Just a quick update. We were beaten by equipment at approximately 1:30
yesterday afternoon. Although certainly disappointed not to take the flag, we
were all pretty proud of the old girl. She put in a solid 8 hours Friday and
another 5.5 on Saturday.
We were racing cars from the past two decades with a few exceptions. Out of
100+ cars, there was a pair of 60s mustangs, an Opel with a LS motor and us.
Friday we finished 47th with 114 laps and yesterday 73 with 81 laps. We were
averaging 3:10s around the full F1 course. As a point of reference, the leaders
were running consistent 2:50s. A certain pair of drivers on our team were
clipping close to 2 minute laps and both swore they weren't pushing too hard,
maybe.
We were running with 18 month old 200 tried wear tires that had been flat
spotted at the last race. This became very noticeable at 100+ down the
straights. We again limited RPMs to save the motor. With a 3.7 rear end and no
OD we were full speed about 1/2 into the straights. This is where the leaders
would pass us.
Some of you recall last summer we raced this car with WRL in the June Texas
heat and had some issues with lower than desirable oil pressures and a diff
that boiling its juice.
For the engine side of things: This time around we installed an oil cooler and
used VR1 full synthetic. Oil pressure at full tilt was 90+ all weekend and
40-50 at idle at pit stops. Problem solved. I am very impressed with synthetic
motor oil. The oil still looks brand new after 13+ hours of racing. I know from
past endurance races with Dino oil, it would be pitch black and stinky at this
point.
On the diff side (not so good): after boiling the Dino based lubricant last
summer, we opted to simply switch to synthetic. This seemed to be working on
Friday as our diff catch can stayed dry. We had some terrible noises coming
from the rear end on Friday that we thought were hub bearings going out. The
hub bearings are still suspect and will require attention. But our more serious
problem was heat in the diff. The diff puked at about 1:30 and our day was
done.
Last summer Keith mention his solution was a diff cooler and I think we will be
heading down that path for the next endurance race. Who knows, we may end up
with a triumph that can go the distance, eventually.
We were so close this time.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Aug 5, 2016, at 5:53 PM, Greg Blake <gblake58tr3@icloud.com> wrote:
>
> We finished the day strong. Only a brief stint in the garage to check some
> bearings. Other than that, ran all day long in the Texas heat. Right now 47th
> out 100+
>
> Notice the only hood down in the pic?
>
>
>
> <IMG_0793.JPG>
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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