Possible upgrades

[848 CRY]

I am thinking about purchasing a series 1 4.2 FHC and am looking at options for sympathetic upgrades, I have a few questions as per below so any guidance/thoughts would be gratefully received. The car would be a weekend (and occasional trackday and EU touring) car, probably no more than 5,000 miles per year.

Thanks in advance


Is there a discrete immobiliser that could be fitted, is a particular make recommended?

What are the best brake upgrades given the intended use- Coopercraft? Zeus? Other?

Is the Kenlowe fan upgrade the best one? Also, views on the alternative fittings: Blower/instead of existing one, or sucker/in addition to existing one?

Even though it's a fixed head, it may leak. Is there a source of a breathable 'kagool' (or other type eg canvas) cover for the FHC glass area. This would be used it it was if it is stored overnight in the open, eg when touring

If period wing/door mirrors are fitted (either bullet mirrors or the 'BL' type), does this encourage rusting round the aperture holes etc? Is fitting external mirrors something to be avoided anyway as involving too much hassle?

Thanks

[Car-Nut]

If period wing/door mirrors are fitted (either bullet mirrors or the 'BL' type), does this encourage rusting round the aperture holes etc? Is fitting external mirrors something to be avoided anyway as involving too much hassle?

Thanks

Hi 848 CRY

I have been looking to purchase a series 1 -1 1\2 recently and I think Ive seen about 2 or 3 with the bullet wing\ door mirrors I think these must be hard to come by. As regards the rust I think that will depend on how cleanly the hole was drilled and if the paint was chipped whilst doing this.

[Car-Nut]

Not promoting the company and I have nothing to do with them but here is a list of upgrades from acompany called Lanes

http://www.lanescars.co.uk/upgrades.html

[Erikantwerp]

Hello there,

for what it is worth, here are my comments/experiences:

Immobilizer: can't help you with that
Brakes: I have a series 1 1966 4.2 FHC and have not upgraded the brakes as after a complete overhaul, they worked just fine. I was told by many however that the coopercraft are really the best and I am contemplating doing this upgrade anyway once my brakes have gone.
Kenlow fan; I took this upgrade and it really is a difference . I would vote for Kenlowe anytime.
Mirrors: I personally use "bolt" on mirrors which I can easily attach or detach to the chrome posts . If you want to have permanent ones, you need to do this thoroughly as very often they come loose. It is in any even not an easy task.

hope this helps
cheers
Erik

[e-bygum]

The brakes on an E-Type do not need upgrading IF they are well maintained in tip top condition. Better to spend your money on ensuring that the stock brakes work as they should than buying eye candy. They will lock the wheels so any more effort is a waste.
IMHO if you intend to upgrade the fan it is better to have one which pulls air through the rad as opposed to restricting ram air with one which sits in front. The fan doesn't do much other than in town/stop-go driving.
The one that is highly recommended is a Coolcat fan (Google it). They also supply reliable Otter swiches. I have no connection with Coolcat.
Pete

[e-bygum]

Oops forgot this bit-Greenstuff pads are used by many people.
Pete

[Erikantwerp]

Fully agree with "green stuff" brake pads. I have them as well and they are great !
cheers
Erik

[andyp]

Sensible everyday upgrades:

I'd go with KoolKat for a fan.
Change the dampers all round. Gaz are good value.
I've got a set of Wilwoods on my front because I'm a tart but as Pete says the standard calipers will lock a set of standard tyres.
Immobiliser - take the rotor arm with you.

Andy

[Heuer]

Simplest immobiliser is to put a switch in the boot to isolate the fuel pump. You can buy a key switch if you want to be extra sure e.g.:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Mod ... ch&doy=1m3

I had a proper state of the art electronic immobiliser on my car for a while and when we did the Rallye des Alpes it was the only thing that failed - on a special stage. Took the support crew about five minutes to by-pass it and we were on our way. I took it out and binned it!

David