Mat's BX Blog

[mat_fenwick]

The BX has had a month or so off the road, but was pressed back into service to tow a chipper down to Vanny's on Wednesday. I was told it weighed 800 kg, so the BX was the obvious (more economical) choice for the 250 mile round trip.



It was awful to tow. There was a problem with the overrun brake mechanism, so whenever I slowed down it would crash forwards with a bang. Plus it felt weightier than the quoted figure. Turned out when I Googled the specs, that it weighed nearly double that! Still, I managed it OK and got 39 mpg on the trip



I've also been busy making a log store. Here it is last weekend after I put the roof on:



I'm putting half-round logs on the front wall, which I've nearly finished today. But it was hot, slow work slicing them down the middle.

[Tinkley]

....and I thought I was going to see a BX put through the chipper.....

[mat_fenwick]

Update time! I've been busy getting the Stellar on the road, although sadly as a result I haven't been ale to afford/justify taxing the BX as well. I did take it to the 2CV National over on Anglesey though, which was a good drive over and a great event, even though I only attended for a few hours on the Friday.

Log shed now almost complete:





Side panels from Freecycle and although a bit rusty on the inside, probably have a few years left. Currently making the most of the decent summer and building up a reasonable supply (this is in addition to the normal winter stock which is already in the caravan).

I'm over the moon that the Stellar is now on the road again after 10 years A few teething problems but I've now done 800 miles in the last month. Might have to increase my 2000 mile insurance limit! Even fuel economy isn't too bad, with 29 mpg at a steady 60 mph, 25 in normal driving and around 20 hooning it...





Might be a change of job on the horizon too, but I'll know more after the interview on Thursday.

[Tim Leech]

I like that the stellar looks stock!

[electrokid]

Looks very good

[MULLEY]

How many bhp is under the bonnet?

[Thread Bear]

Nothing like a bit of Shedding. Quality shedding to, with corrugated iron and some home sourced materials. Now to await that green tinge of permanence. A job well done.

I to have been Shedding, but lightweight stuff not worthy of the name really.

Not my thing, but a very good looking car that is unusual. Well worth the patience.

BX as usual towing above its weight with nary a whimper. They do rather go with shedding.

[mat_fenwick]

How many bhp is under the bonnet?

Not sure TBH. The engine is a bit of an unknown, as it's a late SD1 block with early Range Rover timing cover. Having driven it a bit, I'd say it was likely built to Range Rover spec internally (~130 bhp) as it's not quick. But it sounds good! Running a bit lean in places too after looking at the spark plugs, so there's probably more power to be had with a bit of setting up.

[citsncycles]

Another rolling road session needed?

[mat_fenwick]

That would be good...just the fuel to get there that's the problem. Looking at the air/fuel ratio would be a big help. I haven't had any experience in setting up Strombergs yet, but I understand a special tool is required to set the mixture. I've noticed it's got more power on cold evenings, so ducting may help as the air filters sit right above the exhaust manifolds.

[Mike E (uk)]

Put it on LPG Mat.

[mat_fenwick]

I have thought about it, but don't really think I do the miles to make it pay for itself very quickly. And I'm getting around 25 mpg too! But what would be interesting is building an LPG only engine, with a high compression ratio to take advantage of the high octane rating. Trouble is, all the current off the self LPG injection systems are slaves to a petrol injection system, although building a Megasquirt system is a possibility...

In BX related stuff I've been cleaning up the bulbholders in the rear light clusters with increased regularity - it seems like the protective coating has corroded away so I occasionally find myself with a light out. So I was well chuffed to find a pair on eBay, brand new Citroen boxed but I expected them to go sky high. Bit of a result to get them for £1.20!!!

[electrokid]

But what would be interesting is building an LPG only engine, with a high compression ratio to take advantage of the high octane rating.

First thought was 'start with a diesel engine' but that's probably too high. I once built a mini 'A' series 1100 block with an 850 head giving 11.5:1 but although it was do-able (and freaking quick ) there were problems. The spark had to be substantial - I used a 6 volt 'sport' coil but if I was re-visiting the project today I'd use the contactless system from a MK2 Granny - probably just as good. I only found one make of spark plug that would work properly and they only lasted 2000 miles. Plug leads and suppressor caps took a hammering as well.

So I was well chuffed to find a pair on eBay, brand new Citroen boxed but I expected them to go sky high. Bit of a result to get them for £1.20!!!

What a result you should have done the lottery the same day.

[Defender110]

"Side panels from Freecycle" what's that then?

[mat_fenwick]

Freecycle? It's a scheme where people post up their unwanted goods, and others claim them...one man's rubbish is another man's treasure and all that. In this case it was some slightly tatty corrugated sheets that otherwise he'd have had to hire a van or trailer to take to the tip, so it's a win-win. We usually offer a bottle of wine or box of chocolates if it's a decent item, if it seems to good to get for nothing.

What a result you should have done the lottery the same day.

They'd be kicking themselves if they knew what my maximum bid was!