Turbo R Track Car
Discussion
At the risk of being flamed I am thinking of converting a Turbo R for track use. I know that one was built by one of the Rolls/Bentley specialists a while ago.
Soooo, my main question is, which is the best model? I would guess the post '91 with 4 speed autobox would be a good start. Were there any brake or suspension improvements over the years?
This is going to be a major project, including shortening the wheelbase and a massive diet. What would be great would be to find a car with a fubared interior!
Soooo, my main question is, which is the best model? I would guess the post '91 with 4 speed autobox would be a good start. Were there any brake or suspension improvements over the years?
This is going to be a major project, including shortening the wheelbase and a massive diet. What would be great would be to find a car with a fubared interior!
Would have thought that the GM TH400 trans would be the better option......more performance parts are available through drag race outlets ( manual valve body , tougher springs , uprated clutch pack etc ).
You could also use a transbrake to lanch it off the line ......that would suprise a lot of folks...
Why shorten the wheelbase ? is it to conform to class regs ?
You could also use a transbrake to lanch it off the line ......that would suprise a lot of folks...
Why shorten the wheelbase ? is it to conform to class regs ?
Just checked and found a race kit, controller and steering wheel paddle shift for the 4L80E!!! OOh a paddle shift Bentley!
With the body, I reckon to shorten it the length of the bottom of the rear door, so that the forward edge of the wheel arch touches the B post. Might even re do the roof to make it a coupe in the style of the original Continental.
Hell, this is getting exciting even before I start or even buy the car...
With the body, I reckon to shorten it the length of the bottom of the rear door, so that the forward edge of the wheel arch touches the B post. Might even re do the roof to make it a coupe in the style of the original Continental.
Hell, this is getting exciting even before I start or even buy the car...
Go to Phantom Motors website, Information, Racing Bentleys. Most of what you need to know you will find there. The rest you can get by calling Stuart or Simon Worthington. What they don't know about tracking Turbo Rs is not worth knowing. They have done two, both very successful in BDC races. They sold one of them quite recently. Shame you missed it as it could have saved you a lot of time and money. Leastways I think it was sold - may be worth checking.
I'm sure you already know all of this. But weight is your enemy. The Turbo R, a magnificent beast was designed to cross continents in a single bound (yes I know Jay Leno said that). It was never designed to be a track day weapon. I cannot imagine with even chopping out a fair chunk of chassis and an extreme diet you would get it anywere near 1500kg. I'm sure without too much trouble you could make well over 700bhp. But stopping it, harnessing the power and gaining traction will be a major issue. I believe even with Alcon brakes the phantom motor company ran water injection on the brakes. Whilst I admire your resolve I would say it is a foolhardy excercise. Leave it as Bentley intended and enjoy them for what they were made for.
graemel said:
I'm sure you already know all of this. But weight is your enemy. The Turbo R, a magnificent beast was designed to cross continents in a single bound (yes I know Jay Leno said that). It was never designed to be a track day weapon. I cannot imagine with even chopping out a fair chunk of chassis and an extreme diet you would get it anywere near 1500kg. I'm sure without too much trouble you could make well over 700bhp. But stopping it, harnessing the power and gaining traction will be a major issue. I believe even with Alcon brakes the phantom motor company ran water injection on the brakes. Whilst I admire your resolve I would say it is a foolhardy excercise. Leave it as Bentley intended and enjoy them for what they were made for.
EEK!Well, Phantom got theirs down to c 1700kg which aint bad. Use 18 or 19" wheels and you can get some 345mm or larger brakes with 6 or 8 pot callipers and use a conventional system. Remove inner headlamps and duct air to the brakes. Engine power isn't a problem with a large chargecooler and water injection - use a stand alone ecu and possibly bigger injectors, as the stock ones will max out quickly.
Traction with a slippy diff or a visit to Quaife (just up the road from me) should help.
Anyway, this will be a fast road and track day car initially so it will be an interesting learning curve!
With the shortened wheel base (about 18") I am thinking that I may make a buck to create a Kevlar or carbon fibre roof....
We'll see.
Bonkers? You bet. Can I do it? Yes. Just made some upper suspension arms for the MG Widget this afternoon....
Maybe I could get some sponsorship from tool suppliers, medication manufacturers etc.
Last point. Didn't people shorten the wheelbase and tune/lighten WO Bentleys in the 20's and 30's??? So orft we go again!
I'll have to post some pics of some of my more nutty creations some time. When I was 21 I had a Mk3 Zodiac estate with a Rover V8! Built a one off Cooper S when I was 18... Been there done that.
At last! Pick up the Turbo R next Sunday.
It's a '96 in blue with only 73K on the clock, FSH, new brakes, 17" wheels and tyres.
Aren't these cars soooo cheap to buy?
Anyway, if anyone wants a complete tan interior, active ride set up complete, bumpers, grille, etc. let me know!
The work will start after Easter. Less weight and more power. Shift kit with paddle change for the trans.
This is going to be the latest incarnation of the Blue Train Bentley!
More as it happens.....
Now off to hospital for a day or so....
It's a '96 in blue with only 73K on the clock, FSH, new brakes, 17" wheels and tyres.
Aren't these cars soooo cheap to buy?
Anyway, if anyone wants a complete tan interior, active ride set up complete, bumpers, grille, etc. let me know!
The work will start after Easter. Less weight and more power. Shift kit with paddle change for the trans.
This is going to be the latest incarnation of the Blue Train Bentley!
More as it happens.....
Now off to hospital for a day or so....
While building a Turbo Track car is undoubtedly a sublimely certifiable pursuit surely it would be even more mad to retain as much of the gorgeous interior as the rules allow. Optimally making the car as close to dual purpose as possible. A couple of racing seats trimmed to match the remainder of the interior, full woodwork,dashboard, doorcards, aircon, stereo, carpets, headlining & rear seats - not to mention the cigar lighter - would render it the most civilised gentleman's racer in existence - rules permitting. Indeed a a suitably secured picnic pamper in the boot, replete with crystal glasses & a decanter would really be a touch of class!
If you're dead set on racing an elephant in the Grand National then you should at leat retain Howdah!
Tim
If you're dead set on racing an elephant in the Grand National then you should at leat retain Howdah!
Tim
Picking the car up tomorrow. Bought some Bride seats in a nice shade of blue. Planning.... best part of these jobs,eh?
I will get it in the workshop Monday and have a good look around and measure up for the new suspension, exhaust, etc.
List of parts so far to go to save weight/complication etc.
Whole interior (in tan which is unusual)
Active ride system complete with springs, spheres etc.
Exhaust system
Rear door window motors.
Grille inner
'Orrible engine cover thing.
Electric steering column and airbag steering wheel
Lambswool overmats and footrests in blue. (Or should I keep those for cold circuit days?)
All ECU's except for gearbox and engine for now.
Later will be the whole brake system - callipers, discs, lines, actuator.
Dashboard.
Gearbox ECU
Engine ECU
Anyone interested in these bits let me know with your offers!
Will put up some pics next week......
I will get it in the workshop Monday and have a good look around and measure up for the new suspension, exhaust, etc.
List of parts so far to go to save weight/complication etc.
Whole interior (in tan which is unusual)
Active ride system complete with springs, spheres etc.
Exhaust system
Rear door window motors.
Grille inner
'Orrible engine cover thing.
Electric steering column and airbag steering wheel
Lambswool overmats and footrests in blue. (Or should I keep those for cold circuit days?)
All ECU's except for gearbox and engine for now.
Later will be the whole brake system - callipers, discs, lines, actuator.
Dashboard.
Gearbox ECU
Engine ECU
Anyone interested in these bits let me know with your offers!
Will put up some pics next week......
Sooo.
It's started, the build, that is.
Rear exhaust system removed and also the secondary cats. Tailpipes now exit in front of the o/s/r wheel. Sounds proper! Saved the first 40kg or so.
Had some fun with the Driver Information Panel. Damn thing showed a MIL even though there were no codes. So sent the DIP off to be repaired. Piece of the proverbial to remove - just love the fact there aren't any self-tappers, just threaded inserts. Anyway, re fitted it and got an sirbag light! Apparently that was caused by starting the car without the DIP fitted. So off to West Hoathly Garage to get it turned off. Just want to mention what a great bunch of people there. Proper old fashioned workshop.
Tomorrow a lot of the interior is coming out and a trial fit of the new seats. If there is time I will lower the suspension too. Oh it needs a mesh grille too.
Hopefully, I have found a viscous diff too.
Better post a few pics,eh?
I will be taking it to the PH meet at Redhill on Tues and also to the supercar thing at Leeds Castle next Sunday.
It's started, the build, that is.
Rear exhaust system removed and also the secondary cats. Tailpipes now exit in front of the o/s/r wheel. Sounds proper! Saved the first 40kg or so.
Had some fun with the Driver Information Panel. Damn thing showed a MIL even though there were no codes. So sent the DIP off to be repaired. Piece of the proverbial to remove - just love the fact there aren't any self-tappers, just threaded inserts. Anyway, re fitted it and got an sirbag light! Apparently that was caused by starting the car without the DIP fitted. So off to West Hoathly Garage to get it turned off. Just want to mention what a great bunch of people there. Proper old fashioned workshop.
Tomorrow a lot of the interior is coming out and a trial fit of the new seats. If there is time I will lower the suspension too. Oh it needs a mesh grille too.
Hopefully, I have found a viscous diff too.
Better post a few pics,eh?
I will be taking it to the PH meet at Redhill on Tues and also to the supercar thing at Leeds Castle next Sunday.
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