Landracing Forum
Bonneville Salt Flats Discussion => Build Diaries => Topic started by: wickedwagens on April 24, 2014, 01:35:14 AM
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I am finally starting to make some progress so I figured I would start a build page. I welcome any feedback or ideas. This will be my first run on the salt so any help is greatly appreciated. This was a street car with a 2276cc engine running megasquirt fuel injection. The plan is to run one of the classic altered classes so all of the fuel injection was pulled out and some cutting has started. See you on the salt.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/IMG_2153_zps067e7500.jpg)
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Cool build.
I wish you all the best with your project and if you can't get advice or find help here it doesn't exist. :-D
Welcome. Mike. :cheers:
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I don't recall their names but there has been a successful Ghia at the salt for a long time. Engine swap (like a Pinto motor I think). Someone will likely remember and maybe put you in touch for ideas. What are you planning to put you in Altered? Most of the mods fit with front motored cars better than rear from a performance enhancing point of view. As your first (?correct) you might consider running Classic Production first though the Alt record also is reasonable. However, as there is no Fuel Coupe class (anymore) running fuel automatically puts you in Alt so you don't have to modify the car any. Hmm, just answered my own question. Maybe you had figured that out already. Anyway, good luck. Post up things as you go along.
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:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Glad to see you start a build Mark. Looking foward to seeing you progress along
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I'll have to do some more searching around, but KG's have definitely been used with success at Bonneville. It seems to me that some of the White Goose Bar members have been involved with such an effort.
I believe that the more common engine swap is to replace the air cooled VW engine with a water cooled VW straight-four in any of the suitable displacements.
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Cool little car! Keep the pictures coming! :cheers:
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Good to see young blood wanting to go LSR-ing with a different vehicle they have an interest in. Good onya Mate! :cheers:
Sid.
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(http://straightspeed.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/world-finals-2009-131.jpg)
It was Larry Monreal. Beginning in 1976, Larry set more than thirty Volkswagen land speed records with his #57 Karmann Ghia coupe's, some which are still in the record book today. The SCTA/BNI honored Larry with a dedication in the 2010 Speedweek Program that outlined his more than sixty years of Bonneville racing with lakester's, then motorcycles and finally, his famous record setting Karmann Ghia's
Unfortunately Larry passed away this last Monday, April 21st. God Speed Larry.
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So your starting now and plan to be on the salt in August? Follow Bonneville some tradition and run a flat head or straight-8 Buick. No really have fun with your build and keep us posted!
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Yes, of course, Larry was exactly who I was thinking of. So sorry to hear of his passing. :-(
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Wicked, do a search on this site for Manifest of Speed and/or Zak Burns. His Ghia set the record last Speed Week in G/CPRO, don't recall the speed. They'll likely be back this year, too, running either an F or G motor. Good luck to you on your project.
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Yes, I've kept in contact with Zach Burns. I've had him send me pictures of his cage and and he has answered a bunch of questions for me.
Seat showed up from Race Day Safety.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/seat_zps5302ade4.jpg)
The Ultra Shield VS Halo with special order "Bonneville Halo" option meets the helmet requirement nicely and is a piece of art.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/helmet_zps3693ba55.jpg)
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Bars going in.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage3_zps87ba03ed.jpg)
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Unfortunately Larry passed away this last Monday, April 21st. God Speed Larry.
[/quote]
Wow...well, it looks like the torch has been passed...your Ghia looks great...good luck....
Gary
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The new hardware looks great. Here's to never testing it. . . :cheers:
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Some progress from today. Instead of a 4x5 inch support pad we decided to just run the 1/4 along the whole side.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/710C76A7-90CD-487E-A331-395130E75B55_zpsts6haho4.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/85AE7A18-25FE-4234-A7C9-84335C82C839_zpsw3rb2pqw.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/79DD7A59-867E-4605-942C-EDDB9DF4459B_zpsn74dvnwx.jpg)
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That looks very good. :cheers:
Its coming along great.
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Looking Good :cheers: :cheers:
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Added a couple more bars.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage10_zpsc62347bb.jpg)
Started some foot protection. We didn't really want the dash bar to go directly across the middle of the dash, but that is where it ended up being the strongest structurally. I'll just make a false dash over the top of it and move the gauges towards the driver a few inches.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage5_zps408192c3.jpg)
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Very nice work. :-D
I have always had a "thing" for those KG's. This thread is only intensifying my feelings.
Steve.
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So your starting now and plan to be on the salt in August?
That is the plan.
A couple more bars today!
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/617aaf9d-b158-417e-a3d9-c77651ef865e_zps133f1a47.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage14_zpsfaa22445.jpg)
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Feet protection in.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage16_zps0978e902.jpg)
Getting the seat positioned.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage17_zpsadcf40ec.jpg)
Now the body has to come off for finish welding and to add all of the other supports and tabs etc.
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That's a neat job.
It's looking good. :cheers:
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"Now the body has to come off for finish welding and to add all of the other supports and tabs etc."
That's the point that I'm at right now. Believe me, it takes a lot longer than you think it will! You're making good progress-- nice car & nice build.
BTW, is Mallory & Erson still in CC?
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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Really nice job so far. I'm really enjoying the progress.
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That's gotta be a huge benefit to building the car that you are. All I had to do with mine was cut the whole roof off! Cool car WW! :cheers:
What engine are you running? Or did I miss that earlier in the thread?
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So easy a caveman could do it!
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage25_zps1f1e678c.jpg)
It looks like a gokart with out the body.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage28_zps180932dc.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage39_zps7479c533.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage43_zpsc8c984cf.jpg)
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Awesome.
You're making great progress. :cheers:
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It's 90% fully welded now. The seat is mounted, rear bars are in, seat belt bars in. Waiting on some seat belt tabs to show up tomorrow.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage45_zps4a054ae9.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage47_zpse0c72279.jpg)
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whos shop :?
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It is my neighbors shop. They are usually building top fuel stuff along with other projects (boats and cars).
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Thats the A/Fuel dragster that 2 Club member Garrett Bateman drives for Rick Henkleman
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Being from Michigan, I had no idea that KG`s came with a floor and rocker panels... :cheers: Nice build.
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Thats the A/Fuel dragster that 2 Club member Garrett Bateman drives for Rick Henkleman
Don't get me started. I wish I hadn't seen that pic. :-D
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Thats the A/Fuel dragster that 2 Club member Garrett Bateman drives for Rick Henkleman
Don't get me started. I wish I hadn't seen that pic. :-D
LOL. Im not sure if they have two different cars or just switch between the aero body pictured and the standard body. I had the chance to talk to Garrett here in town a couple of months ago at the drags. Nice guy. I think I surpised him by talking about LSR stuff instead of drag racing.
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I'm pretty sure this is a recent purchase by East West Engineering. An older Amato, Dupuy, Hadman car.
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Maybe just the angles I am looking at but it looks like an awful tight squeeze to get a helmet between the seat and the A-pillar bar. Did you do some test entries/exits?
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It might be the angle in these last pictures. I did do a few entries and exits. It is going to take some practice and getting the sequence down, but it is not too bad. I am going to need to install a removable steering wheel for sure
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(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage50_zps682b8677.jpg)
Cage is all welded up, body is back on, and the car is back home.
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(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/elmirage_zps6ab88cf7.jpg)
I towed the car down to El Mirage last weekend to make sure what I have done so far looks good. The tech inspectors said everything looks good and to keep up the good work. Still lots to do. I'll try to remember to keep this updated with pictures.
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That's a beautiful photo!
I'm sure you are pleased that the inspection went well. It's a nice looking car!
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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I was planning to do a window net from the bars up and welding in tabs and using sheet metal to fill all of the other gaps in the cage. After looking at it I decided that a full door net would work and save me some labor and welding time. I made up a pattern and sent it to Stroud. 6 days later and my net is back in the mail headed my direction!
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/cage51_zpsb2b1fe98.jpg)
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Wicked, what are you working on for an engine? And will it be NA or turbo?
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I'm starting with a turbocharged 2276cc.
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Nice progress -- 1 more month -- keep humping
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Just for fun and some light reading, here's a blog I did and some photos of Larry's Old Volks Ghia from 2009.
http://www.myrideisme.com/Blog/larrys-old-volks-home-land-speed-racing-hbagc-record-holding-ghia/ (http://www.myrideisme.com/Blog/larrys-old-volks-home-land-speed-racing-hbagc-record-holding-ghia/)
Awesome to see another Ghia being built for land speed racing. Hope to see this out at B'ville next week!
Chris
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Here's an article in the 2010 SpeedWeek Program about the late Larry Monreal.
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Larry's car was sold to the Gasser Garage in the UK -- The dedicated group of guys there have bought, thru the years, a lot of the old VW drag racing gassers and restored them to their former glory and then sold them to appreciating VW fans in Europe. And I'm sure with the racing history of Larry's car and the renewed interest of LSR in Europe, we can expect nothing less from these guys for this car......
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Very beautiful build. Looks very nice.
I wish you the best for the future.
Regards
:-)
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/08/16/yhemynu4.jpg)
As Speedweek was getting closer and I kept finding things in the rule book that either had to be done or added I came to the realization that I would be looking at a finish date closer to World of Speed. So instead of rushing I have been trying to take my time and go through the rule book multiple times making sure each area is covered. Still lots of little things to finish up and a few big things still, but it's getting closer.
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It's really coming together nicely!! :cheers:
Keep the press on. WOS is right around the corner. . .
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I haven't been on in a bit. I think i'm on the home stretch now though. Here are some pics from the last few weeks.
All of the lexan/polycarbonate is in and done.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/homestretch1_zps5cef1b59.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/homestretch_zps1ab57867.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/homestretch4_zpsa0c6f4cc.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/homestretch5_zps2944680b.jpg)
Here is when I was mocking up the turbo and carburetor. I'll try to get some more current pictures this next week.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/homestretch3_zps6bde50f8.jpg)
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(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/20/99381ba92f64f3ad161a1948475bd7e8.jpg) After a much needed bath. Installed the windshield and ended up with a crack, so I'll be on the lookout first thing Monday morning.
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Very sharp looking car!
The details (cal look window rubber with lexan windows, polished headlight covers, super clean cage work and dash) really set it apart and above.
World of Speed 2015?
Steve.
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Thanks for the compliment Steve. I've used your Rampage as a standard to try and meet in quality and creativity. If it turns out half as nice I'll be happy.
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You are inspired and it shows. Now U have some extra
time before any 2015 event. Keep on truckin'
FREUD
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I don't know if you are set for wheels and tires yet. But, I talked to Greg today about these:
Goodyear front runners on aluminum wheels (http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1663575)
He sounds like a nice guy, brought his Ghia to Bonneville in 2011, and has since sold it. I thought I could use the tires, but they are going to be too big.
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Well its been a while since I've posted in here, but I thought I would update everyone that was following along. After the cancellations the last few years I haven't been doing much with the car. A few weeks before Speedweek I decided to read through the rule book one more time. I found that I needed a few things. I had to build another motor mount. I was also having problems with the turbo oiling on the 1500cc. About 3 days before we left I decided to ditch the turbo and go with the 1800cc engine I built a few years ago in our off road car a VW Thing. I got most of the switch done and we packed up and headed across Nevada to Bonneville. We got there mid day on Saturday and got pits setup, and worked on oil lines and fuel lines.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/IMG_6721_zpsr74flsrm.jpg)
We went to rookie orientation and tech inspection on Sunday morning. There was a few things we needed to change. We got some aluminum tape from another team and Dave from My Three Sons Racing made me up some window brackets to support my rear quarter windows. We had the car through tech on Sunday aternoon. On Monday morning I adjusted the valves and carburetors and we headed to get in line. On the rookie run I ran through the gears and cruised through the 2 mile marker. 98 mph. I decided to go again and wanted to break 100 mph. 106.4 was what the timing slip read and we headed to impound for an open record in G/CFALT. On Tuesday we headed to impound and picked up the car at 6am. We warmed up the engine and headed over to the rookie course. We backed up our run with a 106.8. The average of 106.643 mph was a new record. The car handled great and the engine held it together. Overall a great trip.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/IMG_6743_zpsl43oqnyc.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/IMG_6732_zpsllgmlisk.jpg)
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Awesome report and congrats on the record. Not easy to come by.
You guys did great. So happy for you. That car is super clean. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Congratulations on a great first outing. The car looks great.
It sounds to me like it's time to head home and spend a couple of days doing a really thorough clean-up and lube/rustproof and then get the turbo engine ready. I see more records in the future. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Pete
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The car looks fantastic (I love the blue color), and congratulations on putting it in the record book. That Speed Week trophy will look great sitting on the mantel as well!
Steve.
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Thanks for taking the time to talk earlier this week. Nice car- great job!
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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Here are a couple of pics I got of your KG in inspection. As everyone has said, nice car!
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/GSZzyKdZ-VN4yYWKlys0rvypQV5HNMieOC2NUyoPbZ2Mw4z6xO2JzDHVae7Y-h2qeZcBtIY2Wypy4g=w921-h690-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FJcr9zmjLvibmR2m08mOayJCW49ZvjmKyafZWMxNzPrmh-JVsQxdzcMzBjR4Efjal9-_VsDhit5JmQ=w921-h690-no)
Gregg
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Sitting right next to Eddie Van Scoy's #128 Corvette.....
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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You're right Neil and there are several pics of his car in my picture post thread.
Gregg
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After Speedweek I had a couple of things to fix. One was that the car need a source for fresh air. For some reason I thought that this was only for El Mirage. I found these from Aircraft Spruce and they do a good job.(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/5A1B8F30-DA74-4B11-AF66-F0E394E510B7_zpsipa9ahdt.jpg)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/1ACC5ACA-798A-4088-9276-1416D2983429_zpsnb21oca6.jpg)
I also had to move the fuel line and seal up some ports under the hood. I ran a tube through the car and ran a new fuel line inside of it. I also found that I could use freeze plugs to seal up the fresh air ports under the hood where the fuel cell is.
I took the heads off of another engine I have and swapped them to raise the compression from 8.7:1 up to 10.2:1. I also got a sponsor "Retro Racing" that provided 32mm venturies and 140 main jets for the carburetors. I installed a set of 1.25:1 rocker arms with new valve springs and a new merged header.
With the car back together we loaded back up and headed to World of Speed.
Tech was a breeze this time and we made it through with no issues. After waiting in line for a good 4 hours we got the first run in at 2:30pm. 110mph and off to impound for G/CGALT. The next morning we backed it up with a 115mph run and we set the record at 113.131 mph. I'm learning a lot on how the car handles and good driving techniques. Another good event.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/wickedwagens/Salt%20Dreams/F07FAA35-49A1-4700-A76C-AD08C970F825_zps9gv9ifof.jpg)
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I want to switch from the normally aspirated classes that I raced in last year and go to the turbo class. I have a displacement limit of 122.9 cu in. For this year I chose a 1915 cc or 117 cu. in. for what I thought would be an easy straight forward build. It is starting to get interesting. Here is what I have so far.
New AS-41 case
DPR 69mm crank chevy/buick journal
I'm looking at 3/8" ARP bolt 5.6" H-beam rods
The cam is a R304 from Shag @ SL-1 racing .521 lift 304 duration
94mm AA True Forged pistons and cylinders
AC.net revmaster 049 L6T heads
RLR 4 barrel drawthrough carb
I'll get some pictures posted as I start to assemble.
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:-D
....things are going to happen fast now.....
Steve.
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Checked all bearing clearances and started to assemble.
(https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/ng/services/mediarender/THISLIFE/007071763216/media/53122732143/small/1500494127/enhance)
(https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/ng/services/mediarender/THISLIFE/007071763216/media/53122732218/medium/1500494128/enhance)
Setting up deck height.
(https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/ng/services/mediarender/THISLIFE/007071763216/media/53122732568/large/1500494141/enhance)
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Short block is done. Just waiting for the cylinders from the machine shop and the new turbo.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4300/36166877325_46290e630e_z.jpg)
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I had Herbert Performance hone my cylinders to .006" piston to cylinder clearance and I set the ring gap to .023" top and .024" second.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4315/35899803710_0072972d65_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4329/35488332003_77bedaaaf1_c.jpg)
long block done.
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(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4355/36236742541_549ae2459b_c.jpg)
It's in the car. Still some fabrication to do, but it's getting close. Little things now.
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Looking good. Good luck on the Salt. I will be driving 7551 rear engined roadster so come say hi.
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(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4393/36324941960_0887548b82_k.jpg)
Here is how it turned out. I got it fired up with Kadrons to do the break in. Let it cool then adjusted the valves and changed the oil. I bolted all of the turbo stuff on and finished welding on the wastegate. I took off down the street and lost a pushrod tube seal. I don't like the new scat pushrod tubes. They don't seem to have the same spring pressure as the old ones. I will probably order a set of Jaycee ones. I loaded the car up and took it to Bonneville for Speed Week. I started off with a run on just the wastegate 7psi spring. I got up to about 38-40 MPH and the thing was so rich that it just died. We towed it back to the pits and found that the floats were set to high and one was overflowing into the intake and flooding the engine. We got it fixed and went to get back in line. They called it for the day with high winds and we went back to the pits.
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(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4335/36324941250_49d0cf88a7_b.jpg)
We went back out the next morning and I told my friend Britt to just go to which ever line had the least number of cars. He towed me over to the rookie course, which is 1 mile to accelerate and then timed for 1 mile. According to Turbosmart the boost controller is good for 100% duty. I counted 100 clicks from full open to full closed. I wanted to run 12-14 lbs of boost so I upped the boost 20 clicks. I started down the course and everything looked good. Oil pressure was steady, AFR was rich, boost at 8 lbs. I ran 128.660 mph on an open record so we headed to impound. I went over exhaust nuts and checked intake boots. and left the car overnight.
I wanted to up the boost a little instead of leaning out the carb. I went an additional 25 clicks on the boost controller. The next morning we were led out to the front of the line to make our back up run. I started down the rookie course a little faster this time trying to make sure I could back up my run from the previous day. As soon as I had a little load on the engine in 3rd gear the boost gauge went straight to 20 lbs. I went into 4th and the car was pretty loose and all over the track. I tried to stay in it as much as possible to make sure I was going to set a decent time. The oil pressure stayed solid and the AFR was still rich so I stayed in it with the rear tires hunting for traction. What a harry ride. I got through the 2 mile and slowed and came to a stop. The official drove by and said "140 mph!" I was all smiles. We towed the car back to the timing tower and grabbed the timing slip. 140.552 MPH. Then it was back to impound to get the record certified and pump the engine. The average came to 134.606 MPH and our first record of 2017 G/CBGALT was in the books.
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Very cool. I might add that the car looked really good in person. :wink:
Wayno
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Your Ghia was a real eye catcher. Glad lady luck was with you.
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That's a great story!
I took your car in while you were in line as well - It's a proper job, there.
Congratulations! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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I was looking at the time slip and we ran 140.5 in mile 2, the fuel record (G/CBFALT) was 140.857 MPH. I had 147MPH on the GPS. We figured to back the boost back down to 30 clicks from 45 and to move to the longer course to give me more room to get it to speed. We got in line on the short course and waited half the day. I started down the track. Oil pressure and AFR looked good and the boost was right at 12 PSI. The car felt a little better and was easier to control. It still felt loose, but I don't know if that was the car or the track conditions. After the run we went to the timing tower. 144.639 MPH. We picked up 4 MPH with 8 lbs less boost. Back to impound.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4429/36324942310_de448b8209_k.jpg)
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Every time I saw your car it was setting in impound!! Great work and a beautiful car.
Rex
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I love it when a plan comes together!
Congratulations.
Steve.
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Awesome build thread and progress up the ladder!
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(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4420/36720304345_10dbe4bd24_b.jpg)
It doesn't get much better than a morning sunrise in impound. The next morning we got the car warmed up and they led us to the front of the line. I upped the boost 2 clicks just because and we went down the short course again. I averaged a 148.792 in the third mile. This got us our 4th record in the car and our second of 2017. The average was 146.715 MPH on a 140.857 MPH record in G/CBFALT.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4356/36550646982_224c29a200_b.jpg)
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:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4347/36593950160_f8b40746b3_b.jpg)
Bumpers, headlights, fresh air grills, and turn signals all installed. Ready to go after the G/CBGC (Classic Blown Gas Coupe) record!
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Here is a video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M_KIHgvH1o
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Wickedwagens said: "I upped the boost 2 clicks just because" how much boost is "2 clicks" worth? Just some rough numbers you need about a 8.5% hp increase to go from 144 to 148. Man that thing has a long top gear!!! Great job.
Rex
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The 2 clicks on the boost controller took it from around 12 to about 14 lbs of boost. The gearing is pretty long, I would like to drop the tire size by 2 inches. I also short shifted 3-4. I think I should take it higher up in 3rd to keep it in the power band going into 4th. The video has taught me a couple of things already. We are headed back out for World of Speed and I plan to move the boost up a little higher and try again.
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I think I see the quest for a 150 mph record here! Good luck!
Rex
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This weekend we went back for the World of Speed event. I ran 155.089 and 161.395 MPH for a record in G/CBGC of 158.242 MPH. I had a top speed of 161.898 at 6800 rpm and only 15 lbs of boost.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4354/36513347593_8e1ba43426_k.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4400/37153659952_e9bfa06f19_k.jpg)
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Congratulations. I was there with the North of 49 car and watched your runs. You hauled ass with that little car. Good job! :cheers:
Gord
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Here is the start to the 2018 season. A destroked crank for my H engine. 66mm stroke x 85.5mm bore for 1516cc or 92.5 cu in.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4689/39250674881_2996f324a6_k.jpg)
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The way your motor take boost I fully expect your H records to be very close to your G records!
Rex
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Here are a couple updates. It took a while to collect the parts to build the H motor. The heads are the last part and UPS says they should be here today.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1809/43439284801_99f3888d19_k.jpg)
Piston to cylinder wall clearance is good at .006, and I just need to open the ring gap a little from .020 to about .024.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/920/29568851688_d2cf3262a3_k.jpg)
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H motor was completed a few days before we had to leave. The new parts needed a bunch of machine work and I was short on time for posting updates.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1862/29222031017_7bcc633252_k.jpg)
I took the car down the street and it wouldn't pull past 4000 rpm. I decided to try and iron it out at Speed Week. We arrived on Saturday morning and I figured out that I had forgotten my log book at home. I was able to contact a friend that was leaving that day and he was able to pick it up. With not being able to go through tech and my wife showing an interest in driving we decided to go through rookie orientation and get her ready if she decided to run.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1834/29222030987_d5b7f6504e_k.jpg)
Here she is doing her bail out test.
My log book made it Saturday afternoon and we made it through tech at the end of the day. Sunday morning we went to the rookie course and made a pass. The car went to about 4k and started to nose over. I shifted to second and it did the same thing. It was just overly rich and not building boost. Finally in 3rd it built 5 lbs of boost and the same in 4th. We made it through mile 2 at 83.331 mph. With knowing my wife wanted to run and this was an open record in H/CBGC we decided to go to impound.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1890/44159601441_00833e736f_k.jpg)
I changed the main jets from 200's to 180's (the smallest I had) in hopes that it would lean it out enough for the engine to rev a little and get the turbo to spin up. I also adjusted the boost controller up just in case it was starting to let the wastegate open.
The next morning we went to impound early and got the engine warmed up. The engine ran better and pulled to 7,000 rpm and the turbo built 7 lbs of boost this time. We ran 105.337 mph and called it good as this turbo is just too big to spool up on this little engine. We will be back in September with a smaller turbo to try for some more blown records. This was Record #6 in H/CBGC at 94.33 MPH.
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With the turbo not building much boost it was time to let the wife try her hand at driving. I pulled the turbo off and converted the car to normally aspirated.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1812/44159601741_2140fb1420_k.jpg)
We went back through tech and got in line. She did her first run at 96.029 mph. This qualified her for an open record in H/CPRO and we went back to impound.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1897/29222030957_e70704f314_k.jpg)
The next morning she backed it up. The car wouldn't shift into 2nd gear so she skipped it and went to third for a bit then back to second. She was able to still pull off 90.737 mph and set the 7th record for the car in H/CPRO at 93.38 MPH.
We went back after lunch because she wanted to make a clean pass. She made another good pass. She said it was more fun without the stress! I went to make another pass and we got put on wind hold, so we decided to pack it up and head home. Overall it was a great Speed Week. Short lines, great salt, easy going couple of days.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1861/44159601481_67aaff140f_k.jpg)
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Its a lot funner when you have a spouse that supports and also participates in your hobbies! Great looking car and AWESOME performance with 7 records now. Keep up the good work and reaching for the next rung on the ladder. :cheers:
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Its a lot funner when you have a spouse that supports and also participates in your hobbies! Great looking car and AWESOME performance with 7 records now. Keep up the good work and reaching for the next rung on the ladder. :cheers:
Yes, it is nice to always have her support.
I switched out the turbo for one that I had that is a little smaller. Hopefully this will build some boost.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/44277171272_99b81d2240_k.jpg)
I also lowered the car 2" in the rear. It has always sat a little high and now it sits a little more level. Hopefully handling stays the same.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1846/44277204562_069c5eafd5_k.jpg)
Just an oil line to hook up and a new top to make the fuel pressure regulator boost refrenced and we are ready to go for World of Speed.
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Sounds like you lost your driver's seat.
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We are ready for World of Speed. I’m feeling way better about how this is running with the smaller turbo. Starts to come into boost at the end of first gear and is starting to make 5-7 lbs after shifting to second gear. We won’t really be able to tell until we hit the salt this weekend, but I’m excited to play with this 1516cc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVuvTQ4lvck
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I'm looking forward to seeing your nice KG this weekend!
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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Looking forward to seeing you there!! Now with a little boost that 1500 should light right up. I am leaving at O dark 30 on Wed. Hope to get pits set up and through tech on Thrusday. See you in the tech line.
Rex
Schimmer and Son I Fuel Lakester 984
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World of Speed 2018. We arrived Friday morning and went through tech. After the drivers meeting we fueled up with ERC 110k and got in line. We made the first pass on the short course. The car ran decent, but only 7 lbs of boost. I showed 129 mph on the GPS and went by the timing tower. They had no timing slip for the car and said it crashed the computer and to go to the front of the line and try again. On the second run it was a little richer and GPS only showed 125 mph. We went to the timing tower and the same thing. No timing ticket and they said it crashed the computer again and then they entered all of my information manually. We went back to the front of the line again. By this time it was getting hot outside and the engine was starting to get a little hot. I noticed that oil pressure was a little lower and the AFR was even richer. On the 3rd run we finally got a timing slip and it showed 114.431 MPH. We took it and went to impound. The next morning the car ran great with the cooler air and we managed a 126.751 mph pass with the same tune. We went back to impound for Dan Warner to certify the record and #8 for the car was set at 120.591 MPH in H/CBGALT. I did a class change to the fuel class and got back in line around 12:00. The winds came up and we were put on wind hold for the remainder of the day. The next morning we were #2 to run on the short course. I had been turning the boost controller up a little at a time each pass and it was just starting to raise the boost off of spring pressure. The pulled hard and ran pretty good at about 8 lbs of boost. We ran 128.45 mph and went back to impound. They announced that we could do backup runs at 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm, or the next morning. We din't know how the wind or weather would be so we decided to go at 1:00 pm. The thin air killed the car. It was so rich that it wouldn't pull over 3,000 rpm in 1st and second gear. Finally in 3rd and 4th it started to build boost. I showed 129 on the GPS so I figured it made up for it at the end of the run. When we went to the timing tower and looked at the slip it showed 14 mph average from the 2-3. We complained, but they said that there were no problems with any other cars so it must be right. We had to use the 1-2 miles times which were terrible due to the rich conditions and no boost, but we were tired and ready to head back home so we took it back to impound where the 9th record was certified at 101.282 MPH in H/CBFALT. It was a fun year on the salt. I'm already thinking about next year and which direction to go. Do I keep the H engine in and fix the carburation issues and go for 150 mph, rebuild the G engine and see what the real potential is, or build an F engine and go for 200 MPH? Lots to think about and work on this winter.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1886/29868420887_1133323906_k.jpg)
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. . . or maybe run at SpeedWeek.
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. . . or maybe run at SpeedWeek.
do you mean World Finals?
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQwtHecSMMI&t=3s
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Boy your little car at 200 could be a real aero challenge. I think that your G motor has a lot left in it, have you given thought to electronic fuel injection? Makes adjusting to changing conditions a lot easier. (This advice comes from a team that has a Kinsler "water sprinkler" for injection!) Sorry we did not have a chance to say "HI" at WOS but you were always in impound and we were chasing gremlins!
Keep us up on what direction you go for next year.
Rex
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I know that the G engine has a lot left in it. I plan to rebuild with stronger head studs and better heads. I don't know if we could stay competitive running electronic fuel injection. These old VW's are behind on technology already and getting out of the "Classic" classes puts us at a pretty steep disadvantage. Our big change over the winter was the switch to a dry sump system.
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I don't know if we could stay competitive running electronic fuel injection. These old VW's are behind on technology already and getting out of the "Classic" classes puts us at a pretty steep disadvantage.
H/BGALT record is 202 mph
G/BGALT record is 230 mph
I recommend sticking with carbs and running in Classic :-D
The Classic class was changed a few years ago to allow foreign makes and the allowable engines were expanded all the way down to H specifically to give air cooled VW's a place to run.
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I don't know if we could stay competitive running electronic fuel injection. These old VW's are behind on technology already and getting out of the "Classic" classes puts us at a pretty steep disadvantage.
H/BGALT record is 202 mph
G/BGALT record is 230 mph
I recommend sticking with carbs and running in Classic :-D
The Classic class was changed a few years ago to allow foreign makes and the allowable engines were expanded all the way down to H specifically to give air cooled VW's a place to run.
Exactly, I can?t compete with modern inline 4 cylinder engines. I appreciate the change to allow foreign cars in classic. I wouldn?t have built this car and run out there without this change.
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Speed Week August 2009 was my first trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Growing up around cars and being a gearhead, I instantly fell in love with the variety of vehicles and the ingenuity that this type of racing had to offer. It was not the same exact vehicle as everyone else had, or the one with the most money that came out with the record. My second trip was to World of Speed in 2011, where I was introduced to the 130mph club and the 36hp Challenge. I was excited as a VW fan that there was a special place for them to run and be competitive. At the time this was the only place a VW could really compete with the small displacement and dated technology. Once home I began to plan a build to compete in this Challenge. I slowly collected parts and talked with other gearheads on engine design and how we could make power with a 36hp engine. Somewhere throughout these years the SCTA voted and opened the ?Classic? category to foreign vehicles. This suddenly opened a bunch of small displacement records that were obtainable by these air-cooled engines. I decided that I wanted to pursue this direction and pushed the 36hp parts to the side.
2 Years ago, my good friend Chris Mursick wanted to build a 36hp engine. I looked through what parts I had left and I found a set of special Blackline Racing lifters. I had already sold my Okrasa heads, special 36hp stroker crankshaft, and big bore pistons and cylinders. Chris asked what I wanted for these special 36hp lifters. I told him, ?All I want is 1 ride at over 100mph.? Chris and Juan built this 36hp engine and were able to both get in the 36hp ?1? club and even set an SCTA record with it.
Over this last winter Chris asked me, ?Are you ready for that 100 mph run yet?? We made plans that he would freshen up the engine and bring it to World of Speed 2019. This was the first time that I would show up to Bonneville with no engine in the car. We arrived on Friday the 13th and began to install the engine. We wrapped it up and Juan got to tuning and setting up the carbs. By the end of the day we had passed tech and had our plan setup.
I would run first as a tuning run and then Keriann would go second and try to beat my time and get on the Newport trophy for the fastest 36hp of the event. Keriann really wanted to go over 100mph as she was only able to run 96mph before the course was shut down for wind in 2018 while setting the H/CPRO record. We went to the starting line and I got ready to go. My first run was 77.165 mph and the air fuel gauge showed really rich. We jetted down a few sizes and on the second run I was able to hit 102.319 mph and gain entry into the 36hp 100 mph club.
Next it was Keriann?s turn. The air/fuel gauge still showed rich so we changed the jetting again. Keriann?s first run was 99.709 mph. We went to the smallest jets we had and she then ran 99.998 MPH at the end of the day. Just .002 mph off! The next morning, we expected the air to be better so we went back a few jet sizes. Her first run of the day was 99.150 mph. We changed jetting again and got back in line. 98.251 MPH?now we were going the wrong direction. We decided to go back to the original jets I ran with and I added 5 psi to each tire. She was leaving hard off the line and leaving 2 black rubber lines down the salt. On the 5th run the engine bogged down hard and I thought it was going to be a slow run. When we picked up the timing slip it was 98.979. She was excited that even with the bog she was still able to get up to 98.9 MPH. She said let?s run back to line and try for the last run. The wind was picking up and they had already stopped running motorcycles for the day. They were just about to stop cars for the day due to side wind. She got strapped in the car and down the course she went. On the 6th and final run of the event she ran 102.041!!! We were all so happy hearing them announce the speed we all screamed as I threw the CB radio across the van. She did it!
We could not have done this without the help of our great friends Chris Mursick and Juan Cole. With their help and a lot of work we were both able to make it into the elusive Bonneville 36hp ?1? club, have a great trip, and make lots of great memories.
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Congrats, I've driven several 36hp Bugs in my day. 100 mph seems like impossible.
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Congratulations- that's one fast KG!
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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The 2021 Season.
I was telling my friend Juan that I wanted to rebuild my 1915cc with a new case using 10mm head studs to handle the boost better. He said he had some bits and pieces laying around and that he had a good case. He didn?t just find me a case, he built a full long block engine and told me to go take my records back! This new engine had a few more CCs in it. Right at 1999.6 cc in the 2000cc "G" class. Bigger cam, roller rockers, bigger head ports. I also built a less restrictive intake manifold and put the rest of my turbo system on the car. We were headed to Speed Week!
Day 1--boost issues. We got two runs in. 1st run we set the boost controller at about 16 psi. The car made 6 psi and ran 144 mph. 2nd run we upped the boost controller to where we ran 20 lbs before. The engine still only made 6 psi and we ran 144 mph. We then took it back to the pits to look for exhaust/intake leaks and beat our heads trying to figure out why it won?t make more boost.
Day 2--Hurry up and Wait, That?s Racing at Bonneville. We were able to get a run in this morning about 9:30. The engine made 8 lbs of boost and went 150 mph. We adjusted the boost controller and got back in line to test a theory we had. One car crashed and we had to wait for a few hours. We got ready to go again and a guy crashed his motorcycle. A few hours later we were 2nd in line and the car In front of us crashed. Thankfully everyone was ok. We were first in line to run the next morning after record runs. After being in and out of the car in 98 degree weather with the racing suit it was time for showers and relaxing.
Day 3--We found the missing boost! First run of the day the car made 12 lbs of boost and ran just under 156 mph. We refueled and got back in line with hopefully more boost dialed in on the boost controller. The engine made 15lbs of boost and ran 168.125 mph on a 162.909 record. 1/2 way there! We are in Impound.
Day 4--Sunrise in impound almost can?t be beat. We towed out of impound to back up our record and went to the front of the line. The 1999cc ran hard and built 16 lbs of boost. We managed to go 170.726 mph average over the mile to solidify our new record at 169.426 mph. Upon certification of the record I found a few valve spring retainers that didn?t want to play anymore, so we decided to pack her up, end on a high note, and get it fixed and ready for World of Speed in September. We have 2 more records to get with this engine and are confident that it has a lot more left in it.
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Congrats! Great report. Those retainers made me cringe so hard I think I pulled a muscle. good luck, Dean
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Looks like a fatigue failure of the aluminum valve keepers.
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Where'd the pieces end up?
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Looks like a fatigue failure of the aluminum valve keepers.
Yeah, we have seen them fail over time from fatigue, but never this fast.
Where'd the pieces end up?
Luckily the pieces were just sitting in the valve cover.
We got home and pulled the head off. I guess the inner springs were just enough to keep the valves from hitting the pistons. We were very lucky!
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Failure at the finish line - perfect timing! :cheers: :clap :cheers: :clap
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Yes, failure at the finish line. Just good enough to still pump the engine down and certify the record!
While the heads were off Juan touched up the valve job and we were looking for titanium retainers. I also had some stuff to check in the transaxle, so we were on a time crunch. With not being able to source a quality titanium retainer that had the dimensions we needed, we decided to go with chromoly. These had worked fine on other engines for us in the past....
I get the heads back and get the transaxle back together and in the car and get the engine in and running. The goal for World of Speed was hit that 175 in the 2 1/4, and of course get the Fuel record back in our name.
We get through tech and we are second in line to run on the first day. I leave the boost controller set where it was from Speedweek as we ran 170.726 and the fuel record we are going for is 168.xxx. We get the go ahead and take off from the line. Everything is going good until right about the 2 mile mark. I hear a pop and thought it sounded like a silicon coupling split or blew off.
Everything still looked good on the gauges, except boost pressure dropped down.
We took it back to the pits and started checking things out. We found that 2 of the pushrods were now not happy and jumped out of the pushrod cups on the rocker arms to go for a ride. Maybe these chromoly retainer added just enough weight to where we can now not keep control of the valve train. I heard of someone running back to Salt lake City for some parts and asked them to pick me up some new cut to length pushrods and luckily they were able to source them.
I cut 2 new pushrods to length and massaged the pushrod tube back into a somewhat round shape. I noticed that the rocker shaft had a slight bend to it. No one had one of those for sure, I thought, hopefully it can last 2 more runs. With everything running again we got back in line. I adjusted the boost up just a little.
On this next run it was going really good. The GPS was showing 174 and right as the engine hit 7,000 rpm power fell off and I knew it did it again. Something was not happy in this setup. I shut it right down and we towed pack to the pits and popped a valve cover off. This one we were not fixing and it was time to pack up and head on home. I guess you can't always win!
We will keep finding the weak links and improving!
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I think you're right, the added mass of the steel valve keepers created a strong resonance in the valve train at 7k rpm and with everything bouncing around, something was bound to fail. Titanium is your solution, and maybe a bit higher rate valve springs.
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As a Beetle guy that's had my share all I can say is I am impressed. I find it hard to believe a Ghia can run 170's without going on the roof. You are doing something right!!
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I think you're right, the added mass of the steel valve keepers created a strong resonance in the valve train at 7k rpm and with everything bouncing around, something was bound to fail. Titanium is your solution, and maybe a bit higher rate valve springs.
I think that if we go with titanium valves and retainers, we can probably keep the current spring. Others with larger titanium valves have been able to use these springs up into the mid 8k rpm range. I think we will start with that. I also talked to Pauter and they said that they had changed the rocker design in 2012 because of broken shafts. I will probably buy the new style shaft and try to come up with a support on the end to tie it into the head. Only 11 months to go!
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Any idea what material and heat treatment is used to make the shaft?
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That Ghia is one record breaking machine, looks as good as it is fast! Good to see you and Kerriann last month. Sorry you broke this time out.
I ran the same set up as yours in a 200hp drag engine for 6 yrs of hard bracket and index racing, probably 50 races, broke 1 shaft (at the stud hole, same as yours), and broke 1 rocker arm, and bent some pushrods in the process. The keeper grooves would bur, the underside of the retainers would fret. On the advice of a long-time cylinder head porter, I started measuring and replacing my valve springs more often, after measuring a loss of seat pressure >10%, and my problem went completely away. In my case, it became evident we were floating the valves on tired springs, as both breakages happened well into the life of the engine build or last freshen up. In your case, it could be you aren't running enough spring pressure.
In any case, the new style Pauter rockers arms have no needle bearings, the aluminum rides directly on the shaft. Upgraded to more wear resistant 7075-T6 aluminum if I recall, since there are no needles. I think Mario told me the redesigned rockers themselves have a smaller bore, and the shafts larger in diameter, strengthening both parts.
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That Ghia is one record breaking machine, looks as good as it is fast! Good to see you and Kerriann last month. Sorry you broke this time out.
I ran the same set up as yours in a 200hp drag engine for 6 yrs of hard bracket and index racing, probably 50 races, broke 1 shaft (at the stud hole, same as yours), and broke 1 rocker arm, and bent some pushrods in the process. The keeper grooves would bur, the underside of the retainers would fret. On the advice of a long-time cylinder head porter, I started measuring and replacing my valve springs more often, after measuring a loss of seat pressure >10%, and my problem went completely away. In my case, it became evident we were floating the valves on tired springs, as both breakages happened well into the life of the engine build or last freshen up. In your case, it could be you aren't running enough spring pressure.
In any case, the new style Pauter rockers arms have no needle bearings, the aluminum rides directly on the shaft. Upgraded to more wear resistant 7075-T6 aluminum if I recall, since there are no needles. I think Mario told me the redesigned rockers themselves have a smaller bore, and the shafts larger in diameter, strengthening both parts.
Thanks for the advice Tom. I think that is the direction we will go. Ti valves, Ti retainers, The new style Pauter roller rockers, and then keep a close eye on valve spring pressure.
Mark
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Well we are ready to go after the G/CBFALT record of 168.417 mph. We upgraded to titanium valves and retainers, went to tapered pushrods, and to upgraded rocker arms. It got towed to Wendover and back, but never made it off the trailer. We shall see if there are any more events this year.
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You were lucky!
(You didn't take it off the trailer.)
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Here is the start to the 2018 season. A destroked crank for my H engine. 66mm stroke x 85.5mm bore for 1516cc or 92.5 cu in.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4689/39250674881_2996f324a6_k.jpg)
Thanks for this thread, I've learnt quite a lot about the classic classes for small capacity cars. Although I might never own or race a VW or any air cooled car, I've owned another small car designed by a former VW/Porsche engineer, so some of the technical info looks familiar to me.
The Classic class was changed a few years ago to allow foreign makes and the allowable engines were expanded all the way down to H specifically to give air cooled VW's a place to run.
Exactly, I can?t compete with modern inline 4 cylinder engines. I appreciate the change to allow foreign cars in classic. I wouldn?t have built this car and run out there without this change.
I noticed in the Lake Gairdner speed week events in Australia, they didn't appear to run the H/CPRO or H/CGALT class, or any of the other smaller classic classes, so cars that would have been in those classes were running in H/PRO, or equivalent modern classes instead. From my understanding DLRA rules (https://www.dlra.org.au/class-car.htm) are based on SCTA rules and the classes appear to included in the rulebook.
I noticed in the ECTA rules for the classic category: Foreign Coupes and sedans are limited to ʻFʼ (123.00 to 183.99 cid, 2.016 to 3.014 L) engines sizes.
Is it just SCTA events that run the smaller classes for classic cars?
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I'm not sure on that. You would have to contact the organizers for the other events to see what they allow or not.
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With our land speed races cancelled for this year, I'm starting to plan for next year. I keep running into fulcrum and axle wear with my swing axle style transaxle. I just don't think they were designed to run 170+ MPH. So I am thinking I.R.S be better up to the task. It should have a better bearing setup, two CV joints which keeps the wheels flatter to the ground and I have to switch to 5 lug wheels anyways, so I might as well tear things apart. This would also help with gearing changes too as I could build and borrow other transaxles from VW friends and change them out easier.
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Thanks for replying. In hindsight I might have mostly answered my own question, and in any case, I know that in my own country there are no "classic" classes recognised for land speed racing.
What sort of drive shafts and suspension were you planning to use for your full I.R.S. setup for the Ghia?
If you were looking to use something from the VW/Audi parts bin, then I'm pretty sure all the early Audi 80/90/100/200 and quattro models used a longitudinal mounted engine with equal length drive shafts. Same with the VW Passat. The Audi 200 drive shafts should certainly be able to handle the power/torque if that was a major concern.
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Thanks for replying. In hindsight I might have mostly answered my own question, and in any case, I know that in my own country there are no "classic" classes recognised for land speed racing.
What sort of drive shafts and suspension were you planning to use for your full I.R.S. setup for the Ghia?
If you were looking to use something from the VW/Audi parts bin, then I'm pretty sure all the early Audi 80/90/100/200 and quattro models used a longitudinal mounted engine with equal length drive shafts. Same with the VW Passat. The Audi 200 drive shafts should certainly be able to handle the power/torque if that was a major concern.
VW switched to an IRS set up in 1969. I can steal all of the parts from a donor car and I just have to weld in some brackets to attach the swing arms to.