Nissan R382 WIP

[Chris K. Hale]

I just noticed Patrick had done a similar build but here we go!! I am starting with the same Edai 1/24 Nissan R382 Group 7 / Can Am kit. I began to convert the kit motorized engine to something a little more detailed, when I came across a Revell Enzo Ferrari V-12 engine I had assembled for another project. The engine was almost identically sized but the block was much more workable than the Edai LUMP! I adapted the Nissan intake, made an exhaust flange (mounting ) and added the Nissan Valve covers to the Enzo heads.. next I added a McLaren M8b ( AM ) trans but when I cut it from the Chevy engine got it a bit crooked.. stalled out for a bit I decided to see if it was going to be possible to use the McLaren M8b tub under the Nissan body and found that by adding .060 stips inside the McLaren tub it would fit the Nissan body exactly.. after putting on the So Cal NNL it was back to building and I remembered I had a resin trans made from the AM Mclaren kit. so I cut off the offending part detailed up the resin piece and while at it move the engine mounting plate 2mm from the back of the tub cross member to the front making the wheel base now right on!! And the V-12 now fits exactly allowing full use of the detailed McLaren suspension.. Thats where I am right now more to follow as I start to build/detail the rear suspension...

[crazyed]

This looks like it's going to be an interesting Build! Too bad Nissan and Toyota never hauled their Group 7 Cars over for the 66-74 CanAm Races. I think they would have suprised a Lot of folks with what they were building back then.

[afx]

Great project Chris. I'll be watching.

[Chris K. Hale]

Yup I have been a busy boy!! I widened the tub .120 as you can see the Nissan body now fits the McLaren tub.. I made a new firewall and moved the V-12 forward 2mm so the wheel base is right on. I straightened out the crooked Transaxle problem and now I am making 12 Fuel Injectors and plumbing the engine I have some Top Studio resin a/n parts tht are making some nice injectors but with some drilling required it is going very slow.. More pics soon I hope.. 

[Chris K. Hale]

Ps. The Can Am contingency made the trip to Japan and raced against the Nissan and Toyota cars in 69 at Mt. Fuji. Donahue raced the Sunaco Mclaren and numerous others appeared.. Group 7 was considered the European Can Am series.. there are many pics on line of this race and some interesting cars.. Chris

[Art]

Great start, Chris!

[Chris K. Hale]

With outside temps averaging 110F daily things are moving slowly, I added spark plug boots, around 80 bolts and nuts, plug wires,  to the Ferrari Enzo based block, drilled the injector stacks out and installed 12 injectors, currently making the injection pump and 2 magnetos. Everything is falling  into place albeit Slowly!!!

[afx]

Engine is looking good Chris. What are you using for the nuts and bolts detail?

[Chris K. Hale]

I use RB Motion, Bolts, Cap Bolts, washers etc...expensive but worth it and T2M brass micro bolts from BNA Models in Australia about 1/2 the cost of RB Motion. I also use photo etch Bolts and washers by Hobby Design and Model Factory Hiro but sparingly as P/E doesnt have much depth so they tend to look flat... Chris

[afx]

I was afraid you were going to say RB Motion. His stuff is very nice but more than I am willing to pay.

[Chris K. Hale]

www.ebay.com/itm/301641572366?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT these are a bit better priced.. you may have to wait until they are in stock but the shipping is cheap and takes about 10 days but they can be painted or used as is.. they are very small ... Chris

[afx]

Jul 2, 2015 9:02:25 GMT -8 Chris K. Hale said:

www.ebay.com/itm/301641572366?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT these are a bit better priced.. you may have to wait until they are in stock but the shipping is cheap and takes about 10 days but they can be painted or used as is.. they are very small ... Chris

Thanks Chris. That price looks more tolerable especially based on the quantity of pieces.

[Chris K. Hale]

Yeah You can tag it on their site so when they are in stock You can snap em up, they go quickly.. I have found BNA to be quite reasonable for detail supplies and kits, I usually am in no hurry so the shipping time doesnt bother me.. It used to be very expensive to get items from Australia but no more, it still is to ship to there though.. They charge $4.50 on almost everything except kits.. Chris

[Chris K. Hale]

A little mock up. the engine is almost done, now attached to the firewall, the chassis ( McLaren M8B ) is ready to be built all the modifications to the chassis and engine are finally almost finished so the rest will be straight forward detail and building.. The pics came out almost florescent? It is plain orange plastic so it hasnt been painted.. I saw a one off version with the car being a light-medium Blue.. may go that way instead of the yellow-orange.. what do you think??

BETTER PIC!!
Chris
the engine with FI added...

[crazyed]

It's going to be a Shame to cover that Engine with the Air Scoop. Nice..

Ed