But wait there is more! We will add the other pic’s as they become available.

Fossa, Passion for Speed, Zwartkops, 2013

Fossa 2, Passion for Speed, Zwartkops, 2013

Fossa, Passion for Speed, Kyalami, 2013

………. , now that is better!

Fossa, what a challenge sourcing engine parts for a 1968 engine! Cams not as big a challenge as the cam followers. Gary Stacey assisted with a new 288 profiled cam. Luckily we found cam followers available of the shelf after two nerve wrecking days. With all the parts in hand we started reassembling Fossa’s engine on Wednesday afternoon. It was decided to fit a new clutch plate as the old one was showing wear and I do not really want to strip again soon for a clutch replacement. Clutch plate fitted the splines on the gearbox and inside the pressure plate with no problem. Installed the engine and started Fossa on Thursday. What a magnificent sound, the burble of all four cylinders firing more balanced due to a long overdue camshaft through her organ pipe.

Then the next challenge! The length of the splined bush on the new clutch plate is too long. Can not engage gears. Eish!!!!

Friday morning finds us buying a new Sachs clutch kit and 17h00 Fossa fires up and is fully operational. Literally dead tired I wash Fossa in final preparation of Saturday.

_________________________________

Saturday we find all the pits full at Kyalami at a well turned out list of competitors. We find a parking behind the pits to become our pit for the day.

Qualifying happened on Friday and we nominated to start from the rear of the pack.It was to be our first time at speed at Kyalami and testing of our creation AND RACE at the same time. There are some magnificent photo’s on the way taken by the RacePics guys!

Ready to go!

Chris “Roach” commented on my departure from the pits, that when I applied throttle Fossa pushed her rear end down to the tarmac as not seen before, cool!

Pit straight heat 1

For us a new track, “new” engine, quite a learning curve. Had a few things to monitor including temperature and it was a HOT day. Accelerating down the main straight going through two, three and then into fourth gear showed some nice almost scary speed followed by some dicey choice of brake application to enter the corner as Fossa’s lean over is true crazy fun. Coming into the pits Fossa was indicating 110°c.

Pit Straight heat 2

Left on the second heat with a little more confidence and very aware of her temperature throughout the race. After three laps her temperature climbed once again to 100° and I dropped speed to see her come down in temperature. For the remainder of the race I kept playing with the temperature.

While standing on the highest level taking photo’s, Chris Roach was commenting on Fossa’s exhaust note.

Pit straight heat 2 from the top

Next improvements: Improved radiator and electric fan + somehow tie down suspension!

Then the Go-not-so-Pro camera, yes I am still trying to use it, it cost enough. We managed to get one race recorded in mp4 format. The other format file was somehow damaged. Race two, battery was flat again ………

Trophy time!

And some positive results thanks a very hard working and tired team!

Our next outing? Burning to test at Zwartkops Raceway coming Sunday but pretty broke after all the repairs done. Maybe Piston Ring Club. 3 March, Classic Car Show at Nasrec. Next race, pending funds, 16 March at Kyalami. Any sponsors out there?

Greetings ……

……. has come and gone.

Not the desired outcome, BUT not all bad. GoPro = Good for nothing!

During practise on Friday we ran a best of 1:33.32! What is so surprising, is it was done with a rapidly deteriorating camshaft in play!

Fossa arriving on her road tires

Fossa in early morning practice, Friday

Saturday, 02/02/2013

Early morning coffee with the team, pic Tea-m Manager

Fossa started making a strange faint ticking noise in her engine, not uncommon I would thought. During her prepping, adjusting her valve clearances I was again reminded of her camshaft degrading. An early decision not to open her engine until it became problematic was about to happen.

Thanks to Shane Venter for the visit and support, much appreciated!

Seeing other “Little Giants” fall out like crazy meant sure points. Missed quite a horrific accident just after turn four. A Hillman Imp lost its rear wheel, the driver got out to go and fetch his wheel when an Anglia running wide hit the stranded Imp with such impact that it spun around. Very sad to say, but reports claim the Imp to be so badly damaged, it may never race again. Saw a pic of the Anglia, extent of the damage uncertain.  Was busy with a nice dice with another Hillman Imp when Fossa started losing power and backfiring through the throats of her carb.

Race one, shortly before withdrawing

Very disappointed, I made the decision to withdraw. But we live to race again. Engine damage could have been much more severe had I continued.

The “Go – not – so – Pro” Hero 3 Silver camera – Had the camera on charge for the whole of Friday night to find it flat on Saturday morning. A very good gimmick, buy the pricey camera and and then buy the add on battery pack and this and that ….  Not the first issue with this camera. Will I recommend it? Sorry, A BIG NO!

Fossa's engine in process of being removed

By Saturday night 11:30, Fossa’s engine had been removed and stripped.

Fossa engine and camshaft

With “Passion for Speed”, Kyalami coming up next weekend, we trust we can source all the parts needed and have her ready and running. The biggest advantage of this exercise, Fossa WILL be a lot faster!