Stage 1 V8

I bought one (NRC5069) from Dunsfold 12 years ago but they don't seem to be available any more. However, NTC3932 seems to be widely available and several sites state this is suitable for the Stage 1 V8, although I can't vouch for that personally. If you're persisting in looking for the original part number, I'd just mention that I've seen it at least three times listed, probably wrongly, as NRC5067, so it might be worth searching for both numbers, though I'd be surprised if you found one under either number quickly, if at all. Good luck! (If you buy a NTC3932 and it fits and works fine, let us know)

I may have to eat my words - I just looked on Dunsfold's website - they have none listed under NRC5069 (the number in the Parts Book) but 80 shown in stock under NRC5067 !! - and my receipt (yes, I still have it AND can find it!) lists the one I bought as that number - maybe if they are listing it under the wrong number, that would be the reason why they have so many left!!

[Later edit: Dunsfold now have one NRC5069 listed and still a lot of NRC5067, and I have just found out the former, shown in the Parts Book, is for models without a steering lock, and the latter is for models with a steering lock and is listed in the Optional Equipment Catalogue - both RH steering]

More progress today.
Trip down to see Ashcrofts to pick up my new R380 and BorgWarner transfere box.
Now just got to sort out a bit of a parts list to bolt it all together. I'll put up some pics when I get some time.
The progress is slow but steady!

Been a while since last post so due an update.

Alice now has a rebuilt engine, with brand new R380 gearbox mated to a BorgWarner transfer box fitted. X Eng Disc Handbrake to be fitted.
New prop shafts have been made, front one without a double cardian joint (which is not required and is actually a weak point)
Radiator has been reconditioned with thicker core for improuved cooling.
Still struggling to post up pictures though, not a clue what i'm doing wrong. Give me spanners anyday

As a matter of interest, may I ask where you had the radiator done and what it cost? (I have a spare Stage 1 rad sitting in my attic, too valuable to throw away even leaky, and I'd rather it was in a state ready to use if necessary!)

Cool changes. All the things I'd want if I had the cash (I'd want diff locks too).

The important things in your radiator are the top and bottom tanks. Any capable radiator specialist should be able to do the job.

great to see you have been making progress and can't wait for the first test run reports. I wasn't planning on changing my gearbox but am now seriously thinking about it as donk is my daily runner here in new Zealand.

Radiator was reconditioned by JJ Radiators in Coventry. Cost was £200.

Thanks for that info

Latest update:-

It's all getting a bit serious now, water system is now all plumed, including improuved heat matrix wiring is now sorted and just about finished to the point where everything works, even got sparks at the plugs!!
I'm just waiting for some oil to turn up so that I can put fuel in the tank and fire her up for the first time, which is going to be pretty noisy as Alice currently doen't have an exhaust system. Once I am happy that everything is working as it should she'll be booked in to have a custom system made. I was hoping to get away with using some stock parts but I had got to cut and reweld in so many places that there was no point! (Not using stock manifolds or down pipes)
Really pleased with the instrument panel, i'll see if i can get some pics on here later.
Starting to make some decisions on the interior, have already started to line all the panels with adhesive mats to add weight. Just looking at closed cell foam to fill the void between the door trim and the door skin to reduce noise further.
Thinking of using cocnut matting (Door mat stuff) in the foot wells rather than carpet, saves getting muck everywhere, works well in the Leightweight I built.
So shouldn't be long before we go for an MOT

I found just having door cards were enough since a lit of the noise is wind around the front and windows.

And, I think you can't really go past chunky rubber mats

An epic day on all fronts.

Firstly Alice has been able to help the cause for another stage 1's journey back on to the road by donating some of her surplus parts. Major clear out so the workshop is looking much better now.

Secondly and perhaps the most important event to-date.

It has been 35 years since she was first built and in the beautiful sunshine this afternoon, I put the ignition key into the barrel, turned it, and Alice's engine burst into life. After a moment just to check that all was well the clutch pedal was depressed and first gear selected. With the handbrake off, Alice began to move under her own power for the first time in at least 5 years. Oh and what a noise, no exhaust system yet just a bit of pipe shoved onto the end of the y piece, pure heaven. (Those who haven't driven a V8 will never know what they have missed.)
Down the drive, very gentle prod of the brakes resulted in a very abrupt stop. Very very impressive with a very light pedal. Off again with a gentle prod of the throttle resulted in a very satisfying surge of, to quote Mr Clarkson, power! by the bucket full.
No clonks, bangs or rattles, just the sweet smooth sound of a V8 on song and some very rapid progress down the drive!
Alice is very definitely alive and kicking and full of sprit.
In case you haven't guessed yet I am just slightly chuffed.
Next job it to get Alice over to custom chrome for an exhaust system then an MOT. I cannot wait

SHE LIVES

Yuss! Good shit man

Great stuff. . Try and post some pictures.

Nice to see 'Alice' around soon maybe then - haven't seen another Stage One being driven around here in ages - seen two Santanas more recently!

I've had problems in posting pics on here in the past.
I have been able to, but now it just doesn't seem to work, so here should be a link to a small selection of pics http://www.flickr.com/gp/136573155@N07/H0rN6w
They kind of show a before and after. If that works I'll take some more of Alice in detail to show what has changed.