Non-Westfield build

[corsechris 2,851]

I lied...an update

 

Having run out of excuses, I had a bit of a run out in the car on Sunday - fabulous weather for it, I even managed the drive in shirtsleeves, something of a change from last time when it was 1 degree and snowing when I got back from the brake test.....

 

Anyhoo, overall impressions are pretty good. Performance is 'adequate'. Not startling, but I didn't expect that given the weight and the stock engine. I don't have the means to accurately measure any figures, but the butt-dyno says it'll do.

 

Ride is generally excellent, although I need to dial in a bit more damping at the rear, and just possibly increase the rear spring rates - I'll know after I tweak the dampers.

 

Steering feels good after I made some more adjustments - I'd dialled in a stupid amount of caster to ensure good self-centre so dialled it back a bit. Probably still a bit excessive at 7 degrees but I'll see how it goes for now.

 

Brakes are excellent. Clutch feels good too.

 

A few negatives though. Ergonomics mostly. I thought I had this sorted a long time ago during the construction phase, but for some reason, 'something' has changed and I found my knees were being forced into uncomfortable places by the seat sides and column shroud. To make some more knee room, I've tweaked the upper steering column support bracket to shift the assembly 60mm rearwards, removed a 50mm steering wheel spacer and fitted a 28mm steering wheel QR. I also adjusted the clutch and brake pedals down a bit. Result of those tweaks is a massive improvement in comfort. Plenty of knee space now. I also fitted a slightly bigger steering wheel I had lined up ready, which helped instrument visibility a wee bit, but that still sucks, so I'm also messing with trying to angle the upper column bracket a bit to lift the wheel. The changes so far have made a bit of room to reposition the instrument cluster and I'm still fiddling with that too. I'm hoping I can improve instrument visibility enough to live with it as I don't really want to have to spend out on a digital dash. A nice AIM MXS Strada would sort it, but cheap they ain't.

 

There's no denying I made my life very difficult by using the donor Alfa instruments, switches and upper column - that choice made for a serious challenge on the packaging side.

 

Anyway, I' making good progress on the ergonomics.

 

The other negative is the front cycle wing mounts - they aren't up to the job I don't think as one keeps coming loose. Looking like I'll need to redesign those. Probably just copy the Westfield design I think. No big deal. 

[AndrewOBW 546]

55 minutes ago, corsechris said:

I don't really want to have to spend out on a digital dash. A nice AIM MXS Strada would sort it, but cheap they ain't.

 

 

Absolutely love this project Chris. If you're looking for a more budget option digi dash, I'd recommend the Koso RX2N I've got. Digital speedo with analogue rev counter (part of me feels that a sports car should have at least some analogue dials!). It's got a lot of nice features for the price with the configurable shift light etc. RX2N+ has all the different back lighting colours too if you need that. 

[corsechris 2,851]

@AndrewOBW Thanks for that, just had a quick look at their range. They seem a bit more bike/BEC oriented, but the DB-01RN could work if needed. Price is certainly more palatable than the AIM, although of course the AIM is a much more capable device...but then I have no need for logging etc, so it’s daft paying for things I’ll never want.

 

I’m hoping I can make the Alfa instruments work really, as there’s a whole new world of hassle if I do end up swapping them out.

 

It almost feels like the seat has moved up & forward since I originally did all the layout.... but that just isn’t possible. Maybe I just grew an extra few inches on my fat A***.....

[corsechris 2,851]

Fiddling with ergonomics finished for now I think. Comfort is now great, and I've managed to get pretty decent visibility of the instruments too, so the real test will be the next drive out. I made a paper mockup of an MXS Strada...they are tiny aren't they! Wouldn't have any bother fitting that in with 100% visibility, and the Koso unit I looked at was even smaller.

[Chris King 5,025]

5 hours ago, corsechris said:

AIM is a much more capable device...but then I have no need for logging etc, so it’s daft paying for things I’ll never want.

The aim strada range doesn’t do logging. You have to pay even more for that!

[corsechris 2,851]

2 hours ago, Chris King said:

The aim strada range doesn’t do logging. You have to pay even more for that!

Strewth! Their IVA compliant version seems expensive when all that seems to get you over and above the basic dash is a connector and a few wires. If it was half the price I’d think about it, as it is, I think I’ll live with having to duck down to see speeds around 80mph.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Secretary 7,792]

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend any of the niche versions like the “IVA compliant” model, anyway. By including the specialised harness, it just limits the flexibility and options you have down the line.

 

Those models are just designed to make wiring in easier for complete novices, but even then, within AIM’s range of products, there are better alternatives if you have lots of standard vehicle inputs to connect, like warning lights.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Secretary 7,792]

Oh, and all the Strada versions can go through IVA with the right set up.