Advice needed on going racing in an 8v Thema

[Pete]

Hi Folks,

I intend to race my Series 1 8v Thema turbo next year, or the year after, and I would appreciate any tips and advice anyone has on the subject. I intend to run it in the production car class of the BRSCC LMA Euro Saloons to start with, so the car will be standard apart from a few permitted modifications. I know the class I will have to run it in, 2000cc to 3500cc, will leave me at a disadvantage, but I will be a rookie so it'll be a learning curve.

Initial questions I have are:

:? :?:
1. Will the engine stand up to racing as standard?
2. Is it advisable to fit a baffled sump? (Dry sump not allowed)
3. Does anyone make a roll cage to fit it?
4. Does anyone make polyurethane bushes for it?
5. Does anyone make braided brake hoses for it?

Thanks in advance

Pete

[snoozin]

are you sure about the class? those fiat/lancia 2L/2000's are actually 1995cc... unless theres something different about the thema i don't know.

[omicron]

Assuming the engine is in good condition, then it should stand up fine, provided the engine is treated with some respect, and treated to regular oil changes. However in standard form will not be terribly fast.

Not sure how much baffling in the sump there is in a standard Thema turbo, but yes, this would be regarded as an essential modification. Are accumulators permitted?

Roll cage will have to be a custom job as there is only a handful of Themas racing. Somebody like Safety Devices or one of the other manufactures would make a good cage quite quickly, but would need your car.

Brake hoses - can be made in bradied form quite easily and cheaply.

Suspension - believed to share some bushes with Alfa 164, and these are available in polyurethane. I would advise some better springs (cheap) and also some better dampers.

Because the car has a turbocharger fitted, the engine capacity is multiplied by 1.4. This is common practise with forced induction engines.

[snoozin]

oops, missed the "turbo" bit :oops:

[Pete]

Thanks for the quick response guys, much appreciated.

I realise it will not be terribly fast in standard guise, but I don't know if I can drive terribly fast as I haven't done this before, and I don't want to scare myself silly before I've learned the ropes.

Another reason for using this car is because I've already got it and it's only done a couple of thousand miles since I had it MOT'd and lots of other work done to it, so I know it's structurally sound and the engine is in good nick.

I had thought about the dampers and springs as it seems a bit wishy washy. Do you know if I can pick some up off the shelf or whether I need to find a specialist supplier? Is it also worth lowering it slightly?

Sorry to sound naive, but I really am new to any form of motor racing, but I just fancy giving it a go.

Regards

Pete

[omicron]

So much depends on your budget...

The Eurosaloons championship has quite a wide scope of permitted modifications, so the costs can become quite high. Maybe look at the 750MC Roadsports series which has a shorter list of permitted modifications - or look at doing a bit of sprinting to start with and then move into a full race formula after getting to know the car and yourself a bit more.

Stiffer and lower springs will help quite a bit, and thankfully coil springs are cheap and easy to have made in virtually any configuaration required. Dampers are more expensive, for a starter would suggest something like Koni Sports which have a range of adjustment but aren't too expensive, but be prepared to upgrade at a later date.

All cars will require a number of mandatory safety modifications - roll cage, towing eyes, external battery cut off switches, fire extinguishers, seats & harnesses.

Quite a lot of speed can be found by getting rid of weight (check rules to find out what trim is required). Door cards, headlining, seats, carpets etc., all add to the weight, and removing them will make the car more spritely. Replacing side glass / rear glass with polycarbonate will help reduce weight and centre of gravity as well.

Andrew

[Ken H]

I'd echo what Andrew said regarding oil sump baffling. I spun a bearing on my S1 8V turbo (in a Monte/Scorpion) after one too many long-duration right hand turns. I'd consult with Guy Croft on his recommendations for sump design. And if an accumulator is allowable (Canton/Accusump), go for that as well.

The engine is tough and shouldn't give you problems if not abused. Happy racing!

- Ken

[Pete]

Thanks again folks,

I had thought about joining a local club to take part in some sprints, hillclimbs and auto-tests, so I appreciate the advice and will give that a go first. If the Thema is still OK after that I'll continue with my plan to race a series.

The removal/replacement of glass windows is not permitted, although the rest can go, except the dashboard which must remain standard apart from alterations to allow the roll cage to fit. Also door cards should remain but can be replaced with aluminium or polymer sheet.

I don't know what an accumulator is I'm afraid. The regs state: "The fitting of an engine oil cooler is permitted within the periphery of the bodywork. A larger capacity baffled sump may be used. Electric coolant pumps are permitted". Does this cover accumulators?

Cheers

Pete

[omicron]

Accusumps (one variety) says it succinctly: An Accusump is a cylinder shaped aluminum storage container that acts as a reservoir of pressurized oil, to be released when there is a drop in the oil pressure.

The drop in oil pressure is most likely to be found during long turns.

The excerpt from the regulations doesn't say yes, or no, so I'd advise a quick call to their technical bod whom is likely to be very helpful.