Bowin P8
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The Bowin P8 is a
Formula 5000 Formula 5000 (or F5000) was an open wheel, single seater auto-racing formula that ran in different series in various regions around the world from 1968 to 1982. It was originally intended as a low-cost series aimed at open-wheel racing cars tha ...
and
Formula 2 Formula Two (F2 or Formula 2) is a type of open-wheel formula racing category first codified in 1948. It was replaced in 1985 by Formula 3000, but revived by the FIA from 2009–2012 in the form of the FIA Formula Two Championship. The name re ...
racing car, which was designed and built between 1972 and 1974 by Bowin.


Specifications

The chassis was a high-rigidity
monocoque Monocoque ( ), also called structural skin, is a structural system in which loads are supported by an object's external skin, in a manner similar to an egg shell. The word ''monocoque'' is a French term for "single shell". First used for boats, ...
design of high-strength alloy and steel, utilising the latest techniques in assembly, with emphasis placed on ease of maintenance and repair. This supported a body which was a full aerodynamic wedge, incorporating side
radiators Radiators are heat exchangers used to transfer thermal energy from one medium to another for the purpose of cooling and heating. The majority of radiators are constructed to function in cars, buildings, and electronics. A radiator is always a ...
. The interior of the cockpit was covered in fully moulded seat and trim sections, making it exceptionally comfortable and roomy. The rear
suspension Suspension or suspended may refer to: Science and engineering * Suspension (topology), in mathematics * Suspension (dynamical systems), in mathematics * Suspension of a ring, in mathematics * Suspension (chemistry), small solid particles suspende ...
incorporated twin radius arms, parallel links, Armstrong adjustable dampers, and fully adjustable spherical bearings throughout. The front suspension was a double-wide-based wishbone design with Armstrong adjustable dampers and fully adjustable spherical bearings throughout. The coil spring units for both front and rear were mounted inboard with "Bowin variable rate spring control". The P8 was steered by a cam-adjustable magnesium rack and pinion designed by Bowin, with an energy absorbing steering column surmounted by a leather-covered steering wheel. The brakes were Girling disc brakes with alloy caliper assemblies. The twin braking system was adjustable for length and had an adjustable-ratio balance control. The rear brakes were mounted inboard on the gearbox to reduce
unsprung weight The unsprung mass (colloquially unsprung weight) of a vehicle is the mass of the suspension, wheels or tracks (as applicable), and other components directly connected to them. This contrasts with the sprung mass (or weight) supported by th ...
. The wheels were magnesium, with in the front and or in the rear. It had a wheelbase of , a track of 61 (front) and 63 (rear), and a weight of (including the twin cam engine). The transmission was a
Hewland Hewland is a British engineering company, founded in 1957 by Mike Hewland, which specialises in racing-car gearboxes. Hewland currently employ 130 people at their Maidenhead facility and have diversified into a variety of markets being particul ...
FT2000, providing five speeds and reverse, and it had an alloy adaptor plate. The hydraulic clutch system was complete, up to and including the release mechanism on the gearbox. The engine was water-cooled by twin, cross-flow, lightweight, side-mounted radiators, with a deaireator control tank and pressure cap. The alloy oil tank was incorporated in the monocoque body and was fitted with antisurge baffles, a deaireator system, alloy pipes, hoses and fittings, and an alloy oil cooler. Fuel was contained in cells in the side panels. Each side had a capacity of with a dedicated filter and breather. The P8 was supplied with engine mountings. The electrical system was powered by a 12 volt, lightweight, aircraft battery, which had a master battery control. It powered a
starter solenoid A starter solenoid is an electromagnet which is actuated to engage the starter motor of an internal combustion engine. It is normally attached directly to the starter motor which it controls. Its primary function is as the actuating coil of a co ...
via starter button and switches, as well as an array of instruments, including tachometer (0–10,000 rpm), oil pressure, water temperature, and oil temperature. All suspension parts were in new Bowin Satin finish, and the other parts were cadmium-plated and stove-enamelled. The body was painted in a colour of the customer's choice.


References

{{Reflist Bowin Cars Formula Two cars Formula 5000 cars Tasman Series cars