I haven't posted in a long time. I will try to catch up. I am actually running three projects, 1) Bought a RV to make the trip and had to do maintenance work on it like replacing the in-tank fuel pump. I am doing 100% of all work by myself, so time becomes a serious issue. 2) Getting my old Jeep CJ7 in shape to be the chase vehicle. Bike will mount on the back of the Jeep for the trip out and back on a custom built bike caddy I modified to fit into the tow receiver hitch. RV will tow Jeep. More work and lost time. 3)Final plan for bike finalized and mock up started. My work plan may be a bit odd to some, but I get it done. The pictures show a rusty frame, etc. All beautification will take place during the painting phase (yep, I will do that also). I have had some wonderful help from Patrick (French Owl) who diverted me from a failed path many times, Don Rothwell, who built a coupe of much needed handmade pieces, modified my S&S fuel carb for methanol (lots of it), and a host of others to which I am indebted. I took a month hiatus from the bike construction to take care of other issues that had to be done (RV and Jeep). I am mocking up the bike as of now, in its final form before blasting and painting.
The blower installation and intake system took many forms before I decided on what you will see. I modified a turbo flutter valve to be a pop-off valve (open x-section area is slightly more than I calculated I would need), and I found a new aluminum tig guy to weld up the whole thing after I did the fitting by hand. It is amazing how 1/4" clearance here and an 1/8" clearance there can complicate an install. I installed a steel Blast Box to protect my nuts in case of a catastrophic blower failure. I spent more time than expected on the blower belt drive setup because I had to do the design and verification myself. My local industrial suppliers had very little knowledge about their products - and I mean very little. That has been a problem from the beginning. I became disgusted with my local Gates rep very quickly. What happened to the old sales guys who knew their products from top to bottom? Asking one of them to calculate anything is like asking them to run with the bulls.
Mine is but a meager effort to run fast and safe. It is way more complex than I initially thought. Of course, I am preaching to the choir. I do admit I have spent a lot of money, but I have enjoyed the process immensely. I have salt fever more than ever.
Jim cheers