………. , 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.
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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 ……