went drag racing again last weekend. did seven runs altogether. three practice, one dial in, and three in the run-off. all good, beat all comers until the last race, the final in the open street class.
I had been having a little trouble finding third all day. fortunately I had enough on the other cars I could find it and get moving again before they passed me. I'd installed a seine gate system recently and am having issues. my own fault, I tend to want to 'push' it into third instead of letting the spring do it for me. if I just push lightly forward from second it goes right into third.
so, last race. against a cobalt ss intercooled turbo sumthin, sumthin , apparently from germany. yes, yes, I see the irony.
anyway. got off the line OK and started pulling away. into second and gaining ground, going for third had a bit of trouble but after some jiggling it finally went into gear. first gear....... popped out the clutch and floored it, with predictable results.
somehow, the engine didn't crash. I must have horseshoes up my b*tt. coasted off the track and it seemed to idle ok. drove back to the pits and no problems. on the way home, about an hour drive, I kept it between 4k and 5k with the somewhat fatalistic/reckless idea that if it's gonna go it might as well be now. got good and hot, no problems.
next day I did a compression test and a leakdown as well to check for bent/leaking valves. also boroscoped the piston tops for damage. all good. did I mention the horseshoes.
I credit the ARP rod bolts, a not-to-aggressive cam, and I think a bit of tire slip for dodging the bullet on this one. check out the video. be sure to turn up the volume, it still makes me cringe.
YouTube - vintage 1967 porsche 911 / 912 drag racing 1/8 mile missed shift 10
ps. if you click on my other videos you'll see other races and an autocross whereI didn't embarass myself as much.
pps. judging by the evidence this is a very effective way to clean out an engine, but not recommended.
pps. I'm going back on Oct 3 to try again. I'll get that 'class winner' t-shirt or die trying.