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
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
BLACKHAWK MUSEUM
Yesterday I went to the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA for the first time. All I can say is "WOW". The galleries are set up like a modern art museum, with polished granite floors, no windows or background lighting, just strategically placed spotlights for each car. It creates quite the environment for viewing the impressive collection of European sportscars, American … [Read more...] about BLACKHAWK MUSEUM
VARA Race School
I spent this past weekend at Buttonwillow Raceway instructing with VARA-U, VARA's annual driving school. It was about a 70/30 split between street cars and race cars, with some students getting ready to earn their race license, while others were just there for some track instruction. Students age ranged from teenagers to others well into retirement, and cars ranged from a Honda … [Read more...] about VARA Race School
WINTER DOLDRUMS
Sailors may get the summer doldrums, but racers get the winter doldrums. What to do when the tracks shut down for a couple months? Well other than getting re-acquainted with your friends and family, and catching up on all your household chores, racers can get around to fixing all those little issues with their cars. This winter I'm enjoying a heated garage for the first time … [Read more...] about WINTER DOLDRUMS
FANTASY JUNCTION VISIT
Today I made my annual visit to Fantasy Junction in Emeryville, CA. This "used car" showroom houses one of the greatest collections of consignments open to the public. The very plain looking brick warehouse in a East-Bay industrial neighborhood belies the dozens of jewels that await within. The family business owners are very pleasant to visit with, and they will allow you to … [Read more...] about FANTASY JUNCTION VISIT