WalkerSport aquired a 328 GTB in March 2011 to compete in the Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic series, this is a brief summary of the preparation that took place.
Exhaust will be made by BTB Exhausts. http://www.btbexhausts.co.uk
We start with a rather unloved 328 GTB, she used to be LHD but was converted to RHD before she came our way, she was also originally black, so have not contributed to the reducing numbers premium Ferrari 328 GTB's in the world. Firstly we need to remove lots of original parts - let the project commence.
To comply with the Pirelli Ferrari Classic Std car class, the car has to retain the original dash board and centre tunnel, everything else can go.
The seats, carpets, steering wheel, sound proofing, roof lining and seat belts were removed next.
After a quick clean up and basic satin black paint coat, it was time for the cage to offerred up, drilled and installed, bucket seat mountings to be fitted - which require spacing out (not shown) as the original mounts are too narrow for Ferrari 360 challenge bucket seats. Harness anchorage points need to be installed. The steering wheel was fitted with a Hill engineering 25mm spacer to bring it closer to the driver, the suede steering wheel is made by Momo and is almost identical in shape and pattern as the original.
We will be removing the air conditioning pump, Matrix, fan and dryer to save weight. The fuel metering unit will be sent away to be refurbished, and the engine will receive a much needed service (we plan to develop the car over time so the engine will remain untouched internally as per 'standard' reg's however new tensioner bearings, cam belts, water pump belt and bearing and the alternator belt will be replaced, All fluids will be replaced (engine, gearbox and coolant) fuel and oil filters changed, water hoses replaced. The car is allowed to be 1250Kgs which we will try to remove more so that we can choose where to place any ballast if required. Although everything removed has a considerable weight, we have to run 2 seats, a roll cage and fire extiguisher with a minimum 2.25L capacity which is plumbed into the car and fit towing eyes - just in case we do not manage to keep her on the track! so a considerable weight is put back into the car in the name of safety.
For stopping power (std class) we have fitted new Brembo disk brakes, had the brake calipers refurbished, fitted braided brake lines and an uprated brake pad will also be installed.
The original Koni shocks have been sent away for refurbishment and to have the damping uprated, new stiffer lowering springs are also on order, the car has to be able to drive over a 90cm square block and not touch it.
The car also has to have a current MOT.
I would like to thank QV London (Phil and Mike) 01344 885500 for many of the parts listed above and help with the preparation, without you guys we will never make it! thank you QV!
The car is away for a week so that BTB Exhausts can work there magic, I have asked Joe to send me some pictures of the build so that we can post them here.
Joe has started by CAD scanning the orginal manifold unit to work out the efficiency and problems with the standard unit, obviously flat plane cranks have different dynamic properties to traditional V8's.
Hopefully by the end of May we should have a near finalised system, here some provisional pictures while the system is developed.
Well, All I can say is Thank you BTB Exhausts.
Outstanding workmanship, I'm sure Mike Oldfield could play a tune on those!
Well, I guess being left alone with paint is a dangerous thing!
Follow us in the Pirelli Ferrari Classic Championship at; http://www.ferrariownersclub.co.uk/events/index.asp
Car's specification (Group 3 STD);
Rebush all suspension.
Brand new Brembo brakes
New Pagid blue pads
Refurbish 4 x brake calipers
Fit Goodrich braided brake lines
Revalve Koni suspension + uprate
New uprated suspension springs
Fit ducting to cool brakes (front)
Engine, Remove cam covers to check proper timing marks, rectify oil leaks, (forward cam cover, gearlinkage, cam seals)
Refurbish fuel metering unit + Uprate
Custom exhaust and manifolds
New air intake hoses
Samco silicone Water hoses
Valvoline Race oil
Change gearbox oil
Cam belts + bearings
New water pump and bearings
Remove Air conditioning compressor, matrix, dryer etc.
Strip interior, rules require original dash and gearlever tunnel, Remove sound proofing, carpets, roof lining etc
custom seat rail brackets (328 seats mounts are too narrow for race bucket seat mounts)
Fit 2 x challenge Ferrari seats (aquired a while ago) - passenger seat required by regs
Fit roll cage and harness
Space steering wheel full 50mm (Hill eng)
Fit race steering wheel
Fit Hill eng pedal kit
Fit non slip mat into footwell and manufacture left foot rest
Fit Hill Eng quick shift gate with Reverse lock.
Strip rear boot compartment
Replace std electric wing mirrors for Vitaloni manual units
Fit FIA plummed in Fire extinguisher (accessible inside the car and outside by marshal) AFFF
Fit FIA Engine Master switch (accessible inside the car and outside by marshal)
Fit additional side impact protection.
Brake Bias has been left std
O/S fuel tank removed and balance pipes plugged
Corner weight and adjust, Ballast added, ride height set.
Fresh MOT required for all class 3 cars (must be road legal)
Please come and say hello in the paddock!
01691 610 777
