New(ish) recruit.

[CVH1600]

Hi all,

Maiden post as I thought I should introduce myself and the car properly! I've been a member for a while, but have been lurking as the fear of taking a much older kit through IVA was quite daunting!

 

The car is original wide body kit type, pre SVA with 1600CVH on twin 40s. Basically the car got built twice - 90s early 2000s, stored in dry garage, then all major items reworked over last couple of years to meet IVA spec. Usual suspects, loom sleeved in convoluted tube and additional clips, IVA fog mod, collapsible steering column, side repeaters moved to cycle wings, fuel tank protection, lights, switches and protrusions all blunted, etc.

 

D-day has now been and gone and although it failed, I'm more positive it will soon be blatting round the white peak area.

 

The main failure was due to the emissions testing computer not wanting to work so the test had to be aborted.

 

I really enjoyed the shakedown run to the test centre on a clear 3degC morning as the sun rose. Beat going to work anyway! However, this gave rise to the 2nd test failure as the sump gasket was now weeping which was promptly spotted as we moved further down the test lane.

 

Fingers crossed for attempt #2 - date tbc.

 

Looking forwarding... with a bit more optimism.

 

Chris.

 

Ticking itself cool.

List of what ifs raising my blood pressure.

First sign of an issue.

Nurse it back home and prep for #2.

[Captain Colonial]

IME, the majority fail the first IVA, even the ones built by very experienced people.  Here’s hoping the list of corrections is very small and good luck for next time 👍

[CVH1600]

Thanks @Captain Colonial,

Just the sump gasket and hope I've balanced and tuned the Webers reasonable well.

[Captain Colonial]

19 minutes ago, CVH1600 said:

Thanks @Captain Colonial,

Just the sump gasket and hope I've balanced and tuned the Webers reasonable well.

If you know the limits, have you taken it to a friendly local MOT station and tested the emissions there?

[CVH1600]

Thanks @Captain Colonial. Retest is now booked for the end of the month so this gives me some time to get a dummy emissions test done. I believe the aged related engine dates are 4.5% CO upto Aug '86 and upto 3.5% CO until July '92 and the same for Aug '95 where the OEM did not provide emissions data to a more stringent level for that engine. I think another member recently got a CVH on Weber's through, so would be keen to know what age his engine was and if there were any issues.

[Captain Colonial]

9 minutes ago, CVH1600 said:

Thanks @Captain Colonial. Retest is now booked for the end of the month so this gives me some time to get a dummy emissions test done. I believe the aged related engine dates are 4.5% CO upto Aug '86 and upto 3.5% CO until July '92 and the same for Aug '95 where the OEM did not provide emissions data to a more stringent level for that engine. I think another member recently got a CVH on Weber's through, so would be keen to know what age his engine was and if there were any issues.

Calling @John Dolan - Wirral & North Wales AO to the thread please…

[Martyn Vann - Warwickshire AO]

I believe you are correct on the non-cat emissions test values up to August 1995. However, the CO can be difficult to achieve on Webers, so good luck 🤞

[Euan Hoosearmy]

I've a 2L SilverTop Zetec on Weber 45s - is a Q plate so I don't have to worry but I still get an emissions sheet along with my MOT.

 

Last three MOTs were : 2.53%, 0.33% and 0.29% so it's reasonably well within the 3.5% limit.

[Edumundz]

I have no help to give you, but wow this looks awesome! great job 

[CVH1600]

Thanks for all the advice and words of wisdom. Perhaps naively believed that Webers would pass with basic tuning for smooth running. Best pursue a pre MOT test at a local garage. I was also thinking of using this to get the alignment sorted. The IVA tester commented that the weight balances were very even but might as well use the trailer time to get both sorted. What would be a good starting point for wheel alignment settings for spirited road use with occasional track day?

 

[Captain Colonial]

I believe one of the keys on emissions on the day is get the engine good and hot (short of overheating of course) prior to the test, which helps burn any particles.

 

It reminds me of a time in my distant youth.  I owned a ‘66 Ford Galaxie 500 for a while, huge old aircraft carrier of a car, with a 428 cu in (7L) V8 engine so highly strung that needed high octane fuel and a regular blowout to stop the plugs fouling.  I used to find a quiet side street, stick it in 2nd and leave about 100’ of tyre rubber behind.  Eventually of course, I got caught by a cop who wasn’t impressed with my excuse of “I was only blowing the gunk out to it”.  The car got sold shortly after to help pay the ticket.

[Euan Hoosearmy]

We also have an old (proper) Ford Capri. We put a fast road cam and a better carb (Weber 32/36) in it a couple of winters ago and it initially failed MOT on emissions.

 

Spent an evening with an exhaust analyser borrowed from a mate, a timing light and a screwdriver and we were soon getting good readings from a mix of getting the timing right and adjusting the mix and idle screws.

 

It's a bit more effort with a set of Weber DCOEs but getting them balanced and running lean enough on idle to get the figure you need for the MOT, you can always un-adjust once you're home with a pass... See this for some more ideas.

[John Dolan - Wirral & North Wales AO]

The IVA examiners aren’t always experienced with non cat, non fuel injected engines.

 

The IVA Inspection Manual, p8 of section 02B, metered emissions.

 

Your car should be tested to default limits, the last box on the page.

 

Good luck.

 

 

[CVH1600]

Thanks @John Dolan - Wirral & North Wales AO

What ignition are you running? I notice the vacuum advance taken from inlet #4. Does this help in the mid range as I've left it disconnected so only using the centrifugal adv. Otherwise a very similar setup.

 

 

 

Also, did you use a standard cam to pass emissions test or did you manage to (de)tune a fast road cam?

 

I've managed to find a reputable Weber specialist who has MOT spec meters and provides a mobile service so I can be more confident of getting the car through IVA next time.

[Captain Colonial]

@CVH1600 Excellent prep work there, looking excellent in the engine bay, well done! 👍 

 

Two quick points post IVA - I don’t think the insulation will be necessary on the top coolant pipe, it’s never been an issue on mine; and the coolant is incorrect, it needs to be the blue stuff for a CVH and changed every 2-3 years I’m afraid.