Building a 5.0 Ford Locost 442E on Long Island, NY

[Lonnie-S]

I didn't mean to imply I saw a problem. I've been thinking of my own build for a couple of years and I'm still not settled on how I'll do things. The Donkervoort uses a lot of ducting to separate air flows from the radiator, and within the engine compartment. It looks cool, but I was thinking some airflow, post radiator, around the engine would be a benefit, especially at low speeds. I keep thinking about where it should go leaving the engine compartment: side vents; hood louvers, push it through the trans tunnel, etc. Like I said, I haven't got a complete idea settled in my mind yet.

Yours is very simple, and that's a good thing. I just wasn't sure how the heat from the engine would be directed. There are many choices, including just trying it out and seeing if it's even an issue at all.

Keep up the good work. It' going to be a great build.

Cheers,

[LongIsland Locost]

Here's some plumbing and fuel system stuff;

[LongIsland Locost]

Thanks again Lonnie! The thing is, I THINK there may be a problem, so I am considering plans A through hopefully not Z in case there is!

My consulting work has me traveling all over the world and thankfully, to some cool places. I saw a few Donkervoorts in Dusseldorf over the summer and you can see a bunch of them in this link, along with some cool cars and even a Porsche tractor!

http://s85.photobucket.com/user/KazulinBoats/library/Dusseldorf%20Car%20Dealer%20and%20Museum

[LongIsland Locost]

Here's the progressive throttle cam I made and some coil mounting detail;

[LongIsland Locost]

Here's some wiper stuff, electrical, and battery box;

[TRX]

Looking good so far!

I'd like to know more about the wiper mechanism. Is that an aftermarket motor unit with Lucas wheelboxes?

[Lonnie-S]

Great photos. I really like the coil arrangement. It looks cool plus they'll be shielded from the heat somewhat. I don't know if that will matter, but can't hurt either. On my V6 the coil pack is one big lump, so you can't spread components out.

You have a lot of nice details, but I'd change out those wiper blades before I head out on the road.

Cheers,

[JackMcCornack]

You have a lot of nice details...

You have a lot of nice EVERYTHING but the details are particularly eye-catching. The high quality of your photographs is helpful to us viewers and builders.

...but I'd change out those wiper blades before I head out on the road.

Not to nitpick, but unless that windshield is shatterproof AS1 safety cardboard, the folks at the DMV will look askance when you go to register your car.

[carguy123]

Can you even get to the plugs with the engine in the chassis?

[LongIsland Locost]

Hi TRX! The wipers are actually new made kind of Lucas copies. They are made (or sold by) AutoLoc and I bought them on eBay through the parent company, The Hoffman Group. Here's the instructions;

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0059/8332/files/WIPER.pdf

I had a problem with some missing parts, and they immediately sent me a completely new kit with no questions asked! I now have lots of spare parts. So buy from them with confidence! I think they were something like $225. A lot easier to mount than the modified Mustang parts I tried first.

The wood windshield and wipers are awesome! Will never shatter and if wood is good enough for Morgan and Marcos chassis (plus GW's teeth!) then they are good enough for me! And a lot of Locost builders actually say they always look over instead of through the windshield.

Actually, the wood template has helped a lot with figuring out the wiper movement and frame installation. I recommend it over cardboard.

[LongIsland Locost]

Carguy123 - The plugs will be a breeze! Note that the aluminum coil mounting panels are held in with DZUS fasteners (thanks Jack!) and with them off the plugs are right there. Also, the triangulation surrounding the top of the engine compartment is bolted in to further enhance access. Lastly, as you will see in future posts, the sides of the engine compartment are also going to be removable with DZUS fasteners. Easy-peasy!

[LongIsland Locost]

Hi Lonnie! These are GM LS type coils that supposedly can withstand a lot of heat when mounted on GM V8s right above the manifolds and on the valve covers. However they will be well protected by;

Ceramic wrapped headers
Heat shield and air gap over the headers
Special aluminum/ceramic heat shield on the bottom of the aluminum coil panels (and in the bulkhead and tunnel)

I tested this stuff onsite in Belfast against a 8KW infrared heater. Had about a 100F difference internal temperature between and insulated and non insulated welding positioner. Good stuff!

[Lonnie-S]

OK, the "proof's in the puddin" on that stuff.

Cheers,

[LongIsland Locost]

Some read fender details. I bought them from Jack and had to widen around 2" (I know some of the welds are crummy! I later ground off a lot of them and re-welded. I was experimenting with gasses, wire diameters, amp/volt relationships, etc. I settled on 75/25 Argon/CO2 and .023" ER70S-6 wire.)

[LongIsland Locost]

Some more mixed result welding and brake line details.