Missed by 'this' much (no track day tomorrow)

Zeke · 02-19-2004, 12:59 PM

I signed up for a track day that runs tomorrow at Streets of Willow. You all know that I had to rebuild my motor due to frying a piston. The forensics showed a combination of problems that were ironically all fuel related and starved the motor last summer on a 106* day at Big Willow.

So, I've been working 10-12 hrs a day to get ready for the new season. I took time off to have some surgery done early Jan. (hernia) and started back asssembling the motor as soon as I was feeling up to it. I had all the new pieces sourced and machining done in the fall. As I was able, I got to the car about a week ago, first installing the new motor.

Of course, I found a few things to improve while I was putting the thing together and here we are, the last minute. Racers. We're all the same. I fired the motor up about 90 minutes ago and tuned it. But, there are some small problems and I'm beat. I doubt if I would be safe out there tomorrow. I've not worked this hard in a long time. Everything hurts.

On top of all this work, I'd have to get up tomorrow at 3:30 AM; leave by 4:30 to make the gate at 7AM. One stop for a Carl's breakfast or something. I'd be home after a 3+ hour run in LA traffic, probably about 7PM.

So, I cancelled. But, you know, it all worked out. My car is back together, it runs and there will be a slug of track days this year. Having a goal and a deadline is the only way to get things finished. I'm disappointed in a good way.

J P Stein · 02-19-2004, 01:06 PM

OK......so you can keep an old dog down

But not for long.

John Rogers · 02-19-2004, 07:17 PM

Jeeez Milt you have lots of time.....A couple of years ago the shop got my engine fired up at 4:30 on Friday for a Sat/Sun HSR West event. Drove it and down the street to make sure it could shift, etc and we put the slicks on it and I got to Willows at midnight. Had a ball all weekend! But that was a couple of years ago when I was younger and wilder.....Maybe at CA Speedway next month???

campbellcj · 02-19-2004, 07:29 PM

Hey Milt I know how ya feel...I have been slammed with work lately and have not been on the track yet this year and have only driven the car 3 times. My project list is growing faster than shrinking, and the bank account is shrinking faster than growing

But congrats on getting it back together and running again! We'll get out there sometime soon -- hopefully while the weather is still cool!

Zeke · 02-20-2004, 10:29 AM

Well, the charging system tood a crapper on me and I can't find the problem. The alt works if I jump the terminals as advised by DD and I can't believe the new reg is bad so soon. I don't know how to test the reg. I think there is a problem with the wiring though. Seems like there is a dependency on the blue wire and the red light for everything to work. If you know something about this, post it on the other thread, please.

As far as Fontana, I dont think my car has the legs for such a big track. I need to get some DE in somewhere where I know the track. Alfa Club has a DE 3/6-7 that might work for me. I'm signed up for OTR on 3/3, so I'll know if it will be reliable for the weekend event.

The pressure is off for a few days at least. The days of working half the night and then driving the next day are gone for me. It's not that important. That's what's nice about having a street car. I can go to the canyons any time. In a way, I'm sorry that I made this 914 unstreetable. The guys that can drive their car to the track, be fast and drive home are to be admired.

DonNewton · DonNewton's Garage

Ahh, Zeke. . .914s that drive to the track, are fast there, and drive home don't exist (

), do they? Mine was butt slow when I could drive it to the track, and now, it's only marginally faster. . . But, now, I have an SUV and soon, a replacement trailer to haul all my pack-up kit. So, I guess I got that goin' for me. I'll probably be at Fontana for CFoS, and then make the transition to POC.

Zeke · 02-20-2004, 03:33 PM

Chris Campbell regularly drives his on the street. He does have a SUV and a nice trailer for comfort. But he COULD drive it to the track and be fast. Well, the car is fast, I don't know about Chris.......oh boy, I'm gonna hear about that!

I better go start looking for a six so he doesn't run over me!

campbellcj · 10:13 PM

Well...I dunno about "regularly" driving on the street...and the part about being "fast" on the track is highly debatable too

About twice a month the car sees a canyon run. At least with the short gearbox installed, it is quite unpleasant for long highway cruises. Not to mention that it's a cop-magnet.

Nevertheless; I totally agree about the joys of keeping a car that is "barely streetable" versus a dedicated trailer only car. Even though "compromise" cars are almost never truly competitive, I don't think I would make this 914 unstreetable unless I had a street 911 or something similarly entertaining for fun-run duties.

Speaking of which, if business holds up, I am seriously thinking of swapping the S4 for something "modern" but 911-ish, later in the year. A 996 or 993 C4S would be great for my commute, I think. Better get back to work!