Hi Fred
I assume you are a member of the club, if not join quick, all the members have the same addiction you do!
Let us know which chassis number you have so that your car's details and modifications can be added to the CRS register, if not already
Almost amusing to read your e-mail. (Note correct use of the word 'almost'). I was very unhappy with the power output of my CRS too so I have spent £Loads curing that problem.
I went about curing the (lack of) power in a totally different way though I did initially want to supercharge it I learnt, very fast, just how costly that would be. I also found out that a Paxton style blower wouldn't fit on top of the motor without cutting a huge hole in it - which I really didn't want to do.
I have just sent an extensive article (and photos) about the power increase, how I went about it, and how much it cost, to the club magazine, which I'm told will be in the November issue, for your delectation.
I'm now running about 350 bhp and about the same torque. No idea what the top end is - not interested - I'm an acceleration addict (ex-biker). Can't quite believe that you can run 500bhp without shredding your tyres at every set of lights. How in the name of God himself do you go 'round corners? Sideways? You are, I suspect, a braver man than me.
As to the fuel issues. I assume you are aware that your fuel tank is 12 gallons. You didn't know? You thought it was only 8 or 9 gallons. Well there's a really good reason for that. The bottom section of the tank (about 3 gallons) can't really be used, a design fault. That's why you think it's far too small.
I have the same problems (you me and every other CRS owner). I am currently having a new tank built for my CRS. It will come to about 17 gallons and the company building it will, once mine has been fully sorted, be able to build you one and mail it to you for considerably less than it has cost me but then - hey - that's what clubs are all about. If ever I need anything I can almost guarantee that some one in the club has:- got one/built one/is selling one/knows why you're an idiot and shouldn't be doing it anyway. It will have proper baffling, foam filling, a new sender and (sadly) a new, but accurate, fuel gauge.
The very lovely Smiths fuel gauge which is in my Mk III dash (dunno why my cars got a Mk III dash - the original owner who bought it new doesn't know either). I love the Smiths gauge but it is not compatible with the new sender. I'll keep it in case the next owner wants it replaced.
Let me have your e-mail address and I'll send you the first draft of that fuel tank article which is intended for the December issue of ACtion magazine - if they'll have it. The info' in it will take you to the guy building my tank and, as he already has at least one more club member lined up for a new tank, then the more of us that get them the cheaper it will be in the long run (and the more people that will owe me beer!).
As to the sticky tyres most of us CRS owners are on your side there. I couldn't wait to get the Avons off and I too have just fitted Kuhmos, massive difference - but - the biggest difference came with having the suspension correctly set up (by Big Al at Thunder Road. tel: 01483 763 399). The car has been transformed.
You can definately fit more sticky tyres but you'll have to increase your wheel size - easy enough - just not cheap, Gerry Hawkridge will have what you need (Tel: 01892 750 341). If he doesn't he can get them. I think he supplies AC themselves though I stand to be corrected on that point.
Get your e-mail address to me and I'll send you the stuff I've written on the tank, as to the article I wrote on the engine upgrade you'll see it in the magazine in a week or so. Oh yes, let us know where you're based and we'll see if we can't get together and act the hooligan one week-end. Track day maybe?
Best Regards
Mark-Anthony
CRS chassis #22
