Modifying the Oil Pan
We are still working on our FREK (Front engine Rear drive EK) project, and in this episode of Throtl, we start with modifying the oil pan. We previously altered it to fit our subframe; however, after some measuring, we found we lost just over three-quarters of a quart of oil.
Therefore, we had to cut the pan up a little more and build in a window – to fit in a small tray that could hold another quart of oil. While doing this modification, we needed to consider a few things before cutting out the sheet metal and bending it through our Eastwood three in one.
We buttoned up the oil pan by welding it from both outside and inside to prevent any leakage. Afterward, we sent the pan off to Track Tuff to install a custom baffling set-up so that when we are on track, we do not experience any oil starvation issues.
AC Lines for FREK
After getting all the tools, we were able to start working on the AC lines. We started by removing the front bumper and mocking everything up. We had three different lines for the AC and some fittings from Vintage Air that were supplied with the kit.
The kit also included a diagram showing how we should route everything. We already mounted the dryer and needed to make our AC lines through a special tool for fitting. We created the first one nicely, but for the second one that we needed to connect to the firewall, we had to make it big. One by one, we made all the lines required for the AC thanks to the help from the special tools.
Electric Power Steering Kit
We invited Harvey to the throtl HQ to install his electric power steering kit that allows us to get rid of all the messy fluids, reservoirs, and lines. The kit is modulated with the area stats, and the driver can adjust how much assistance they want: from Zero-assist to Full-assist.
The cool thing about this kit is the driver can turn it all the way off if they like more feedback in the wheel, or they can turn it all the way up, and the car will eliminate all the bump steer. For track guys, it would work out great.
Harvey soldered on the extension leads, and we drilled a hole in the bracket to get a nice little zip tie.
Meanwhile, Rickie started working on steering wheel positioning. As custom as this car is, we had to hang new pedals and a new drive-by-wire throttle pedal, which we created a box to mount on because we couldn’t use the factory location. In fact, many things we did just because of one modification or the other.
Next, Rickie recreated the floor pan because we wanted the seating position to be as reclined and straight as possible. We found a good spot for Harvey’s electric power steering kit that we wanted to anchor behind the steering wheel along with the motor.
Before we could actually mount the eps, Harvey requested Mickey to get behind the wheel to check the steering response as he turned on the system. We must say the steering response was exceptional, as we switched between Full and No assist.
Check it out for yourself in the video below!