I've been collecting (aka buying, scrounging, trading) parts for the past 2 years so I could build a spare motor for the wagon. This one is another long-rod L20b, +2mm forged flattops with cutouts, prepped crank, big-valve A87, planning 12:1 CR. It's gonna be really nice having a spare bullet in the chamber when I gotta pull out my current engine. … [Read more...] about “SPARE” MOTOR
Datsun Racing
510 WAGON REAR SWAYBAR
Today we hooked up a rear swaybar on the wagoon. Most 510 race cars use a rear-mount style rear swaybar, like the type made by Speedway Engineering. But the wagon's rear frame rails were cut up pretty good during the IRS/coil-over install, so I needed to go with a front-mount bar. I was hunting for an OE 5/8" rear bar and found that the IRS Celica/Supra one was pretty close. … [Read more...] about 510 WAGON REAR SWAYBAR
VARA BIG BORE BASH 2011
This weekend was VARA's 2011 season finale, the Big Bore Bash held at Willow Springs Int'l Raceway. Most vintage race weekends have a theme event, and this wknd the thundering V8s got the spotlight. Turnout was excellent, the weather remained raceable (cold, damp, and windy), and Saturday night's spagheti dinner was a hit. The Shelby Club joined us for hot-lap sessions both … [Read more...] about VARA BIG BORE BASH 2011
LOOKIN’ FOR BITE
I've been racing the Wagon for one year now, and as I'm starting to get my lap times down, I'm dealing with a bit of front end push. The standard solution is to either soften up the front or stiffen up the rear. I went full soft on my front swaybar, and that helped a little. The limited slip diff helped some too. The next step I've taken is dropping the front coilover spring … [Read more...] about LOOKIN’ FOR BITE
HSR-WEST FALL FORMULA FESTIVAL 2011
This weekend I joined HSR-West at Willow Springs Int'l Raceway for their Fall event. Ed Swart always puts on a nice weekend, and this was no exception. Unfortuantley the tough economy is taking its toll, and participation was smaller than usual. When I started racing cars ten years ago, I used to hope for a small grid like this so I could just learn the line and stay out of … [Read more...] about HSR-WEST FALL FORMULA FESTIVAL 2011
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
My 40 year old radiator has earned it's retirement, but I'll keep it as part of my 'race spares' package. It has been replaced with a small, universal aluminum AFCO unit from Summit Racing for about $250. To use it I needed to set up a different mounting system, and change the angles of the inlet/outlet tubes. The Grainger catalog came in handy for the mounting system, and … [Read more...] about OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW