JohnCh

I need some help diagnosing a sporadic issue with my 2.0L Duratec running an Emerald ECU. The engine runs very lean at light throttle above idle, but is normal at idle and above 1/2 throttle. The issue presented itself after letting the car sit in a parking lot for 15 minutes after 20 miles of driving on a hot day. I initially suspected a heat soak related issue, but when starting the car up the next morning with temps in the mid 50's, the problem was still there. I drove the car for several days in an attempt to get a better handle on the issue, and it miraculously fixed itself. However, after repeating the initial circumstances (~20 miles on a hot day and then letting it sit in the same parking lot for 15 minutes) the problem reappeared. A new TPS did not fix the problem. Temp gun shows similar temps on each primary pipe, and after increasing idle speed to about 2300rpm where the lean condition is very obvious, pulling plug wires in turn had similar results for each cylinder. I haven't done a leak down or compression test yet, but it doesn't seem like I have a bad cylinder. I've also confirmed that the air and water temp sensors that feed the ECU are operating correctly, and have turned off closed loop running, and fuel cutoff on the overrun to no effect. Any ideas? Thanks, John

Shhh! And please don't tell anyone about my front turn signals either. http://www.throttle-steer.com/uploads/1/1/0/8/11083275/9036596_orig.jpg -John

No reason to hide. You are absolutely right about Seattle. It rains constantly here. In fact the only time I ever see the sun is when travelling on business. As proof, here is a photo taken earlier this morning after returning from a rain-soaked blat. That green stuff in the foreground that looks like grass? Mutant strain of moss. The highlights that look like the sun streaking through the incredibly dense, green, and oh so wet foliage? Simply areas where the acid rain has washed out the natural colors of the landscape. Whatever you do Croc, don't...move...to...Seattle. It sucks. Really. :jester: http://www.throttle-steer.com/uploads/1/1/0/8/11083275/5440785_orig.jpg -John

I've run both, and for street use, prefer the RA1. Although the R888 feels slightly grippier, the RA1 feels a little more lively; a little more engaging. According to Toyo the sidewall is 10% softer, which may be what I'm feeling (our cars need all the help they can get in that area) but regardless, the difference is noticeable to me. That said, if Toyo discontinued the RA1 tomorrow, I'd be happy to run the R888 again. They are both great tires. -John

And you'd also know you're still single -John

I didn't realize my telekinetic powers were so strong. Let that serve as a lessen to the rest of you who dare to jinx the site :jester: -John

Good point. Damn attorneys* are always trying to create loopholes. -John *this seemingly disparaging comment about attorneys is made in jest and does not represent the poster or the website's actual opinion on this noble group of professionals. i.e. no need to sue anybody.

Actually it was coffee break who jinxed us in post #51 above. His posting privileges are currently under review as a result, although his attorney has proposed a voluntary cylinder deactivation in his crossflow for 2 weeks to serve as an example to others. Not sure where this one will end up... -John

Well, if you suddenly find yourself without posting privileges...you'll know why :jester: -John

I've had standard A-arms and Cat Motorsport wide track, which I believe is a little narrower than the Westfield item, but still allows full lock. The difference in turning radius is significant. Agree about the sale price. Those also have the camber adjusters which is a nice feature. -John

Anyone remember the Berzerkeley, Grassroots Motorsports' project Berkeley powered by a 140hp GSX-R engine? http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/media/img/projectcars/DSC_1827.jpg -John

I need a higher res version of that photo for my garage wall -John

I'm not sure that scenario is possible. As you can see in this photo of my car in front of a full size pickup, very little of it reaches as high as the grill :jester: http://www.throttle-steer.com/uploads/1/1/0/8/11083275/5000557_orig.jpg Sean, I attended that show in Pacific Grove 2 years ago. Had a great time and strongly recommend it to anyone attending Monterey car week. -John

Thanks for posting the photos. I can't believe I live near Seattle and have never heard of this event until your earlier post. It's now on my calendar for next summer. Thanks, John

I think I may have pulled a muscle in my finger banning all those guys... -John

Congratulations Dan! And of course now that the build is done, you can begin your journey down the slippery slope of modifications -John

:confused: But I thought all someone had to do to blast by you on track was to wait for you to perform your famous impression of a farmer plowing his field?? :jester: -John

It's great to see that the car has effectively stayed in the family! :cheers: What are your plans for the cars? Are you keeping both and setting up the yellow car for street use, or selling that one and planning some tweaks to make the new car a little more street friendly, or simply taking a wait-and-see approach? As for changing your handle, I think it will be easier to simply paint the new car yellow :jester:

So many possible responses, but I can't think of one that won't put me in the awkward position of having to ban myself. -John

Westfield has sold many thousands of cars over the past 30+ years, and even have (had?) one-marque racings series in two countries, yet very few have made there way here. I think part is down to the distribution model in the early-mid '90's when they had a good opportunity to help shape the market in the US. The distributor wanted to sell turn key cars, and his quality was...well, let's just say it wasn't up to my standards. Manik has done a great job since taking over several years ago, but sales of any new se7ens in this country have been pretty limited since the recession hit. Also, for some reason, very few of the new buyers seem interested in forum participation. As for the Purple People Eater, it sounds like the car is destined to end up in Minnesota -John

I'll refrain from commenting on the color (but I want to, I reeeally want to). The engine is probably the Cosworth YB which uses the Pinto block topped with a Cosworth twin cam head. Westfield offered a turbo version in the early to mid 90's, called the Zei220, that I believe was essentially the engine from the Sierra Cosworth. The non-turbo version was pretty popular in the day, since it bolted in with factory pieces, and offered a lot of power potential thanks to the head design. The downside was weight. -John

I think most of us here can empathize with that statement -John

You can modify the factory boot lid to work with the RAC roll bar. Cut the lid into 3 sections, and make cutouts in the outer 2 to allow the rear stays to pass through. Attach those to the lid's base frame with silicone. Put the hinges and locks on the center section and you're all set. There is also a lot more storage space available in the boot area if you fabricate one out of aluminum rather than use the factory item. Because the factory piece drops in place and the tub flares out, it misses a lot of available space. There are photos and write-ups on both of these on this page of my website. If you decide to pursue either approach and have questions, just shoot me a PM. BTW I'm really enjoying following your build -John

You might want to consider moving the battery to the other side of the engine, or on the shelf in front of the scuttle. Heat shortens the life of the EVO2 and they state not expose it to temps over 140F. Heat wrap will help, but it looks like you'll still be very close to the header. -John

I have MOG seats in my Westfield. They are beautifully made and very comfortable. Good to see you guys here! -John