It was a simialr story for me Dave!
Heres a quick report from today:)
1st launch saw the diff explode and one shaft twisted at 11am. We took the diff out and I went home and built another one and got more shafts. Had it driving again just after 3pm. Got on the line with gentle settings (50% start with 1.6 second build) and only 150 shot to see how these copper gaskets would hold out over the repair I did to the block. And also to see how the retarded cam timing feels. She launched fine and it was odd to be shifting gears 1000 rpm above my normal shift point of 4600 rpm. But thats where she seems to be making power now.
She ran grumble free apart form one small sort of blip in the acceleration as I was about to shift from 2 to 3. This only lasted a split second. Then in 3rd the power seemed to drain away, although she was sounding really crisp and revving ok.
My son said it looked rich off the line and then cleaned up but started to smoke out the drivers side pipe in 3rd gear. As I turned out of the gate I gave Angie a wave and then I saw plumes of what I thought was smoke from the sidepipe under my door.
I guessed it would be rings etc. But a quick inspection in the pits confirmed it was steam and the cooling system was pressurising. So not a bad result really. She only made 11.4 but the mph was 120 which is only 6 mph off my pb and nearly a second slower. 60 foot was 1.8 as opposed to my normal 1.5's. So I've come home a bit broken but quite happy that I'm getting this engine back on song.
What car were you running Sharpy Dave ??
Derek (DBV8) came over to say hello as well. Great to meet you today mate. You did what I have been telling my other forum mates to do for ages. Get a T shirt or sweatshirt done with your forum name on the front. You made a long trip to come and say hello mate. Respect
Richard (BMW840) turned up with his (Better Half) Vivienne as well. Despite his BMW V8 protesting he still brought his other Bimmer V12 and let Viv rag on the 1320
Hopefully the weather will hold out tomorrow so the Bimmer Boys can get some runs in?
Stu Simons turned up with the 1275 MG Midget + WON and got some more tuning questions answered. The Mighty Midge pulled a 16.8 @ 81mph with a 20hp shot of WON on the go
That pisses all over the MGB 1800 Stage 2 guys who we have run against at the Retro Shows in years gone by
Most of them just barley creep into the mid 17's....Well done Stuart ! When we get a bit more fuel into the system I reckon we will be seeing low 16's next year mate.
I suppose I should make a brief mention of old Golden Bollocks as well ???
Our very own Austin ran his old Truck to a new PB today.. He pulled an 11.7 in the Lightning truck... Big respect Austin. She was running and sounding really sweet as she crossed the line. But I really think you need to stop being a sissy and get some more gas in there mate
If that truck does not run an 11.5 next year I'll be surprised...
All in all a great day out. Even those of us who did not PB still had a good time and gained more valuable info. My son is becoming a dab hand at changing head gaskets and stripping and rebuilding the rear axle on my MGB while I gas with my WON buddies now
I'll be ready to test more experimental gaskets in a few weeks. Mainly because work and holidays are now going to get in the way of me finishing this season with a new PB due to lack of track time
Peace and love fellow WON folk.
Perry
