but not braking system reliability!



It turned out this person was thinking of VIN 12199, but the fuel flap hood on that car was atypical (and I believe recently replaced with a flat one).
Due to being new to the DeLorean community I have a bad habit of assuming anyone who has been around longer than me knows what they are talking about. :)

I believe VIN...510 has a fuel flap hood and it was the first (or one of the first) Wooler-Hodec conversions that was completed.

Since this car is not a typical Wooler-Hodec example, it may not fit within some of the other Pase 1 and Phase 2 distinctions.

[Phil Peters]

Hi Rich,

VIN #510 originally had a flat hood too. During Chris Parnham's ownership of VIN #510, the following modifications were carried out:



Hood converted to pleated gas flap hood by PJ Grady UK
Rear licence plate bezel fitted
Silver paint applied around DeLorean lettering on rear fascia
Original front turn signal indicators swapped for units with additional UK sidelight
Fender antenna removed
Original forward facing door marker lights swapped out for clear units
Black DeLorean text added to hood where hood emblem is normally located


Cheers,

Phil

[Exolis]

* Waterless engine coolant : saw some people on here getting good results with the Evans stuff?
* Car PC - I will make a decent car PC eventually but currently I have no budget left for it.
Also have run coax for backup camera, might add one eventually.

Suggestions welcome!

Hello. Sounds like fun. By a Car PC, I assume you mean a personal computer? What function/purpose would that have? (For entertainment, Convenience, etc.)

Also, for the waterless engine coolant. That sounds very interesting. Site claims improved efficiency. Have you thought about switching to electric water pump as well?

What about improvement of other electronics?

[Starglider]

Hello. Sounds like fun. By a Car PC, I assume you mean a personal computer? What function/purpose would that have? (For entertainment, Convenience, etc.)

Entertainment, GPS / mapping, doing work or playing games on when car is parked (e.g. when my wife is doing her SCUBA things), driving any USB-controlled BTTF props I make.


Also, for the waterless engine coolant. That sounds very interesting. Site claims improved efficiency.

There was a thread on here (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2735-Evans-Waterless-Coolant) about it a few months back.


Have you thought about switching to electric water pump as well?

Not really, the engine will likely be near the safe limit of the transmission, I am not that keen on squeezing a few more HP out.


What about improvement of other electronics?

The engine is getting a fairly modern ECU (which eliminates the RPM relay), and I'm trying to get hold of Dave's PWM courtesy light dimmer and fan/fan fail relay replacements. I am putting in 8 x ultrasonic parking sensors, backup camera, heated seats, audio upgrades, 4 x external speakers, assorted auxiluary lighting (e.g. grill logo light, EL wire on rear text), 3rd brake light, flashing front markers (to work as indicators), all-LED lighting, bluetooth hands-free and the UK-style split front sidelight/indicators. Maybe also a digital boost gauge. Any other ideas?

[DMC5180]

* Rear intercooler air scoops based on the ITAL Design concept for production turbo DeLorean
* PJ Grady fibreglass front + rear fascias (gloss finnish); rear to have 'twin turbo' moulded into it.
* DMC logo steering wheel center patch
* Illuminated shifter plate + stainless shifter knob

Was not aware any of this existed. Do you have any pictures or links to products ?

[Starglider]

Was not aware any of this existed. Do you have any pictures or links to products ?

Sure, here's a page about the Ital style scoops (http://www.pjgrady.co.uk//GenericContent.aspx?PageType=Legend_Industries&ShowContent=Ital_Design_Legend.html), here's Welmoed's steering wheel logo (http://www.deloreancarprojects.com/Accessories/accmain.html) and there's a thread on this forum about the illuminated shifter plate (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?5563-illuminated-aussie-stainless-steel-shift-plate). I don't think Chris has put anything online about his fibreglass fascias yet, but he's made a pair for another owner already so they're probably available if you ask. The 'twin turbo' moulding on the right side will be unique to this car; it's just a case of carving an extra piece to go in the fibreglass mould.

P.S. Went with the Eclipse 8" sub + bridged amp as recommended in the sub thread on here, wanted to put that in before Chris makes up the cubbyhole cover as it would be a waste to have to recover it.

[Starglider]

An update on this, bit the bullet and ordered the one piece input shaft & upgrade gearset from GTO Engineering, gear ratios (including final drive) will now be the same as the Lotus Esprit V8 with close-gearing retrofit kit. Full transmission rebuild scheduled for January; will also be installing the Quaife ATB limited-slip diff.

[LEVY]

An update on this, bit the bullet and ordered the one piece input shaft & upgrade gearset from GTO Engineering, gear ratios (including final drive) will now be the same as the Lotus Esprit V8 with close-gearing retrofit kit. Full transmission rebuild scheduled for January; will also be installing the Quaife ATB limited-slip diff.

Great, keep this thread up.

Comments:

Regarding a electric water pump, I don't believe it would help much, it helps on 1/4 mile cars because those cars don't need an alternator, using an electric water pump will keep the alternator running.

Talking about hoods, I believe that should DMC had continue in bussiness, they would have to go back to the grooved hood if they wanted to sell.

LEVY

[Starglider]

Here's a question while I have your attention; several people have suggested a rear sway bar. The only current supplier I know of for this is Martin G in the UK; I heard DPNW and possibly Josh were thinking of making one but haven't got it on the market yet. I'm holding fire on this decision until I've had more experience of driving DMC-12s (i.e next Jan), any opinion here on whether it's a good idea? Martin G went as far as saying it was investigated by Lotus and would very likely have been standard fit on later model years (had the factory survived).

Also considering an integrated rear spoiler similar to the one seen on the original turbo DMC-12 concept art, since Chris N is now fabricating custom fibreglass fascias, haven't checked technical and financial feasibility yet.

[lazabby]

I have a question regarding the VIN that perhaps you or Phil can answer. The last VIN I show in the 12XXX series is VIN 12199. You have VIN 12306? Any idea how it got that number and if there were any other cars between VIN 12119 and 12306?
Shannon

[LEVY]

Here's a question while I have your attention; several people have suggested a rear sway bar. The only current supplier I know of for this is Martin G in the UK; I heard DPNW and possibly Josh were thinking of making one but haven't got it on the market yet. I'm holding fire on this decision until I've had more experience of driving DMC-12s (i.e next Jan), any opinion here on whether it's a good idea? Martin G went as far as saying it was investigated by Lotus and would very likely have been standard fit on later model years (had the factory survived).

Also considering an integrated rear spoiler similar to the one seen on the original turbo DMC-12 concept art, since Chris N is now fabricating custom fibreglass fascias, haven't checked technical and financial feasibility yet.

I don't believe this should be a priority, at least not the way people drive Deloreans. I see you have better priorities.

Regarding your engine, I believe you should talk to Josh, being this a very special car, he may benefit selling you the engine at cost, it will be free advertising!

LEVY

[Delorean Industries]

I don't believe this should be a priority, at least not the way people drive Deloreans. I see you have better priorities.

Regarding your engine, I believe you should talk to Josh, being this a very special car, he may benefit selling you the engine at cost, it will be free advertising!

LEVY

At cost on a full twin turbo set up is over 34,000 done right. I believe he has the project under control with Pj grady europe and Uding.

[Starglider]

Regarding your engine, I believe you should talk to Josh, being this a very special car, he may benefit selling you the engine at cost, it will be free advertising!

The main problem with Josh is that he's just too busy, he's got a lot going on and engine wise I think he's focused on the enhanced NA dyno/tuning project at the moment. The earliest he could get an engine shipped over is next summer and honestly that's optimistic. Josh did make some useful technical suggestions though. Ed has successfully built something very similar to what I'm after before and he's close enough to take the car over for install and tuning, which makes that an attractive option. Have also looked at suggestions from Martin G and John H.

[Delorean Industries]

As much as I would love to do it we just can't meet the deadline. We have owners slated for 2014 on engines builds now with 4-6 being built a month.

[LEVY]

The main problem with Josh is that he's just too busy......


To tell you the truth, I would spend the least amount of money possible on the engine at this time, then talk to Josh and see what options he have to offer. They way I see it, you still have to wait some time before everything else is ready.


LEVY

[Starglider]

Visited P J Grady Europe today, frame work is coming along;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/auryn-frame1_zps051f0840.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/auryn-frame2_zps245086f8.jpg

Some non-stock bits on there e.g. high power pump from John H fitted, Ed Uding's springs, Spax shocks, beefed up LCAs from Heninger and Associates (awaiting resin coating) etc. Left several boxes of electronic gadgets with Chris N, picked up the engine (to go to DMC Europe for rebuild & turbo conversion).

Transmission parts had also arrived with Chris N: one-piece input shaft, gearing & final drive to change ratios to Esprit V8 equivalent (post retrofit spec), limited-slip diff etc. Gearbox / transmission rebuild in January.

Martin G is looking into fabricating a rear sway bar for this car (similar to his previous prototype, connecting to the hubs and routed through the engine cradle tunnel).

[Grover]

Is the Limited Slip modification the part that is seen at the bottom of the page? (http://www.delorean.co.uk/delorean_performance.html)

I always just quickly read over it, and once I saw Automatic I assumed it was for the automatic transmission, never read the full description.

[Starglider]

Is the Limited Slip modification the part that is seen at the bottom of the page?

Yes


I always just quickly read over it, and once I saw Automatic I assumed it was for the automatic transmission, never read the full description.

No, that just means that it biases torque to the wheel with more resistance (i.e. reduces power to a slipping wheel) without needing external sensors, brake assistance (as in eLSD) or a manual diff lock switch.

[Grover]

Well, that's what I get for reading it really quickly, lol.

Do you know anyone else who has done this modification? Results?

I just had my transmission rebuilt by PJ Grady last winter, so this is a long ways off. But I was just wondering if anyone can chime in with any results they have heard.


Thanks again for sharing and updating all of us on this. It's something that I want to do, if I had the funds for it. A 'what if' car based on the turbo racing sketch...

[Phil Peters]

I have a question regarding the VIN that perhaps you or Phil can answer. The last VIN I show in the 12XXX series is VIN 12199. You have VIN 12306? Any idea how it got that number and if there were any other cars between VIN 12119 and 12306?
Shannon

Hi Shannon,

I'd be interested to hear more about this too as the 12XXX VINs were assigned retrospectively to the known surviving Wooler-Hodec cars, most likely by the receivers.

The 12XXX cars have their VIN plates glued on to the dashboard rather than riveted. In the case of VIN 12173, I carefully removed the VIN plate from the dash during the car's restoration. Underneath I found the remains of earlier rivets which would have secured an earlier VIN plate on to the dash. This seems to suggest that after the right-hand drive conversion work was completed, the cars were assigned their original VIN numbers in the 5XX - 6XX range. The cars were then later re-vinned.

I understand there were a batch of stamped 12XXX VIN plates which had not been fitted to cars. The story goes that when Dave Howarth here in the UK purchased what is now VIN 12199 some years ago, it didn't have a VIN. Dave chose the highest numbered VIN plates from the pile of stamped VIN plates to assign to the car in order to signify it being the 'last' Wooler-Hodec car. This explains why there's such a gap between the other sequentially numbered Wooler-Hodec cars and VIN 12199.

Starglider - out of interest, do you know what the frame number is on your car?

Cheers,

Phil

[Starglider]

I understand there were a batch of stamped 12XXX VIN plates which had not been fitted to cars. The story goes that when Dave Howarth here in the UK purchased what is now VIN 12199 some years ago, it didn't have a VIN. Dave chose the highest numbered VIN plates from the pile of stamped VIN plates to assign to the car in order to signify it being the 'last' Wooler-Hodec car. This explains why there's such a gap between the other sequentially numbered Wooler-Hodec cars and VIN 12199.

AFAIK this is correct, but the 'pile of plates' Dave had were apparently not all of them in existence. P J Grady Europe have recovered assorted unused WH parts including frames, at least one tub and several stamped VIN plates (which I saw when I last visited). A frame, tub and a few other bits (e.g. door torsion bars) from this cache were used for my car, however lots of other parts were missing (e.g. glass, engine and transmission parts) and had to be sourced from P J Grady US, DeLorean Europe etc. Chris Nicholsson made a new stainless roof box and is making body panels for the car right now; the fibreglass fascias came from one of his business partners.


Starglider - out of interest, do you know what the frame number is on your car?

No, the relevant area was thoroughly coated and no plate or markings were visible. I'll ask next time I visit.

[DMC5180]

Chris Nicholson made a new stainless roof box and is making body panels for the car right now; the fibreglass fascias came from one of his business partners.

Just what body panels is he making? Do you mean repairing damaged panels to be used on the car? Fiberglass facias? Including the rear?

[Starglider]

Just what body panels is he making? Do you mean repairing damaged panels to be used on the car?

AFAIK the doors are original, the front wings are made new from 304 sheet, don't know about the rest.


Fiberglass facias? Including the rear?

Yes.

[Starglider]

Dropped off the engine at DMC Europe today, for twin-turbo rebuild by Ed Uding. Apparently this will use the last of the five replicas he had made of Chris N's original Legend V-duct. Ed's a good guy, I appreciated his no-nonsense summary of DeLorean engine issues and his opinions of the various vendors. In summary he thinks that the original K-Jet is fundamentally unsuited to forced induction and it makes no sense to keep the stock fuel system for a turbo/supercharger build. This engine will use the same layout and parts very close to the original turbos and intercoolers though, also Ed's forged low-compression turbo pistions, similar to the Legend prototypes but more robust. I was considering chroming the engine but Ed convinced me to go with the chrome-effect powder coating instead, cheaper and somewhat less vulnerable to bubbling and flaking. I was surprised how short the exhaust path on Ed's turbo build; the mufflers are tiny.

Saw Ed's power steering setup while I was there and it's pretty neat, didn't have a chance to drive it though. Ed offered a good deal with a money-back guarantee so I think I'll take the plunge.

Finally, ordered the rear anti-roll bar from Martin G, also added a few more electrical bits to the parts pile e.g. wing mirror heaters.

[David T]

The K-Jet is not the best choice for a forced induction system but it can be made to work. Now that you can purchase and install a full electronic engine management system it makes sense to go that route but it is more expensive and time consuming, especially the first time. The bottom line is what your budget can afford. Another major benefit with an EMS is the ability to tailor very carefully, the power output of the motor. By doing that you can prevent overloading the transmission. In fact, you may be able to control the transmission with the EMS too. I would not chrome things. When it gets dirty it is a LOT of work to clean it all up. Instead of air-to-air intercoolers like the Legend Prototypes I would suggest air-to-water coolers such as used on the Lotus S4. They are smaller, you can place them easier, lighter and since you are not in boost all the time they should be adequate.
David Teitelbaum

[Starglider]

Another major benefit with an EMS is the ability to tailor very carefully, the power output of the motor.

In this case the transmission is being rebuilt with the one-piece input shaft and strengthened fifth gear so that's not a major concern, but generally yes that's a benefit. The EFI system Ed is using on this engine doesn't have all the latest bells and whistles but is well proven.


Instead of air-to-air intercoolers like the Legend Prototypes I would suggest air-to-water coolers such as used on the Lotus S4. They are smaller, you can place them easier, lighter and since you are not in boost all the time they should be adequate.

The purpose of this car is to illustrate what might have gone into production had the company stayed solvent. The Legend design is not the only candidate but it is by far the most likely for a 1984 car. Certainly there are other people building fully modernised twin turbos going for maximum power-to-weight; Martin G is working on one in the UK with barrel chargecoolers. Which is great but not what I am looking for.

[ed uding]

We will show you the build of the new twin turbo engine. Right now you complete outer case is blast and ready for powder coating.
The First part of the intake is ready.
Soon as we get the parts back, we will show you the internal work.

Ed
www.delorean.eu
16132161331613416135

[DCUK Martin]

So it -is- based on Renault EFI and not K-Jet. That's a Z7U manifold there.

[ed uding]

So it -is- based on Renault EFI and not K-Jet. That's a Z7U manifold there.

No Renault EFI, this set up will run with a Kronenbrug system, ignition and injection.
All can be adjust in small steps, we have the twin from Nico Running with this setup, 238 hp on the rear wheels with low pressure.
This Engine is bullet proof and runs very smooth.

[DCUK Martin]

Just to be clear: I wasn't suggesting you're still running a Renix system, but the manifold is from a Renault Z7U 2.5 turbo. From the photo posted, you're also running Z7U or carb heads.

I use an Adaptronic system because, with minor modifications to the trigger pattern, I can run a Renault flywheel, bellhousing and crank trigger.

[ed uding]

1651016511

[dmc4087]

That looks great for the car being customized the way it is but I'd just wonder how it would look in say 5 years time.

Would the plating crack if you removed the valve covers or anything?

[ed uding]

Between all the covers there is a layer of tape to have protect it from Crack.
It take some time to clean it all. lol

Ed

That looks great for the car being customized the way it is but I'd just wonder how it would look in say 5 years time.

Would the plating crack if you removed the valve covers or anything?

[ed uding]

We get close the building the engine up, right now we prepare all parts for install.


Ed
www.delorean.eu




Between all the covers there is a layer of tape to have protect it from Crack.
It take some time to clean it all. lol

Ed

1689616897168981689916900

[Starglider]

Progress on the rest of the car has been slow this month, mostly because Chris N has had so much repair/refurb work on other cars, but it's still moving forward. The body is now on the chassis and the car is on its wheels, although the brake system isn't complete. Will be helping Chris out with the wiring in March. Ordered a few more little bits from John Hervey; brass/copper heater core, improved AC hub piece (with pressure gauge) and orifice valve, stronger shifter pivot bolt etc. Transmission rebuild with LSD etc and fabrication of rear sway bar also still in progress.

[Starglider]

Build is progressing steadily now. I discussed the circumstances of the car with the DVLA (UK Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency) and asked if it should be a 1983 UK car, 2013 UK car or import. They said that if it was built this year from components never used in a road-going vehicle before (except for some engine parts if fully refurbished)*, it should be registered as a 2013 vehicle. They also said that if constructed (substantially) to a mass-produced design with original engine it should be a 'low volume production vehicle' not a 'kit car'. Fortunately Ed's EFI & modern catalytic converters will easily pass current UK emissions standards, hopefully the rest of the car will pass IVA inspection in which case it will be a genuine 2013 build DMC-12. To the best of my knowledge this will be the first official DMC-12 built since 1983; various people have done total rebuilds e.g. DMCH remanufacturing but AFAIK those were always registered as restorations of 1983 vehicles. Of course, please correct me if you know of another DMC-12 with a post-1983 build date.

There was a bit of debate about this (registering new vs 1983 vehicle) on forums when the project started, the original idea was new build before various people weighed in and said 'must be 1983'. However now the guys at the DVLA have weighed in and as far as UK law goes what they say is final. We can keep the original WH VIN plate and will not need a Q-plate, as given a 'certificate of newness' from P J Grady and DMC Europe there is no ambiguity about the build date. I've checked with some insurance companies that a 2013 DMC-12 (RHD, twin turbo etc) can still be insured at a semi-sane price.

* The binnacle is salvaged/refurbished but I don't think it counts.

Here's the up-to-date list of modifications from stock made (by me, Chris N and Ed Uding) in the build process; despite these the car is still compliant with the original design for IVA purposes.

Chassis / Body

Original unused fibreglass tub & (most of) stainless panels (a few newly made panels).
Epoxy & powder coated original unused frame
New stainless door mounting box, front energy absorbers, numerous stainless brackets.
New stainless door latching boxes, NOS torsion bars
All new glass (small 'twin turbo' badges in rear quarter glass), weather seals.
Flat / no-flap hood with DeLorean logo moved to left side, 'twin turbo' logo added below
Fibreglass front & rear fascias, glossy black
Clear perspex headlight covers
Soft lift door struts mounted with stainless load spreader plates.
Thinsulate sound insulation in wheel arches, various body cavities
DMC Europe wide-view curved wing mirrors
Removable goose-neck tow bar (with multi-point stainless support structure).
Front coil tower brace strut
Original Wooler Hodec VIN plates (VIN 12306)
Luggage rack
Split side rub strip with indicators & grey dealer strip & 'twin turbo' badges between halves
Stainless door handles, upper finnisher, brackets, warning labels, hinges, rock screen etc
UK style number plate bezel with glossy black metal apliques
Rear stainless DeLorean lettering + new recessed 'twin turbo' stainless lettering in same style

Drivetrain

Replica Wooler Hodec RHD steering rack & column (P J Grady Europe)
Electric power steering module (DMC Europe, speed & torque sensitive)
Heninger strengthened lower control arms
Refinished / refurbished late-style wheels, with new center caps & chrome nuts
5-speed gearbox rebuilt with new seals, one-piece input shaft (no coupler), strengthened fifth gear and altered ratios.
Stronger shifter pivot bolt
High-performance turbo clutch (DMC Europe)
Quaife torque-sensing limited-slip differential
SPAX shock absorbers, Eibach coil springs (european bumper height)
All-around polybushes for suspension & sway bars (except rear arm bushings).
Rear sway bar, mounting to hubs, routed through cradle tunnel (Martin G)
DMC Europe upgraded TABs with special T auto upgraded TAB covers
NOS Saab 900 brake master (for 50/50 balance), new stainless hardlines & flexible lines
Numerous other new or NOS parts (angle drive, bolts, fasteners, boots etc)
New tyres with DMC logo valve caps

Engine

'Legend-style' twin-turbo PRV with air-to-air intercoolers, cast replica Legend V-piece etc
Built up from scratch using refurbished DeLorean bottom end & Volvo block
Ed's forged turbo pistons, new cam shafts & conrods (target ~300 HP)
Z7U 2.5 metering air manifold, Kronenbrug EFI & ignition system
Custom stainless exhaust with twin mufflers / catalytic converters
Chrome-effect powder coated
Stainless coil cover replicating Legend / VIN 502 style.
Stainless throttle cover, custom coolant tank, drain plug etc
All new water pump, seals, pulleys, hoses (all sillicone) and belts
New fuel lines, high power pump (special T auto), refurbished distributor.
Brass/copper three-row radiator with low current fans & air dam (special T auto)
Stainless engine cover grills with DMC logo
Air bleeders on clutch & coolant lines
'Production-style' intercooler air scoops (shorter than Legend prototype design)
Cruise control (late 80s NOS system)

Electrics

140 Amp new alternator (special T auto)
All LED interior / exterior / door / console lighting (except headlights)
Electronic courtesy light dimmer
Electronic instrument panel light dimmer
Pop-out motorised 7" LCD screen & radio & amplifier
Bluetooth hands-free system
Main speakers upgraded to Eclipse units (329CF fronts + Infinity 529I rear)
12" subwoofer in cubbyhole door, fed by dedicated bridged amp
8 x external marine speakers; four behind grill, four in rear, with dedicated amp
Splitters and volume controls for sub & external speakers
Aux instrumentation in boxes magnetically attached to top of binnacle (invisible mounting)
Twin boost pressure and exhaust gas temp sensors feeding digital + analog LED displays
Eight ultrasonic parking sensors feeding four way proximity bars + front/back distance readouts
Digital speedo (not GPS : uses power steering speed sensor), outside air temp, voltmeter
Rear camera embedded in license plate holder, feeding LCD screen embedded in rear view mirror
Heated wing mirrors (on rear defrost circuit)
More robust fuse panel with light-up (on blow) fuses.
Quad-port powered ruggedised USB3 hubs in glovebox and center console
Powered radio aerial coming up through shaft / hole in intercooler scoop
Heated seats (dual temp)
Switchable side marker mode (classic / indicator repeater only / hybrid flashing marker)
Sidelights relay (unloading headlights switch)
Wings-a-loft remote locking, door & trunk opening & car alarm/immobiliser
Battery isolator solenoid (manual concealed switch) + improved earth strap
Electronic replacements for fan/fan fail/RPM relays, other relays are just new.
Some NOS wiring harnesses, some brand new.
Annoying warning buzzer replaced by Pontiac chime module, with silencer switch
All-new switchgear, LED light-up center console switches from DMC Houston
Defrost / Fog / Aux switches are window switches with relays for touch-on / touch-off
UK spec LED dual rear foglights. Concealed white LED strips in radiator area for front fogs
Concealed white LED spotlight, uplights DMC grill logo
Submersible white LED uplighter strips in engine bay
Rear bumper DeLorean & Twin Turbo lettering illuminated with white EL wire outline
Retractable remote-controlled front number plate holder
Split sidelights / indicators in front marker bays; '80s halo' custom lenses made from six Lada indicator/sidelight cluster lenses :)
Trailer electrics (13-pin euro style socket behind flap)

Interior

Grey, with new pedal box & dead pedal
Refurbished / recovered binnacle & cluster (with 140 MPH speedo), new vinyl
Flipped vents and radio mounting (so that pop-out screen does not block vents)
New two tone grey seat-covers with Legend logo on headrests
Machined aluminium shift knob (replaced stainless sphere one)
Stainless shifter gate with light-up DMC logo
Stainless electroluminescent door sill logos
Soft-touch dark grey headliner fabric
NOS steering wheel with DMC logo leather center patch
Stainless electroluminescent headlier logos (matching sill logos)
Original console clock.
'(LI) Twin Turbo' seatbelt covers (with Legend logo)
Assorted detailing e.g. 'handling by Lotus' badge on center console
All-new AC system with special T auto upgraded orifice valve & hub (with pressure meter)
Reinforced grey-painted stainless latching points for BTTF props (e.g. overhead & center consoles)
DMC Europe floor mats
Cargo net

TODO

Brake calipers. Martin G does hi-spec ones but
(a) they're $3000ish,
(b) the all-hydralic version loses parking brake force when the discs cool
(c) the version with mechanical parking brake isn't UK IVA compliant
Ed Uding does front-only sports calipers for $2000ish
Or could find some NOS originals.

Stainless rear spoiler with integrated high-level brake light (rear fascia integrated)
Car computer (media center & GPS Nav)
Might integrate a 240V inverter for convenience
Dash cam
Maybe use waterless coolant e.g. Evans
Unfortunately Welmeod's slightly larger wheels have no ETA, would have used them if available
Quick install/remove BTTF prop pack!

Happy to hear any further suggestions for stuff to do on the car, although I am trying to maintain a 'plausible 1984 factory turbo car' theme as much as possible (electroluminescent logos excepted). Considered the DMCH ground effects / side-skirts kit, it does look quite like the design sketches for the production turbo DMC-12, however I didn't want to lose the ground clearance.

[dmcjohn]

in which case it will be a genuine 2013 build DMC-12. To the best of my knowledge this will be the first official DMC-12 built since 1983; various people have done total rebuilds e.g. DMCH remanufacturing but AFAIK those were always registered as restorations of 1983 vehicles..

Sorry, but phrases such as "genuine 2013" or "official" are just wrong, although it sounds to me like this is what you'll be telling people when your car is done ( or what you want to be able to call it)... It's misleading and a disservice to the history of DMC.

Regards,
John

[Dangermouse]

Is part of the full VIN number not a code for the factory in which the car was built? I think it is the letter D at the start

Another part is the year built (BD, CD or DD)

I am surprised that the DVLA would allow the original VIN to be used. I would have expected them to issue a replacement one, but as you say, they are a law onto themselves.

[Starglider]

Sorry, but phrases such as "genuine 2013" or "official" are just wrong

It is official in the legal sense and genuine in the sense that the vast majority of the parts (by weight) came from the Dunmurry factory, and almost everything else (save some cosmetic modifications) is a close replica. The engine is the most modified part, but it is being built by a DMC franchise. The main parts were sent to Wooler Hodec to be made into a car, they just didn't get put together before everything was cancelled. 30 years later, they have finally been assembled. Close inspection would not reveal any differences from a normal DeLorean other than those mentioned above, all of which are aftermarket modification options installed by other owners.

What the car definitely isn't is an official Legend twin-turbo. I have always been very clear that it is a contemporary impression (mostly Ed Uding's) of what the twin-turbo might have looked like had it made it to production, and no-one technically knowledgable could mistake it for an original Legend prototype.

[dmc4087]

It is official in the legal sense and genuine in the sense that the vast majority of the parts (by weight) came from the Dunmurry factory, and almost everything else (save some cosmetic modifications) is a close replica. The engine is the most modified part, but it is being built by a DMC franchise. The main parts were sent to Wooler Hodec to be made into a car, they just didn't get put together before everything was cancelled. 30 years later, they have finally been assembled. Close inspection would not reveal any differences from a normal DeLorean other than those mentioned above, all of which are aftermarket modification options installed by other owners.

What the car definitely isn't is an official Legend twin-turbo. I have always been very clear that it is a contemporary impression (mostly Ed Uding's) of what the twin-turbo might have looked like had it made it to production, and no-one technically knowledgable could mistake it for an original Legend prototype.

Id agree with John here, it wont be genuine in the Delorean sense.

Maybe from the gov point of view, but it wasn't made in the factory under DMCL.

[Jeff K]

disservice to the history of DMC

DMC does not have a great or even good history. People tend to romanticize the past and remember the good parts, it's human nature.

It has a sordid history at best.

I'm for pretty much anything the brings positive attention to the brand.

I hope this project turns out great!
Jeff

[Starglider]

I'm for pretty much anything the brings positive attention to the brand. I hope this project turns out great!

Thanks. If anyone asks me about the car, I will stress that it's an idea of what DMC could have produced, if the management buyout went ahead / drug sting didn't happen / subsidy went a little further etc. It isn't widely known (outside of the enthusiast community) that the DMC-12 came very close to having a fast twin-turbo version, factory right-hand-drive and generally better performance & reliability as the design matured.

[BABIS]

when pictures??

about the brakes.
for the front wheels of my car I bought 2 four pot hispec calipers (the same that Martin sells) directly from hispec and vented discs, for the rears I used the original calipers with spacers in order to use vented discs even on the rear brakes. green stuff pads for the front and red stuff for the rear. DMCH brake master, I should have bought the 50/50 pump only because the reproduction part totally sucks ;)

[Phil Peters]

Hi Starglider,

Did you get chance to check out your chassis number yet?

Best wishes,

Phil

[Phil Peters]

Incidentally, according to Chris Parnham (http://www.projectvixen.com/dmcuk-archive/msg10634.html) the factory did put a turbo on one of the RHD drive cars for evaluation purposes. You'd have to chat to Chris for more info on this though.

[Starglider]

Did you get chance to check out your chassis number yet?

To see it I'd have to scrape off the resin/powercoating combo Chris put on there (before I saw the parts for the first time), which I am not keen to attempt.

When I started the project I thought Chris had an existing car he was going to restore and convert, because that's how he did his previous RHD. It wasn't until I visited the workshop in November that I found out it was essentially a tub, frame and pile of random parts. It was an odd mix, there was an original Wooler Hodec cluster (e.g. 140 MPH speedo of the original factory style not the DMCH reproduction) but no binnacle, most of the body panels but no fascias, original center console but no headliners etc. I get the impression that in principle Chris has enough extra bits to build a second car, but it would need considerably more reproduction & salvage parts than mine. He swears that this from-scratch build has been so much hassle he will not do another one but I am not sure if I believe him. :)


Incidentally, according to Chris Parnham the factory did put a turbo on one of the RHD drive cars for evaluation purposes. You'd have to chat to Chris for more info on this though.

That's interesting, hopefully will see him at a club event sometime.

[Phil Peters]

To see it I'd have to scrape off the resin/powercoating combo Chris put on there (before I saw the parts for the first time), which I am not keen to attempt.

I meant the one which is welded to the inside rear of the frame as in this image:

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/860467_145454728951477_1326187976_o.jpg

Shouldn't require any scraping off of the chassis coating!

[Starglider]

I meant the one which is welded to the inside rear of the frame as in this image

I know where the frame number is, I specifically checked, but that bump was all smoothed over with the grey coating stuff and no number was visible.

[Starglider]

Ed mounting the turbos & plumbing the bearings for oil;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/turbo-installation_zps11d8c7e6.jpg

[NightFlyer]

Looking good!

What kind of turbos are those and how much boost are you planning to run when completed?

Also, will you be posting any pics of the mods you're performing to the car (I'd love to see the rear bumper cover and the EL work you're doing to the 'DeLorean' and 'LI' logos)!

[Starglider]

What kind of turbos are those

IHI, same as the Legend prototypes (although a slightly larger model).


and how much boost are you planning to run when completed?

About 15 lbs / 1 bar, subject to input from Ed's turbo tuning expert.


Also, will you be posting any pics of the mods you're performing to the car (I'd love to see the rear bumper cover and the EL work you're doing to the 'DeLorean' and 'LI' logos)!

Yes, it is not much to look at at the moment but I will take more photos as assembly is completed.

[DCUK Martin]

Interesting that he's using Island manifolds.

[Starglider]

Interesting that he's using Island manifolds.

Speaking of which, the Island design didn't include a crossover pipe, do you know if the Legend layout does? My guess would be no; although the engine is odd-fire, as far as I know there is little to no scavenging benefit to a crossover pipe when running with significant boost. With the relatively engine low displacement and short exhaust path restrictivity shouldn't be a problem (and wouldn't be reduced much by a long crossover loop anyway). I assume it would make some difference to the sound though?

[DCUK Martin]

No twin turbo setup that I know of combines the exhaust upstream of the turbos - there would be no point. Downstream I definitely recommend it otherwise you end up with the sound of two three cylinder engines. Legend never got far enough to settle on a design, some are seperate, some combined I believe.

On the island setup, the left manifold is perfectly straight but the right one has that peculiar dog-leg you see in the photo which puts the turbo shafts parallel. The legend manifolds have equal and opposite offsets on each side.

[Starglider]

Headliners are almost done. These are new PJ Grady Europe fibreglass headliners with stainless logo plates from DMC California inserted in them, with white electroluminescent backing (only lights up when the doors are opened). I will be glueing dark grey velvety material over them and cutting it close to the letters, to leave a thin stainless steel border.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/headliners_zpsd9693efe.jpg

Center headliner (not shown) has a couple of DC power sockets and four stainless latching points, which will be bolted through to the roof box. Other than that work on the car generally proceeding, heater box is nearly done and will be fitted when Chris gets back from the US.

[NightFlyer]

Headliners are almost done. These are new PJ Grady Europe fibreglass headliners with stainless logo plates from DMC California inserted in them, with white electroluminescent backing (only lights up when the doors are opened). I will be glueing dark grey velvety material over them and cutting it close to the letters, to leave a thin stainless steel border.

Center headliner (not shown) has a couple of DC power sockets and four stainless latching points, which will be bolted through to the roof box. Other than that work on the car generally proceeding, heater box is nearly done and will be fitted when Chris gets back from the US.

Wow - that's pretty sweet!

Are you running all the EL lighting off one inverter?

[Starglider]

Are you running all the EL lighting off one inverter?

No, that would be impractical, there are six separate inverters.

[Starglider]

I just delivering the car to DMC Europe for engine installation and tuning:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/towing2_zps490fc944.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/auryn-trailer_zpsa43c41f6.jpg

Ed Uding has a busy schedule at the moment, so it will be there for a while.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/auryn-engine_zpsbf9dc786.jpg

Chris Nicholson (from P J Grady Europe) came along for the ride and we ended up taking a trailer load of body parts back to the UK.

[Ron]

:thumbup: :thumbup:

[Rich W]

:thumbup: :thumbup:

I do not think I have seen a photo of an unpainted version of the PJ Grady UK - Fiberglass Front Fascia, installed on a DeLorean.

Looks like a quality piece of fiberglass work and looks like it is a pretty nice fit too.

Glad to hear Chris was able to pick up some SS panels for the trip back to the shop.

[Starglider]

I do not think I have seen a photo of an unpainted version of the PJ Grady UK - Fiberglass Front Fascia, installed on a DeLorean.
Looks like a quality piece of fiberglass work and looks like it is a pretty nice fit too.

It is a solid part, though Chris says it's awaiting final trimming and adjustment. The rear fascia in the photo was borrowed from another car for the trip, final will also be fibreglass (modified with UK legal LED foglight mounts and integral spoiler).


Glad to hear Chris was able to pick up some SS panels for the trip back to the shop.

He got quite a few, there were more parts in the tow car as well;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/trailer_zpsbe419401.jpg

Also, Ed talked me into letting him add his 'wishbone style' LCA support brackets, should help with handling.

[Starglider]

Car is still at DMC Europe, Chris is still working on some bits and pieces back in the UK. No pics of those yet but here's a couple of AURYN in the sunlight on Canvey Island;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/dmc-sunlight1_zps97050689.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/dmc-sunlight2_zpsea072ebf.jpg

[NightFlyer]

Will you be adding the rub strips later on, or are you going without them?

Looking good :thumbup:

[Starglider]

Will you be adding the rub strips later on, or are you going without them?

I have a plan for custom rub strips but not sure how it will look, so will do a mock up first.

[Starglider]

PJ Grady Europe fibreglass rear bumper; the 'turbo' lettering is a custom addition (will put stainless cutout letters in there to match the usual delorean logo ones);

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/bumper_zps77eafc63.jpg

[Domi]

The "turbo" letter is a nice touch, good idea ;)

[Starglider]

Custom seat covers, modified from light gray ones from John Hervey (Special-T-Auto). The headrest logo is somewhat fanciful; in recognition of the work done by Legend in developing the turbo cars. It wouldn't have appeared on the production cars but you could imagine some prototypes / show cars having the branding.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/seat-cover_zps702e5e97.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/headrest_zps97a719c0.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/headrest-logo_zps4e68e147.jpg

Custom stainless exhaust tips, made by Chris N by welding together parts from several off-the-shelf aftermarket tips. Still need some cleanup / polishing.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/photo_zps4207d639.jpg

[Delorean Industries]

I like the seat covers!

[Josh]

That bumper is awesome! There is some top notch work being done here!

[ALEXAKOS]

Very professional mods! This is coming out to be a very special D!:aniclap:

[Domi]

Seats covers are awesome!
As for the exhaust, I'd rather 2 instead of 3 pipes, but it's your choice.

[Starglider]

Seats covers are awesome!

Thanks,


As for the exhaust, I'd rather 2 instead of 3 pipes, but it's your choice.

in the bizarre alternate timeline my car comes from, the single turbo DMC-12s have 2, the twin turbos have 3. Maybe because JZD wanted to one-up the Corvette :)

Stainless spoiler is in progress but not far enough to take a picture of. It will be relatively low-profile compared to the typical aftermarket wings.

[Starglider]

Transmission bolted to the engine, with Ed's uprated clutch. The limited-slip diff caused endless problems with alignment, clearance and split pins.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/engine-trans_zps695c699a.jpg

Ed has the engine in the car, waiting for assorted plumbing and wiring;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/engine-installed_zpsea82103b.jpg

Gearbox casing still needs some cleanup, Chris says he needs to take it off again once it's back in the UK for powercoating.

As usual for a twin turbo, the alternator had to be relocated with a custom bracket;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/engine-alternator_zps9f03d2fe.jpg

[PlutonimicX]

That is top notch! This looks amazing!

[Domi]

It's so beautiful, can't wait to see the engine complete.

[BABIS]

Transmission bolted to the engine, with Ed's uprated clutch. The limited-slip diff caused endless problems with alignment, clearance and split pins.



in the end you successfully fitted the Quife Lsd? I thought it was plug and play apart for the modification to the casing..
what other modifications in your gearbox? IIRC the lower and strengthened first and second gear from GTO, did you change the final ratio also?
Best regards

[Starglider]

Coil pack is installed (by Ed). Still working on the air piping and ECU.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/coil-pack1_zps723e2e76.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/coil-pack2_zps7cc2f0ac.jpg


in the end you successfully fitted the Quife Lsd? I thought it was plug and play apart for the modification to the casing..

Aside from removing several pieces from the casing and welding on some more (to retain strength), the offset diff makes getting one of the split pins in very difficult.


what other modifications in your gearbox? IIRC the lower and strengthened first and second gear from GTO, did you change the final ratio also?

Yes, I replaced the 5th gear with a .76 and changed the final drive to 3.89

[ALEXAKOS]

That is such a sweet looking engine!!
Congrats to Ed!
You're a lucky D owner buddy!

[Domi]

Awesome engine :)
I really like the V intake.

[DMCVegas]

Question: Why have the turbos sitting with the compressor facing the rear of the car? Is there not enough room to flip them around?

[Starglider]

Question: Why have the turbos sitting with the compressor facing the rear of the car? Is there not enough room to flip them around?

The early Legend engines including the show engine and Alpine mules have the compressor forward configuration;

http://www.pjgrady.co.uk/General/Images/LEGEND_3.jpg

It's good for a short path into the original single rear muffler setup. However clearance from the compressor inlet to the engine cradle is pretty tight and the compressor soaks up additional heat from being right next to the exhaust manifold. At least one of the later Legend engines had a dual independent exhaust setup, which is the pattern Ed has used, with the cats and mufflers hanging low and forward in the engine bay. It runs cooler all round and is easier to get at for service. The Island kit also used this layout, although their main concern was probably minimising the complexity of the piping that replaced the rams horns.

Progress was delayed by a defective crankshaft that slipped through the earlier rebuild process (now replaced). The engine is running now though and Ed hopes to have it on the dyno for final tune tomorrow.

[Starglider]

Ed has the car running on the dyno at 240 WHP, still fine tuning (that is 280ish BHP, or 320 in Internet forum HP :) ). Hope to collect it later this week, will post torque & dyno graph. Still no brakes!

[NightFlyer]

(that is 280ish BHP, or 320 in Internet forum HP :) )

Ha - good one :hysterical:

[DMCVegas]

What does your exhaust system look like? Are you running catalytic convertors and a muffler or mufflers?

[Starglider]

What does your exhaust system look like? Are you running catalytic convertors and a muffler or mufflers?

Ceramic coated split/independent with combined cat-mufflers. Sounded surprisingly good despite the lack of H-pipe, although that was before Ed cut the glasspack tips off. Will have to check the sound with the replacement triple tips.

Went over to DMC Europe to collect the car yesterday, weather started miserable and became awful on the way back, difficult to tow in winds gusting to gale force + constant driving rain.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/dmceu-rainy_zps53d39222.jpg

Took some repaired panels & doors with me on the trip out, the doors in particular are apparently hell to ship.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/trailer-parts_zps3cf9b356.jpg

Ed has the Legend Industries show engine in his showroom, turbos & accessories are not mounted.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/show-engine_zpsef41c0c6.jpg

According to Ed Legend switched all their engines to compressor-aft configuration after the first time they tried fitting into the DMC-12 engine bay, the lack of clearance was a show stopper.

Ed making some final adjustments;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/ed-working_zpsbec9fca9.jpg

Engine is running but still a lot of work to do on the car. As expected the stock engine cover is not quite tall enough, though it turns out it's just the coils rubbing, the intercooler clearance is fine. Might cut a hole in the middle of the cover and put a wide low hood scoop over it (facing backwards); would give the coils a little extra airflow / cooling as well. Also plumb new depths of negative concours points. :)

[Lou and "Boo"]

Wow ! What's the running price tag on this jobbie?

[Starglider]

Brakes are now fitted and working except for vacuum canister. Issues with steering rack are also resolved, new coolant pipes fitted and a lot of electrical work completed. The problem with the gearbox not shifting correctly turned out to be the shifter cable spot-welding to its sheath; according to Chris N bad earthing caused it to take the starter current. At least the gearbox itself seems fine; cable will be replaced and lots more earth points / wires added.


Wow ! What's the running price tag on this jobbie?

More than a new Lotus Evora but less than a new Porsche 911. But those are just sports cars. This is a DeLorean.

[DCUK Martin]

The problem with the gearbox not shifting correctly turned out to be the shifter cable spot-welding to its sheath; according to Chris N bad earthing caused it to take the starter current. At least the gearbox itself seems fine; cable will be replaced and lots more earth points / wires added.

Classic problem! Tell him to sand off the powdercoat on the side of the engine mounting"ear" where it's bolted into the mount an dground strap.

Same problem can be caused by a good coat of paint. Ask me how I know.....:angry_whip:

[Starglider]

Rear fascia mounted, undergoing modification;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/foglight_zpsa4c82fed.jpg

You can see the custom 'turbo' logo moulded into the fibreglass, I tried to match the style of the existing 'DeLorean'. Both will have stainless letters in them and outlining with white electroluminescent wire. The extra light near the exhaust is a UK-spec rear foglight made out of a brake light lens from a damaged tail light assembly; there will be one on each side. Finally I will add a flap in the middle for the tow hitch receiver and towing electrics socket.

[NightFlyer]

Rear fascia mounted, undergoing modification;

You can see the custom 'turbo' logo moulded into the fibreglass, I tried to match the style of the existing 'DeLorean'. Both will have stainless letters in them and outlining with white electroluminescent wire. The extra light near the exhaust is a UK-spec rear foglight made out of a brake light lens from a damaged tail light assembly; there will be one on each side. Finally I will add a flap in the middle for the tow hitch receiver and towing electrics socket.

That fascia is SWEET!

Surprised you didn't have it read 'Twin Turbo' though...

[Starglider]

That fascia is SWEET! Surprised you didn't have it read 'Twin Turbo' though...

Thanks, I considered it but I thought the mock-up looked too busy. Also if the turbo cars had made it to production in real life, I suspect the factory would have just made one mould that they could use on single and twin variants. There is 'twin turbo' badging elsewhere on the car e.g. under the hood logo.

[Starglider]

Making the spoiler mock-up :

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/spoiler2_zps236aab3b.jpg

Clay part will be fibreglass (blended with fascia), cardboard part will be stainless :

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/spoiler1_zpsa2e9bf21.jpg

Will have integrated LED high stop lights via slots similar to the lower rear fascia slots.

[Domi]

Amazing work so far!

[dmcjohn]

great idea on the rear fascia/spoiler, that will look great.

[ALEXAKOS]

That will actually look VERY Factory looking!:hihi:

[Domi]

Reminds me this:

[ALEXAKOS]

Nice find Domi! I like the rear... the front not so much. Although it would be a great snowplower! hahaha

[Starglider]

Reminds me this:

That drawing was in fact the inspiration for the rear design, although I made the exhausts three squares each instead of two.

[Starglider]

Air scoop and spoiler mount. Scoop will have stainless mesh in it to stop leaves etc getting in.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/spoiler-mount1_zpse96fc57b.jpg

Closeup on fibreglass spoiler mount; mounting lugs are stainless.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/spoiler-mount2_zpsf6ac5fb3.jpg

Rear view, ready for fascia painting.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/rear_zps295ee8da.jpg

Exhaust tip & foglight area;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/exhaust-fog1_zps264422bb.jpg

Closeup : the small round holes are for the ultrasonic parking sensors;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/exhaust-fog-2_zpsed917e86.jpg

Legend themed seat (only the driver's is mounted ATM);

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/driver-seat_zps989a0f66.jpg

Interior is still a mess : subwoofer is fitted in the cubby door though.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/interior_zps0976ff63.jpg

Added this scoop, reversed to make a vent, for additional cooling of the coil area. Will be fibreglassed over and painted to match, also stainless mesh inserted to match the air scoops;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/engine-cover_zps685cb6b4.jpg

Two exterior speakers mounted in the void behind the license plate holder (safe to do so with the relocated mufflers), outer grill not yet fitted;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/speakers1_zpsc8048e99.jpg

Two more exterior speakers going behind the grill (will have small holes drilled in the valleys for sound permeability);

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/speakers2_zps027ab83e.jpg

Two more attached to the radiator support struts; driver's side is close to the brake master.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/speakers3_zps1b122c2c.jpg

The last pair will be facing the rear wheel wells, probably attached to the towbar mounting structure.

[Domi]

Fog light fits very well in the rear bumper!
Why so many speakers? Car show?

[Starglider]

Why so many speakers? Car show?

They're connected to a widget that makes the BTTF door open and power up (on engine start) sounds.

[ALEXAKOS]

They're connected to a widget that makes the BTTF door open and power up (on engine start) sounds.

Aha! Another BTTF junky! hehehehe
Sounds interesting.:aniclap:

[Starglider]

Engine cover is complete, the stainless mesh replacements are from the UK vendor 'Just Bandits';

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/engine-cover2_zps247c951e.jpg

Central extractor vent was added due to people on forums saying the coil pack would overheat, although I know others are running this layout without issues. Still, I think it looks neat;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/coil-vent_zpse998b251.jpg

This does mean the standard engine cover stay design won't work. Could relocate it to the side, but Chris says the design was bad to start with and is the main cause of broken engine covers. Other options are stainless corner rod or gas struts similar to the louvres.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/engine-cover-underside_zps2df16ad1.jpg

Stainless label kit from Ed Uding also fitted. Finally, air scoops are now complete (with mesh to keep out leaf litter);

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/scoop-mesh_zpsa93b9e78.jpg[/quote]

Spoiler is being welded up ATM.

[ccurzio]

Call me crazy, but it seems like that engine cover scoop wouldn't do anything at all beyond contributing to aesthetics.

[Domi]

I really like that air scoop, looks beautiful ;)
Did you install a new hook on the louvre for the engine cover? I don't see it, and wonder how can it hold in place to lift it up?

[Starglider]

Call me crazy, but it seems like that engine cover scoop wouldn't do anything at all beyond contributing to aesthetics.

It's an extractor, not an intake. Stationary, hot air will rise into the hump and come out through the vent. In motion the negative pressure in the louvre slots sucks additional air up through all the cover vents including the middle one. Not a major effect but should prevent any local hot-spot.


Did you install a new hook on the louvre for the engine cover? I don't see it, and wonder how can it hold in place to lift it up?

No, I am thinking about whether to put the hook to the side, or to use a propping rod (like most older cars), or to fit another set of gas struts.

[ccurzio]

It's an extractor, not an intake. Stationary, hot air will rise into the hump and come out through the vent. In motion the negative pressure in the louvre slots sucks additional air up through all the cover vents including the middle one. Not a major effect but should prevent any local hot-spot.

I agree with your assessment, but that being true, wouldn't it have been infinitely more effective to make a flat vent like the ones already on the sides of the engine cover? At the least, that would provide a lot more vented surface area than the scoop.

[Starglider]

I agree with your assessment, but that being true, wouldn't it have been infinitely more effective to make a flat vent like the ones already on the sides of the engine cover?

I considered it but two drawbacks to that : allows rainwater to drip directly onto the coil pack / HT leads and weakens the cover more (than this integral fibreglass design). Also the tops of the coil leads were flush against the engine cover anyway, the bulge ensures they don't rub.

Plus I admitt I just like the look more.

[ccurzio]

Fair enough. :)

[vwdmc16]

Is the rear spoiler section removable just for service/ ease of fabricating? or is it adjustable? I really dig this build!

[Starglider]

Is the rear spoiler section removable just for service/ ease of fabricating? or is it adjustable?

Removable, yes, the tabs will be tapped and the spoiler bolted on from the underside. Adjustable, no, like most 80s designs this will be a fixed spoiler of dubious aerodynamic benefit.


I really dig this build!

Thanks :)

[jerzybondov]

No, I am thinking about whether to put the hook to the side, or to use a propping rod (like most older cars), or to fit another set of gas struts.

Simplest, lightest and most effective solution is to put a hook on the underside of the louvre which you can then simply hang the engine cover off (using the small u-shaped bar the louvre normally latches onto when down). Louvre gas struts have no problem with supporting both, also means you get the greatest under-cover space for working on the engine. Can upload a pic if you're interested.

[Starglider]

Spoiler mostly complete, needs finnishing details;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/spoiler-stainless_zpse0b22513.jpg

Chris did an excellent job with the welding, the whole thing actually has a slight curve in it to match the fascia. The slots are for the brake light LEDs; too large at the moment, will divide them to match the lower fascia cooling slots.

[PB Co]

Really great to see progress on this... especially enjoying the custom rear fascia fabrication and the incredible efforts made to keep it OEM-like. From lump of clay to full on execution, impressive. I like the scoop vent too. I think it really goes with the legend style air intake vents.

Anything custom happening to the louvers?

[ALEXAKOS]

Love it. Did you add a third break light in that spoiler while you are at it?

[Starglider]

I like the scoop vent too. I think it really goes with the legend style air intake vents.

Thanks, it is a visual match although the extractor isn't obvious when the louvres are down.


Anything custom happening to the louvers?

Just the 'ears' at the bottom removed to clear the spoiler; honestly I think it looks better without them anyway and it's one less fragile part to break. I have fitted DMCH stainless louvre reinforcements (from John Hervey : similar to the DMCH ones a lot of people have but shiny).


Did you add a third break light in that spoiler while you are at it?

Yes, the slots for the LEDs are shaped to resemble the cooling slots in the lower rear fascia.

[PB Co]

Stainless accents are perfect for your car. You should change the title of the thread, your fantasy is more reality now.

What are the louvre ears for anyway? Best I can figure they are arrows that point right to the poorly fitting fascia. Lol. Amazing what has been done to this stock part on yours, great fit.

Any advice for fibreglass to polyurethane adhesion? I am not yet an owner and in my search, I have seen some very bad examples of fascia warping/shrinking. Educating myself here, I have not found much regarding extreme repairs.

[Starglider]

You should change the title of the thread, your fantasy is more reality now.

It's a fantasy in that DMC didn't survive to produce official RHD and/or twin turbo cars, though they were well advanced with plans and prototypes to sell both by 1984.


What are the louvre ears for anyway? Best I can figure they are arrows that point right to the poorly fitting fascia.

I can only assume styling as they don't perform any structural function.


Any advice for fibreglass to polyurethane adhesion?

I am the wrong person to ask as my fascias are both fibreglass. :)


I am not yet an owner and in my search, I have seen some very bad examples of fascia warping/shrinking. Educating myself here, I have not found much regarding extreme repairs.

Warping can usually be corrected by inserting a length of steel rod or bar e.g. inside the front fascia top edge. Shrinking and worse cracking : might as well get a NOS one from DMC Texas.

[Starglider]

Still making progress although most of it is not much to look at. The fascias are primered ready for painting;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/rfascia-primer_zpsc38c7f7a.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/ffascia-primer_zpse830b5d0.jpg

I've decided to fit shrouds over the intercoolers to hide the ugly mounts and make them look more like the intercoolers in the original Legend prototypes.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/engine-dirty5_zpsa6c8c0e8.jpg

They are stainless, will have a 2" lip around the edge (with cut-outs for pipes) and a brushed finish once complete. The 80s 'INTERCOOLER' badges are from a couple of wrecked Volvo 740s.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/engine-dirty4_zps959795ce.jpg

Engine bay (and in fact most of the car) is currently covered in fibreglass dust. Also the subwoofer, subwoofer amp and external speakers amp all wired in and working;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/amp-wires_zps1343dfb0.jpg

The main cabin speakers are driven from the head unit, as I don't require huge volumes.

[Domi]

Love this engine bay, it's beautiful :thumbup:
What's the two holes next to the orange light?

[Starglider]

Love this engine bay, it's beautiful

Thanks, should look good once it is cleaned up. Aircon compressor still has to be mounted.


What's the two holes next to the orange light?

The holes are for ultrasonic parking sensors (4 x front + 4 x rear).

[Domi]

The holes are for ultrasonic parking sensors (4 x front + 4 x rear).

Those could be pretty useful as the visibility is not very good.

[Starglider]

Those could be pretty useful as the visibility is not very good.

Yeah, I also have a backup camera in the rear license plate holder feeding a screen embedded into the rear-view mirror. The second input on the mirror screen is attached to a receiver for a wireless backup camera on the trailer. Speaking of which, the custom trailer for AURYN is coming along well and I should be able to reveal it next month.

[Domi]

Can't wait to see the entire car finished :)

[Dangermouse]

The question is : will this car be finished before silverlux's wooden one? They have both been building them for about the same length of time. :)

Both great threads btw

[Starglider]

Fascias painted and on the car;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/fascias_zps423df398.jpg

Stainless spoiler needs a little more detail work; the slots will be made to look like the lower rear fascia cooling slots, 3rd brake light LEDs inserted, rubber gaskets at the ends where it meets the fibreglass.
The engine cover has been reinforced with stainless and Chris has made a stainless hook to hang it from the louvres (which have also been reinforced).
The custom trailer for this car is also coming along well, will take some photos once it has been painted.

[Starglider]

Back end nearly done, including the folding stainless hook solution to support the engine cover from the louvres;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/rear-collage_zps0250a146.jpg

Unfortunately one of the stainless steel letters has gone missing somewhere in the workshop, should turn up eventually.

The front is less visually interesting but still Chris did a great job with the aligment;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/front-collage_zps5f361207.jpg

The wide license plate holder is for UK style plates : machined aluminium from a UK vendor.

[Domi]

The car is almost ready :) This is great!
By the way, I don't remember but, did you add some manometers like VIN 502 on the dashboard for the twin turbo?

[NightFlyer]

Looking AWESOME :thumbup:

I thought that you were going to EL the 'DeLorean' and 'Turbo' on the rear fascia?

LOVE that hook for the engine cover :thumbup:

[Starglider]

The car is almost ready :) This is great!
By the way, I don't remember but, did you add some manometers like VIN 502 on the dashboard for the twin turbo?

I have a more 80s-tastic solution in mind, currently in progress.


Looking AWESOME. I thought that you were going to EL the 'DeLorean' and 'Turbo' on the rear fascia?

Thanks - I am going to EL the bumper letters, using fine white EL wire around the edges of the letters. Solid white EL letters would not look so good in the day time and would be more likely to get me stopped (rear-facing white lights are illegal but fine white outlines aren't likely to be confused for headlights or reversing lights).

[Domi]

I have a more 80s-tastic solution in mind, currently in progress.


Can't wait to see it :)

[Starglider]

Nothing to report on the car at this time, but the custom trailer for it is making good progress. It is, I think you will agree, very British.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/tardis3_zpsa6bfa56f.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/tardis2_zps01c7e8f3.jpg

started with this chassis;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/trailer-2_zps090b726b.jpg

but will scrap the generic light board and replace with side pods containing DeLorean tail light clusters, hopefully also scrap nasty wheels and replace with DeLorean fronts.

[Mark D]

I can't get over how awesome that rear facia looks with the spoiler built in. If you ever considered making a mold of it and making fiberglass reproductions I bet there would be a market for it.

[Starglider]

If you ever considered making a mold of it and making fiberglass reproductions I bet there would be a market for it.

I told Chris Nicholsson that and he said that the amount of labor time involved would make it very expensive; mine was an 'in kind' trade for transport assistance. I think there are people out there willing to pay $1000 or more for fascias though; I know at least one guy custom ordered completely stainless steel fascias for much more than that.

[Starglider]

Completed the headliners with electroluminescent / stainless logos (matching the sills); didn't come out as neat as I would have liked, getting that fabric to lay flat and glue without matting is quite tricky.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/headliners2_zps4ff07628.jpg

I tried to cut a closer outline around the letters but had to give up, it looked ragged even with my sharpest trimming knife. Even so, I like them more than the stock ones.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/headliner_zpsc5e8f4a3.jpg

As with the sills these will be wired so that they only light up when the door is open, and the 'special lighting' switch on the console is on (I replaced the dummy switches with functional ones for 'special lighting' and 'front + rear fog lights').

[Nicholas R]

That fabric is going to look so awesome at night when when it's reflecting the light of the logos. Very cool man!

[SS Spoiler]

Is one of the logos upside down?

[vwdmc16]

No but I thought that for a second too, the top one is the passenger side, the lower is the driver side.

[ALEXAKOS]

Hey those look as good as mine! :)

Actually better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wink:

[Starglider]

AURYN has gone back to the Netherlands again, to Ed Uding at Delorean Europe for more tuning of the twin-turbo engine.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/auryn-netherlands-again_zps362d9c77.jpg

Keen-eyed viewers will note that I have upgraded the boring stock front wheels to HipsterLuxe FEO2-X steelies, 'pre-aged for realistic patina'.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/hipsterluxe-steelies_zps6820d649.jpg

Sure to be an attention getter and the 2" reduction in width should increase driving excitement as well.

[jawn101]

auryn has gone back to the netherlands again, to ed uding at delorean europe for more tuning of the twin-turbo engine.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/auryn-netherlands-again_zps362d9c77.jpg

keen-eyed viewers will note that i have upgraded the boring stock front wheels to hipsterluxe feo2-x steelies, 'pre-aged for realistic patina'.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/hipsterluxe-steelies_zps6820d649.jpg

sure to be an attention getter and the 2" reduction in width should increase driving excitement as well.

lol

[Starglider]

The old front wheels have been repurposed for this fine non-vehicle;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/trailer-hub_zpsab2cd6c8.jpg

My current problem is that I need hubcentric spacers to get the offset necessary to fit them, but the spacers have an annoying flange cast into the outer side of the center hole lip that prevents the hub from going through (angle grinder time).

The wheels aren't the only DeLorean components on this trailer;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/police-public-call-box_zps3ba30824.jpg

I don't have any spare tail light PCBs so I am half way through making my own out of plywood and point-to-point wiring.

[ALEXAKOS]

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/hipsterluxe-steelies_zps6820d649.jpg

Sure to be an attention getter and the 2" reduction in width should increase driving excitement as well.

Hey what car are those front rims from?
I am looking for a wheel to use as a spare, as mine came without one.
Thanx

[Starglider]

Hey what car are those front rims from?
I am looking for a wheel to use as a spare, as mine came without one.
Thanx

They were on the chassis for the TARDIS trailer when I bought it, probably originally from a mid 90s caravan. They do not fit the DeLorean correctly though, the stud PCD and center bore is correct (4 x 100mm / 55mm) but the offset is wrong so the hub does not actually engage the wheel. They're ok for rolling around the workshop but not driving. Make sure you check /all/ relevant dimensions before buying wheels for the DeLorean

[Starglider]

Trailer is coming along, trying to get it ready for the DMC UK club meeting next weekend, not sure if I will make it. AURYN is still at DMC Europe so this is the only DeLorean related thing I can bring (other than my DeLorean management tie :) ).

Had to enlarge the mudguards to take the DeLorean fronts;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/mudguards_zps48bf9fd9.jpg

Rear light towers : currently making them in wood, might get them remade in stainless later;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/rear-towers_zps9428e06b.jpg[/QUOTE]

got the roof on (finally, after nearly breaking my leg on the step ladder);

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/roof_zps717473d9.jpg

two of the three walls are up (accidentally cracked a window pane on the third, waiting for a replacement);

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/walls_zps93560c8c.jpg

and the flashy thing on the top is flashing on command;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/signal-light_zpsefe7eb35.jpg[/QUOTE]

[PB Co]

The car looks so clean without the side trim. If it's staying that way I'd love to see matching stainless door handles.

Who doesn't love when boxes show up wrapped in DMC tape.

Where will the trailer hitch go?

[Starglider]

Type 40 TT (TARDIS Trailer) commissioned and ready for service;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/tardis-complete_zps76207c40.jpg

I would not say 'complete', as there are numerous things still to do (e.g. stainless light towers, aluminium treadplate on the outer floors), but it is road-legal and ready to go to events as soon as I have a working tow car.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/front-lit_zpsd084754e.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/rear-lit_zps7341f821.jpg

Branding is very important of course;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/trailer-branding_zpsce4f636d.jpg

As is security;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/tardis-key_zps65722484.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/wheel-done_zps63f92334.jpg

Lamp test;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/lamp-test_zpsbf69c843.jpg

Was hoping to take it to the Delorean Owners Club UK event this weekend, but a vital part required to fix my VehiCROSS was delayed, so I couldn't go. Hopefully it will turn up next week so I have something to pull the trailer with. Hope to go over to the Netherlands again to pick up AURYN next month.


Where will the trailer hitch go?

Bolted to the engine cradle, with the receiver in the center of the lower fascia area.

[Domi]

Is there any update on the car?

[Starglider]

AURYN has been at DeLorean Europe for final tuning for the last five months. Apparently the problem was that the KMS EFI controller had a manufacturing defect; it burned up four sets of coils before Ed traced the problem to the pulse shape coming from the EFI driver. I believe the unit has been replaced and the car properly tuned now. I hope to get over there to collect it soon.

[Starglider]

Well, the car is finally home and I am slowly making progress on it. I am making up a rear wiring harness at the moment.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/dmc-garage-rear_zpsudsiurwt.jpg

The engine, gearbox, brakes, steering and suspension are all working ok, except for the fact the handbrake is almost useless (needs adjusting). I still need to get all the lighting and accessories functional.

[Domi]

I thought the car will be ready when leaving the garage?
Anyway, good luck for the next job ;)

[Starglider]

I thought the car will be ready when leaving the garage?

No, Ed Uding only did the twin turbo engine (+ ignition + exhaust + tuning).

[DMC5180]

Who made the rear facia with integrated wing?

[Starglider]

Who made the rear facia with integrated wing?

That was Chris Nicholson at P J Grady Europe; I designed it and he made a custom insert for his fibreglass mould and the stainless spoiler itself. I need to insert and wire up the brake LEDs (they go in the slots in the spoiler).

[DMC5180]

Not my cup of tea, but if you like it that's all that matters.
It reminds me of an Acura NSX.

[Domi]

No, Ed Uding only did the twin turbo engine (+ ignition + exhaust + tuning).

Okay, thanks.
We need more pic of the engine now :biggrin:

[Starglider]

Not my cup of tea, but if you like it that's all that matters.

I feel that in the mid 80s, if the car had a turbo, it had to make a big deal of it. Dubious spoiler aerodynamics are also period-correct. :)

The integrated rear fog lights are a UK legal requirement.

[Domi]

See post #106 on page 11 for the spoiler ;)

[DMC5180]

I did not notice the rear fog lights. Only that the integrated spoiler is very similar to the NSX.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Acura-NSX-original.jpg


Dennis

[DMC5180]

See post #106 on page 11 for the spoiler ;)

Yeah I forgot about that graphic image. It is very 80's turbo styling.

[Starglider]

Long time since the last update on this. I was working on the car last summer but had to stop in the autumn due to work committments. Then in December our son was born very premature (26 weeks 0 days) and there were a few months of going to the hospital constantly. Recently I have been focusing on building a new garage for all my projects; need to clear space in the house by turning the existing garage into a home office, which means all the car and computer stuff needs a new home. Also spent a fair bit of time working on my VehiCROSS. In the mean time I have been running the engine once a month and I hope to get back to working on the DeLorean once the new garage is built.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/dig1_zps8jg173pu.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/dig2_zpskh2ht623.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/p5-upper-walls_zpsac8kizso.png

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/p3-lower-walls_zps1gr4dxl1.png

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/p8-side-section_zpsjfizwufp.png

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/p10-rear-section_zpsm6dqiiny.png

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/p11-front-elevation_zpsdtk8rd0s.png

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/stargliderx/p10-side-elevation_zps4p4buq0o.png

[Domi]

I hope your son is going fine now, that's the most important.
You have an amazing project now!!

[Gabriel]

I just enjoyed reading through this whole thread - great job! :thumbup:

Is there any update at this point?

[Bob635]

Starglider,

This is a Great Idea. This is something that JZD and myself talked about back in 1989. We actually had a list of additions to the car for the next 5 model years. In addition to the Turbo set up, there was going to be a Bose stereo system in the late 1980s, better handling with a front and rear sway bars, a Rover V8, the ZF 4 Tiptronics transmission, full size power windows, and different color interiors.
This discussion was part of the reason JZD came see my car in Cleveland in 2000, because it had so many of these upgrades and they fit the car with minimal changes to the chassis and frame.

I am now working on a similar "new" Delorean Project, that is named the "Iron Man" Delorean. This list of upgrades is similar to yours. The list of upgrades has already been posted on this forum.

We showed pictures of this "New Delorean" at Delorean Weekend this year. A video of this presentation is currently in editing and will be up on youtube soon.

Glad to hear that others are trying to "continue the dream."

Bob