Zink Formula Vee build/restoration

I'll admit this up front.... I'm a sucker for a stray car. My current stable includes a '66 Mustang, a '71 TR6, a '73 Sportster and a Zink. I bought the Zink in January because I always wanted to try Formula racing and the car turned up on Marketplace. The first pic was taken in the PO's garage when the car was still together.

I knew little about the finer points of Vees going in and have learned that there is a lot to learn. The car came with 2 engines, a 1600 dual-port mounted in the car and not running, and a 1200 "race engine" that appears to be years removed from its last race. Of course, all of the history was given to me by the PO, and is taken with a grain of salt. The PO purchased the car from a guy who was using it as a "parade car". One of the biggest problems facing me is figuring out what's right on this car and what's been added/changed over the years. I call this process un-screwing since I always seem to be fixing the screwed up things that have been done to old cars by POs after I buy them.

The first order of business was to get the engine running, so I replaced the rotten fuel hoses and pulled the carb and cleaned it as well as clearing the fittings, etc. etc. and adding a fuel pressure gauge and regulator. The fuel pump was mismatched to the longer fuel pump rod and had broken the arm. Fixing all of this stuff gave me a running engine, albeit incorrect for running in the Vee SCCA class. I've torn down the 1200 engine to have a look at it and will be rebuilding it. One of the first things found was that it contained far too much sealant and had a 36 hp cam. I'll add more engine info as the thread fills out.

I found out after posting some pics and doing lots of research that the car was missing the Z-bar. I obtained one from Jess Valentine thanks to to an introduction from a new friend on the Facebook Zink group. However, when I compare the rear suspension on my car to others, it's apparent that some modifications need to be made to the existing parts or the wrong parts are on the car. Here are a couple of pics of the rear as it sits now.

I was advised that most Vees cut the "horn" from the hub assembly for weight reduction. I'm a bit puzzled, because I'm seeing photos like the one below that look very different from those on my car which are assumed to be stock components.

What is the best route to take with this? I figured it's best to look like a newb and ask the experts, OR just get out the plasma cutter and start removing metal. I chose option A. The current parts offer no good mounting point for the adjustable rods that drop from the Z-bar, so that's a big reason for getting this right. All thoughts and constructive criticisms are welcome. Thanks for your help and input. More questions will follow-I'm just getting warmed up. 

   I think the best next move would be to check the next near by SCCA race, see if any Vee's are signed up.  If possible go to a race where you can see other Vee's.   I have found most SCCA racers are happy to share info.   It looks like you might want the Z bar vertical link to be more vertical on each side, but that might not matter.  The Z bar eliminates roll resistance at the rear, seems odd, but needed, with the rear swing axles, it's the opposite of a sway bar.

     Check the SCCA rule book, I thought there was a newer rule set to allow some upgrades to the original Vee spec's, I could be wrong.  I run H prod, but I have been kind of looking for a Vee car as well.

    Should be great fun.

TED_fiestaHP said:

   I think the best next move would be to check the next near by SCCA race, see if any Vee's are signed up.  If possible go to a race where you can see other Vee's.   I have found most SCCA racers are happy to share info.   It looks like you might want the Z bar vertical link to be more vertical on each side, but that might not matter.  The Z bar eliminates roll resistance at the rear, seems odd, but needed, with the rear swing axles, it's the opposite of a sway bar.

     Check the SCCA rule book, I thought there was a newer rule set to allow some upgrades to the original Vee spec's, I could be wrong.  I run H prod, but I have been kind of looking for a Vee car as well. Should be great fun.

I live near Barber's and have joined the SCCA am am looking for contacts in the Vee community here. I've met some folks online who have sent me pics of their cars and have answered some of my questions, but it would be great to find local racers. I've studied the SCCA rules extensively. I understand most of the parameters for the class, but what I lack are the "how to" specifics. I gather that one rules change allows VW discs to be added instead of the original drums that are on the car. I'm referencing the current rules posted by the SCCA.

A builder on another forum confirmed that I should cut away the old shock mount and drill through the unused hole in the trailing arm plate to attach the adjustable links for the Z-bar, so that question has been answered. I'll continue to post as I move along.

You should probably checkout this thread if you haven't already!

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/zink-formula-vee/192042/page1/

wvumtnbkr said:

You should probably checkout this thread if you haven't already!

 

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/zink-formula-vee/192042/page1/

Yep, that's the thread that got me to post here. It's full of good pics and information.

I spent yesterday removing the rusty braking system. A new master cylinder, hard lines and braided lines will be installed along with disc brakes. The frame will be blasted and powder coated at a local shop. I'm working with a builder on a new 1200 engine to meet the Vee spec. Note the lack of a firewall-I'll have to make one up along with some additional body panels and an engine cover. Crusty!

   There is a old book that had some info for formula vee engines,  The design and tuning of competition engines.  Philip Hurbert Smith.

    There are several small things that can be done to gain just a little more power.

In reply to TED_fiestaHP :

I remember that book from back in the day. It's still being printed and I ordered a copy. Thanks!

Meanwhile, in the on-deck circle....