McConnell Hillclimb Race Car

The McConnell Hillclimb Formula Libre started life as an 1987 VanDiemen Formula Ford, at the time it was an excellent option. A Suzuki 1984 EFE motorcycle engine was found and given to Geofery Chesterton to turn into a race engine. Very little of the original engine remains, with lots of aftermarket goodies including billet Falicon Crank, Falicon Rods, JE pistons, Big block, extensivly mofified Suzuki GSXR750 Head, MoTec injected on Methanol fuel. MoTec Queensland set up the MoTec and tuned the car. PM Lubricants (Eco oils) are the only oils and grease used on the car. The result is an extremly relaiable motor with over 200hp at the wheels. The motor is now looked after by John Coonan. The chassis was modified by Keith McConnell to take the bike motor, and along with the help of Ian Peters the car took shape. A Quaife diff was made to fit a sprocket (this was done way before you could buy a diff to suit a bike engined car, now quite common). Over the years several wings were made for the car by David Bevan (a good friend) but now it has Gould carbon wings from England fitted. Wheels are Simmons 3 piece rims, 10.5" wide on the front, 13" wide on the rear. Tyres are Avon Radial slicks. Shocks are 4 way adjustable MCA (Murray Coote Automotive) shocks. The result is race car that is easy to drive and quite competitive.  

Special mentions go to ...  

MOTOR: Geofery Chesterton & John Coonan.  

TUNING: moTec Queensland, Paul Masterson.  

WIRING: Lindsay Jenkinson.  

CHASSIS: Keith McConnell and Ian Peters.  

ADVICE: Accurate Suspensions - Ken Graham, and Tighe Cams - Dean Tighe, MoTec Queensland - Paul Masterson.  

PIT CREW and BEST MATE: Terry Scharf.