POWERTRAIN
the battles between Sierras, BMWs and Rovers and having the income to re-enact those days, CNC AWS is busy applying new technology to not only keep the period cars on the track but also build ‘period correct’ recreations to satisfy demand. Headed by Alan Strachan and
son Andrew, the company draws on its own first-hand knowledge from working on the cars back in the day to restore and build ‘new’ Group Touring Cars. Strachan Sr worked for RS500 legend Rouse in the latter days of the Sierra domination. In the workshop are no less than five Ford Sierra RS500s, three of them ‘new’ cars. “Access to new technology is
keeping these cars alive,” says Alan.
“We draw on the latest knowledge and materials to ensure reliability and performance gains within the strict rules. We also offer improvements in safety. For example, being able to machine new wheels, suspension parts and brake components in-house, that resemble period parts but draw on today’s more consistent materials to perform better and last longer.” Strachan highlights a new brake
calliper he has machined in-house using the 5-axis CNC machine that works flat-out producing parts for his own builds as well as for other race preparation specialists. “The original tooling is not available, and the rules won’t allow the use of modern callipers that don’t look as they did in the
❝ Today’s historic racers are faster than they ever were...
CNC AWS hub produced on a CNC machine
Alan Strachan with a recreation Sierra XR4TI and original BTCC Mondeo
period. We can reverse engineer obsolete parts to keep a car racing and looking as it did. We use CAD, 3D
printing and CNC machining to make a highly accurate part. It looks correct, has better tolerance for sealing and we know its history.”
MATERIAL GAIN That application of new materials is a common
theme. At Tolman Motorsport in Warwickshire, whose
projects span both current and historic cars, the business has
become known for its attention to detail. Over the past decade it has become a specialist in what is often thought to be a temperamental engine, the Coventry Climax. Manufactured
18
www.engineerlive.com
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