What started out so promising came to a rather anticlimactic mid-season pause as we lost the engine on our F Modified autocross KBS Formula 500. But we’ll get to that in minute.
Things were going extremely well. A fresh set of Hoosier slicks and a clutch setup from FormulaX-1 rewarded us with more than a few FTDs at local events. The FormulaX-1 clutch setup was a particularly nice addition, as they’re experts in setting up clutches for all types of two-stroke racing. Whereas before our centrifugal clutch was more of an on-off switch, the specific ramp angles of the FormulaX-1 setup allowed us far greater throttle modulation in corners, which is not something two-stroke-powered race cars are known for. Much of the speed in a F500 comes from proper clutch setup, and the Formula X-1 setup was as close to a transformative modification as you’re likely to make on a car like this.
But then it all turned sour. On our fourth run at the blisteringly hot Moultrie, GA, Match Tour, our engine died just after the finish. Turning it over by hand just resulted in some bad, metal on metal sounds that we realized meant the end of that engine’s usable life. We can’t be too sad, though. We’re the third owner on that engine, and a freshened replacement—built and tuned by legendary two-stroke guru Mike Quadrini—is a sub $1000 investment.
Our goal is to get the car back together for Solo Nationals, which is appearing entirely doable. Despite our setback, we’re still convinced this is one of the best ways to go fast for the least money.
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And this is a big reason why I race an SCCA P2 car (The 17th place white #51 at UTCC least Friday)
When a motor pops, someone just totalled a Suzuki Hayabusa in the past day or so, and fresh motivation is a couple Gs away.
As I often say "cost contained racing is way too expensive for me"
JG this is the reason I choose F500 as well. If you pop an engine there are cheap ones to be had, they are cheap enough that you could simple run them till they go south.
We have the much beloathed AMW but as I have a spare and parts I'm running the until the go kablamo because they cost nothing.
Tom
Could we get a story on the engine buildup, please? Would love to see a two-stroke go together properly.
Jerry From LA wrote: Could we get a story on the engine buildup, please? Would love to see a two-stroke go together properly.
I second this!
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