Re-imagining the Q4

[Steve Webb]

The Q4 has been away from me for a long time now, almost all of the required work has been completed, so now its just a case of getting an MOT and then re-registering it back in the UK.

Now I've never really been that bothered about the way the car looks, within reason, just so long as its solid, safe and rust free I'm happy. So now its back to that point I'm putting a plan together to make it perform the way it should.
A number of things have already been done, including getting a new alternator, the old one was on its last legs. But since I installed a fuel pressure gauge a while back I've noticed the fuel pressure has been low and variable at idle as well. So first on the list is a new fuel pump, nothing too fancy but just enough to provide the necessary 3 bar (+ boost) fuel pressure consistently.

Next up, the car is going to need a new exhaust, the Cats had to go back on when the car was over in France, but now we are both back in the UK, and due to the MOT loophole here, the Cats can go. I'm probably just going to go for a straight pipe back to the rear box. I've never liked the rear tailpipe, so that is goiung to be changed to something more appropriate as well. Whilst this is all being done I'm going to get a second bung installed so I can run a wide band O2 sensor.

At this point I'm probably going to start looking at the Integrale manifold install. As far as I know the coil packs in the car are the original ones, so I'm going to look at swapping them out for coil on plug units, I've already done a bit of research and have come up with some possibilities.
Whilst the manifold is going on I'll be looking at new injectors, again they are the original ones, so as well as being a little small in capacity, are probably well past their best.
Way back in the distant past when I had the car setup, it made 270bhp, looking at a few injector calculators, it seems that 270bhp is pretty much pushing the injectors to 100% duty cycle, not good really.

injector.PNG

Not sure where I'll be aiming for with the car, but if anyone has any suggestions about the above or advice, please just let me know.

Cheers

Steve

[AlfaJack]

Which wideband O2 sensor are you going for?

I always liked the look of the Innovate kits.

[Steve Webb]

I was looking at the innovate brand, been around a while and are respected, i'd like to be able to run some data logging as well, just to have the ability to make sure the motor isn't leaning out at any point.

[Steve Webb]

This one is top of the wish list for me at the moment: LC-2 Wideband O2

[Steve Webb]

Spoke to the garage this week, the Q4 has been for its first trip to the MOT station, I say first as it failed on a couple of items. Nothing major, but still a bit of a setback.

Hopefully I'll be getting her back in the next couple of weeks with an MOT ready to re-register back in the UK

[Steve Webb]

Ok so now it seems like the Q4 really doesn't want to get its tracking done, was due to go in this week, but when the garage tried to start it, no fuel pressure due to no pump. Turned out only to be a dodgy connection, but I'm beginning to think it doesn't want to get back onto the road!!

[jNk]

Naaah, its just need more caring and shiney parts, or maybe doesnt like the winter and waiting for the spring

[Steve Webb]

Don't worry there are plenty of shiney bits ready to go on the car. I just need to get it back from the garage first.

[Steve Webb]

Well that was an interesting day, looks like the electrical gremlins were far more widespread than thought. Turns out that the injection control relay went bang and fried a couple of wires, the main one being the one going back to the ignition barrel. All sorted now but only after major effort from an auto electrician. The good news is that the car has an MOT now.
Not much left to do and she is back on the road!!

[jNk]

Sounds good, she will sleep during the UK winter or you will check some muddy/snowy B roads with her later ?

[Steve Webb]

Oh she'll be used over the winter, I'll try to stay away from the salt etc when its really cold, but she will get used.

[AlfaJack]

They go a lot better in the cold winter air anyway.

[Steve Webb]

The car is finally ready, its been in the garage for over a year now, but now its got and MOT and is roadworthy again. Woo-Hoo.

Should be picking it up later this week.

[elCrillo]

[jNk]

[Steve Webb]

So it looks like I'm picking her up on Friday night, ready for some tinkering over the weekend.

Can't wait to get behind the wheel again.

[Steve Webb]

The score currently stands at DVLA 1 - Q4 0

Got all my documents back and it seems, although it wasn't stated on form V 55/5 or whatever, I need to submit a Sorn form as well. (Car is going to be stored for another month of so at least) and it appears that the MOT was signed in the wrong place and won't be accepted.

Don't you just love paperwork!!

[Steve Webb]

Present from the DVLA this morning, finally got the V5 for the Q4, its now officially back on its old registration number!!

[Steve Webb]

Well it's all official now, car is back on its original registration, and back on the road.
Took it out for a drive yesterday, whilst not the best weather for it, the car felt good. Can't wait for the spring now to take it to some events.

[AlfaJack]

Good news Steve. Bet that is a nice feeling.
I put the new handbrake cable on mine yesterday and had a look for movement in the rear calipers when applying the pedal. There was a small week from one side so I'll order a seal kit (and the turbo kit).
Tonight will be to fit the new centre bearing, UJ and put the whole thing back on the car.