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Formula 27 'Ripper'
Robsparky99 - 23/9/15 at 03:27 PM

Hi All,

Purchased this last month and have spent a few weeks freshening it up and also sifting through the yarns of paperwork. I have almost finished indexing the 3 inch thick folder, Does anyone recognise the car?

I'm new to kitcar, so sorry in advance.... What is the front suspension set up called? Also I think the rear is strange (haven't had it up on a ramp yet). Drives fantastic!

I'll update this with more information soon (I'm at work ). Heres some piccy's:


















[Edited on 23/9/15 by Robsparky99]

Ugg10 - 23/9/15 at 04:14 PM

front suspension looks like it has inboard shocks which was available on the Formula 27. This is similar to that used on the Sylva cars (fury, phoenix, stylus, striker) and later on the caterham CSR, MNR Vortex RT. This set up provides (arguably) better suspension than the more usual outboard shocks.

rear should be live axle (Escort or possibly Capri English) I would expect sitting on four link bars forward to the frame and a panhard rod across the back. Again pretty stock for this era of sevenalike. May be worth checking the diff ratio (mark one wheel and the input shaft, raise that wheel (leave the other on the ground) and rotate it ten times counting the number of turns on the input shaft (prop). Divide one number by the other (should be around 2) and double to get the diff ratio (stock are 3.54, 3.77, 3.89, 4.125 and 4.4 for reference), also check for LSD, jack up back end, turn one wheel and if the other goes in the same direction there is a good chance you have an lsd, if it goes in the opposite you have an open diff (most likely with this type of kit).

Looks a pretty tidy build for the age, enjoy.

Edit - found this http://www.squidlydid.freeserve.co.uk/f27rol3.jpg - looks like the f27 had rear hinging 4 links on the back which is a little unusual, may be what you were referring to.

[Edited on 23/9/15 by Ugg10]

minitici - 23/9/15 at 04:19 PM

The Formula 27 suspension was a copy of the Jeffrey J4 which had rocker front suspension and the leading link (links behind the axle) rear suspended live axle.

MikeRJ - 24/9/15 at 09:44 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Ugg10
front suspension looks like it has inboard shocks which was available on the Formula 27. This is similar to that used on the Sylva cars (fury, phoenix, stylus, striker) and later on the caterham CSR, MNR Vortex RT. This set up provides (arguably) better suspension than the more usual outboard shocks.


The Formula 27 upper arms are lacking a bit in stiffness, especially on a track with sticky tyres. The Sylva design is better in this respect as it's a proper triangulated shape rather than a simple beam.

Quite unusual rear suspension on the early F27, it uses quite short leading links rather than trailing links.


Robsparky99 - 24/9/15 at 05:23 PM

Thanks everyone for the info. I've compiled a complete(ish) listing of parts used for the car for your interest.

The car is fairly lively 1st to 3rd, but 4/5th don't do a lot. I'm looking for a few modest things to upgrade - I'm thinking lightweight flywheel, smaller wheels with track tyres & aero screen.


Engine = Ford Escort Mk2 (1980) Kent OHV 1600cc X Flow engine (No. AK73473). Kent (BCF2) cam fitted – set to 108° on no.1 inlet. Vernier gear fitted. At time of fitting (2004) the head was skimmed, valves cleaned and reseated (valve seats cut to 60° 45° 30°), new valve springs fitted and new cam followers(both came with the cam kit). All gaskets and seals replaced. Distributor Bosch electronic (Mk4 1.3 Escort), Cap fitted from Citreon (pn.UNKNOWN) and Escort rotor arm (pn.UNKNOWN), Lucas sports coil (pn.DLB***)
Twin Webber DCOE 40 Carbs (pn.40DCOE 151) with K&N filter housings (pn. 56-9104). Burton Power high pressure oil pump 65psi (pn.FP201A). Facet Silver top fast road fuel pump (pn.476087). Starter motor is a 3 bolt flange, 10 tooth type (Lucas M35J). Alternator is an 18ACR 45 amp. Radiator is an Mk2 Escort RS2000 performance alloy type, with custom silicone hoses & electric 12 inch fan via switch on dash.
Suspension = AVO Coilovers front & rear (Pn. UNKNOWN ) Front suspension is rocker inboard shocks. Rear suspension is leading link (links behind the axle) rear suspended live axle.
Steering = RMD Suede 255mm 10" Inch Flat D shape steering wheel, Mk2 Escort 1.6 L steering rack modified (shortened I think). Poly steering rack mounts and Mk2 escort 1.6 track rod ends.
Transmission = 5 speed type 9 gearbox with a prop shaft of 630mm. Clutch fitted is a 190mm 1 inch 23 spline.
Brakes = ¾ inch bore Girling master cylinder (with external reservoir) single pipe(3/16 inch) going to 4 way union that splits to each of the brakes. Front’s are Ford M16 callipers with Maxtorq solid discs (Rally design pn. BM007) and Maxtorq sport pads (Rally design pn. 291S). Rear’s are standard Mk2 escort drums.
Electrical = Race battery cut off, Odyssey Extreme race battery (PC545) with alloy clamp. ETB dials (unknown – speedo cable broke again). Mk2 Escort wiring loom modified. 7” Chrome front lamps, Caterham rear light clusters (96 onwards)
Wheels/Tyres = Weller 6J x 14 inch steel rims (PC108, ET16). Tyres are 185/60/R14 H rating (currently Dunlop SP 200 & Falkern ZE914).

All other parts = Custom made or supplied by Formula 27 Ltd – this includes frame, body panels, seats, interior trims, harnesses (Willians) and any other parts not listed.

alex1991 - 24/9/15 at 07:58 PM

I have a Formula 27 too.
I've got independent rear suspension but the same style front.
I have 14 inch wheels and don't find them overly big, I would struggled to get 13's over the brakes any way.