RideTech 33 Ford

[bret]

Well, we have resolved the spark scatter problem. It was just a rotor phasing problem...no big deal, but took a few hours to identify.

The steering problem was a little tougher. The OEM FFR steering system was apparantly intended to turn a narrow tire. We are using a 295mm tire. When I turned the wheel you could watch the rack visibly flex. It would encounter a significant bind at around a half turn of input. The size of the rack components was compounded by the rear steer configuration, very short steering arms, and the incorrect placement of the rack itself. Totally unacceptable.
After more research and conversation we have decided to cut bait on that system and redo it completely as a front steer Woodward power rack. This will allow exact placement to optimize bumpsteer and Ackerman, as well as providing tuning capabilities for feel. The Woodward components are true racing components that are completely capable of withstanding the forces imposed on them by this car.

I had assumed that FFR had designed this steering system anticipating this kind of use and had not paid a lot of attention to it. After encountering problems I called my friend Chris Alston who was a seriously good source of valuable information. He then referred me to Tony Woodward who spent a couple hours filling me in on the finer points of rack and pinion steering systems. Tony is a classic example of "paying for a degree in steering and getting his parts for free". Knowledgeable, articulate, friendly, experienced, realistic, and able to relate to whatever level of driving you are attempting.

Now we get to spend a few DAYS sawing the frontend off the car and installing a proper steering system. I still hope to make it to Nashville next weekend.

Don't get me wrong...I'm not blaming FFR completely for any of this. Their system would likely work fine with their recommended tire sizes in a "civilian" environment. Obviously we are working with neither. My aggravation is only with myself. I should have not assumed that this part of the car would be any less customized than the rest of it. I should had examined, evaluated, and fixed it months ago.
We will fix it now. It will be cool and fast. Its what we does.

[JKnight]

Very cool Bret. I love the overall vibe of this thing. I would love to get one of these things in the future. Maybe a "done" car I can tweak to my liking.

You guys planning on offering a solution for this steering situation?

[bret]

Originally Posted by JKnight

Very cool Bret. I love the overall vibe of this thing. I would love to get one of these things in the future. Maybe a "done" car I can tweak to my liking.

You guys planning on offering a solution for this steering situation?

Well...let me get this one done first

In reality, the FFR 33 is a real decent start on a racecar. The basic chassis is solid and the body panels fit fine for a racecar, and its light. IF [and this goes for any Camaro,Nova, Chevelle, Mustang, etc] you want the next level of fit, finish, and function...then you'll have to step up for investing in more hours be they yours or another shop's. We have about 3000 hours in this build. Although we have built many cars, this is the first FFR car.

Would I build one again? Yes, but for me I would likely just buy the basic body and chassis...that's all we used from the kit anyhow. I also think their kit contents would be just fine for the guy who didn't want/need the build level we were trying to acheive. They are trying to address the guy who can't/doesn't want to design or fabricate ANYTHING...and they do a good job of that.

I've tried to document this build as "real" as possible. That means exposing all the problems as well as the successes. Without the problems [that everyone knows exist with any project] the successes have no credibility. Some things we changed to solve little problems. Some things we changed to make it look better. Some things we changed to solve big problems. Everyone can come to their own conclusion about which is which.

The end result is going to be a light car with a bunch of horsepower and tires and handling to match. Ya gotta love that!

[Flash68]

Thanks Bret. I always enjoy reading your articulated posts.

[george@ridetech]

The new steering rack came in today. It looks beastly! Should solve our problems. Inner door panels are done.

Here are some pictures from this week:

[waynieZ]

The rack definitely looks rugged!

[camcojb]

Bret,

the car is turning out great.

[Jtomas801]

Car looks great, I hope to see it run in person one day.

Quick question, are those adjuster knobs on the reservoirs a new addition to the coil overs you are selling? could they be added to an older set of T/A coilovers?, or are they one off custom pieces?



Thanks,
Jon

[george@ridetech]

Originally Posted by Jtomas801

Car looks great, I hope to see it run in person one day.

Quick question, are those adjuster knobs on the reservoirs a new addition to the coil overs you are selling? could they be added to an older set of T/A coilovers?, or are they one off custom pieces?

Thanks,
Jon

Hey Jon, they're new adjuster knobs we are working on. I'm not sure if they will come standard or as an options (I think the latter). Unfortunately they cannot be retro fitted to the current adjuster knob style, it has to be "rebuilt". More details on them will be released pretty soon.

On the 33... The Rack is still being installed, its taking some time to get it to fit right. We had to move the grill/radiator a couple of inches.





One of our guys finished up the interior door paneling, really pleased with it!

[onevoice]

Are you still planning on having it at the Goodguys event in Nashville? I sure would like a ride.