DMCTalk.com forums - A DeLorean Community - Blogs http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php DeLorean tech help, discuss modifications, chat with vendors, win products, join your local club en Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:36:02 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.dmctalk.com/images/misc/rss.jpg DMCTalk.com forums - A DeLorean Community - Blogs http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php DPI new website deloreanindustries.com http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=29 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 05:23:12 GMT Our new website is up and running. The old one will stay around for a while with a single page link to the new site. Contact us with any... Our new website is up and running. The old one will stay around for a while with a single page link to the new site.

Contact us with any questions, concerns or suggestions at.

deloreanperformanceindustries@yahoo.com

-Josh ]]> DPI Josh http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=29 Replacement Idlespeed motor (new) http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=28 Thu, 20 May 2010 18:41:22 GMT I recently had a need to replace a couple of idlespeed motors and my stock of salvaged units was at zero. I was shocked a the price from DMC, and... I recently had a need to replace a couple of idlespeed motors and my stock of salvaged units was at zero. I was shocked a the price from DMC, and that only rebuilt units are available (ie a core charge is involved also).

This is a brand new Bosch regulator and a direct plug-in replacement. It comes with the correct offset bracket for the DeLorean engine which makes it a much neater install.

Available for £99 (roughly $145 at time of writing)

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]]> DCUK Martin http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=28 Why you *MUST* know your key code! http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=27 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:48:10 GMT I get a call like this once a month or so, that a DeLorean owner called to say that they had lost the only set of keys to their car. Sometimes... I get a call like this once a month or so, that a DeLorean owner called to say that they had lost the only set of keys to their car.

Sometimes the car is locked, and sometimes it isn't. If it is, then that's when you should hope that you have your key code written down someplace in your file of receipts/paperwork for your car. With that 4-digit key code, we can cut or supply you with a first generation key for your car, and at least get you back in it.

If the car's NOT locked, then you can usually pull the driver's side headliner and get the keycode for at least the door. I say "at least" because on an early two-key (different keys for the door and ignition) car you are only likely to find the door key code written there. It will typically be the letters "WR" followed by a four digit number starting with a "5" as shown in the photo below.

On an early two-key car, you are NOT likely to find the keycode for the ignition under there. We have a very incomplete set of keycodes (about 1800 or so cars scattered through 81's and some 82's), though it's possible that you may find it written on a round label on the bottom of the steering column canopy, as seen in the photo below.

On a later, one-key, car where the same key opens the doors, cubby, locking gas cap (if fitted) and works in the ignition, pulling the headliner will typically reveal the keycode. It may or may not start with a "K" and be followed by four digits, beginning with a "7", as shown in the photo below.

Supplying your DMC dealer with this four-digit code and proof of ownership - typically a copy of your title or registration showing your name and the VIN of the car in question - will allow us to cut a key to that code for you.

This whole thing struck me again about how important it is to not only know your keycodes but also to have them written down someplace. One of the first things we do now when a car comes in for service is to pull the headliner and write down the keycode in case it's ever needed sometime down the road.

If you CAN'T get the codes (car is locked or they aren't anywhere to be found on the car) is where I will hope you have had the foresight to email me a photo of your cut ignition key. I can usually decode it from a good closeup photo of the key (like below) and send you the code for your records. I do this for free because it is so important that you have this number 'just in case'.
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]]> DMCH James http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=27 Right Hand Drive DeLoreans now available... http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=24 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:21:42 GMT DMC (Texas) recently completed and delivered a right-hand drive DeLorean for a client in Asia. As is typical with our newly assembled cars, we... DMC (Texas) recently completed and delivered a right-hand drive DeLorean for a client in Asia.

As is typical with our newly assembled cars, we start with a suitable donor car - an original DeLorean that has had not such a nice life - though we specifically do not use DeLoreans that have salvage or flood titles.

Typically we end up with a car that has a very rusty frame or one with a severely damaged interior or engine. As all of these components will be replaced with new or new old stock components, they are not an impediment to this process. Using a "donor" car allows us to obtain a few key parts that we need, plus lets us re-use the existing VIN so the car remains a 1981, 1982 or 1983 automobile.

The process begins by completely stripping the donor car to a bare frame underbody, and separating it from the chassis. Any stripped or missing rivnuts are replaced, and in this instance, the build crew at DMC repositioned the wiper arm mounting points for the RHD configuration and modified the luggage compartment to allow for the repositioned brake booster. The bare underbody is then transported to a local paint shop, where imperfections in the fiberglass are refinished, and the engine compartment, pontoons and luggage compartment areas given a new finish of paint to improve the appearance of these areas.

All newly assembled cars come with a Pearce Design Components stainless steel chassis, though the RHD chassis has a slightly different front crumple tube to account for the different steering rack. The chassis was otherwise built up normally.

The steering rack was created especially for the right-hand drive application, but uses the same steering rack boots and tie-rod ends as the LHD DeLorean cars. The pedal box was created by modifying a standard LHD pedal box, altering the angle and placement of the pedals through a series of test fits and trials.

The parking brake was re-positioned to the right-hand side of the car, next to the driver's seat, and the luggage compartment release handle was moved to the right-side of the car, as well. Swapping the locations of the hazard and headlight switches along with the new dash, knee pads, and glove box insert (to accommodate the new fully electronic climate control system) completed the modifications to the interior.

Repositioning the exterior remote mirror switch to the right-side door, and re-positioning the exterior mirror glass were also required in order to facilitate the move of the driver's controls to the right hand side. The switch itself also required modification in order to correctly adjust the mirrors.

We're now working on our second RHD DeLorean, again using a stainless steel Pearce Design frame, this time for a client in Thailand.
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]]> DMCH James http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=24 The Wonderful tale of plasma ignition on the DMC12 http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=26 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:36:19 GMT “The Basil Wainwright Identity” An open letter to Basil Wainwright who passed away recently. A letter I would have liked to have written during... “The Basil Wainwright Identity”


An open letter to Basil Wainwright who passed away recently. A letter I would have liked to have written during his lifetime.


Dear Basil,

You may remember me from DeLorean Motor Cars – my name is Nick Sutton, we met just after you wrote a letter to John DeLorean in New York in 1980 telling him about plasma ignition your new invention that increased performance and reduced mpg consumption on motor vehicles. At the time Basil, you wouldn’t know this but we were suffering from poor results as it relates to mpg and our submission to the authorities in the USA for our new DMC12 were looking a bit dodgy. Peter Allison wrote a letter to Mike Loasby telling him of the situation.

Peter was in charge of Safety and Emissions and associated legislation (for the history books – it was employee number twenty one that typed the memo as Peter’s secretary– she was later to become my wife). The poor performance on EPA matters is an issue covered in Ivan Thallon’s book Dream Maker. (Page 254 and onwards refers)

John DeLorean was keen to look at any way he could to improve the EPA situation. This is where I come in because your letter filtered down to me for action. After an initial dialogue on the ‘phone we agreed to meet together with the Engineers at Lotus Cars in Norfolk. I recall the day well Basil because we were supposed to meet at 8:30 in Norfolk which meant a 5:30 am start from Coventry.

I never did thank you for arriving at 11:00 am – this gave me ample time to finalise a few loose ends at Lotus on other matters also to enjoy several cups of coffee whilst the Engineers and myself waited for you. Paul Fricker one of the experts at Lotus on engines you met looked a bit eccentric didn’t you think? But was regarded very highly by all those around him and a very clever Development Engineer with a great future. So our meeting about Plasma ignition didn’t take too long, I was there to take the minutes and to ensure everything went well. Therefore it was quite pleasing to leave Lotus early for once and travel home in the day light.

Must say though Basil I enjoyed your company – you were certainly enthusiastic and entertaining. It was possible that we spoke again a few years later but more of that in a minute.

My report was faxed through to Belfast that night and Lotus Engineering’s report arrived early the next day both reports concluded that “Plasma Ignition” didn’t do anything positive to our PRV engine also the development contract you wanted had some pretty big numbers. We thought that you must have gotten your telephone number mixed up in the quotation! So we decided not to take the issue further. This was communicated to John DeLorean. In fact the Lotus guys thought Plasma Ignition to be a figment of someone’s imagination. Your patent for Plasma ignition reads:-

“Ignition apparatus for providing plasma ignition for an engine, which ignition apparatus comprises a switching circuit, a wave form generator for generating an a.c. wave form output, a power amplifier circuit for amplifying the output from the wave form generator, a d.c. to d.c. inverter, and a transformer having primary and secondary windings, the primary winding being connected to the power amplifier circuit for receiving the output from the power amplifier circuit, and the secondary winding being connected to the d.c. to d.c. inverter, and the wave form generator and the d.c. to d.c. inverter being connected in parallel so that during operation of the ignition apparatus high voltage a.c. from the wave form generator carries and sustains d.c. which is from the d.c. to d.c. inverter and which is required for the plasma”.


Thought maybe reading it again after all these years it could have had a bit more zip to the flow of words? What do you think?

You would have really enjoyed this next bit Basil because you missed a chance of a life time when John DeLorean, a few days later, was interviewed on Northern Ireland local television (UTV) and said that he were going to use all the latest technology available on the DMC12 including Plasma Ignition and to be the first car in the world to have this system despite our comments for him to forget all about it! Think you missed a golden opportunity - but obviously you couldn’t get this programme and his comments in your neck of the woods. Pity that you would have enjoyed it.

I recall from your business card that you had offices in Detroit, Paris, Tokyo and Yardley Wood Birmingham. I was born not far from your offices in Birmingham and know the area well. Not really the centre of Automotive Excellence Yardley Wood was it Basil?

Well, because of this fiasco someone had to take the wrap and as I came from the same part of the world as you and as I was the most junior at DMC involved in the issue so the person to take the blame was me. Therein after, you were always referred to as my “mate”. This joke lasted for many years even when you got into trouble with the development of a high speed boat for the TV star Noel Edmunds and resulted in a high profile court case. You were always referred to as my “mate”.

Incidentally you will be pleased to learn that Noel is back on main stream Television again and doing very well. I tell you this because I understand that the prisons in Thailand and Kenya don’t show BBC Light Entertainment programmes and you may have missed this wonderful news.

But the real funny bit comes now Basil – one winter’s night in 1982 when we were battening down the hatches on the DeLorean site in Dunmurry and getting ready for closure Barrie Wills (as acting M.D) and I were the last ones in the plant at Dunmurry. Things were bleak and not a lot to laugh about until one evening in November 1982 when the ‘phone rang on Barrie Wills desk.

Barrie picked up the phone “there is a man on the phone” said the security guard full of excitement “and says that he can save the plant and the workforce and can he speak to the man in charge”

“Who is it that’s calling? “asked Barrie to the security guard.

“Basil Wainwright “answered the security guard after a few seconds silence.

Barrie looked at me and said “It’s your “mate” on the ‘phone do you want to speak to him”. I knew instantly who he was talking about.

Well tell you the truth Basil I can’t recall if I spoke to you or not but after the phone went down both Barrie and myself collapsed in laughter. We couldn’t regain our composure for several minutes.

In later years your activities around the world landed you in trouble more than once but I have to say you gave us all at DMC and Lotus a great laugh just when it mattered and generally at my expense.

With regards

Your mate



Nick Sutton


P.S Basil , I read a recent article from you of course before your demise from this mortal sod and thought that the titles you awarded yourself were a slightly, just very slightly over the top - extract as follows:-

BASIL EARLE WAINWRIGHT

Physicist & Nobel nominee

Peter the Czar award Russia

Expo83' Award Winner basilwainwright@hotmail.com

Doesn’t the Hotmail.com give the game away a bit?

© Nick Sutton 2010 ]]> nick sutton http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=26 Replacement transmission mount bracket kit for manual transmission http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=25 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:17:38 GMT Our stainless replacement manual transmission brackets will be hitting production in the upcoming weeks. Items will be available as a kit featuring... Our stainless replacement manual transmission brackets will be hitting production in the upcoming weeks. Items will be available as a kit featuring previously unavailable part numbers :
106341 and 106342

Working out the price details currently. The main purpose for reproducing the brackets is to accommodate the high demand for five speed transmission swaps. ]]> DPI Josh http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=25 Current engine set up options http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=23 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:46:17 GMT For 2010 here is what we are offering: Pricing is available on our website www.deloreanperformanceindustries.com for some of the set up's. Contact us for more info on the higher end ones. Most of the unique system combinations are not listed yet. Everything listed is designed, fully tested and can be completed with a quick turn around.

- spec I - full stainless exhaust system only

- spec I plus - full stainless exhaust system and ignition set up

mod's to your existing engine- camshafts, full exhaust, ignition system upgrade and special fuel system modifications. (engine requirements apply, no high millage engines)

K jet spec II set ups

- complete rebuild with stock pistons, stainless exhaust system and camshafts and mild port work and special fuel system modifications. (guaranteed to outrun at stage II set up)

-complete rebuild with forged pistons, stainless exhaust system and camshafts, mild port work and special fuel system modifications.

efi spec II set ups

spec II race set up- full efi conversion for fuel and spark, cnc milled and ported race heads, camshafts, higher compression ratio, full stainless exhaust with converter deletes (we do not install converter deletes in shop) lightened flywheel, electric water pump (also optional) alternator relocation, cold air intake, heavily modified intake manifold with dual throttle body set up.

-efi upgrade- complete efi set up on a stock engine controlling fuel only on an odd fire prv

-efi upgrade plus camshafts- complete efi upgrade as mentioned above plus camshafts installed

-efi upgrade plus camshafts and exhaust system- everything mentioned above plus our stainless exhaust system

-3.0 swap with efi- 3.0 engine dropped in with cradle swap and efi spark and fuel control.

-3.0 swap with efi and performance camshaft- as mentioned above plus even fire camshaft upgrade (custom grind)

-3.0 swap with efi and performance camshaft and stainless exhaust system- as mentioned above plus even fire camshaft upgrade (custom grind)

Boosted set ups

-2.8 island twin turbo kit with forged internals with either efi or special k jet modifications

-2.8 island twin turbo kit with forged internals with either efi or special k jet modifications and dual air to water intercoolers.


-2.8 BAE turbo kit with forged internals with either efi or special k jet modifications

-2.8 BAE turbo kit with forged internals with either efi or special k jet modifications with single air to water intercooler

-spec III single turbo package

-spec III twin press- dual turbo set up, efi, forged internals, efi and spark control, dual air to water intercoolers
(this is the mother of all set up's)
other upgrades-

-camshafts only- just like it sounds : )

-camshafts plus k jet modifications dyno tuned

If you do not see something on this list, please inquire it is probably available or possible.

If you have a real itch for anything our competition sells that is not in house only installation, we will install for their advertised prices as well. IE exhaust, stage II crate motors etc. ]]> DPI Josh http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=23 A bit of history http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=22 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:13:41 GMT Back to DeLorean I first heard the name John DeLorean in August 1978 from the BBC regarding a major investment in Northern Ireland and a plan to... Back to DeLorean

I first heard the name John DeLorean in August 1978 from the BBC regarding a major investment in Northern Ireland and a plan to build a car plant in Belfast. At the time I worked for a low volume car manufacturer in the English Midlands. At thirty years of age doing a job I had always wanted - what else could I want?

I heard nothing more of the name until a few months later in November when a former colleague asked me if I would be interested in joining the company. After visiting Belfast and agreeing terms I joined DeLorean Motor Cars on 4th December 1978. What I didn’t know then was that this decision was to change my life not just in the short term but for the next thirty years and more. This why as an Englishman I am writing these notes at my home in Belfast and married to a lady from Northern Ireland for twenty six years who originally lived a hundred yards from the Dunmurry plant. She was employee number twenty-six working as a secretary in the Engineering Department at DeLorean Motor Cars Ltd Belfast.

On the 4th December 1978 my first day at DeLorean Motor Cars started when I caught the seven o’clock ‘plane at Birmingham, England and landed at Belfast Aldergrove Airport fifty minutes later – the drive from the airport to Belfast, a distance of eighteen miles was grim – army road blocks, burned out buildings and many soldiers, all this was new to me. Now I really was looking forward to arriving at the factory and security in one piece. The reality of seeing the plant for the first time was different to that of my minds eye of a few minutes earlier. The site was seventy two acres of muddy fields with a feeble fence around the perimeter of the only building. My immediate comparison of the scene was that of the Mission Station at Rorkes Drift in the 1964 film Zulu! This image was to be prophetic as three years later I witnessed rioting at the outer perimeter fence with a large violent crowd pushing at the gates and a few weeks later burning buildings near to the perimeter. In his book “Hard Driving” Bill Haddad’s description of these nocturnal and sometimes pyrotechnic events does these scenes justice. The Training Building would be home on and off for the next four years. Next to the Training building and adjacent to the perimeter fence would be the Quonset huts erected in July 1979 eventually burned down during rioting.

That first day I was introduced to Chuck Bennington the Managing Director and a few others including the American Engineers who came over from the US with Bill Collins, I still remember their names and personalities. As employee number sixteen I was introduced to John DeLorean and a little later given the choice of many vacant offices on the first floor overlooking the construction site. I settled in and unloaded my meagre possessions with the plan to obtain all my requirements from the stationary cupboard. No luck there – there wasn’t one - this really was the start there were few amenities; a coffee room on the first floor of the Training Building and that’s about all. I recall that the receptionist was an absolute beauty and a former Miss Northern Ireland. This humble building had been transformed from a former carpet company headquarters to the centre of attention of the world’s press and glamour of an international Company by the addition of a beauty queen and several photographs of the DMC12 and John DeLorean – it was impressive - this is what the Japanese call “all front and no back” – a building without substance. But don’t we all do this now and again in our business or personal lives?

On the way to my new office with coffee in hand I passed Buck Penrose’s office and could not fail to notice a huge chalk board on the longest wall of his office – big chalk boards like the ones in school –and there on the board in several colours was the biggest and grandest critical path analysis I have seen from that day to this! There must have been several hundred event squares and decision markings. The length of this grand design must have been twelve to fourteen feet and about four feet tall. On the left was the start with a multitude of arrows indicating input and fourteen feet later a small circle with lots of lines going to the circle - this I assumed indicated the first production vehicle. How impressive, I thought, a plan in such detail and this place only going for a few months! The design and grand plan must already be fixed – just follow the route on the chalk board Nick and everything will be fine.

I am sure that Buck Penrose had every good motive for drawing such a grand plan but the reality was that the period of December to March 1979 was really the ground floor of a plan. We had nothing – a photograph of Bill Collins prototype car which looked magnificent and some costings put together by DeLorean US staff for NIDA (Northern Ireland Development Agency) and that was it.

My first task was to cost the car using the Renault power train, the VARI (Vacuum Assisted Resin Inject) process for the underbody and stainless steel skins. I had costed vehicles in earlier lives but usually I had a bill of materials or something more than a photograph.I asked for more information on the car as I couldn’t go further without a lot more detail – but the car hadn’t been designed and the full specification wasn’t known. A few hours later I was given a 1:30 scale plastic kit model of a Lotus Esprit, it was suggested that I build the kit up from the chassis and cost the parts as I put them together. The box with the parts measured 9”x 4”.

I commenced my task enthusiastically and immediately began to enjoy this new job my nose deep into the instruction manual and glue everywhere. I was making good progress; soon I was in another world back to my childhood. That is until I heard the voice of John DeLorean in the next office on the ‘phone to his maid in New York and enquiring about his children – what if he came in and saw his latest high flying executive assembling a plastic childs kit car? My incomplete masterpiece was dismissed to the desk drawer very quickly and eventually into my book cupboard at home – where it lies to this day. I didn’t use the model again. A few days later I was given a parts book of the Lotus Esprit again a book I still have and cherish – and costed the DMC12 from this and Chuck’s verbal description of the vehicle interior. The Esprit parts book looked far more professional on my desk but was far less fun than the plastic kit car.

My job was Purchasing Manager for Production parts and the early months were spent at Dunmurry and then Lotus and also at the DeLorean Coventry office in England. For the first three years I visited the plant at Belfast once every week Lotus Cars for two days a week and the Coventry Office the rest of the week and at weekends. Monday morning the cycle started over again.

I met John DeLorean that first day and a few times afterwards including the “Open Night” at the factory, the infamous “Press Day” where I was there to assist and also at the plant in a couple of short meetings and at Lotus.

John DeLorean was not in Belfast that often and subject to criticism because of his absence and only once possibly overnight but not at the Warren House, the house owned by the Company at the edge of the test track.

There could be no doubt that he thought that he was a target for kidnapping or worse. Only a few years earlier a German Industrialist Thomas Neidermayer was kidnapped from his home in West Belfast and murdered. He ran the Grundig GmbH operation in Dunmurry a big employer in the area their plant being only a few hundred yards from the (to be) DeLorean site. It employed over eight hundred people. A short time after Herr Neidermayer’s death the Managing Director of DuPont in Derry was murdered. Also Geoffrey Armstrong head of UK’s British Leyland Employee Relations was shot in Dublin in 1981. The criticism about John DeLorean not staying a night in Belfast is really unjustified considering the history of the area and events that took place in the mid to late 1970’s and early 1980’s in Ireland. It was bad enough for us Englishman who worked at the plant but who wanted to shoot us? What kudos would there be in shooting Nick Sutton Purchasing Manager - infamous for costing cars, procuring car parts and making exquisite plastic model kit cars?

Because my job was technically based in Coventry and not Belfast, although I spent two to three days per week every week at the plant, I didn’t get the same pay package as others who had relocated to Belfast who enjoyed what was and is still called “Danger Money” an issue that annoyed the locals who worked in the same buildings and also lived locally but were paid less. This issue is still debated today and there is a remnant of hard feeling about this policy. I was told that this premium was the only way to attract automotive talent from England to Northern Ireland. This same wage premium also called “Danger Money” is paid to English Civil Servants today who work in Northern Ireland and is now the subject to considerable debate – has the Head of the Civil Service in Northern Ireland not noticed that the war here ceased some years ago?

But Back to DeLorean.

It’s only the Irish that could call a War that killed 3,800 people and injured another 50,000 the “Troubles” all this in a population of 1.8 million. I have trouble with my car, my roof, my lawnmower and less important things in my life; but the events from early 1970’s until the late 1990’s demeans the shame and loss of the community by applying the word “Troubles” in what was a tragedy for all that lived through the period.

These are the serious issues but there were many amusing events.

At the start of the programme modifications to the vehicle parts list came quick and often. There were a few local suppliers to the plant and one about a mile away from DMC.I needed a drawing to get to a local supplier very quickly. I asked if the drawing in an envelope could be delivered by the quickest possible method. A member of the Material Control team offered to deliver the package after work – this was winter 1979 – with army road blocks everywhere searching vehicles and looking for the slightest unusual activity. It was dark, the volunteer postman parked his car in a restricted area for a few minutes only, a restricted area and strictly forbidden by security reasons to leave a vehicle unattended, “only for a few seconds” he told me later. He rushed to the front door of the company that required the drawing and the urgent modification. He folded the envelope and pushed it fully through the letter box and ran back to the car before anyone would notice the car being parked unattended in a restricted area.

The good news was the letter and drawing was posted and eventually we received the modified parts the next day – the bad news was that that British Army had noticed a person running away from a building having pushed a suspect device through a letter box. He was thrown into the rear of an Army vehicle and asked for his identity and address. Further bad news followed because he lived in Catholic West Belfast, clearly then because of his address he was a terrorist by association. Not able to prove the contents of the envelope until the next morning he was jailed until 8:30 the next day until the supplier could confirm that the letter bomb was no more than a drawing and a note from me! Much to his credit the man worked all the next day at DeLorean despite having not slept. He lived off a few free beers for a short time until the next casualty told their tale. This story is true and typical of many events that occurred in Northern Ireland during the “Troubles”. People in Northern Ireland still mask the obscene events that occurred here with humour and most stories told are similar. Who would want to talk about the threats, bombs and murders that we all experienced and if they did who would listen? But everyone likes a funny story. It was the spirit and determination of this man and many more like him that built the factory at Dunmurry.

But Back to DeLorean

I was recently reminded by Colin Spooner (The designer of the Production DMC12) about an event that took place at Lotus Cars in January/ February 1979. Colin filled in the gaps of my memory and I now recall the day as it unfolded. I met or more likely bumped into John DeLorean at Lotus he was there to talk to Colin Chapman, Mike Kimberley and Colin Spooner (I was eventually to become a Director of Lotus) – that same day Grumman Aerospace were invited to Lotus to present their design of the roof structure for the DMC12. It was no coincidence that they were there at the same time as John DeLorean, he must have advised them of his itinerary.

“John DeLorean” he said as he moved his arm out to shake my hand – had he not remembered me from Belfast I thought? – No, he didn’t. But had he caught me a few weeks earlier with the plastic kit car in my hand at Belfast he would have remembered me alright!

Art August was the most senior of the Grumman people that day. Not only was the man impressive but he and his colleagues were dressed in manner that us country boys could only describe as an outtake from the film “Some like it hot” the gangster scene. Shinny hair well oiled straight back – mohair coats the lot but no violin cases! This is not to say they were not professional on the contrary they were the business; their presentation was state of the art. But we were not used of such overpowering presence. The only part of their design that would find its way onto the vehicle would be the cryogenically twisted torsion bar. Eventually made in Coventry, England

Grumman eventually made their presentation to Colin Spooner and a few others but they were really there to meet up with John DeLorean. They left Lotus that day after meeting the great man for a few minutes only, then to return to New York.

My records show that we spent $178,000 for the twisting machine itself and another £18,000 for tooling. Maybe these figures included a premium for injury to feelings.

SPS Industries made the torsion bar at their facility a few miles from the DeLorean Coventry Office at Spires House Greyfriars Lane England.

At its peak the Coventry office employed eighteen people. Highly motivated and talented would be an understatement. The office was established as an easy access to suppliers both English and overseas. Eighty percent of the UK supply base could be accessed within a one hour’s drive of the office.

• GKN (Chassis frame ) 45 minutes
• Hills Precision (Instrument Binnacle ) 10 minutes
• SPS (Torsion bar) 15 minutes
• Chamberlain and Phipps 30 minutes
• Birmingham International Airport 30 minutes
• Or Lotus Cars two and a half hours.

The office was open seven days a week and ferried drawings from Lotus to Coventry on a daily basis. Every day for three years there was a Purchasing representative of DMC at Lotus Cars to liaise with suppliers and Lotus and to bring drawings or messages back to Coventry. Copies of all drawings of the DMC12 were kept at the Coventry Office. From this office we placed production orders for tooling to the value of just over £13 million.

During the three years the Coventry office existed we received three bomb alerts the building cleared on each occasion – the police told us that the threats were directed to the Council Offices which were in an adjoining building – but the they never told us the back ground or details. We were kept in the dark. On one occasion in the early days I had a visit from the Police Special Branch Sergeant (involved in anti terrorism) asking if I could advise him of any unusual movements of material or people from West Belfast to England. As I am really quite fond of my body and in particular my patellas I advised him that it was unlikely that I would be able to assist in his enquiries – much to my annoyance he phoned me frequently until early 1980 and then gave up.

In October 1982 with John DeLorean’s arrest the Coventry office was closed Friday 5th November the last members of the office had a goodbye drink at the local pub. The next Monday I was off to work in Belfast for three months to assist in the closure of the Dunmurry plant. After a few beers I went home.

But back to DeLorean Coventry office early the next day to collect two thousand three hundred and twenty three drawings of the DeLorean DMC12 to keep them safely stored in my garage at home. Just in case……just possibly?

Nick Sutton

©Nick Sutton 2010 ]]> nick sutton http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=22 <![CDATA[4-Pot & vented big brake system]]> http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=21 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:07:54 GMT Yes it's finally finished and tested, and meets or surpasses all the expectations we had for it!



Direct fit performance brakes - improves feel, reduces effort, eliminates overheating

Largest discs/rotors possible within stock wheels
4-pot calipers all round including integrated handbrake
Entire brake system renewed except hard lines and servo, including new flexi-hoses, handbrake cables, EBC Kevlar pads and OEM Girling master cylinder

The stock DeLorean brake system can actually be quite adequate if working properly (and after nearly 30 years, most don't), but there's no getting away from the fact that when compared with a modern car, the discs are small and solid, the pedal feels "wooden" and if driven enthusiastically with standard temperature pads, easily overheat. The original proportioning is also compromised and doesn't make full use of the large rear tyres and rear weight bias.

This new system was developed in conjunction with HiSpec Motorsport. It combines their superb lightweight 4-pot aluminium calipers with EBC kevlar pads, off-the-shelf vented discs, a new OEM Girling master cylinder, stainless steel braided telfon lined flexi-hoses and custom made handbrake cables for use with the new hybrid rear calipers. Pot area, pad area and disc diameter are all increased which dramatically improves brake feel at the same time as massively reducing required pedal force and the proprnsity for overheating.

Q: What is the most obvious effect of fitting this system?
A: After the intial bedding-in period, the amount of effort required on the brake pedal will be considerably lower than before. The handbrake is also a lot more powerful.

Q: Why do I need this system?
A: If you don't drive your car hard and are content with its ability to stop in an emergency, you probably don't. If you really notice how much worse your DeLorean brakes are compared to your daily driver, and perhaps you enjoy spirited driving along twisty roads, you will really benefit from this setup.

Q: I can lock up my standard brakes, therefore they're good enough.
A: Larger brakes with increased pad and pot area are more about control than absolute force, though this too is greatly improved. You will be able to feel the limit of traction much more readily, and react more effectively if you do lock up.

Q: I have never overheated my brakes.
A: An emergency stop from 70mph easily takes the original system to the limit, and without venting, the discs struggle to dissipate their heat energy once hot. The pads will start to smoke, the pedal will start to feel spongy and the stopping distance will increase.

Cost: £1999 GBP with plain rotors or add £250 for grooved (shown) ]]> DCUK Martin http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=21 Exhaust systems completed http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=20 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:27:45 GMT Our systems are completed finally. We decided to go back and make a few design changes making the set up even better. Pictures of the fabrication are... Our systems are completed finally. We decided to go back and make a few design changes making the set up even better. Pictures of the fabrication are currently posted at:

http://www.deloreanperformanceindust...nce-parts.html

Finished product pictures will be available within the next few days. I currently have a set up on our engine test stand for a final check list.

More details shortly. ]]> DPI Josh http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=20 New Parts for 2009 - Year in Review http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=19 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:43:37 GMT *I was looking back at the new parts we either brought back or went from NOS to reproduction this year and thought that it might be of interest to... I was looking back at the new parts we either brought back or went from NOS to reproduction this year and thought that it might be of interest to everyone here. NO ONE in the DeLorean community introduces as many new parts each year, and the reason we are able to do so is YOU. Thank you for supporting DMC and our family of dealers. It ensures that your future DeLorean parts needs will continue to be met.

1. LH Dash End Cap - Black or Grey

Often damaged getting in/out of the car, unavailable for some time. Reproduction made from urethane - much more damage resistant.

2. RH Dash End Cap - Black or Grey

Often damaged getting in/out of the car, unavailable for some time. Reproduction made from urethane - much more damage resistant.

3.LH Escutcheon

Originals often cracked or broken, originals were unavailable for some time. New reproduction part from DMC (Texas).

4. Glovebox insert

Sturdy fiberglass replacement - flocked as per original on the inside. Drop-in replacement.

5. Improved window switch

Improved switch mechanism, optional illumination with no wiring mods.

6. Dashboards

Modern reproduction made from injection molded plastic. In black or grey. Less than half the old NOS price.

7. Front & Rear Brake Discs

New supplier used factory original drawings to tool, cast and machine discs to the original specification as opposed to previously available but not exactly correct crossover part sold by others. New lower price, too.

8. Seatback release/Pull strap Bezel

Previously unavailable, reproduced by DMC (Texas) in 2009. Necessary to upgrade to later style, integrated pull straps.

9. Trip Reset Shaft Spacer

Previously unavailable, reproduced by DMC (Texas) in 2009. If you have a broken trip reset shaft, and the broken pieces are missing, you need this.

10. LH Grab Handle - Black

Previously unavailable, reproduced by DMC (Texas) in 2009. If your early style pull strap has damaged your grab handle, the new urethane replacement is more durable and looks identical to original.

11. Fuel Filter

NOS supply exhausted, and Bosch replacements leak. We contracted with a new supplier to have these made, and lowered the price, as well.

12. Digital Transmission Computer Governor

The new digitally controlled transmission computer is a much better unit that is a drop-in replacement for the original, at a much better price than a rebuilt original.

13. Fuel Injector Clips

It's the little things that can hang you. These clips were discontinued, so we had them reproduced - new from DMC (Texas) in 2009.

14. Inner & Outer Hood Release Cables

New supplier brought online by DMC (Texas) in 2009 brought the prices down for these parts.

15. Inner & Outer Throttle Cables

New supplier brought online by DMC (Texas) in 2009 brought down price on the inner, and brought back the previously unavailable outer cable.

16. Angle Drive Retaining Nut

New supplier brought online by DMC (Texas) in 2009 brought the prices down for this part.

17. Lower Speedo Cable

New supplier brought online by DMC (Texas) in 2009 brought the prices down for this part.

18. All aluminum Radiator

New high efficiency radiators with all aluminum construction - core and side tanks.

19. AC Vent Plugs

Introduced by DMC (California) - plugs the vents in the left and right kneepads to force airflow the center console vents.

20. Deflector Plate Retaining Strips
DMC (Northwest) supplies this superior product to the DMC family of dealers at a better price than competing products.

21. A/T Upper Shifter Cover

If you want to replace more than just the warped DMC logo on this part, the entire upper shifter cover is a new part from DMC this year.

22. Complete molded carpet sets

Complete molded carpet sets, created from an original underbody, in nearly any color you can think of, including the original light and dark gray.



We also have a number of parts in production or prototyping/sampling for 2010 release. ]]> DMCH James http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=19 Introducing DeLorean Cars (UK) http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=18 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:48:45 GMT Hello, and thanks for reading.

For the past eight years, I've worked on countless DeLorean cars, and owned several myself. From import to the UK through restoration, registration and sale, to brakes, handling and particularly performance engines, DeLoreans and the PRV engine are my passion. Over the time I've been doing this, I've established a vast list of cross-references and parts suppliers in the UK for OEM parts. I have also owned a Venturi 300, an Alpine A610 and worked on many other PRV powered cars.

From 2003-2008 in one form or another, I made my living from DeLoreans, but in September 2008 I merged my workshop with Modern Classics nr Tunbridge Wells, Kent which is owned and run Chris Harding.

Chris is a highly skilled classic car specialist, himself owner of a right hand drive Vauxhall Omega V6 powered DeLorean.

I now focus on the special projects side of things while Chris takes on all regular servicing and maintenance/repair work.

I sell a small number of parts which are either unique/improved or are available at a substantial saving over those available elsewhere. I'm very focused on making the car "as good as it can be", by bringing the car back to near "as new" condition, or improving it with modern parts like springs, shocks, bushes, brake upgrades etc. ]]> DCUK Martin http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=18 new website http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=17 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:25:08 GMT new website is up for the most part. Needs a bit of fine tuning over the next few weeks when I get a chance. ... new website is up for the most part. Needs a bit of fine tuning over the next few weeks when I get a chance.


www.deloreanperformanceindustries.com ]]> DPI Josh http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=17 Delorean Performance Industries Products and Development http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=16 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:06:13 GMT Bringing everything I have been talking about into one easy to find spot. Stay tuned for more info. I will start pulling posts together covering... Bringing everything I have been talking about into one easy to find spot. Stay tuned for more info. I will start pulling posts together covering everything discussed in the prior months. ]]> DPI Josh http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=16 New parts from DMC - October 19, 2009 update http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=15 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:14:52 GMT I'm going to try and post here about new parts that we make available. They are always announced in the emailgram we send out periodically, but not everyone gets that or in some cases the contents get forgotten with the passage of time. These first few items have been out for awhile, and may have come from us or one of our dealers.

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108061 LH Grab Handle in Black

Often damaged by the early style pull strap, we recently had these remade in black urethane using a good original as a mold. They are an "exchange" item, as there is a metal bracket inside that we need back to keep the supply going. It's expensive, but it's a relatively low demand part that either you need or you don't - you won't replace it for the sake of replacing it, for sure.



$125.00 plus core

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A1000200 A/C Vent Plugs (pair)

These stylishly molded plugs were created by DMC (California) and introduced at DCS West 2009. Designed to fit in the hole at each end of the dash, they act to force all the airflow to the center vents. If you haven't sealed your door panel vents, this is a great option.



$29.95 per pair

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I'll try to add more once every couple weeks, or when something brand new comes out or a reproduction part is introduced. ]]> DMCH James http://www.dmctalk.com/blog.php?b=15