I've had my Phoenix for 3years now and it has had its share of issues. The latest in this line was a clunking noise from the rear axle area every time you came on and off the power. It was getting worse on the track day on Tuesday.
Last night I put the car on axle stands to see if I could find the problem (I was convinced it would be the prop-shaft or the diff (again !)). I spent 1/2 hour or so seeing what was moving underneath the car to realise the adjustable panhard rod had some play in the bushes (a lot actually). So I decided to nip across and see the guys at BGH as they had supplied the rod.
Arrived and had the normal chat with Steve and Chris (Steve was telling me he could build a 350Kg BEC race Fury !!!!) and then Chris jacked the car up and took the Panhard rod off. He agreed that it wasn't right and set about making up a new one from parts with new bushes which he fitted to the car. I had promised Chris a go in the car once it had been remapped as he had not driven the new engine in anger before. So he disappears down the road for 10 mins.
He comes back raving about the engine but says the knocking is still there....So off with the tunnel cover and we start moving the car backwards and forwards while it is in gear, the nose of the diff moves a lot while this is happening. To cut a long story kinda short Chris finds it is the passenger side trailing are which is knocking. Turns out the nut & bolt where hand tight. Quick tighten up and no more diff movement so the cover goes back on. I pay happy that the clunking/knocking noise isn't the diff or propshaft.
The drive home is a revelation however. I suddenly feel completely connected to the car, gearshifts are precise and snappy and the car feels more planted than it has ever felt. The only other time I felt like this about a car was when I drove (and this will amuse James) a race winning Caterham. Amazing revelation and all for a loose bolt. Makes me wonder if it has been loose since I had the car.
Which brings me round to the morale of the story....unless someone who has driven lots of kit cars drives yours, you have no idea how well (or badly) it is running. Made my day and is the cheapest upgrade I've ever done to it.
