Corris Rivett

Overview

The Corris Rivett is the main project car in My Winter Car, representing a significant evolution from the Satsuma in My Summer Car. Based on the Ford Taunus TC1 (1971-1976), this rear-wheel-drive sedan offers a completely different driving and assembly experience in the harsh Finnish winter.

Unlike the lightweight, front-wheel-drive Satsuma, the Rivett is a substantial machine weighing approximately 1015kg with its cast-iron 2.0L engine and steel body construction.

Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Drivetrain | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) | | Engine | 2.0L SOHC Inline-4 (Ford Pinto) | | Horsepower | 99 hp @ 5500 RPM | | Torque | 154 Nm @ 3700 RPM | | Transmission | 4-Speed Manual (Stock) / 5-Speed / 3-Speed Auto | | Weight | 1015 kg | | Top Speed | ~160 km/h | | Fuel Capacity | 54 liters | | Body Style | 2-Door Sedan | | Layout | FR (Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive) | | Brakes | Front Disc / Rear Drum | | Steering | Rack and Pinion (Non-assisted) | | Tires | 13-inch (studded winter tires required) | | Real-World Basis | Ford Taunus TC1 |

2.0L SOHC "Pinto" Engine

The heart of the Rivett is Ford's famous TL20H engine, an overhead-cam design representing a significant mechanical evolution from pushrod engines.

Key Characteristics

• Interference Engine: Timing belt failure causes catastrophic valve/piston collision
• Crossflow Head: Intake and exhaust on opposite sides for better airflow
• Timing Belt: Rubber belt vulnerable to cold weather - requires preventative replacement
• High Thermal Mass: Cast iron block takes time to warm up in winter

Performance Profile

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Peak Power | 99 hp @ 5500 RPM | | Peak Torque | 154 Nm @ 3700 RPM | | Power Delivery | Strong from idle, ideal for ice driving | | Fuel Economy | ~12L/100km (worse in cold) |

Transmission Options

1. 4-Speed Manual (Stock)

• All-synchromesh gearbox
• Rugged and reliable
• Tall gearing for fuel economy

2. 5-Speed Manual (Aftermarket)

• Better highway cruising
• Lower RPM at speed
• Improved fuel economy

3. 3-Speed Automatic

• Borg-Warner Type 35
• Smooth power delivery on ice
• Acts as primitive traction control

Chassis & Handling

Rear Suspension: 4-Link Solid Axle

The Rivett's rear suspension dramatically affects driving dynamics:

• Live Axle Design: High unsprung weight causes bouncing on frozen ruts
• Coil Springs: Better ride quality than leaf springs
• 4-Link Location: Axle positioning controlled by arms
• Handling Trait: Pronounced oversteer when traction breaks

Winter Driving Dynamics

Oversteer Physics:

• Rear tires lose grip first on ice
• Back of car swings out in corners
• Requires "counter-steering" to correct
• Long wheelbase (2579mm) makes slides slower but recovery difficult

Weight Distribution:

• Front-heavy due to iron engine block
• Light rear end reduces traction
• Solution: Add sandbags in trunk for ballast

How to Acquire the Corris Rivett

Unlike My Summer Car where you inherit the Satsuma, the Rivett must be purchased:

Step-by-Step Acquisition

1. Buy Classifieds Magazine - Available at PSK Service Centre
2. Find the Ad - Search for "Corris Rivett" or similar RWD project car listing
3. Call the Seller - Phone number: 08-609-553 (Reijo Livaloinen)
4. Complete Transaction - Pay ~500 markka for bare shell with 10-12 random loose parts
5. Transport Home - Must tow or drive the non-running project back

Randomized Barn Find

The Rivett spawns with randomized characteristics:

| Property | Options | |----------|---------| | Model Year | 1971-1976 (random) | | Trim Level | Base, L, XL, GT | | GT Features | Factory tachometer, rally lights, vinyl roof | | Base Features | No tachometer, basic trim |

Cold Start Protocol

Starting the Rivett in winter is a complex ritual:

Pre-Start Checklist

1. Block Heater (30-60 minutes prior)

   • Warms coolant and oil
   • Critical for battery preservation
   • WARNING: Unplug before driving!

2. Battery Check

   • Cold weather reduces capacity
   • Test voltage (should be 12.6V+)
   • If weak, charge or replace

3. Oil Condition

   • Use 5W-30 viscosity for winter
   • Check for cold sludge formation
   • Monitor for condensation contamination

Starting Procedure

1. Pull choke lever fully out (under dashboard, left of steering column)
2. Turn ignition key and pump gas pedal rhythmically
3. Stop cranking after 5-10 seconds if no start
4. Once running, maintain 2000-2500 RPM
5. Gradually push choke in as temperature rises
6. Turn on cabin heat and defroster before driving

Assembly Order Recommendations

Week 1-2: Chassis & Suspension

• Install rear axle and springs
• Set ride height and alignment
• Install brakes (front disc, rear drum)

Week 3-4: Engine Assembly

• Short block and long block
• Timing belt and components
• Carburetor and intake
• Exhaust system

Week 5-6: Electrical System

• Wire harness installation
• Fuse box connections
• Dashboard gauges
• Lighting system

Week 7-8: Body & Interior

• Body panels and trim
• Seats and carpet
• Door mechanisms
• Final testing

Tuning & Optimization

Winter Setup

Tire Strategy:

• Studded winter tires are essential
• Reduce tire pressure 2-3 PSI for better contact
• Monitor stud wear and replace when needed

Weight Management:

• Add 2-4 sandbags in trunk for traction
• Center load over rear axle
• Balance grip vs. handling

Drivetrain:

• Stock 3.9:1 final drive good for torque
• Open diff standard, LSD optional for better traction

Performance Modifications

Engine:

• Upgrade carburetor to larger venturi
• Mild cam grind for better mid-range
• 9.5:1 compression for pump gas
• Free-flowing exhaust for power

Suspension:

• Lower spring rate for handling
• Adjustable dampers for conditions
• Slightly more negative camber

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Engine Won't Start

| Possible Cause | Solution | |----------------|----------| | Dead battery | Charge or jump-start | | Frozen carburetor | Use block heater 1+ hours | | Faulty starter | Tap starter while cranking | | Bad timing | Check timing belt tension |

Poor Performance

| Symptom | Fix | |---------|-----| | Lacks power | Tune carburetor | | Rough idle | Check compression (120+ PSI) | | High fuel consumption | Inspect timing |

Handling Issues

| Symptom | Adjustment | |---------|------------| | Excessive understeer | Add rear sandbags | | Rear slides easily | Check tire pressure | | Poor steering feel | Inspect suspension bushings |

Cultural Context

The Finnish "Talviauto" (Winter Car)

In Finnish car culture, maintaining a separate "winter car" is traditional:

• Purpose: Sacrificial vehicle for snowy season
• Characteristics: RWD, robust, affordable
• Usage: Daily commuting in harsh conditions
• Summer Car: Separate vehicle for nicer weather

The Corris Rivett represents this ethos perfectly - a cheap RWD car that becomes a character-building project, teaching the fundamentals of automotive assembly while providing the unique satisfaction of bringing a sleeping legend back to life in the frozen Finnish countryside.