1976 Formula Ford, how race cars were build back then

[@grahammillar1634]

I raced a 19 back in 1980/81 and the side pods had no openings at the front. Air was pulled from the sides through the radiator into an area of low pressure behind them. The rear suspension was a disaster due to the fact the lower arms were parallel and not linked so moved under load. The front rockers bent easily and the ratio they gave meant you had very high spring rates. It is easy to see where the designer, David Lazenby, got the idea from having worked at Lotus. I remember visiting the factory after the Keegans took over the company and I was amazed at the amount of stock they carried considering the cars were not very competitive. The front rack casing was fabricated by Hawke. Not a great car and a big disappointment against other marques that were available at the time. I learned so much from racing the car that I ended up designing and building my own Formula Fords in later years.

[@lockdownsim9681]

Hey, good post. My Brother in Law invested in Hawke when he moved over from the US in the early 70's. I think they went skint pretty quickly. (Wasn't the DL21 ok?) He then went to work with Royale, near Bedford. I duly bought an RP24 with a Scholar engine after a shocking season in a very ugly Crossle. Stayed with Royale until I ran out of money in 1982. Last race grid I took part in was Silverstone Club, which included David Hunt - James' brother. He was a bit of a nutter too! How did your own design fare?

[@easternwoods4378]

that takes me back in 981 I raced a Lola T540 at Mosport and Shanonville

[@daveharridge1791]

I raced a DL19B in 1979. Your comments re suspension are interesting and may explain why I struggled with the car!

[@robertpotharst7378]

Dear sir, in 1976 I worked at Hawke Racing Cars at Southend airport in the factory with David Lazenby and Vic Holman. The DL15 was used in GB and Europe in several championships, with great success. In October at the famous FF1600 Festival, (180 plus entries). Hawke finished in the Final; First, Second, Third and Tenth, I prepared and ran the winning car with our works driver Derek Daly, Derek Warwick was 2nd, Rick morris 3th and Jan Lammers 10th. The car you showing is a DL15, why? Because in the winter of 76/77 Lazenby designed the DL19 which had a longer chassis because there was a 6 or 8 inch, (can't remember 6 or 8 long time ago!) spacer between engine and bellhouse of the gearbox. So this configuration we used for 1977. During that year we noticed that this spacer was not rigid enough, my driver that year Bernard Devaney was never happy, so after some testing we removed de spacer and that improved our performance. So the DL19 never raced in 1976. Graham Millar is right about the sidepods, the air went round the side into the rads at the side of the engine. On an other point you mentioned that the engine has 140 horsepower, well that is for sure not, (if that is so your engine is illegal), average power depending on which tuners, was around 104 to 107. Also Hawke started around 1970 with the DL2.

[@farmerkevin]

Nice. The gold is always in the comments.

[@rickden8362]

I wouldn't let that guy touch setting up my car, he knows just enough just enough to be dangerous. He's talking about suspension setups with no load in the car. And I don't think he knew that back in the day you had to able to enter and exit the car with the steering in place, quick release wheels were a convenience/safety item. All that talk about Ackerman, he was just trying to overly impress. And your right, 140hp, with the stock carbs...riiiiight, in your dreams. If I was doing a video on an older race car that I was getting ready to race again, I'd be describing how I'd be preparing to tear it down to every last nut and bolt to do an inspection. And if I was planning on doing serious track days or racing, I'd rebuild the engine, avoid blowing it and ending up with a bigger bill. And you might want to have someone knowledgeable take a look at the trans. I posted all this earlier but I guess he deleted it, the truth hurts. ETA: I noticed further down he says the engine has a Piper 360 race camshaft fitted, and it used to have the DCOE's. That might get 140 horse, and the cam would make it illegal for FF.

[@larkhill2119]

@@rickden8362 I thought it sounded a bit cammy.

[@larkhill2119]

Rick Morris did the festival last weekend.

[@rickden8362]

@@larkhill2119 He seems to fallen off the radar with this car lately after the track day. Perhaps his ''setup'' work didn't bring the results he imagined.

[@bobblaine1437]

I 'crewed' for a friend in the late 70's, though he owned a different brand. It was interesting to see the differences and similarities. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments bob

[@bobmcl2406]

I was co-owner and mechanic on a Hawke DL21 here in Canada for many years in the 1980s. The main Visual difference from your car was the side pods. They had a front opening to admit air to the radiators, and top openings to let the air out. What a wonderful, honest, well-built and quick car that was. Thanks for a great memory. I will share your video with a couple of my former team mates.

[@D3Sshooter]

That is nice to hear, and any story advice , techncal details and or picture are very welcome. Feel free to send a mail [e-mail]

[@quintincairncross1088]

I am not really a racing car enthusiast, but I would never miss any of your videos as you have the unique ability to make any subject interesting, logical and entertaining. Can't wait for the next one, whatever it is.

[@D3Sshooter]

I appreciate that!

[@richardventriss3984]

Wow, what a great site for anyone interested in the "nuts & bolts" of a race car. Can't wait for the next episode . Richard from Oceanside, California

[@vayabroder729]

Great illustrative video as always, Steve! The series with the other race cars have been awesome as well; I learn a lot. Thank you!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments

[@drewpierce2273]

One of the added advantages of a dry sump system is that it allows the engine to sit lower in the chassis thus enhancing the center of gravity of the chassis as you referenced. I raced a Royale FF for a couple of years here in the US under a Rent-a-Race Car program. A very forgiving car when balanced well. And yes, the Hewland gear box is very well built to take the stresses put on it. Another interesting project you have Steve.👍

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments Drew, that is indeed another advantage and the fact that crankshaft does not get splashed /scooped with oil

[@derekvinci4072]

How do I find a rent a racecar program? Do you know if there's something like that around Florida in the USA 🇺🇸?

[@drewpierce2273]

@@derekvinci4072 Check with any track in Florida for a driving school program or Arrive and Drive program. They will tell you what requirements you must meet and availability of cars to rent. Good Luck.

[@shaunozs1ra92]

I loved this Formula Ford brought back so many memories. It was a great Formula here in South Africa during the 70s and 80s

[@sfrilingos]

Just discovered you channel. Love everything so far!

[@D3Sshooter]

thank you enjoy

[@bjsteg79]

I wish you were my technical instructor explaining all these different systems and setups. This is just awesome information. I don't care how old or common the tech is. It's amazing and inspiring how engineers were able to dream up and refine these systems before electronics and 3D modeling surpassed everything.

[@AlfieGoodrich]

Fascinating video. Drove one of these at Castle Combe back in 1999. Lots of fun. Super responsive.

[@rjnerd]

Another good one. One other advantage of the dry sump is that the crankshaft can dip into the pool of oil in a conventional sump, which also robs power, and at racing rpm, the crankshaft can act like a blender, and whip oil into a thick air filled foam. (Think mayonaise) needless to say, this neither pumps or lubricates well. One other thing with your dry sump tank, besides as you mentioned having the return high on the tank, they have a bunch of baffles that the returned oil passes over in order to give time for any air picked up by the scavenge pump time to separate. Most motorcycle transmissions are a variant on a dog box. A helical gear can actually transmit a lot of power, as they can have more than one tooth face in contact, but they turn some power into side force, which is also problem. This can fixed with herringbone gears, which can counter the forces, but they are a lot more expensive to make, and especially to assemble, as you can't just slide them along the shaft. About the only place I have seen them is in places like the reduction gearing for submarines, where you have a lot of power, noise counts, and budgets aren't an issue.

[@D3Sshooter]

Indeed, Its funny as you mention that as I answered the same about a few hours ago.... Thanks for the write -up and comments

[@brianparkinson1594]

Fantastic video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience .

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Conservator.]

100% 👌

[@General813]

Hi Steve, a nice presentation with TV quality. Absolutely perfect as always👍🎥🎬

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@GTE_Channel]

The quality is indeed of the highest level. Great job.

[@idbuythatfora4223]

Great video. Super cool to see this broken down and explained very well. A "Dog" is a pretty widely used mechanical term for a tab or bar that engages something else to either move it or hold it in place. There are bench dogs on woodworking benches, drive dogs on metal working lathes, pinch dogs in machinery etc.

[@repetitivemotion]

I get it. Now I got to go walk my dog

[@duncangrainge]

Excellent production Steve. I’m looking forward to this one . Thank you.

[@D3Sshooter]

Many thanks!

[@ShaunCymruDS8]

Very interesting new content recently on your channel, I’m really enjoying it and learning as I watch. You’re a very interesting fella Steve.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments Shaun

[@e9999qwe]

Nice video. Can't wait to see the inside of that gear box now. You do have quite the collection of cars I must say. Impressive! Enjoy them to the fullest!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks 👍

[@robames1293]

I knew about straight cut gears and heard of dog boxes but up til now I did not know HOW they worked. Great technical video as usual. Thank you from Australia

[@martinhow121]

Great walk through. Most motorcycles have a dog box with the selector forks that move the dogs operated off a drum cam that steps round or back , hence the straight push pull action that the foot pedal produces.

[@iantrott9152]

This takes me back! My father raced FF (with an Alexis Mk15) in the 70’s, finishing at the end of the 76 season. I was only a kid, I was born in 65, but I remember learning how to change the gear rations when I was about nine years old :)

[@geraldswain3259]

I think you had better change the name to Steve's competition shop ! ..ha ha ha . I love it Steve .

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, Oh well it is not that much

[@aureliobrighton1871]

I think a vintage Oliveoil tin would be fine to collect the spill ... just as a reference to the old days of racing . thank you for the calm and measured ways doing the video :)

[@dennisyoung4631]

- old metal Castrol R can?

[@shashidl]

This is so informative and the way you have explained is so nice, got me glued till the end. Thank you so much

[@hajosteffen1793]

I watched all your videos since #1 with great joy, but this time it is more than interesting for me. Since 25 years I am familiar with the Kent and Lotus TwinCam engines and I am using a dry sumped one, twin DCOE and Burtons full race head with my Lotus seven - that´s Formule Ford road legal. I hope for the next video to come out soon...

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, good to hear so we can share some experiences

[@jeremyhall913]

Lovely Video. I used to drive a Royale Rp21 in the South African Championships and this brings back fond memories. Kinda like I want to go racing again.😄

[@tjrizvi251]

Just getting into these style of vehicles. Very nice overview!

[@zaunkonig3493]

The best technical FF1600 introduction I found on the net 🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️🏎️

[@richardgreen7811]

I enjoyed the presentation and your accent very much. This is my first exposure to the intricacies of the Hewland Gearbox. I very much look forward to more encounters.

[@dragmahk]

incredibly detailed video, i enjoyed so much the 40 minutes felt like 4! Thanks for the content.

[@Conservator.]

5:35 I just love your ’garage’! 😁 29:35 that’s nice plumbing! Overall it looks like a very nice and well maintained car until it was stored or maybe displayed somewhere. Thank you for the video. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it!

[@TheRokko66]

Thank you for the very nice technical explanations! This is pure enjoyment😃

[@tomm1968]

Thanks for that little trip down memory lane. Very enjoyable video. I used to crew on a Crossle 35F before I went to college. Your Hawke is only a couple of years older than that car was. All the systems are very similar, except the Crossle had no sidepods because the radiator was mounted in the nose. Fun times, those years.

[@hydorah]

This was fascinating I went on a track day at Castle Combe once and drove one of these! It was great fun. I learned a lot from this video about how the chassis works! One thing I did pick up though... These things are called 'Hawke' spelled with an 'E' on the end, but it said as 'Hawk' like the bird. 'E' is silent

[@amgoing]

the start of a good weekend, thank u sir keep it up.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments

[@T_G_C_]

this channel is so good that I'm feeling bad not having to pay to wacth its content

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, its my pleasure

[@bluewinggaming7583]

Incredible insight, this was amazing to watch, I learned so much. You got yourself a new subscriber. I'm amazed by how simple but effective are so many features of this entry level Formula Ford

[@Darryl603]

awesome video! Excellent production Steve

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you kindly!

[@anandarochisha]

Very informative and entertaining. Thank You, Steve.

[@nelsonpiriz3940]

I been watching your videos and for me , a new guy in racing, they are awesome and full of knowledge..thanks

[@eoinprendergast8703]

Hello there from Ireland, I used to own a Hawke DL22 FF2000👍

[@salamander5703]

Nice car and nice video. You have so much knowledge and experience,next PS the name Hawke rhymes with walk.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@aigoru8718]

Thank you for showing us how simple yet "practical" race cars are!

[@dgriffin6074]

Excellent video; very educational. Back in the day I used to go to races at Upper Marlboro, Maryland and VIR (Virginia International Raceway). I loved to watch the Formula Fords race. It was also very entertaining and exciting to watch the Shelby Cobras racing; no one had any idea (well, at least I didn't) that those Cobras would later sell for a million dollars, give or take a few thousand.

[@D3Sshooter]

Indeed Daryl, those Cobra's are gold today.... I have been many tines at the VIR while I was living on the East Coast.. I believe there were always great races on Friday Nights, but I could be wrong . After-all that is many moons ago

[@vdel9036]

Very interesting. Thank you for taking the time to explain how that old lady works. My old Caterham has nearly the same engine. I've a lot of things to learn in your future videos.😉

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for watching!

[@Russpeed301]

Thank you for a nice explanation and confirmations of concepts. 1st time I came across your channel

[@michaeltrumble3858]

Brilliant ,brilliant ,brilliant video ,explains things very clearly.Just what i need .!!

[@slicedbread9003]

We didn't see Hawke much here in the states, or at least that is my opinion. I am impressed to see the inboard suspension on the front and that sharp nose. Those Hewland gearboxes are easy to take apart and reset up. I worked in a race prep shop in about 1980. The Weber carburetor was specified by the rules. You could not run a DCOE. The carburetor was a bit of a restriction, in my opinion, therefore keeping the power of the competitors even. I lot if time and effort was devoted to hand porting and polishing the intake and exhaust ports. Every detail was examined to see if a fractional horsepower could be gained. I was surprised to see the fiberglass fuel tank as well. All that I have seen were aluminum with a bladder. Good job on the description of everything. And I really enjoyed the close up views of the cars.

[@bulthy1958]

Really nice, well explained, looking forward to the rest of, I hope series.

[@ImnotgoingSideways]

I'm yet to see a manufactured car which doesn't have ackermann steering. The easiest way to determine its presence is the horizontal trapezoidal relationship between the steering pivot points and control linkage. Maybe some very clunky pickup trucks or tractors may be parallel synchronized. But, I've always seen the trapezoid in effect. There are other dimensions to consider, but that's the most basic way to view it. As for the chassis you're presenting here, it does appear to be parallel synch. Looking at the front shot of the frame at 4:20 I can see expected geometry. Forming a vertical trapezoid, the upper links are the most narrow, lower links most wide, and steering links coinciding with a virtual line in between. Kind of an A----A in appearance. With a leading steering rack like it has, the steering linkage would have to be relatively wider. Typical street cars have trailing linkage with relatively narrow steering linkage. There are other ways to achieve the geometry, but, this is a KZbin comment which is probably already too wordy as-is.

[@TheRoulette77]

great video and presentation. love the way you explain the details.... its really great to see and get into the details of older racing machines this is gear head gold! my only suggestion is that you make many more of these videos at a break neck pace ,wide open throttle the production department please ... ;-)

[@windmill1965]

Very informative video! Thank you for all your explanations.

[@D3Sshooter]

I try and as long as you guys like it , I will continue

[@asciimation]

This was fascinating and really well explained, thank you. I should do a similar 'this is the car and how it works' film when I finish my project car.

[@Stevie_D]

Hi Steve - always fun to watch you with your toys ... love the close, clear shots and descriptions of what you are working on!!

[@johntisbury]

Thank you, very interesting and sounds like a fabulous project to get it back on the track again.

[@Da5idc]

A good idea is to rotate the rev counter so that the needle is pointing straight up at the optimum revs. Can do the same with the other gauges as well

[@liboy9844]

Good info...especially ‘ackerman steering’ and ‘dry sump’ oil system. Thanks.

[@hamzajafar5653]

Thank you soo much I learned alot from this video, Much respact for the elderlies on KZbin, They are the best at teaching.

[@tiitsaul9036]

Excellent presentation. Earned a subscription

[@911fabien911]

So interesting, as usual! One of my favorite KZbin chanel.

[@giorgitkebuchava8868]

thank you for such a good video.. it was very interesting..

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments

[@austin5806]

amazing video, did not learn anything new, but enjoyed all of it. you are doing a fantastic job thank you for doing this :)

[@Omnihil777]

All around a very informative video, learned quite some stuff here, fascinating race series, the Ford 1600, didn't know much about it before. KZbin is full of so much junk, this video is another one of those gems & the reason why I'm still browsing around here. IMO some of these videos should be mirrored / hosted by another - maybe governmental - provider, it's just very valuable knowledge, we HAVE to preserve that. Thanks for that great content. Subscribed, for sure.

[@nyftn]

i remember looking at formula ford races in the 90's . always action in those races lol .

[@miloudiben]

Great video, I’ve recently bought a Van Diemen ff1600 that I’m rebuilding to get race ready. I was advised to get the gearbox checked which turned out to be worthwhile (bent lay shaft. Also recommended to get the crank shaft crack tested if you have time, it’s seemingly a weak point. If the cars been sat a long time it might be worth checking the master cylinder seals haven’t perished. The only other thing I noticed was your quick release steering boss, a couple of friends have that style and their steering wheel appears to come off very easily/ has a lot of play. Might be worth checking/ replacing with a multi spline type. Good luck with the rebuild, looking forward to seeing you on track with the cars.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments, and maybe we race together one day. The Van Diemen is a great racer.. Indeed , there are many small items that I will rebuild and replace as you rightfully noticed

[@sonyhk3824]

Appreciate this information Steve you doing awesome videos, big thanks. Cheers

[@D3Sshooter]

Very welcome

[@brianovington]

Great video. Great insight how a car works

[@podd372]

Great video as usual. Looking forward to the gearbox one as Ive recently bought an older car with a hewland in it and want to learn more about them.

[@lewiswestfall2687]

My 1970 circa Caldwell D9 had a cylindrical oil tank. The scavenger pump connected to a tube at the top of the tank. The tube was tangential to the tank so the oil would swirl around the outside of the tank to help cool the oil.

[@whitemonkey7932]

Lovely car. . Would love to drive her....the biggest mistake is to try a clutched change with a dog box...and to try and be gentle with the shifter. Once you have got the hang of heel and toe, left foot braking then the dog box is great fun 😁

[@D3Sshooter]

Totally agree

[@54mgtf22]

Love your work, Steve 👍

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments

[@geraldswain3259]

Steve ,a lot more work went into those engines than you think they were fully blue printed ,every individual component in the motor has been lightened and balanced to perfection to obtain max power without breaking any other power increase modifications which were not allowed . Eg ,they must retain the single carb that is fitted to your car .

[@D3Sshooter]

Indeed Gerald, I forget to mention several things like flowed heads, tuffed cranckshaft, balanced big ends etc..... That will all come in a special video on the engine. But yes you are right a lot went in

[@geraldswain3259]

Great stuff Steve , sorry I have jumped the gun a little .

[@michaeltrumble3858]

I look forward to seeing the gearbox build

[@mikakolari3201]

You have a great and interesting project again..💜 If I remember correctly, the rules limited that the engine could only be used with a Weber DGV carburetor and other internal tuning of the engine was prohibited. It would be just cool for your project to have a pair of Weber DCOE carburetors and a racing camshaft.💜

[@D3Sshooter]

Mika, It has a Piper 360 race camshaft fitted, and it used to have the DCOE's on it , But the previuos owner took the DCOE's of .... Not sure why that was.

[@mikakolari3201]

@@D3Sshooter I found the rule book:brscc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021-FF1600_Published-Copy.pdf

[@TheOMGWTFBBQ777]

keeping your gears in cigar boxes is pretty cool i have to admit

[@Tim-57]

Hey Steve Beautiful vehicle 🙂

[@fillman86]

for people watching, almost all cars use ackerman, but as cars have evolved, steering geometry has also evolved, but it's still employed on road cars. On the other hand, a lot of drift cars remove it altogether for track use

[@jeff1176]

I'd like to see you explaining the MGC GT in the background.

[@shawngrenaud]

Back then, they used to say "built". We've come a long way!

[@JJ-zg1hh]

Great video. Really informative.

[@TheOMGWTFBBQ777]

Thanks for the knowledge mate

[@roberthertel5565]

I really enjoyed watching this video ! Very informative and very well explained, Thank you very much and I will watch your other videos !... also, I just subscribed :)

[@repetitivemotion]

Man I wish I had a Formula Ford

[@rasyad9526]

Good vids man

[@D3Sshooter]

Appreciate it

[@PhG1961]

Waw, cool ! Ik heb zelfs iets bijgeleerd over de vitessen en tandwielen !

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@joelrudzinski6829]

I use to race a 1975 Winkelman WD6 back when. The car's was mostly mostly titanium Chassis and its nickname was the Hawk Nose" because of the nose intake.

[@funkolog]

ThankYou! finally i know what dry sump means for. I wish you be my neighbor..

[@dvelez811]

This was great !! Thanks for making !!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you

[@robborto]

I would’ve figured they were called dog box transmissions because they drive like lathe dogs. Cool car!

[@rockets4kids]

I don't think you mentioned, but the dry sump allows the motor to be mounted lower in the frame, lowering the CG.

[@veryrare7647]

amazing video! well done

[@mikehudick7074]

I worked with David Lazenby & Co in 1972 when the works were located on the west side of the second floor of Swain's Mill on Crane Mead in Ware, Herts. In all that time I never heard one person pronounce the name of the cars in any way other than the English pronunciation, "Hawk". I suppose people who hail from other countries may choose to pronounce the name as their native language pronounces "Hawk" but the designer did not.

[@slimsung3971]

This one is precious!

[@mikenowland2739]

Thank you for your channel 👍

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments, my pleasure

[@TonyLing]

That is awesome Monsieur

[@dixeyfuly]

Great video .. Thank you

[@josephbacash6949]

Well explained, l'd like to see you pull down a gearbox...

[@zipedadoo]

From my understanding straight cut gears are weaker than helical gears but the helical gears try to force the transmission case apart so a stronger, heavier case is needed, to heavy for racing.

[@magnusdanielsson2749]

Thats a really nice car. 👌 How do you find these and what did you pay? Would it not be a good safety measure to replace the gas tank with a fuel cell?

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments, I takes a while before you can pick one up for a good price. They are around . Prices vary a lot depending the model and condition. So its hard to say... a good vanDiemen runs about 15K

[@freedomlifemake2579]

great video. but im pretty sure that the ackreman angle is set by the knuckle and not the steering rack

[@fritsified5952]

Yes, it's in the geometry of the linkages and joints, not the steering rack.