Hi my name is Rod Penrose and this is my first time posting on the forum, please be patient as i am still learning how to use the computer! I thought id post a few pictures and some info to dispell some of the rumours flying around about the new car!
The new car will based on a new beetle body style that was designed and tested in the VW windtunnel in Wolfsburg Gemany. I purchased the molds for this body earler in the year. It will be a full cabon fibre one peice body which will be mounted over a full chromoly tube chassis.
The Engine will be my current 2810cc autocraft engine, which will be upgraded with twin turbos and full electronic engine management and mounted up front.
The driveline will consist of a Crower Clutch housed in a titanium bellhousing, with an airshifted 3 speed lenco behind it. The rear end is a Strange full aluminium 9 inch deal with a four link setup. Hoping for 7.7 @ 180mph which might make it the fastest VW in australia!
I hope to update this every week with new pictures and info. Hope you enjoy seeing how a race car is built from ground up.
RodPenrose ·
This is the body. This is only a fibreglass mock up untill chassis is finished.
RodPenrose ·
Chassis under construction , ROD.
11CAB ·
Looks like the Audi TT roof line
RodPenrose ·
strange aluminium rear end( sorry pic too big, will try post soon) Yes the roof line is copied from an Audi TT , ROD.
Old Hutcho ·
Welcome Rodney
you have U2U
Old Hutcho
71superbug ·
ahh mr penrose. have heard much about your cars..and was dissapointed when i ehard you werent coming to perth with your old beetle drag car.
Anthony
Doug Sweetman ·
Fark Anthony, come on have a bit of respect for the pre-eminent VW drag racer in Australia right now..... it cant be cheap to bring a race car over from the east.
I have to ask Rod, why did you ditch the old beetle so quickly ? you cant have run it for much more than a year or so.....
All respect to you - it was an absolute monster, this new one looks the goods too so will be great to have a real serious air cooled Vw drag car doing the rounds - the gear you mentioned certainly sounds like it has the goods for 7's.... I thought you were already Oz's fasted VW with 8.96 ???
Is this the same body shell as the one in the states ? I think its silver..... and has a monster motor in it too..... just look similar is all.
Welcome to the forum and I hope you enjoy your time here.
Craig Paton ·
Won't it be great to see Rod stick it to the Ricers! 😂
Might be just the sort of thing to convert more folks into Volksies!
Adolph ·
Good looking car.
What is the size tubing that you use for the chassis and what guage?
I am also thinking about building my own chassis, not nearly as hi-tec as yours.
Thank you
Hermann
71superbug ·
haha doug...i wasnt having a shot at him because he didnt bring it over...just meant it as in...i was excited when i heard it was coming and that he has my full support..also a hint that i would like to see it go one day..but thats beside the point...im not too much of a "BLOODY FARKIN POOFTA"
alright..
Anthony🥷
Alex Holzl ·
Hey rod
How come you have decided to run the motor up front? Body looks sweet!
alex holzl
h ·
welcome to the AVD and nice lookin project..
look forward to more pics as you go..
cheers paul
wacked1 ·
Alex Holzl wrote:Hey rod
How come you have decided to run the motor up front? Body looks sweet!
alex holzl
just imagine the cost of building a transaxle that would be able to cope with the stresses of a 7.7 second motor:alien
Alex Holzl ·
Yeh i see your point.
Rod, did you munch many gears with the old car?
Dasdubber ·
Thanks for bringing the pics and updates to us all Rod - I look forward to seeing more details!
1303Steve ·
Hi Rod
Welcome aboard, this car will be awsome.
Steve
Doug Sweetman ·
who called you a poofta ?
Its a shame he didnt bring it over, I'm sure it would have had heaps of support over here... I also would have loved to see it run. Now I will just have to wait for his new machine.....
Engine up front also means he can run a proper drag Auto box... which will help. The old car was a manual wasnt it ?
jvl054 ·
Hi Rod,:thumbL:bounce:bounceking good mate!JVLRacing
reub ·
Looks like it will be awesome! :thumb
I loved your old car and am sure this will be twice what the old one was.
Did you end up selling the old drag car?
pyr0 ·
hi rod, looks like youre going to have quiet a weapon of a car there :thumb shall be a great sight to see flying down the strip
AUTOMANICS ·
good to see another properly built car about to hit the tracks!👍
wacked1 ·
hey rod who is building the chassis it looks awsome.
alex i never did one gear box in the bus actually the old 2Lt is going in another V8 bus not mine and you know where the 915 box went.
cheers
wacked1
Fossil ·
welcome on board Rod and can't wait to see more pics
RodPenrose ·
The chassis is now complete and fully welded ,The tube used consists of 1 5/8 x .083 cro-moly for the main hoop , door bars , top windshield bar and rear diff bars .All of the rest of the bars are 1 1/2 x .065 cro-moly with all small cross bracing being 1 1/4 x .058 cro-moly.The chassis is being built by me at home and complies with SFI 25.4 international specs just incase one day I get to race in the US.The entire chassis weighs 95 kg and that is 12.5 kg lighter than the last car . I'm trying to post pic's but are too big , can any one help me in reducing them. ROD.
Any idea what division you'll be able to race in yet Rod?
Matt
humpty ·
Well done rod...Sure is looking prettydarn good...Can't wait to see it running...
If you don't end up getting that software Steve recommended...I can help u out.
If you can send the images to me, I can resize them for you.... I have ADSl here so send'em down... As long as you send one image at a time and the file size is no bigger than 2 or 3meg then we can sort'em out...
Keep it up Rod...We still want to see you in Perth!!!
😵💫
sean68 ·
Welcome to the forum Rod
Will be awesome to see this car being built and raced...
You think it will do wheelstands like the last one? :thumb.....probarbly not as it's front engine now
There's something about the profile.... Rod Penrose learner dubber that doesn't quite fit together 🙂
Maybe we can ask the admins to give Rod an exemption
cheers
sean
RodPenrose ·
I finally found a program that I can use so I will have regular up dated pics' so this is the Strange engineering aluminium rear end that was built in the US to my spec's, ROD.
RodPenrose ·
This is the view through the front windscreen , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
A view from the rear of the half completed chassis , ROD.
Adolph ·
Looks great. I bet it would also wheelie.:thumb
Hermannnn[ Edited on 17-8-2005 by Adolph ]
Doug Sweetman ·
This car is pure drag VW porn.......
Hey Herman - any other hot VW's in Wongan ? how does a south african end up in a place like that ? (my wife is from Cunderdin, and taught in Dowerin so I've been around the area a little before)
vw54 ·
More Pics please Rod
Adolph ·
Doug- there is no other VW's in Wongan.
I felt like a change and came here for work.
I have been in Cunderdin to one of the pubs.
Am going to the Dowerin feeld day at the end of this month.
Doug Sweetman ·
Good move, and welcome to the wheatbelt !
wacked1 ·
wow that is one serious rearend.
top pics
RodPenrose ·
The new car is progressing well and the engine and transmission doesn't quiet look right sitting between the front wheels . This is only the dummy engine and is only used to set up the car as the race engine is still in the old car . The wheels & tyres have arrived as have the Strange engineering front strut assembly . The front rims are weld aluma-stars 15''x 3.5'' with mickey thompson front runners & 15''x 14'' weld aluma-stars and 31''x 14'' slicks at the rear .
jvl054 ·
Mmmmmm chrom-molly ...only if people new how much work goes into engineering this product and building a professional racecar!.....A shit load of development to go Rod!L:thumb:thumbks racie already.JVLRacing(Development never ends)
Doug Sweetman ·
fark, how many shops around the place have a 'spare' autocraft block to mock fit things ......
Looking Awesome !
RodPenrose ·
The next few pic's will give you an idea of what the completed car will look like , remember the blue body is only a temporary body and will be destroyed when the full carbon fibre unit is released from the mould in about 3 weeks time .The total height will be 45'' high , which is 1'' higher than the last car . The temporary body weighs 32 kg and should probably be halved when the race body is mounted to the chassis . The class rules for SUPER SEDAN , PRO RWD ,and the new group two classes require the car to have 2 opening doors which will have to be mounted to the body also.
vw54 ·
Rodney I will call in on Saturday Arvo
inthebuckethenry ·
Awesome!! 👍
Why is the glass body going to be destroyed? Im having, probably deluded, visions of a rear engined street kit car with this body shape. Maybe wrx powered... blah blah blah Worlds colliding beautifully!!
👍👍👍
pete wood ·
wow, if they'd only come from the factory like that 🥲
nn[ Edited on 24-8-2005 by pete wood ]
Craig Paton ·
Hey Rod
It's been a while!! Both you and Wayne are amazing the way you ATTACK your projects!
It's taken me 6 months to buy new fuel line and place it neatly beside my BUG!!😂
Can't wait to see this one in the flesh!
sean68 ·
nice one :thumb
looks meaner than the last one and thats saying something
what sort of rear wing are you going for
vwguru ·
awsome project rod, just wondering will the body be sitting higher then it is now? as it looks as though there is not enough expansion rate for the rear tires.
humpty ·
You gotta send some pics of this car to Volkswagen, Rod!
They simply MUST build a road version!...
I thought the NB 'Rodster' looked good, but this is the REAL Rodster right here!
AUTOMANICS ·
looking at the chassis reminds me of where i was with my car 5 years ago, keep up the good work.
RodPenrose ·
The chassis is now completed ,fully welded ,inspected , and passed with out any problems regarding the construction or design . The next thing is to complete the front & rear suspension along with mounting the steering , engine , transmission & fabricate the pedals . The rear tyre to body clearance is 50mm wich should be enough as these tyres do not grow as much as the top fuel tyres . The rear wing is being designed to produce maximum downforce with minimal drag and will be tested in a wind tunnel so it won't upset the aerodynamics of the body .
1303Steve ·
Go the struts
Doug Sweetman ·
see, its really a superbeetle in disguise !!
Looking well wicked.
humpty ·
Bite your tongue Doug! 😂
Nuthn Super about it!!!! hehe!
But seriously....This sucker surely Rocks....Can't wait to see it run...Maybe at the Nats next year....Who from Perth wants to go across? Be worth it just to see this thing run! I might cruise up with some buds from Adelaide....
I love the look of this chassis (not that i know anything about this stuff!) but this looks nice and simple....EZ to maintain and all quality stuff...Fantastic!
jvl054 ·
Theres nothing easy about building a chassis.It takes thought and pen & paper to get it right. My chassis was designed on Cad which took time....Days,Nights and Months work and some times no sleep.Looking good Rod! take your time,the results will look better.:thumbJVLRacing
humpty ·
As I said JVL054....'Nice and simple'. Not having a go at Rods fine work.
The best designs are the simplest, which translates, the best and simplest designed productions are the same ones that have had the most effort put into them....Elegant design solutions take time and skill to fully realise. I'm no chassis designer, but I do know something of design generally.... Its what I do for a living and have done for the last 18 years.
Just building a well engineered road car takes loads of work and effort....Can't imagine what it takes to do this! And people like Rod have done this a few times now, refining the concepts as they go....
An achievement not to be underestimated.
jvl054 ·
humpty wrote:As I said JVL054....'Nice and simple'. Not having a go at Rods fine work.
The best designs are the simplest, which translates, the best and simplest designed productions are the same ones that have had the most effort put into them....Elegant design solutions take time and skill to fully realise. I'm no chassis designer, but I do know something of design generally.... Its what I do for a living and have done for the last 18 years.
Just building a well engineered road car takes loads of work and effort....Can't imagine what it takes to do this! And people like Rod have done this a few times now, refining the concepts as they go....
An achievement not to be underestimated.
Sameo and done the practical.. JVLRacing:thumbnn[ Edited on 1/9/2005 by jvl054 ]
matt_keene ·
Hi Rod and greetings from across the Pond. Good to meet you at the Sydney show last year then again at Sacramento Bugorama in Cal. Hope you liked the pix of your car in Volksworld! Love the look of your new ride. It looks absolutely awesome and should be the Don on the strip. When do you plan to have it finished? Regards, matt keene
RodPenrose ·
These pic's may not look much but the carbon fibre body was released from the mould today and the doors are being fitted in the next few days and the roof will be attached by the end of next week. The front suspension is completed as is the end set up .
RodPenrose ·
The front and rear suspensions are now finished and apart from no steering as yet it is a rolling chassis .
humpty ·
Is that a torsion bar rear end (race3 013a.jpg) in that Rod?
Still keepin the FERDINAND PORSCHE patented designs alive then...😵💫
Good work!
Doug Sweetman ·
see struts and torsion bars, best of both worlds 🙂
This thing is going to be wild ......
Is it hard to work with the carbon fibre ?
pete wood ·
went to a speedway expo on the weekend, they use torsion bars on the sprintcars. those ones you have on the back look very similar
sean68 ·
work of art....love it 👍
looking good rod
will have to pop in in a couple of weeks to check out the progress
dangerous ·
No, that's an anti rollbar.
I think he will use coilovers in the rear.
humpty ·
Well htere ya go...You learn something new everyday...I never would have thought a anti-rollbar would be needed on a drag car!!!
Cheers for the clarity Dave....
shiftyvw ·
youll find most doorslammers and prostockers use them thesedays.
RodPenrose ·
The torsion bar at the rear is in fact a front suspension bar from a sprint car , that hs been narrowed and now is used as an anti roll bar . The purpose of this bar is to prevent the car from twisting due to the amuont of torque produced by the engine .I do not know if this will be any advantage on a vw powered car , so if I find that it dosen't need to be there it will be taken off . Here is another view of the set up . Thanks for looking so hard at the pic's and I welcome any questions as some of you people seem interested in the info .thanks ROD.
humpty ·
Totally value this stuff Rod...
It could well be the dream of most of us to one day do something like this, but for now, I for one will live my dreams vicariously through your endeavours!!
Keep it coming!
VDubya ·
Mmmmm twin turbo I like it, twice the fun, twice the expence and twice the damage when it blows up.
sean68 ·
At least he'll be able to see it blow up with the motor up front 😀
keep up with the info and pics on this car Rod as i'm saving it all for my future racecar
definately good reference and research material
VDubya ·
sean68 wrote:You think it will do wheelstands like the last one?
You would hope not. The whole point of a properly built car is to keep it down and travelling forward. Not up!
Leave the holywood to the rice boys.
Fans that want to see wheelies should spend there time at macanats instead of the strip.
JuniorVW ·
Dude i dont know what others think but it dont really look to similar to a new beetle. The gaurds maybe. And isnt the Volkswagon "aircooled" concept a rear mounted engine. Keeping it simple. Remember Volkswagon started out as the "peoples car".
shiftyvw ·
JuniorVW wrote:Dude i dont know what others think but it dont really look to similar to a new beetle. The gaurds maybe. And isnt the Volkswagon "aircooled" concept a rear mounted engine. Keeping it simple. Remember Volkswagon started out as the "peoples car".
I thought this was keeping it simple by using conventional racing technology?
blutopless2 ·
JuniorVW wrote:Remember Volkswagon started out as the "peoples car".
yes they did... but i dont think this drag car was really intended to be a "people's car"... aside from everyone wanting one of course!
kroozzn63 ·
well thats all very adjustable isnt it . "looking real good " keep the pics coming
RodPenrose ·
Here are some pic's of the new body complete with doors that I will be using . The new body is a mixture of both carbon fibre and fibre glass , due to extensive research I found out that a full carbon body would be extremely hard to repair as it tends to shatter from an accident . So in case of the unfortunate accident that can happen , the fibre glass will hold the body together making it easy to repair . The down side to this is that it has added about 8-9 kg's to the body making the entire body including strengthening braces and doors 42kg's .ROD.
jvl054 ·
Looks the goods Rod....So Rod have you used a fibre glass backing on the Carbon Fibre?.....Ive used that method with the flooring on my race car.JVLRacing
VDubya ·
I will tip my hat at the project ( yes that is a compliment) am looking forward to seeing what part of it is VW.
humpty ·
Hey VDubya...
Whats with all these comments about VW bits....Its a funkin drag car for christ sake!
The car is VW derived...
If you check the rules that Rod will be running in, both national and international, the rules state only that the engine be based/derived on an original vehicle design concept (In this case an air-cooled engine), and the profile of the body must be based on a production vehicle (In this case a NB). Obviously, there will be very little actual VW parts in the car... Considering the speeds this car will be capable off and the skills needed to drive it, let alone build it, the configuration is the most logical set-up.
Funnily enough...Just like all the other cars that run in the class.
[ Edited on 26-10-2005 by humpty ]
shiftyvw ·
i believe the distributor drive is original VW.
humpty ·
Now thats funny!
I totally forgot about the distributor drive !!!
he, he..
VDubya ·
humpty wrote:Hey VDubya...
Whats with all these comments about VW bits....Its a funkin drag car for christ sake!
The car is VW derived...
If you check the rules that Rod will be running in, both national and international, the rules state only that the engine be based/derived on an original vehicle design concept (In this case an air-cooled engine), and the profile of the body must be based on a production vehicle (In this case a NB). Obviously, there will be very little actual VW parts in the car... Considering the speeds this car will be capable off and the skills needed to drive it, let alone build it, the configuration is the most logical set-up.
Funnily enough...Just like all the other cars that run in the class.
[ Edited on 26-10-2005 by humpty ]
Jumping the gun there son.
I am well aware of the ANDRA rules. I would guess considerably more so than you.
Read the post. I would be interested to know what VW stuff remains. A lot more than most people would think is up to the job.
shiftyvw ·
Just curious what parts you believe are suitable to be used Vdubya?
sean68 ·
i was wondering when all the negativity was going to start
lets just all sit back and enjoy watching the build and how much effort goes into building a car that's capable of 7 or 8 second passes
cheers
sean
1303Steve ·
Hi
I reckon that body would look great on a late pan as a tough street car.
Steve
VWFREAK ·
Your still a crazy bugger Rod, good to see. Can't wait to see her run.
Peter
humpty ·
Totally agree Steve.... It has a very sexy profile doesn't it? Though it would problably need to be mid-engined..Check the wheel base...Its huge!
RodPenrose ·
These are some pic's of the rear end completed with anti roll bar , limit straps , aluminium double adjustable rear shocks with billet lower mounts , 4 link bars and wishbone set up . ROD
VWFREAK ·
Rod this thing is a work of art. Great job.
RodPenrose ·
OK... for all you information junkies I have just scaled up my old car and compared it to my new one . The old car 100% complete and ready as it came off the track , with fuel , oil and driver , FRONT LEFT=262 # , FRONT RIGHT = 289 # , REAR LEFT = 531 # , REAR RIGHT = 610 # . Total weight = 1692 # with 67.5% on the rear wheels.
The new car as a rolling chassis with differential , transmission , empty autocraft dummy engine and body mounted , with driver , FRONT LEFT = 314 # , FRONT RIGHT = 219 # , REAR LEFT = 342 # , REAR RIGHT = 250 # . Total weight so far = 1124 # with 52.4% on the rear wheels . Don't forget that the new car is left hand drive , and if you take out the fat driver the weight so far of the new car is 891 # or 405 kg's . ROD.
shiftyvw ·
Get one of those jockeys near your place to drive it, thatll sort out the balance issue!
pete wood ·
why LHD Rod?
helbus ·
If it races in the States it would blend in 🙂
Craig Paton ·
Geez Rod
the new car is a bit heavy! :jesus
That thing will fly to the bloody Moon!
RodPenrose ·
Pete , the reason for going left hand drive is to stop the car from torquing up the front left hand wheel on take off. This happens on either high horsepower cars or poorly set up cars , even though I probably won't have the amount of torque and have set up an anti roll bar on the rear end , I could not see a down side . Another reason was after every run we may have to adjust the clutch , and the inspection plates on the titanium bellhousing are located on the right hand side , and I didn't want to have to work between the seat , steering and pedal assembly . The only thing that I was not keen on was having to shift gears with my right hand , but since the lenco is air shifted , all I have to do to shift is to hit the buttons, ROD.
VWFREAK ·
Hey Rod email them to me and I'll down size and post them.
Peter
Doug Sweetman ·
Hey rod, if the lenco is a button shift system is there any way you could incorporate the shift buttons onto the steering wheel ? that way you would have both hand on the wheel for most of the run (which would aI'm sure be a good thing)
Or is this something you already thought of ?
probably a silly suggestion.
Car is looking the goods too, very nice. Logical argument for going LHD too.
Look forwards to seeing some engine shots 🙂
sean68 ·
If you look at some of V8 drag cars running here in Aus you'll notice that they are LHD for the reason Rod was saying.
They tend to lift the left hand front more due to the torque so to get a more balanced weight transfer they are made LHD
10x10x ·
Thinking logically an ideal set up is one were the corner weights left to right on the front should be as close as possible and likewise the rear. Left hand drive effect should be of no advantage for a car that is is corner weighted correctly, with the correct rear suspension set up. A lot of left hand drive cars are now in Ausrtralia because they were purchased from the US.
Rod , like Trent you obviously want to go fast, and are building the car to do so. It appears from the weight of the car you will not fit into sport compact rules. You trent and others building fast beetles need to talk to ANDRA and get a class you guys can race in.
[ Edited on 24-11-2005 by 10x10x ]
2443TT ·
shiftyvw wrote:Get one of those jockeys near your place to drive it, thatll sort out the balance issue!
Thats not as crazy as it sounds... I know of a local nissan s14 that ran 14.2 on the 1/4 with the owner driving, but with his 80kg lighter friend driving it did a 13.4.
Power to weight could make the difference between running very low 8's or getting into the 7's.
pete wood ·
RodPenrose wrote:Pete , the reason for going left hand drive is to stop the car from torquing up the front left hand wheel on take off. This happens on either high horsepower cars or poorly set up cars , even though I probably won't have the amount of torque and have set up an anti roll bar on the rear end , I could not see a down side . Another reason was after every run we may have to adjust the clutch , and the inspection plates on the titanium bellhousing are located on the right hand side , and I didn't want to have to work between the seat , steering and pedal assembly . The only thing that I was not keen on was having to shift gears with my right hand , but since the lenco is air shifted , all I have to do to shift is to hit the buttons, ROD.
makes a lot of sense now you explain it. just as long as you don't starting driving on the wrong side of the road.:P
shiftyvw ·
I cant believe the idea of putting a jockey in it was taken seriously by someone! A jockey wouldnt be able to see out the windscreen so i dont think it will happen.
sean68 ·
left hand lane.....right hand lane
doesn't matter on a drag strip :P
2443TT ·
shiftyvw wrote:I cant believe the idea of putting a jockey in it was taken seriously by someone! A jockey wouldnt be able to see out the windscreen so i dont think it will happen.
Hey Man! I didn't say jockey! Its just a fact that power to weight ratios do incorporate driver weight, and why not take any advantage you can in the quest for speed and top ET.
RodPenrose ·
Well now that I have a rolling chassis it is time to build the engine . The last engine that I used was an 86mm x 101.6mm Autocraft pro-seris engine , hilborn injected with a T-72 turbo and nitrous oxide injection .This combo had produced a best dyno reading of 548.9 hp @ 28 psi of boost.This had a static compression ratio of 8.45:1. I had than lifted the comp to 11.4:1 and with only 22 psi of boost created a lot more power and torque , but unfortunatly also created a tremendous amount of cylinder heat that started melting the heads. To give you a comparison between the two different combo's , @ 3200 rpm's or 126 kph , under load on the same dyno the car made , 95 kw and 313 nm of torque at the rear wheels with 28 psi of boost and 8.45 comp , compared to 212 kw and 660 nm with 22 psi of boost and 11.4 comp.
So the new engine will use the same Autocraft case , with a new 86mm crank this time in chevy jnl and not porsche , a new set of carrillo rods @ 6.1'' long as to the 5.6'' old ones , I will use the same flat tappet cam and the same ceramic coated JE pistons with a new set of barrells . The new engine will also use a full electronic management system [still to be determined] with a motec data logging and dash unit. I have attained some new sponsors , one being GARRET TURBOCHARGERS AUSTRALIA, that have decided that one of their new GT51R ball bearing units will be able to produce the 750 hp required to run 7 sec passes. The static comp will now be set @ about 5.5:1 with a starting boost pressure being some where around 36 psi . With TURBOSMART continuing the on going support , I should be able to safely control the boost up to 60 psi when required . I will post pic's of the engine build up as it happens , ROD.
Craig Paton ·
WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :jesus
Can't wait to see this thing hit the track!
RodPenrose ·
I finally got a chance to take some new pic's of the car on it's wheels . The carbon body can be easily lifted for working on the front end and transmission/clutch .
RodPenrose ·
more
RodPenrose ·
and more
jvl054 ·
You might just have me for Engineering wise know Rod:P:thumbNiiiiccccee JVLRacing
1303Steve ·
Hi Rod
Looks great, cant wait to see it run. I still reckon it would a cool street car.
Steve
RodPenrose ·
After having a few months break from the new car and due to my short lived circut racing career I am ready to start the engine build up . The new engine will still be an Autocraft engine but with a lot more technology now available to me and a lot of new parts , the 2800cc engine will be stretched to produce the required 750 hp needed to run 7 second passes . The entire build up will be posted as it happens and explained as best as I can , there are no secrets here and hopefully I may be able to help other people understand what it actually takes to build a really powerfull engine with the cost of it being more than most will spend on an entire car . ROD.
dangerous ·
Bring it on dude...cant wait to see all the info.
pete wood ·
Great stuff Rod. Thanx for letting us in the details too.
What is your chassis made out of, ChromeMoly?
BTW, love the look of the NB body. I spose it's getting a big rear wing is it?
Craig Paton ·
Hey Rod
Any updates?
RodPenrose ·
Craig , the car has been sitting idle since last November as I have been a bit busy with the importing side of things . I have been getting the old car ready for the Warwick Weekend and I am trying a new combination that may be of use to me when I start the new engine project .The engine for the weekend is my old Autocraft engine that has not been used since 1997 . The new combination will be 2387cc , with 7.4 comp and about 40 psi boost . If you want some pic's and more info I will post them . I am planing on starting on the new engine so I can fabricate all of the manifolds as soon as I return from Warwick . I would like the new car finished around Feb/March next year , ROD.
Craig Paton ·
Excellent stuff Rod. Lookin foward to seeing your new car in the flesh and in action!
malcolm ·
rod do you do a swb version of the tube chassis to fit under a bug🤪:thumb must give engineer a ring:P
the extra length in the wheelbase does that help with stability on launches and down the track.
063bug ·
Dasdubbers got a lot to answer for..... the pictures as we go threads.... all looks very good Rod.... now I know where my moneys going..... catch up again at Warwick.
😁
danny_allen_vwpro94 ·
any more news on this awesome car?
RodPenrose ·
Well after 2 1/2 years gathering dust and rust I will soon be working on the project again . Today is a very special day for me as of 2nd of May 2008 I now own a 3300cc Pauter modular engine . This is the new engine that I have decided on and after saving the funds for the best part of over 2 years , today I am over $13000 out of pocket . If you think thats a lot of money just remember that is the 50% deposit needed to start producing the engine components . I will be heading to the US in 3 weeks time to pay for and pick up the engine . I will let you know all of the spec's soon as I am now able to produce a lot more horsepower than I had ever imagined . This engine components are built to my spec's and will be supplied as components only , so a step by step building story will be posted as it happens . Thanks for all of the people that have supported me over the past 3 years , ROD.
2443TT ·
Congrats Rod, glad to see the project will be on track again soon. I want to see a vw that can kick the ass of the PAC racing MX6.
kroozzn63 ·
good to see Rod your getting into it again .
P.S thanks again for getting my wheels for me.
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Nice one big Fella. Be good to see another Volksy run in sport compact especially with the "big boys" like Pac and Dyson etc etc. Another piston engine to keep the chook cookers honest!!
shiftyvw ·
about time!!! Lookin forward to seeing the beast when i get posted!
13BVW ·
Well PAC just ran a 6.84 at over 200 mph this past w'end at the Nitro Champs at WSID and they have also just taken delivery of a brand new car...
But I cant wait to see Rods new car out on the track the current 4cyl record is around 7.60
Waiting on the buildup thread
humpty ·
Bring it on Rod.... It has been a long time coming, but I'm sure it was worth the wait...
RodPenrose ·
I am back in the country and cannot sleep due to the time difference , jet lag and draging 7 extremely heavy bags through customs containing lots of aluninium , steel , cro-moly and titanium stuff . This stuff will be sorted and pic's posted in the next couple of days . I am starting to get real enthusiastic again and will be ready to start it soon , ROD
dangerous ·
NO!
Put the pics up NOW!!
Whats this "next couple of days"!?
I thought you said you could not sleep!
Get too it Rodney!!
Stop dangling carrots!!
66deluxe ·
Like Dave said, c'mon Rod. Teasing us with a 3.3 Pauter is not good.😂
matberry ·
Giday Rod, welcome home. Hope you had a nice trip, heard you all saw a 5 sec 1/8 mile vw pass, how was the weather, blah blah blah..........
NOW SHOW US SOME GOODIES !!!!!😂😂😂
westi ·
come on money bags,fess up what did you buy,and hows your arse after spending so much,still saw i quess.
were the pic's.
Cam ·
pete wood ·
^ what he said!
dangerous ·
Come on Rodney,
We need Pauter Porn!
Dasdubber ·
Yeah yeah. C'mon Rod.
063bug ·
He's probably so busy fixing up his web page, working on the car, selling parts, looking after his family and earning a living he hasn't got any time left....... 🤪
RodPenrose ·
Here are some quick pic's of the new engine . This engine has a billet flanged 90mm stroke with 108mm bore , ford main bearings , small block chev large jnl big ends , 6.3'' cro-moly conrods , billet roller camshaft set-up with 281* @ .050 and .438 lift with 1.5 billet aluminium roller rockers and a total of over .670 lift at the valve , 58mm titanium intakes and 44mm titanium exhaust valves , vasco 1.550'' triple springs and titanium retainers and a centre flo 4 stage dry sump pump . This engine is built using a conventional style of copper head gasket as per a normal water cooled engine , as the top of the cyl's and the base of the heads are machined flat . This engine combination has been previously tested and run in a sand drag car in the US and is capable of producing over 1200 hp @ 35psi boost on a single turbo application . I hope you will enjoy the next couple of months , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
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RodPenrose ·
This is probably the toughest looking engine I have ever seen , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
A close up of the hand ported heads . This was the only thing that I had to get an idea of the size was a coin , besides that's all I've got left , ROD.
Dak-A-Tak ·
Bloody Hell ! Rod , good to see you working again towards new car and the boys on cal-look , in drag section need a up date on your car .As there is a post about front motored drag cars and there is a few pics of you car . http://www.cal-look.com/forum/index.php?topic=26480.0
2443TT ·
3.3 litres of fury! Looks the goods alright!
Have you given much thought about what the turbo setup will entail? Perhaps a pair of custom trimmed GT35R's or something simular to the HKS 3037's they run in parallel in the 8 second GTR's. They are rated around 700hp each.
We are all keen to know your thoughts!
mactaylor ·
photos dont do this thing justice, it is AWESOME!!!! thanks again rod for the looking after me, talk to you soon.
Stanley ·
bloody hell...nice
JVLRacing ·
absolute beautiful craft😎Rod good to see you back into it again...JVL
punchbuggyracer ·
If I lived 1/4 of a mile from work I'd have that same engine in my street car!!
VWFREAK ·
Looks like someones emptied their piggy bank. Great stuff Rod, good to see your doing things by halves again.lol😵💫
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
So you'll be racing this car Warwick?? Don't want to hear excuses... plenty of weekends till then.....
Brad ·
Wow ....
westi ·
is your arse still saw.or maybe it's still convulsing alittle.
nice gear as always rod.
nothing but the best,love it.
can't wait to see it in action.hurry up ,i want to see more pic's.
dangerous ·
Speed up the process and put it in the yellow car...engines should be at the back.
westi ·
i agree
23split ·
Hey Rodney, welcome back home.
Absolutely awesome motor; makes my 2332 look a bit pedestrian.
Are you back in your workshop yet? Talk to you soon. Paul
RodPenrose ·
Almost speachless !
Flintstones ·
How nice does that look!!
Cheers
Dino
2443TT ·
Looks like we are going to see some header fabrication happening soon...
matberry ·
Wow ....😀
kombiPILOT ·
👍 (I pick my jaw off the floor and wipe drool off chin) and then i do my best Homer Simpson " UUUuuRrrrrrr............PAUTER........MMMmmmmm ❗
RodPenrose ·
I have mounted the engine and it all fit's good at this stage . I will be removing the rack and pinion unit in favour of a small billet steering box as I found it too dificult to route the steering shaft under and around the engine . I could easily bring the shaft over the top of the engine but this creates the issue of disconnecting the steering every time the engine is removed . The steering box is the same unit as used in most front engined dragsters and will now travel under the rocker cover to a bell crank linkage . I will also be fabricating all of the turbo exhaust and intake manifolds by the end of January . I have decided to stick with the single turbo idea for weight and simplicity of the entire fabrication of the manifolds . The Turbo of choice being the Garrett supplied GT51R . This is good enough for a recomemded 900 hp and will do for the time being and will be up-graded when necessary , ROD.
humpty ·
God damn!
reub ·
Fantastic to see Rod.
We all look forward to seeing this beast roar!
fish26 ·
Good work Rod, I spoke to Don the other day, he mentioned your engine and even he was excited. Should be a bullet.
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Nice to see some progress there Rod. Hope everything else is trouble free to get the thing on the track maybe sometime next year??
You vs Mr Kristen in the Ghia should be an event not to miss me thinks.....
humpty ·
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE wrote:You vs Mr Kristen in the Ghia should be an event not to miss me thinks.....
And lets not forget the "new" Hound Dog!!!
It'll be nice day when all those sub-10 cars are out!
RodPenrose ·
I have started on the aluminium intake manifold . I will have a single 75mm throtle body mounted in the centre of the engine and have a removable centre section to allow the top of the block to lifted for regular maintenance of the conrod bearings . I am yet to determine if I will use a plenum style of intake system or if I will gently direct the air into the individual cylinders . The tubing used is 3'' and it will then divide into a 2 1/4 '' runner for each cylinder .
reub ·
Keep it coming Rod👍
humpty ·
You are crazy Rodney.... Bloody awesome it is too!
kroozzn63 ·
hey rod just a question "i know it wont make it faster but are u going to polish up all the intake pipes "? They are begging for it , if you have a polish wheel ill come and do it for u ..😁
2443TT ·
Polished alloy is a complete pain in the ass to maintain, unless your going to volunteer to do the upkeep on the polish as well. Ceramic coating is the go for a chrome like finish and it works as a heat barrier too.
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
coating is definately the way to go and is what Troy will do to his pipes once all the tinkering is finished cause I ain't polishing them every other week!!
RodPenrose ·
I have completed the basic design of the inlet manifold and am happy with the outcome . I am researching the fuel injectors needed at the moment so this will do until I need some more welding and fabrication . I am looking into using the new E85 fuel rather than methanol so I can use less injestors/wiring ect , all to save a bit more weight . The turbo is mounted and the exaught is almost finished , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
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matberry ·
Looks good Rod. Why no expansion joints in that manifold? Is it Al or ss? Wont it crack with temp differential anyway, even if its the same material as the case, heads and barrels?
kroozzn63 ·
ahh thats better , nice design Rod , any ideas on car colour/interior yet?
STOCK ·
LOOKING AWSOME ROD.
THAT MOTOR IS AWSOME
CANT WAIT TO HEAR IT SCREAM
Dak-A-Tak ·
I think you better stay with Methanol fuel Rod , much more forgiving on tune - up and have a good look at how the fuel works ( yes it's nice to be green E-85 ) . Lots of v8 guys you methanol with efi .
Wait ! what wait ,car will be lite anyway , E-85 tune window is'nt large ,it's not real racing fuel .
clinker42 ·
Hi Rod
Do you have a 4 link program, Id love to see a pic of your chassis from the side (low down) and see the 4 link bars and up to the front. I bet it will be a pain to set the 4 link up.
Trev
RodPenrose ·
Trevor , I have plotted all of the 4 link points on a graph and I am happy with the adjustability that I have created on the rear end . This is the same basic design that is used on 90% of drag racing cars so it should be quite easy to get some sound advice when it comes time to tune the chassis . I researched the rear end set up a lot before I started as I didn't even know what a 4 link was , what an anti roll bar was , what a whishbone was . It is amazing what I have learnt in regards to different set-ups , 4 link bars and how they work , the length of the bars , the length of the bars in relation to the wheel bsae of the car , pinion angles and a lot more . I am looking forward to the challenge when the car is finished , ROD.
Flintstones ·
that's looking tough!!
Cheers
drgouk ·
Rod, Have you chossen a fuel to run your motor on yet? If your thinking E85, Campbell Little, The V8 supercars technical officer, Ex triple 8 motec guru, would be the man to speak to in australia about E85. I think he still does motec work, He has used our Dyno here a couple of times.
The Toyota racing series engines that I bulid, Run E85, From my experiece its a good fuel.
RodPenrose ·
Here is the finished exhaust system . I still need to add some mounting flanges for all of the sensors as well as a wastegate . I decided to keep the exhaust out of the way of all of the fuel and oil lines so it ended up with unequal primary pipes that meet at the turbo . Due to the fact that the drivability of this engine is not required I am happy with the outcome . I have used 2" primary pipes that gently merge into a 2 1/2" pipe for the design of this exhaust . I was more concerned about gentle merging the 2 into 1 factor rather than keeping them all the same length . The intercooler is next and than the fuel and oil tanks , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
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TopGun ·
Rod,
8.96 @161mph is very impressive. A mate of mine in Tamworth suggested that when you did that you might have had a similar look on your face similar as the image he's drawn on his "dog's" drivers side window????
What HP is it putting out?
westi ·
dduuuude,i thought you said you were putting a big turbo on it.
we put them on 4cyl street cars.i think you may want to up size for the cubes your running.
baja burley ·
holy shit Rod.......Amazing work
20bkombi ·
Love your work!
I had a TA51 on my 13B years ago, 2005, made over 400 rwhp on C16 18psi so I think it would be a good starting point for you. Should have alot of toque and more power range. Ive had better et's like this.
What intercooler are you planing?
I can't go past water to air (wet ice). Outside air temp 36'c, my burnout 5'c and max intake temp at the end of 1/4 mile 10'c,,,all day, back to back runs, cool hey.
Only down fall is weight, my 8'' x 12'' barrel, eski, ice pump and water is about 12kg, but keeps temps very consistent, easy range to tune. consistent times.
Interested to see what you choose.
Either way, should be awesome.
Aaron.
2443TT ·
If I ever were to setup a drag car like this I always wanted to try using a CO2 gas bottle and boost activated solenoid to discharge liquid CO2 into a PWR water/air barrel style intercooler. Why settle for 0 degree air temps when you could push for sub 0 air temps...
humpty ·
2443TT wrote:If I ever were to setup a drag car like this I always wanted to try using a CO2 gas bottle and boost activated solenoid to discharge liquid CO2 into a PWR water/air barrel style intercooler. Why settle for 0 degree air temps when you could push for sub 0 air temps...
Always pushing for that little bit extra hey Ian?! 😂
2443TT ·
I live in Cairns... In summer air temps at night can still be 35 degres. We love winter up here because our turbo cars pickup another 30hp at night! In Sydney and Vic you get that all the time...
polak ·
2443TT wrote:If I ever were to setup a drag car like this I always wanted to try using a CO2 gas bottle and boost activated solenoid to discharge liquid CO2 into a PWR water/air barrel style intercooler. Why settle for 0 degree air temps when you could push for sub 0 air temps...
quite a good twist on the standard water sprayers idea, you dont think it would be more efficient with an air-to-air cooler? as the air would cool much quicker then the water would. although in saying that the water-to-air has the advantage of being able to carry the temp for a longer period.... only issue is the boost activated solenoid would be futile as you have a better effect in spraying the co2 before a run.
2443TT ·
Perhaps but a car like this will use a trans brake to hold the car on the line when launching. That same signal from the trans brake button can be used to pre-spool the turbo with a launch control system to an e-boost defined boost pressure (using an input also), and also to begin to start spraying CO2. So for the 2-3 seconds the car is staging the intercooler barrel would frost up and start to have ice forming on the outside of it.
I used a launch control system like this on my first rice burner. It would achieve 20lb boost with no engine load at 4000 rpm.
The only concern is for legality the exhaust co2 from the intercooler would have to be plumbed back into the exhaust after the turbo and wastegate, so the car passes inspections for racing etc.
If your ever feeling like playing silly buggers with a co2 fire extinquisher, you can freeze someone's beer in a stubbie or can with a 5 seconds blast. Give them a beer slushie. 😂
reub ·
As discussed with Rod today it is funny.... a mate of mine who works at PWR emailed me photos of Rods car. I understand that they are having to design a custom intercooler to suit the planned 1200hp. I can hear them now - WTF - 1200hp from a flat four what??😂
polak ·
2443TT wrote:Perhaps but a car like this will use a trans brake to hold the car on the line when launching. That same signal from the trans brake button can be used to pre-spool the turbo with a launch control system to an e-boost defined boost pressure (using an input also), and also to begin to start spraying CO2. So for the 2-3 seconds the car is staging the intercooler barrel would frost up and start to have ice forming on the outside of it.
I used a launch control system like this on my first rice burner. It would achieve 20lb boost with no engine load at 4000 rpm.
The only concern is for legality the exhaust co2 from the intercooler would have to be plumbed back into the exhaust after the turbo and wastegate, so the car passes inspections for racing etc.
If your ever feeling like playing silly buggers with a co2 fire extinquisher, you can freeze someone's beer in a stubbie or can with a 5 seconds blast. Give them a beer slushie. 😂
hmmm didnt think about the used co2, in that case the whole air-to-air idea wouldnt work unless u managed to get a sealed air box around the cooler which would just take up too much room or if u went a smaller cooler wouldnt be efficient enough....
leelj ·
reub-revhead wrote:As discussed with Rod today it is funny.... a mate of mine who works at PWR emailed me photos of Rods car. I understand that they are having to design a custom intercooler to suit the planned 1200hp. I can hear them now - WTF - 1200hp from a flat four what??😂
!200hp !!! Very impressive. Very possible though. There is an sr20 in the States putting out a reported 1600hp !! At the start you said 7.7, yeah right, this thing will run 6's.
chunks54 ·
Hey guys I'll be using NOS as a charge coolant next season on a draw through (due to safety issues when using a standard intercooler with a draw through). NOS leaves the nozzle at -129 deg F.
Boostn ·
chunks54 wrote:Hey guys I'll be using NOS as a charge coolant next season on a draw through (due to safety issues when using a standard intercooler with a draw through). NOS leaves the nozzle at -129 deg F.
Yeh that is the way to go, a hit with a draw through works very well !
polak ·
chunks54 wrote:Hey guys I'll be using NOS as a charge coolant next season on a draw through (due to safety issues when using a standard intercooler with a draw through). NOS leaves the nozzle at -129 deg F.
i assume that its a dry system? how are you compensating for the need of extra fuel when the nos hits? with a wet system it would be much safer, but you would be loosing some of the cooling qualities....
RodPenrose ·
I am still waiting on an intercooler and it is getting very frustrating . I have done all of the technical calculations and with a 3300cc engine and the GT51R turbo at 38psi boost it should produce 930 hp . At 930 hp the intake charge will be 200 degrees before the intercooler and with the design of the intercooler it will lower the intake temps to 55 degrees . The intercooler core is 154mm thick and will require 6.2kg's of bagged ice or 9.6 litres as well as the entire core to be submerged in water . So in actual fact the intake charge is cooled by the water and the water is cooled by the ice . I will also be recycling the water over the top of the ice evenly at a rate of 38 litres per minute . This is the most effective way of cooling the intake charge for my application . The amount of fuel required to produce this amount of hp is 10 823 cc per minute . The total weight of the intercooler dry is 15 kg's and is expected to have a 2 psi pressure drop from turbo to engine . I am expecting the extra weight and plumbing necessary will be offset by the amonut of extra hp and the consistancy of the intake charge will also help in the tune . I have decided on the use of 8 x 1700 cc injectors and have ordered some billet injector holders that will be here in the next few days . I am also intending to utilise the cold water from the intercooler to cool the fuel tank , thus cooling the methanol , ROD.
nbturbo ·
Rod,got any info to share on the injector holders.I found some in the US that clamp the injector inside the holder and use a No 4 JIC nipple and hose end for the inlet fuel.
Ollie ·
What ever happened to this project? Or did i miss something?
SuperOwen ·
Rod was playing with the old race car N/A and on gas. I believe this may be on the boil again....
vdubrod ·
Hi Rod seen your new car at westies the other day and I think it has great lines. but a question what classification would you come under in the new car for drag racing is it a funny car.
genuine question.....
RodPenrose ·
vdubrod , Please let me know if Westi is doing anything to it . I was hoping he would be posting some pics so I can see what he is doing while I am away . I look at the car as a sedan , and to fit into a sedan class you must have 1 working shock absorber per wheel and 2 opening doors . These doors must be opened from inside and well as outside . The funny car styled body is by choice and is an easy way to work on the engine and clutch . The car will fit into several different classes and will most probably be run under the pro compact class , ROD.
vdubrod ·
RodPenrose wrote:vdubrod , Please let me know if Westi is doing anything to it . I was hoping he would be posting some pics so I can see what he is doing while I am away . I look at the car as a sedan , and to fit into a sedan class you must have 1 working shock absorber per wheel and 2 opening doors . These doors must be opened from inside and well as outside . The funny car styled body is by choice and is an easy way to work on the engine and clutch . The car will fit into several different classes and will most probably be run under the pro compact class , ROD.
Thanks Rod for that. I haven't seen Brad for a week but I will check up and give you feedback or take some photos if he has done anything.
1303Steve ·
Hi
I was over there today, there was lots of activity on Rods car. I think Rods car would have had a few customers scratching their heads.
Steve
vlad01 ·
holy crap!!!!!(checks pants)
pure awesomeness.
Paulc1964au ·
look forward to seeing some photos
Sides ·
I'd missed the recent updates on this thread... but seems to have gone a bit quiet again.
Could this possibly be one of the "secret squirrel builds" set to make an appearance at Warwick ???
Geez I hope so....
😁
dangerous ·
Last I heard the tin wear was done down at westi's,
and he has his new intercooler and everything else he needs to complete the build.
...except paint.
VW Paradise in the USA has agrreed to assist with the tune.
Similar engine in the USA made over 1100hp recently with only 59psi boost.(hehe👍)
reub ·
...should be due for some update pics hey?? 👍
mactaylor ·
1100HP rod is gunna be one happy dude!!!!
HGFS ·
dangerous wrote:Similar engine in the USA made over 1100hp recently with only 59psi boost.(hehe👍)
ONLY 59psi boost??? Oh yeah that's right everyone who's anyone is running 59psi - in daily driven street cars 🤪 That's nuts, about the highest I'd read of before was someone like Marty Staggs talking around 40psi, it must take a lot to have everything hold together at these boost levels.
vlad01 ·
Mitsubishi eclipse with 86 psi boost. 😂
RodPenrose ·
Sorry for no updates guys , The last couple of months have been a bit busy . The intercooler has been finished and mounted , the deal has been done with Motec on the engine management and data systems , and the car has been at Westside mufflers for the past 6 weeks getting all of the interior fabricated . I now have the car back here and Brad has performed his magic on the firewall , dash , floor and rear section . He also managed to seal the one piece body to the chassis . It is all starting to look like a car and I will be mounting all of the electronic sensors in the next 6 weeks , before I start the engine assembly . I have also done a deal with VW Paradise in the USA , on a tune up and they are looking forward to being here in the near future . I need to find a program to be able to re-size the current pic's if anyone can help as I have lost a lot of programs in a recent computer overhaul , ROD .
humpty ·
You could download the free 'Picasa' software from google for editing your image.... Pretty sure that'll work for you.... But I thought that just about every operating system know to the free world had an image editing package built in?
Look forward to some new progress shots.
hellbugged ·
microsoft image resizer
Free on their website and easy as to use
2443TT ·
hellbugged wrote:microsoft image resizer
Free on their website and easy as to use
Its free and after doing a few commands it does a whole folder of photos and it does all automatically. The one thing that you do have to watch is that you don't overwrite the original larger files.
To avoid this I put the photos in a new folder and then choose to overwrite them.
I find a size between 800 - 950 pixels across works really well.
Steve
OZ Towdster ·
So Rod, in regards to any Motec gear are you dealing with someone in Sydney or Paul here in Brissy , as if it's Paul he is right opposit us at CVD and we share quite a few jobs together and he is a top man in regards to his Motec knowledge
RodPenrose ·
I have finally been able to resize some pic's . I will start with one of my new sponsors , Hyperflow Technologies . Hyperflow were good enough to design and build the water to air to ice box intercooler that will suit my application . The water will cool the intake charge and the ice will cool the water . I will have a temp sensor mounted in the inlet and outlet side of the cooler so I can determine how much ice is needed for a particular intake tempreture . ROD.
Super1302 ·
Yeah nice car Rod looking the goods.
been a little while since i have seen it in the flesh.
on pics you can resize using MS paint if you are reducing the size, standard on your Windows PC . 😎
Pauly Harris
RodPenrose ·
Time to up-date this thing . I have progressed a little and am almost ready to start the engine assembly . I am almost finished mounting all of the electronic sensors for the injection system and data logger . I have decided to go with the Motec M800 for the engine management as well as a Motec dash and logger for data collection . I will be logging some 37 channels of data from the engine and chassis on each run . All of the new custom nitrous oxide components have arrived and will be mounted soon . The ignition system will be an M&W unit with 4 Mercury coils . The interior tin is complete and looks great thanks to Brad @ Westside Mufflers . I am hoping to get the car off to have all of the electronics and wiring done by the end of July . If this all comes together I would like to test the car sometime in September before the Warwick weekend in October , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
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Boozo ·
sweet.
humpty ·
Madness!
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Looking good Rod!! Still lots to do! Have you got the body side of things started??
RodPenrose ·
It has been a busy couple of months but all is progressing well with the new car . I have completed the assembly of the engine and am now almost finished installing the nitrous and ignition systems . The steering is finished , the sheet metal for the seat is almost done , the clutch linkage need to be welded and I am busy making a dash pod to mount the Motec dash . I will post some pic's in the next couple of days but all is going well to hopefully finish the final assembly of the car by the end of the month , ROD.
humpty ·
Good news.... Maybe its time to upgrade your avatar!!!!
RodPenrose ·
I have now finished the steering and all works well . The clutch linkage has been fabricated and is all adjustable , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
Here is something you don't see everyday on a VW , this is the custom aluminium tailshaft I have had made in the US . This is where it is mounted in relation to the driver and I am now onto the safety loops to hold it in place in the event of a universal falure , ROD.
Camo ·
Hi Rod,
You are really pushing now to get it ready for WSID, by the looks of things 👍👍👍
Just looking at your steering setup and was wondering why you couldn't have an adjustable column or similar, but then thought that maybe the idea behind the cam chain tension-er was to add some load to assist with keeping it straight ❓❓❓
Can you enlighten me please.
Kev
snitz ·
Awesome drag bug!..what sort of setup for the Lenco?..Airshifted with Liberty shifter?..
RodPenrose ·
Kev , when you mean adjustable steering I don't quite know what you mean . The reason behind the chain drive is that I couldn't join the steering wheel to the rack as the engine is far too wide and deep . I have had 3 different steering setups in the car and I am finally happy with this idea . I could have twisted the rack and mounted the steering shaft up and over the top of the engine and this looked a bit ugly and I would therefore have to dismantle the steering shaft every time the engine is removed . The idea of the tensioners is so the chain has no chance of jumping off the cogs . I can now also alter the diameter of the lower cog to make the steering more direct if it needs to be .
Snitz , the lenco is airshifted via the means of 2 buttons that will be mounted to the rear of the transmission . The CO2 air bottle is good for about 100 passes . This is what I am working on now and I will post pic's soon , ROD.
Camo ·
RodPenrose wrote:Kev , when you mean adjustable steering I don't quite know what you mean. ROD.
Should have explained a little better as I don't mean like the steering wheel up and down like a modern car. I meant the sprocket end could move up or down, increasing or decreasing the gap between the two sprockets taking out the chain slack and to stop the chain coming off etc.
Kev
snitz ·
Cool..😎😎 cant wait for this thing to run at the Jamboree in QLd..stir up some ST289 and profx cars I say..
RodPenrose ·
Kev , both of the steering shafts are adjustable so I can get some fine adjustments and to tighten the chain . The ANDRA tech guy wanted the tensioner so the chain has no chance of rattling off under tyre shake . The tech guy was in yesterday and to his recomendation I have fitted another tensioner to the other side as well and he is impressed with the set-up . I will take some more pic's when I get a chance to explain . I have the engine pulleys machined now and the engine will be reinstalled this weekend to finalise the accelerator cable . The new ignition system turned up today , the exhaust arrived yesterday and looks good thanks to HPC in Vic , and I am now concentrating on the wheelie bar fabrication and parachute mount , ROD.
vassy66T1 ·
Dumb bum non turbo man asking the question ... is that 2 blow-off valves?
humpty ·
You are a very bad man Rodney.... Very bad.
DavoBuggy 1641 ·
vassy66T1 wrote:Dumb bum non turbo man asking the question ... is that 2 blow-off valves?
They are actually Waste gates. (They open to release the exhaust before the turbo to control the boost.)
Looking F*#king sweet Rod!!
RodPenrose ·
More progress on the car this week . I am about a week away from striping the car for the final time and send the chassis away to be powdercoated . I have finished the steering and fitted the aluminium cover in the first pic . I will also have an adjustable throttle pedal stop welded to this cover . In the 2nd pic the staging brake has been mounted . The last pic is a 2 piece cro-moly drive shaft cover , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
In this pic you can see the air shift buttons I have mounted to the end of the transmission . In the 2nd and 3rd pic's I have mounted the rear aerofoil . I am not happy with the look of this at this stage and will probably change it , but for now it will stay there until I have some more ideas , ROD.
mactaylor ·
cool looking wing, looking good mate!
dangerous ·
Progressing well dude!Those welds are pretty spiffy on that cover!
Just hide the wing shape with some spiffy spill plates.
Supports look good, but make sure they are strong, that thing looks like it will have a heap of down force!
HappyDaze ·
dangerous wrote:Supports look good, but make sure they are strong, that thing looks like it will have a heap of down force!
Toldyaso, Rod. 😂
vassy66T1 ·
This is starting to look like a VW door slammer 👍
Nice work Rod
SuperOwen ·
HappyDaze wrote:
dangerous wrote:Supports look good, but make sure they are strong, that thing looks like it will have a heap of down force!
Toldyaso, Rod. 😂
The supports are made from some new space age composite, specially produced for high load applications. I believe its called masonite? 😂
Stanley ·
SuperOwen wrote:
HappyDaze wrote:
dangerous wrote:Supports look good, but make sure they are strong, that thing looks like it will have a heap of down force!
Toldyaso, Rod. 😂
The supports are made from some new space age composite, specially produced for high load applications. I believe its called masonite? 😂 [/quote
It'll be fine then as long as it doesn't get wet
Looking good Rodney
RodPenrose ·
Well for the construction stage anyway . I have been full time on this for the last 4 weeks and I have stripped the car for the final time to get everything painted , polished and detailed . I am happy with the way the car has turned out and now am looking forward to the final assembly over the next 3 weeks before it will go off to the Motec guy to weave his magic and wire the car . Here is the only time I hope to see the bottom of the chassis in the last pic , the 1st pic is what the chassis looked yesterday , and in the 2nd pic is what it looks like today , now all of the assembly begins and dyno time within the next 4-5 weeks , ROD.
whathaveidone ·
so they got it in!!!!! Looks awesome!!!!
Doug Sweetman ·
I've been away from the forum for nearly 5 years as I have been without a dub for that long... But that bug is beginning to bite again so to speak so I'm back..... And STOKED to see that Rod is still hammering away at this and that it is so close to being finished..... Exciting times !!!!
I have always wanted to see a pauter big block engined drag car... Those mothers are mean looking engines I can't imagine what this sucker is going to sound like in the flesh...... Goose bumps......
Just finished reading this thread from start to finish, it's the epitome of a well thought out, persistent build of an innovative and exciting race car.... Nice work Rod !!!
snitz ·
This is going to be awesome to see running. Hope the rest of the build goes well and it runs straight without much chassis tuning and the times come easy..👍
nbturbo ·
Rod that is just awesome. Love the colour. Hoping the body is not going to be yellow.
1916baja ·
WOW!
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Bright green with silver graphics? What colours are you looking at Rod?
2443TT ·
Not Green!!!! Green cars catch on fire!
Sides ·
Definitely looks the goods Rod... working full time for 4 weeks almost sounds like you've set a target ???
😉
As to colour... who cares... it's still PINK on the inside !!!
😂
typethreeking ·
lookin good rod, cant wait to see the finished product...
Super1302 ·
work out that wheelie bar and chute issue. looks great rod 🙂
silver ·
Is there one VW part on this car???
modnrod ·
silver wrote:Is there one VW part on this car???
The soul.......
Well done Rod, bloody good job man. I even like the '70s "Charger Magenta" paint!😂
This thing will put the fear of God into the Pikachu's......
RodPenrose ·
Silver , I have made an adjustable clutch stop and I accidentelly tapped the incorrect thread pitch so I wll use a std un modified valve adjusting screw for the adjustment .
I have the engine plates back from the polisher and I will install the engine and trans over the weekend . I will seek some advice on the clutch settings today so this will be ready to use . The clutch will be the limiting factor to actually getting the power to the ground and making the car go fast . I will pick up a lot of plates and brackets that have been bead blasted and get these painted and installed over the weekend and I will post some pic's when I have time . As for the colour on the outside I still have not decided what to do , and I have employed a graphic designer to help me with the final designs . I still may wrap the entire car if he thinks the material will stretch over all of the body curves , ROD.
1916baja ·
RodPenrose wrote:Silver , I have made an adjustable clutch stop and I accidentelly tapped the incorrect thread pitch so I wll use a std un modified valve adjusting screw for the adjustment .
😂
Nice work Rod.
1303Steve ·
Hi Rod
Looking good, its going to be landmark car VW or otherwise.
Did you fit the VW brass timing gear on the crank?
Steve
silver ·
1916baja wrote:
RodPenrose wrote:Silver , I have made an adjustable clutch stop and I accidentelly tapped the incorrect thread pitch so I wll use a std un modified valve adjusting screw for the adjustment .
😂
Nice work Rod.
excellent!
RodPenrose ·
1303steve , I have modified the brass timing gear on the crank to use as a spacer only as I am not using the dizzy drive , ROD.
dangerous ·
Sides ·
VERY cool !!!
👍
Vid says was all done in 7 hours... what the !?!?!
36 views on youtube when I watched it... wonder how many it'll hit...
dragvw2180 ·
Mine makes 82, just like everything else , really good looking. Mike McCarthy
RodPenrose ·
The assembly is all going well . I have been busy with detailing everything as it is mounted . I have had all of the big aluminium parts professionally polished and I am doing all of the smaller brackets myself . The first pic is the engine plate and front mount , the 2nd is the almost completed on board fire system and in the last is the differential and 4 link set-up , ROD .
matberry ·
Awesome Rod, must be hard finding time to sleep....... a very exciting stage, have a merry christmas. 🙂
christopher ·
Looks very pretty Rod :0)
pete wood ·
beyond awesome... and even if it doesn't go fast, it's really pretty to look at! 😀
p.s. I have every confidence it will go fast though 😎
vassy66T1 ·
I was waiting for the wiggle, wiggle part of the video ... looks very nice Rod
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Yeah Marcus me too lol
Looking Good Rod!! whats Santa bringing you for the car??
RodPenrose ·
The fuel tank and dry sump tanks are now polished and mounted along with the brake master cylinders . I also have the polished transmission cradle back and will finish making and installing all of the brake lines tomorrow and if all goes well the engine should be in on Sunday , ROD.
mactaylor ·
Then dyno time woohoo!!!!!!
matberry ·
mactaylor wrote:Then dyno time woohoo!!!!!!
Yeah, Monday I spose. 😂😂😂 Where's that sarcasm key?
vassy66T1 ·
Love the dedication Rod!!! Well done.
RodPenrose ·
More progress over the last couple of days with the chassis . The on board fire system in now complete with 3 nozzles directed at the driver and 2 at the engine as per the regulations . I have 1 pointed at my feet , and 2 under the dash pointed at my legs . The other 2 nozzles are pointed directly at the fuel system on each side of the engine , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
All of the brake lines are finished and the steering is all installed and working fine , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
The struts have been re-assembled and are all finished . You can see in the 2nd pic that the shock travel sensor is mounted and is all working well . I will not paint the front lower control arms until I have completed the car and it has had a wheel alignment to make sure all of my calculations are correct , ROD.
Camo ·
Bloody beautiful Rod and I love the colour.
What is the reason for the shock travel sensor? Just for after run checks or will it alter something pending lift etc.
Kev 👍
Stanley ·
looking good Rod....except for the lower arms....😂
Doug Sweetman ·
I believe the shock travel sensor helps to assess damper and spring rate effects on weight / load transfer during launch - helping rod to keep it stuck to the black stuff and going in a straight line.
But I'm just guessing and rod will elaborate I'm sure.
1303Steve ·
Hi
This car will have the best of everything, with this amount of power Rods going to need all the help he can get getting the best out of this chassis, cant wait to see it run.
Somebody has to say it, its got struts.
Steve
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
That's for the steering Damo. Go back a page or 2 and you'll see some better pics of the set up.
RodPenrose ·
The engine has been installed and the car is all finished and has been delivered to the Motec guy to complete all of the wiring . I have had some clutch pedal issues and have to redesign the pedal and linkage set up as it is way too heavy on the pedal . I am hoping to have the car back in about 2 weeks time and until then I am finishing off the body , ROD.
whathaveidone ·
Forgot to ask today, Did you get the clutch sorted???
RodPenrose ·
Here are some pic's of the front of the car , the dash and the rear end , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
In the 1st pic you can see how much space I have in the car to service the clutch every run . In the 2nd pic I have had to clearance the rear body work to clear the wheelie bar , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
Here is where I started to mark out where to attach the door hinges , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
Here are the custom billet aluminium door hinges I had made that are modelled off a Mini hinge . I have mounted the hinges on a 1.5 degree angle so the door will always close . As the body lifts at the front I had to attach the hinges to the body , ROD.
modnrod ·
Looking good Rod.
I work with people from the USA and Europe, and they are surprised when they see stuff we've made out of scrap get put to use around the place, just little things like steel steps with offcuts for boards, electric servo motor mounts to hold a 250kg motor in a cradle on the forklift made from angle iron and RHS.
They would have kittens or die of shock if they could see what you've achieved in your shed mate.
Sides ·
Awesome progress Rod !!!
Is a bit odd seeing steer wheels so close to an air-cooled donk, but so very cool....
👍
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Looks funny seeing rear wheels so close together!! Getting close now Rod!!
Dasdubber ·
Thanks for sharing the pics Rod - I'm enjoying reading along and watching the progress! Well done
Al
lou0060 ·
hey Rod, no words come to mind........
It's come a long way since I saw it in your shed 3 years ago. Great work mate. Getting close now.
RodPenrose ·
The wiring is all finished and I will pick the car up tomorrow and post some pic's , getting close to making some noise now , ROD.
whathaveidone ·
Has the startup program arrived???
RodPenrose ·
Ben , the programe is being done as we speak and should be here soon , ROD.
Super1302 ·
Rod, where are ya
we're waiting, with eager anticipation.
1303Steve ·
The man is on a mission, he's probably too buggered to get online
Old Hutcho ·
Actually his computer has shat itself so he's going to have to do something about that or else you will have to come to the next WSID day?? to see what he is up to.
regards
Old Hutcho
Stanley ·
What's doing Rod. Does anybody have any info?
EnFOURcer ·
Looking great Rod!
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Will it make the track by Saturday???
Sides ·
I'm guessing Rod's probably in "radio silence" mode now... aka head down and @rse up getting it finished !!!
🥷
shokwave2 ·
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE wrote:Will it make the track by Saturday???
Was at Rod's yesterday and he told me the car will be at the track, either racing or on show. Hopefully racing 😏
RodPenrose ·
The new car will be in Sydney , ROD.
1916baja ·
Yeeha!
humpty ·
Awesome!
RodPenrose ·
The new car has all been stripped and stickered , I need a program for my new computer with windows 7 , to resize pics to post please , ROD.
1916baja ·
Nice work Rod! Do you not have Microsoft office picture manager? i think it normallly comes as a standard on most computers??
Riot Starter ·
I've used this one for years, very easy and you can pick what size reduction you want and do a bunch of pics in one go.
Well , it has been a hectic 4 months and the car is still here , almost ready to race and I still have not started it . I have been busy building engines , shipping parts and trimming for the last couple of months and I am just about over it and will now finish everything up in about a week and a halfs time so I can actually get to work on the car . I have been granted special permission to run the car at the Wednesday street meeting on the 12 th of September . I will start the car and tune it on the dyno for a couple of days beforehand to make sure all of the sensors and and engine tune is all good . I am aiming to put 400-500 HP into the engine for the first couple of runs so I can get used to the seating position , changing gears without using the clutch and not backing off the throttle . I will keep you informed of my progress and will need some help on the night if anyone is available for some small duties . The aim on the night is to just drive the car down the track to obtain some data . If all goes well I will return the following Wednesday and by the end of the night I am hoping to bounce it off the rev limmiter and launch the car hard . If all goes well after this , I am aiming to take the car to Warwick and get up enough speed to enable me to use the parachute . I am starting to get back a little enthusiasm and am a bit exited that all of this is almost at an end , ROD.
1916baja ·
👍
tar76 ·
👍: i wish i was down that way to see you wake the beast!
Lookforward to seeing this at Warwick. Go hard Rod!!
homer ·
happy to help out on the night. let me know what you need done.
1303Steve ·
Hi Rod
I can help on the night as well
Steve
SuperOwen ·
Can someone try and get some footage? Been a long wait for this!!
Dasdubber ·
Best of luck Rod, the car is a real credit to you (and your understanding wife!) 🙂
Hope all goes well, and hope to see it at Warwick.
Al
1303Steve ·
SuperOwen wrote:Can someone try and get some footage? Been a long wait for this!!
My son should be running his Skyline at that same meet, hopefully his work (www.performancegarage.com.au) will have video crew there
silver ·
how did this go?
RodPenrose ·
I have had the car pass the final technical inspection yesterday and the log book should be here on Monday .
All is progressing well and I am about 48 hrs away from the initial start-up .
I am hoping all will go well over the weekend and I will post some pic's and the dyno result in a couple of days time , ROD.
66deluxe ·
Awesome to hear Rod.
RISKY4LIFE ·
btw where is your old drag car these days?
ian.mezz ·
RISKY4LIFE wrote:btw where is your old drag car these days?
I think Bernie from Vic has it , i think he was buying some parts for it when we was over the Usa in june ????
whathaveidone ·
IT MADE NOISE!!!!!! After 2 days doing final preporation Rod got it started on the dyno today. Still only early days but should have some video and figures to show on wednesday!!!!! Well done Rod & Jason.
homer ·
is it still running at WSID on wed?
whathaveidone ·
Maybe but looking better for next week.
humpty ·
I still can not fathom what has been achieved here....
You have created a monumental beast here, and one that we are looking forward to seeing blast some records into oblivion!
Credit where it's due.... This machine is amazing!
dangerous ·
Good work fellas!
SuperOwen ·
Awesome!! When do we try and break it with some boost, nitrous, nitro or all of the above??
matberry ·
^^^ I'm sure Rodney won't take long 😂😂
Well done❗
DavoBuggy 1641 ·
Good work Dude!!
RodPenrose ·
Dyno time went pretty good , however I had a little mishap and it will take me about a week to get this re-organised . I will not make the Wednesday night street meet this week , and will keep you posted about next week , ROD.
Stanley ·
Well done Rod...I think one mishap after what you have produced is allowed. Hope it gets resolved and your good to go
RodPenrose ·
I have been a bit busy over the last couple of days and now can report that the car now starts , revs freely and sounds like nothing I have heard before . The start up procedure is a bit complex and something I will have to get used to .
On Tuesday morning we ran the car for approx 25 minutes non stop and started to set up some of the motec paramenters . The result is that the cylinder heads will run at a constant 240/250 degrees C , the barrel temps are colder at 180 degrees and the exhaust temps are all between 560 /580 degrees when it starts reving and under boost .
Unfortunatley with the inlet manifold design the # 1 and # 3 cylinders receive more air than the front 2 cylinders . This is something we can fix at a later date and is of no concern at the moment .
Monday afternoon I had an oil pressure line touch the exhaust resulting in a small fire and about a 4 hr job to replace the line .
Tuesday afternoon was a disaster after the dry sump tank exploded in a ball of fire splattering oil over 30 feet away . I have plugged the heaters into the 240 volt lead to pre-heat the oil before starting the engine and I think one of the heater probes could have been faulty and ignited the oil .
The oil temp was at 34 degrees C and was only being heated for around 5 minutes before it let go . I had used the heaters on 6 previous occasions over the pervious 2 days and didn't see a problem .
I now have to fabricate another tank and this time I will be using some external heating blankets monter to the outside of the tank .
I am hoping to have all of this done and back on the Dyno by next thursday and friday to be able to take this to Warwick , ROD.
humpty ·
Flipping heck! 🤪
1916baja ·
Wowzers rod!
matberry ·
Flipping heck!
x2
Keep at it big fella, awesome work
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
It runs and makes all the right noises Rod!! Good work on that and I guess be thankfull nobody got hurt from the oil tank letting go!!
STOCK ·
Bummer rod I'm sure you'll get it sorted in time
If you need people to talk to during all the stupid late night hours
You can always call me and brad I'm sure we'll have plenty
vassy66T1 ·
That's some crazy random events there!!!
Thumbs up to your persistence
RodPenrose ·
All tuned and ready to test @ Warwick . It is truley amazing the amount of power that is available now , ROD.
dangerous ·
Come on dude! Spill the beans!!
coletrickle ·
Gonna be great to see this!but I'm glad I'm not crewing for you Rod!hope you and your crew have a good system in place for between rounds man there some work for everyone then more!Who's got the job of the hot round thing at the back of the motor!I'
Super1302 ·
well done Rod.
did i hear you say VIDEO............................?
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Looks like the secret squirrel is on the job again lol......
Congrats on getting it running Rod!! Look forward to seeing it in the flesh and running!!
ian.mezz ·
top stuff.
Looks like everybody will just have to come to warick vw drags to see him run .😊
Dave , thanks for the link . I have started tuning the new engine and am happy with the results so far .
The Motec is so complex it is giving me a whole new look at technology available . The first run of the day was on the waste gates only with no boost controller and at about 8 psi boost the engine made 320 odd HP at the wheels .
I am not tuning for power at the moment as I am more concerned about the air/fuel ratio and not trying to hurt the engine . After the first run the engine was quiet rich and running very cool due to the methanol .
The next few runs were to try to strap the car down tighter on the rollers as the boost was increased the power comes up . Once the car was strapped tighter the boost was up to around 12 psi with the fuel mixtures still on the rich side .
Each logged run we are getting a good base line on the tuning program and we are starting to lean off the fuel a little . At the end of the day I had increased the boost with the E-boost controller to 18 psi and the engine made 485 HP at the wheels .
By my calculations this is about 630 HP , however the dyno operator said about 680 . Either way I am happy to run the car @ Warwick and to learn to drive the car .
I have not even used the clutch or shifted the transmission , so this will be a big learning curve for me to be able to be comfortable in the car before we start to power it up more , ROD.
fish26 ·
thats some good initial numbers Rod, looking forward to hearing this thing @ Warwick, its gonna be awesome.
humpty ·
Amazing stuff Rodney.
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Nice one Rod!! What sort of boost will you be running once all is sorted??
RodPenrose ·
WOW , it actually drives . I have tuned the engine on the dyno and after 3 days I am happy with the tune so far . I ended up with 485 HP @ the wheels on 18 lb's of boost and the engine sounds good . I have taken the car to Warwick for testing for 2 days and now have over 30 minutes of data to look at . I will post some technical results in a couple of days time as I am still looking into the different data logs every night . I am happy with the car even with the disapointment of breaking a shaft in the throttle body . I have no idea of why it actually broke as I have not yet seen 100% throttle .
On the first ever timed run I drove around the water box and staged the car . I drove the car down the track and had to shut the engine down half way down due to a low battery warning light on the dash , running 7.84 @ 65.78 mph with a 1.81 in the 60 ft . I looked at the data , all was good as far as the engine temps and pressures so I went out for a second run . On this run I decided to do a burnout and dropped the clutch at 5200 rpm's and instantly hit 2nd and then 3rd gear and the burnout was a little surprising as it was spinning the tyres pretty easily . I staged the car , let the clutch go @ 5800 rpm's and changed gears and I felt that the clutch was slipping or the tyres were spinning . I went through with a 6.90 @ 99.77 mph with a 1.57 in the 60 ft . I looked at the data and found that I had shifted into 2nd gear in 2.002 seconds , and 3rd gear in .917 of a second later . This had dropped the engine revs to 5400 and it was turning the tyres all the way down the track . Both runs were @ 18 lb's of boost and all engine parameters were all good .
On the 3rd run I was getting comfortable in the car and was about to start to drive it harder . I dropped the clutch in the burnout @ 6100 rpm's and instantly hit 2nd and 3rd gears and I was on the rev limiter @ 8600 rpm's and in top gear and the tyres were spinning @ about 176 mph or 280 km/h . The burnout started @ 71% throttle and continued for 4.6 seconds where the throttle shaft has broken @ 58% throttle . I had no throttle and shut the car off and continued to roll down the track , end of weekend for me . I will now remove the disasseble the engine for an inspection and the throttle shaft is away getting re-designed and all shoul be good to run @ a test day @ Sydney dragway on Saturday the 27th of october . I am happy so far and are probably more advanced on the car set-up now than what i was expecting , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
WOW , it actually drives . I have tuned the engine on the dyno and after 3 days I am happy with the tune so far . I ended up with 485 HP @ the wheels on 18 lb's of boost and the engine sounds good . I have taken the car to Warwick for testing for 2 days and now have over 30 minutes of data to look at . I will post some technical results in a couple of days time as I am still looking into the different data logs every night . I am happy with the car even with the disapointment of breaking a shaft in the throttle body . I have no idea of why it actually broke as I have not yet seen 100% throttle .
On the first ever timed run I drove around the water box and staged the car . I drove the car down the track and had to shut the engine down half way down due to a low battery warning light on the dash , running 7.84 @ 65.78 mph with a 1.81 in the 60 ft . I looked at the data , all was good as far as the engine temps and pressures so I went out for a second run . On this run I decided to do a burnout and dropped the clutch at 5200 rpm's and instantly hit 2nd and then 3rd gear and the burnout was a little surprising as it was spinning the tyres pretty easily . I staged the car , let the clutch go @ 5800 rpm's and changed gears and I felt that the clutch was slipping or the tyres were spinning . I went through with a 6.90 @ 99.77 mph with a 1.57 in the 60 ft . I looked at the data and found that I had shifted into 2nd gear in 2.002 seconds , and 3rd gear in .917 of a second later . This had dropped the engine revs to 5400 and it was turning the tyres all the way down the track . Both runs were @ 18 lb's of boost and all engine parameters were all good .
On the 3rd run I was getting comfortable in the car and was about to start to drive it harder . I dropped the clutch in the burnout @ 6100 rpm's and instantly hit 2nd and 3rd gears and I was on the rev limiter @ 8600 rpm's and in top gear and the tyres were spinning @ about 176 mph or 280 km/h . The burnout started @ 71% throttle and continued for 4.6 seconds where the throttle shaft has broken @ 58% throttle . I had no throttle and shut the car off and continued to roll down the track , end of weekend for me . I will now remove and disassemble the engine for an inspection and the throttle shaft is away getting re-designed and all should be good to run @ a test day @ Sydney dragway on Saturday the 27th of october . I am happy so far and are probably more advanced on the car set-up now than what I was expecting , ROD.
typethreeking ·
Good to hear rod, look forward to you stepping the car up and getting some good results
lou0060 ·
awesome showing at Warwick Rod, we were all privileged to be the first to see it turn in anger, albeit sedately as it was its first run. Can't wait to see it at full noise.
1916baja ·
Congrats rod! So stoked for you.... Its incredible how easy your car makes a 6.9sec pass look!
silver ·
Worth telling us Twice! good work
matberry ·
Awesome Rod, as others have said, the car looks to do it so effortlessly. A credit to all your work and preparations.
Time to change your avatar pic me thinks
RodPenrose ·
I have been going through the data from 3 weeks ago and all is good with the car . I have seen the on-board footage from the cameras ben attached to the inside and outside of the car and I will get him to edit and post soon . After viewing the footage the only problem I can see is with the driver . I am only concentrating on getting down the track and I am yet to hit any of my shift points on any of the 6 runs .
The first run was only a test run to 3/4 track and ended up with a 2.81 in the 60' , 8.84 @ 99.46 1/2 track and 13.10 @ 104.23 with the early shut off . All data was good
The 2nd run was a 1.45 in the 60' , 6.12 @ 114.14 1/2 track and 9.88 @ 114.22 full track with an early shut off . Data shows that I left the line @ 6100 rpm and crossed the finish line @ 6200 rpm .
The 3rd run was a 1.52 in the 60' , 6.04 @ 118.93 1/2 track and 9.46 @ 136 full track . All exhaust temps are cold so I removed 2% of fuel from the engine for the next run .
The 4th run I hit 2nd gear and then top gear within 1 second and really gave the clutch a workout and ran a 1.72 60' , 6.53 @ 117.47 1/2 track and 9.98 @ 130.29 at the end .
The 5th run I left the line without enough revs and the car bogged and I slipped the clutch to get it going . The time card says 1.83 in the 60' , 6.56 @ 118 1/2 track and 9.95 @ 141 at the end . Started really adjusting the rear end up to stop the rear tyre from rubbing on the body at the end of the track .
The 6th and final run I was trying to concentrate on hitting the shift points and the car left @ 7300 rpm's , went 1.40 in the 60' , 5.82 @ 120.05 @ 1/2 track and 9.23 @ 140.71 . The engine did not see above 7400 rpm's at any time . The data tells me that the car is all good and that I need to drive it harder . I will re-set the clutch and take the car out again on Friday December 14 at a test day along with the crew from VVWS , ROD.
tar76 ·
Man love the sound of that "Drive it harder"!!👍
1916baja ·
Awesome rod! Good to see you cracked a 5 @ half track too!
humpty ·
1916baja wrote:Awesome rod! Good to see you cracked a 5 @ half track too!
x2..... Wish I was there to witness.
RodPenrose ·
Hi guy's , my last car went 5.86 @ 126 on the 1/8 mile a few times and the new car has already gone quicker . I would like to think the new car should go at least a full second faster when I learn to drive it hard . I am planning to dyno the car again after I run it on the 14th , so I can safely put some more power into it . I would rather do this on the dyno as we can see in real time if the fuel mixtures are out . I would say that if I can get around the 800 HP mark I would be happy and then I will strip the engine for another inspection and use the test day on the 12 of Janurary as a lead up to the VW Showdown in Feb , ROD.
polak ·
sounds awesome Rod, havent been on here for a while so been catching up on my reading.... great to see the car going well and cant wait to see what it can really do!
LOWBUG ·
WHO POKED THE POLAK
polak ·
LOWBUG wrote:WHO POKED THE POLAK
YOU DID!!! lol been back for a few weeks now Chris, trying to get back into the swing of things and get my car driving again lol
1303Steve ·
LOWBUG wrote:WHO POKED THE POLAK
I hope they used protection, never know where he's been
polak ·
1303Steve wrote:
LOWBUG wrote:WHO POKED THE POLAK
I hope they used protection, never know where he's been
hahaha 😂
RodPenrose ·
Well , It has been a busy 3 weeks since I ran the car on the 14th of December . A big thanks must go out to Ben , Morgan and Stoker for all the help , and to all that made the effort to be there on the night . Since the last outting I have looked at the data and I am having an issue with the amount of downforce created by the rear wing . I had replaced the rear springs with some stronger units and raised the rear of the car 10 mm for extra tyre clearance . I had also changed the clutch settings as my foot was getting forced off the pedal at about 7200/7300 prm's .
The first run was a 1.65 in the 60 ft , 7.28 @ 93.4 1/2 track and an 11.8 @ 101 at the end . The track was slipery , the tyres were at 13 lb's and the car was spinning tyres and all over the track on this run . We lowered the tyres to 10 lb's and went out for another run .
The 2nd run was a 1.53 in the 60 ft , 6.0 @ 119.7 1/2 track and a 9.39 @ 145.1 at the end . The rear suspension was 38mm lower at speed at the end of the track than at the start line so we removed the rear wing for the next run .
The 3rd run was a 1.48 in the 60 ft , 6.0 @ 117.5 1/2 track and a 9.45 @ 135 at the end with an early shut off . The data shows the rear suspension is compressed 6.71mm . No changes for the next run .
The 4th run was a 2.12 in the 60 ft , 7.2 @ 115.9 1/2 track and a 10.5 @ 144.5 at the end . I had bogged the car and slipped the clutch off the line to get it down the track . We re-installed the wing for the next run .
The 5th run was a 1.49 in the 60 ft , 5.9 @ 119.6 1/2 track and a 9.32 @ 143.3 at the end .
The clutch was not as aggressive as the first meeting and was slipping a bit too much and the rear wing angle of 6.2 degrees is way too much angle for the speed I am doing now . I am happy with the car and am starting to gather so much data I can really see what is happening with everything . It is time for some more power , ROD.
humpty ·
RodPenrose wrote:It is time for some more power....
👍
RodPenrose ·
Just a quick up-date on the car . I returned to the dyno 2 days after the last track day to put some more power into the engine and had nothing but trouble all day . The engine ran lean enough to melt some spark plugs and I couldn't even get one power run all day . After 7 hours I call it a day and returned home to disassemble the eninge for a precautionary inspection .
The fuel pressure is all good , however I don't seem to have the flow that I had on the track 2 days earlier . I started changing sensors as I was trying to find the source of the problem and all looked good . The injectors were cleaned and flowed on the day , the fuel filters were all good so I am at a bit of a loss as to why I have the problems .
The engine came apart and it all looked good and the bottom end was reassembled , the cylinders needed a light hone , however all of the valves were not seating . The heads were dismantled to fine that I have bent all 8 titanium valves , probably due to the heat . I would normally run the exhaust temps at between 1690 and 1740 degrees F , but the data shows 2888 degrees . The inlet valves can be saved with a light face up , but the exhaust valves needed to be replaced and the seats all re-cut .
I have sent the fuel pump away to be flowed and it came back with a good bill of health and was flowed with and without the 2 fuel filters and fuel lines and is all good . I suspect the fuel pressure regulator may not be operating as it should and has been sent to be tested . I have already up-graded the fuel reg. to a larger unit and will be installed into the fuel system . I have the heads now and will finish off the engine over the weekend . I need to make another turbo exit pipe as the aluminium pipe is just not adequate . I am hoping to be back on the dyno in about 10 days time to check the engine tune , if all goes well I would like to add maybe 200 more HP and am aiming to run the car at a test day on the 9th of Feb @ WSID , ROD
modnrod ·
RodPenrose wrote:, if all goes well I would like to add maybe 200 more HP and am aiming to run the car at a test day on the 9th of Feb @ WSID , ROD
🤪
ONLY JUST a quick little 200Hp?!?!?!?!
HAHAHA!
Onya Rod!
Best of luck with it all.
Doug Sweetman ·
Exhaust temps of 2888f are not good.....
RodPenrose ·
I had a bit of an oop's today on the dyno , ROD.
Stanley ·
Oh yeh....any other carnage Rod?
1916baja ·
Ooh.... Where you gonna get another one of those??
whathaveidone ·
FAAAAAAAARK!!!!
Heres some pics of it straped down. Still turns the tyres!!!!
LOWBUG ·
They will always find the next week link
westi ·
Ouch. Hope the gremlins are gone for February .
Hopefully no other damage was caused .
Keep at it rod . You'll get there.
dangerous ·
Plenty of time to fix that!
My dyno guy straps the actual diff, and can transfer well over 1000hp through street tyres.
whathaveidone ·
The tyres were to wide to do that with this dyno. Rods putting different ones on for next time
Doug Sweetman ·
Are they sprint car tyres ?
Nice work but bad luck with the drive shaft... Hope it didn't over rev when that happened ?
humpty ·
Damn that thing looks even more crazy when its naked!!!!😵💫
Sides ·
Doug Sweetman wrote:Are they sprint car tyres ?
Pretty sure I've seen those tyres before... on the frikken Batmobile !!!
I mean c'mon... that rear shot strapped down on the dyno... what else could it be ???
😂
Bummer bout the drive shaft Rod, but man - really enjoying seeing this weapon develop !!!
whathaveidone ·
I turned up to see the last run on the dyno today, Ill let Rod fill in the details!!
Doug Sweetman ·
Wow.... Climbing the rollers 🙂
westi ·
whats going on boy's
hope all went well.
RodPenrose ·
Brad , all went well after all of the mishaps during the week . I am happy with the power and am looking at going a bit faster if I have the clutch set right . Sunday lunchtime it all turned to shit after I checked the filter and it looked pretty bad inside , a quick teardown , a few new parts and it is all back together . I will put it back in tomorrow and should have it going by the afternoon . I will load up and be there on Friday afternoon , good luck with yours and see you there , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
After the vw showdown washout , I have entered the Sydney Jamboree this Saturday . I have prepped the car and all should be ready to run somewhere in the 8 second zone . I have turned up the boost and am at almost 32 lb's and with 550 HP at the wheels I am pretty confident I will go a little faster that last time out . This is an extra 126 HP more than the December test day in which I went 9.32 @ 145 mph . I am exactly half way now on where I will eventually end up in relation to power . I have a few spare passes if anyone wants to come along and help out , ROD.
humpty ·
All the best Rodney.
1916baja ·
Good luck rod! Looking forward to the results!
DavoBuggy 1641 ·
Good luck dude!
RodPenrose ·
I FINALLY DONE IT . Last Saturday I had another test day and it was a bit of a mixed bag . The car has the potential , however the nut behind the wheel needs to adjusted . I had 3 runs and am still finding out that the car prep still needs to be improved . The previous Sunday I started to prep the car and found a broken rocker arm in the bottom of the valve cover . I was on the phone to Pauter midnight Monday for some help , Mario had the necessary parts to get me going again and lunchtime Friday they had arrived . I reinstalled and set all rockers , dismantled and cleaned the clutch and set it up on Kill for the weekend . I have been until now slipping the clutch way too much just to get the car down the track safley . I feel safe in the car , it goes very straight so I wanted to start to step it up a little .
The 1st run I hit the shift button and shifted into 2nd gear 3/10th's of a second after the car started to move . I went 1.51 in the 60 ft , 6.03 @ 122 at 1/2 track and 9.37 @ 139 full track .
The 2nd run I asked Ben to tell me to keep both hands on the wheel until I take off , this was a really good idea as the 60 ft was a 1.36 , 5.55 @ 127 at 1/2 track and 8.74 @ 149 full track .
The 3rd run the engine was not quite up to temp, and it was popping out of the exhaust on the start line a little . I gave it a few revs , all seemed to be good so I ran the car with a 1.37 60 ft , 5.9 at 115 1/2 track and 9.42 @ 141 full track . I was on and off the throttle all the way down the track and got off early to roll through to the end of the track . I will now go through all of the data , and remove the engine for an inspection before I leave for the US just in case I need something else . I will also have some new clutch components for the VW event @ the end of June . I would like to thank Dave Stoker , Ben and Owen that helped out on the day with everything that needed to be done to achieve this result . A big thanks also to Dave Butler who sent down his spare set of rockers just in case the new arms didn't arrive in time , ROD.
1916baja ·
Good on ya rod! Congrats mate! Those times are incredible.
whathaveidone ·
👍👍👍
Sides ·
Awesome stuff Rod !!!
👍👍👍
typethreeking ·
Hard work starting to pay off, nice work!!
matberry ·
Fantastic results Rod. Well done 👍👍
Flintstones ·
That's a great start for the new car.👍👍👍
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Those 60 ft times are looking awesome!! Going to be tough to beat!! More boost and look forward to the post when you enter 7 sec club eh!!
55slug ·
Congrats Rod, all the hard work is paying off !!
Stanley ·
Well done Rod....looking forward to seeing it run In June 👍
vassy66T1 ·
Cool Rod!
It will be exciting to see an air-cooled Volksy mixing it up with the others.
HappyDaze ·
Not bad, Rod.......is there a 7 in the cross-hairs?👍
2443TT ·
A couple of action shots of the car are on the Turbosmart page below:
Here's a clip I found of the 8 sec pass. The guy filming was more interested in the rotor unfortunately!! No accounting for taste I suppose.🤪
DavoBuggy 1641 ·
Hell yeah Rod, crazy to think how much more this car still has in it!
1303Steve ·
The car looks to run very straight and smooth. So Rod you spend all this time and money to have less driving time, how does that work?
colin ·
1303Steve wrote:The car looks to run very straight and smooth. So Rod you spend all this time and money to have less driving time, how does that work?
😂😂😂😂😂
Great stuff Rod.
Cheers Col
humpty ·
Speachless. 👍👍
RISKY4LIFE ·
UNREAL !!! have a great time in the states and bring back lots of parts 🙂 oh and sorry for slowing you down on Friday when you where trying to prep you car !
dragvw2180 ·
I think you are doing the smart and correct moves on a car that powerful . When you get it sorted out and lock that clutch up under full power run jaws are going to drop open in astonishment . Mike McCarthy
RodPenrose ·
Today I spent another 6 hrs. on the dyno tuning the engine . I have been over heating the heads , trying to get way too much fuel economy out of it and it has been a bit unreliable until now . I have been learning a lot about the Motec and I have been targeting the same air/fuel ratio that I have been using for the last 15 years with the mechanical injection . I have now found that this is not possible with the sequential electronic injection and I have increased the mixtures by about 35 % and I am now starting to see some good exhaust temps . I have picked up about 70 HP just by adding the extra fuel and pulling all of the timing out of it . A big thanks to Owen for the technical input and assistance to get it to this stage . I will do the usual prep tomorrow and am hoping for a good run this weekend @ the VW showdown . If all goes well I am sure there is a sub 8.5 second run in it , ROD.
hellbugged ·
Woot woot!
Sounding positive
flashrx2 ·
sounds good rod, allthe best for the weekend. kick some arse!
SuperOwen ·
I'll put my money on a high 7 if the clutch plays the game 👍
TIme for those new wastegate springs soon.........
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE ·
Nice one Rod!! Look forward to hearing some good results!!
dangerous ·
RodPenrose wrote:Today I spent another 6 hrs. on the dyno tuning the engine . I have been over heating the heads , trying to get way too much fuel economy out of it and it has been a bit unreliable until now . I have been learning a lot about the Motec and I have been targeting the same air/fuel ratio that I have been using for the last 15 years with the mechanical injection . I have now found that this is not possible with the sequential electronic injection and I have increased the mixtures by about 35 % and I am now starting to see some good exhaust temps . I have picked up about 70 HP just by adding the extra fuel and pulling all of the timing out of it . A big thanks to Owen for the technical input and assistance to get it to this stage . I will do the usual prep tomorrow and am hoping for a good run this weekend @ the VW showdown . If all goes well I am sure there is a sub 8.5 second run in it , ROD.
Good to hear dude!
humpty ·
Nice.... All the best for the weekend Rodney.
20bkombi ·
Thanks for the update and sharing some of your info Rod.
I'm sure it will all go well for you.
Huge effort mate!!!
Super1302 ·
Good luck, wish I were there for it, the 2332 made it to Perth by the way 🙂
SuperOwen ·
One of Rod's passes from the weekend, I'll let him fill in the details
RodPenrose ·
Owen . thanks for the footage . The car looks to go a bit faster than it really does at this stage . I ran the car last week and have gathered some more data . The first run was just as it came off the dyno and I ran it to about 3/4 track to check the tune . All looked good with a 1.40 take off and a 5.51 @ 131.78 mph at 1/2 track before I shut it down and rolled through for an 8.96 @ 114 mph pass .
I checked all data , pulled the spark plugs and all was good for a full pass . On the 2nd run I went 1.36 in the 60 ft , 5.65 @ 127 mph at 1/2 track before the car shut itself down at about 2/3 track . I rolled through for a 9.34 @ 107 mph thinking that I had broken the differential or transmission . I downloaded the data to find that I lost all fuel pressure and the engine shut down . There is no damage to the engine so the fuel pressure regulator was removed and dismantled , all look good so it was re-installed to find very erratic fuel pressure . The decision was made to rest the car to find the cause of this problem . I have since removed the fuel pump , opened it up and found it to be still like new so it was re-fitted and the engine is now all good . I am at a bit of a loss as to why I am having issues , but I will now give it another run at a test day @ Sydney on the 3rd of August . The next test day I will be trying to use the launch control so things may get a little interesting as up until now I have only been driving off the start line , ROD.
cnfabo ·
Farkme that's nuts
modnrod ·
I had issues with a couple of solenoids on a bike once Rod.
Every time I got to a certain rev range, but only in top gear, it would fizzle out. I finally figured out the vibration from the motor through the frame was making the solenoids "hum" and restricting flow. I rubber-mounted them, then had full power all the way.
Maybe just something to consider while you're hunting it down?
Bloody good times man. 🙅
RodPenrose ·
I will get the car out of the trailer tomorrow and remove the engine and dismantle it for a complete inspection in preparation for Warwick . Last time out I enabled the launch control and found that my clutch settings were incorrect for what I was trying to do . The engine seems all good , but I will do a precautionary inspection on all components and post some pics of the parts . I am learning about the car all of the time and if all goes well I may be able to run it next weekend at round 7 of the track champs for a few more test runs . I have been studying some more data and here is what I have found ;
0-100 km/h takes 1.75 seconds
0-200 km/h takes 4.68 seconds
I am hoping to run a little faster that the 5.51 seconds @ Warwick if I can get the clutch settings correct for the launch control . The other thing that has got me a bit worried is trying to stop it @ over 130 mph , ROD.
nbturbo ·
I'm hoping the new Stroud chute does it's job for you.Got mine fitted but haven't used it yet. Got to get my arse into gear and get to a track when you are running.
dangerous ·
You can always run all the way down into the 'grassy knoll' if you want Rod.
Don't try and make the turn at speed, just wave at the people at the exit and go deep.
RodPenrose ·
Dave , I have been down in the grass before and it isn't real nice down there . I will take it a bit easy on the first couple of runs until I get the knack at pulling up hard .
I have removed the engine and disassembled it to find everything inside all good . I will clean it up and re assemble it over the weekend and have it ready to go next week . I have found a few cracks in the exhaust header which I suspect may have been caused by the violent misfiring on the rev limiter that I need to repair . I am changing around a few oil breather lines to make it a bit easier and faster to turn the car around quicker between runs . Here are a few pic's of the engine as it was shut off @ full throttle on the last pass @ 150 mph . The first pic's show just how much clutch dust from just only 4 runs , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
A couple pic's of the new rockers that seem to be standing up well so far , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
The bearing caps being removed with the slide hammer , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
In the first pic is one of the rod bearings after almost a year of use . In the next pic the centre main bearing , almost looks new still , ROD.
Stanley ·
Great stuff Rod...Nice to see you've almost got the beast sorted. Thanks for the pics too
RodPenrose ·
The engine components all look fine , but the tune is still not quite there yet . The top of # 4 piston is clean and # 3 piston is a little dirty . The piston rings are all over the place and I suspect that the clean cylinder is the better sealing one . The compression on the clean cylinder was a little better before I dismantled it . I still have a few things I want to try before I start on a new inlet manifold design , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
The heads have been vacuum tested and came back with a good report for the first time ever . The new custom titanium valves , Siamese seats and polished valve springs are all working well together , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
The engine is going back together ready for the Warwick weekend in 3 weeks time . In the first 2 pic's the block is turned up side down , the camshaft is installed and the roller lifters are installed pushed into place from the outside of the block . In the 3rd pic the main bearing caps are tapped into place , bolted down and then cross bolted , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
In these pic's you can see the completed bottom end . The pistons are installed into the modular cylinder and then attached to the conrods . In the last pic you can see the piston pin installed and the aluminium button that keeps the pin in place , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
This is what the engine looks like with the front cover installed . In the last 2 pic's , the copper head gasket is installed before the heads . The gaskets will seal in a groove machined in the top of the modular barrels as the heads have a steel o'ring inserted for positive sealing . So far this has been good and no sign of any leaks at the current boost levels . These head gaskets still look good even after being used 7-8 times , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
The .040 copper head gasket is clamped into place and the heads are tensioned . The finished engine that still needs a few accessories fitted . The rear of the aluminium mounting plate ready for the flywheel and clutch assembly tomorrow , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
Today I set the clutch up over 25% tighter that I have ever used before . I am still getting used to the adjustments and now have set it up as to reduce the slip . Last time out I found a small problem that was still causing the clutch to slip at about 4-5% as I crossed the finish line @ 150 mph . If I can get the clutch to start working harder I may be actually lift the front wheels . Up until now all 4 wheels have been on the ground all of the time and the wheelie bar has just been there for the ride . The engine will go back in tomorrow and should be in the trailer a weeks or so earlier than expected , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
Well , after a reasonably successful weekend @ Warwick I ended up with the runner up position in my first race event with the car . The first run on Saturday was a 6.4 and the fastest run on the weekend was a 5.6 . This was 1 1/2 tenths slower that I have previously been , however with 7 out of my 10 runs under 5.7 seconds the car was very consistent . I have noticed that the chassis was getting stressed due to the tyre shake so I completely stripped the car , turned the chassis upside down and added some more bracing to stiffen the rear end of the car . The 9" differential had to be replaced due to wear and a new inlet manifold was fabricated . ROD.
RodPenrose ·
Here are some pic's before the next dyno session before the 4 cyl nationals in Adelaide , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
Here is the intake manifolds after the VW event 2 weeks ago . I don't really know why they cracked and broke as the data is all fine . One cause is a small backfire in the inlet system after bouncing off the rev limiter @ over 9000 rpm's due to the shitty track and wheel spin . The other possible cause is that the tyre shake has just gone through the entire car and just plain broke the manifolds . Either way , I have fitted another spare set of intake manifolds and I will back the clutch down a little and test it out again this weekend at the Sydney Jamboree . The track should be very sticky this weekend so hopefully I may be able to get the car down the track a few times , ROD.
RodPenrose ·
The other side , ROD.
Performance Upholstery ·
Wow! They're rooted!
dangerous ·
You need to put a flexible joiner in your cross tube, on the manifold dude.
The engine is fighting the manifold with heat expansion.
Stanley ·
Interesting that it broke on the thicker section between the ports. It does look like there was some stress placed on the studs.
tayloredvw ·
What Dave said. Love the craziness of this car rod!
RodPenrose ·
No boys , I have 2 silicon joiners in the manifold already . I did replace the hoses with some new Turbosmart hoses as they seem to be a bit thicker and stronger than what I was using . Anyway I am loaded up and ready for a good day tomorrow . I am not real confident that it will go quick , however I have my chassis tuner with me tomorrow and we will start adjusting the chassis to take a bit of bite out of the rear end . What the hell that means is beyond me , but we will see what it does tomorrow , ROD.
colin ·
Good luck Rod and have fun.
Cheers Col
hellbugged ·
RISKY4LIFE ·
nice run Rod ! i hope the driver of the ute is ok !
1303Steve ·
how brave was the photographer standing on the wall, talk about waiting to see the whites of their eyes
hellbugged ·
1303Steve ·
Geese the car is sounding so sweet Rod, gotta be happy with that
dangerous ·
Cool man! 8.12 is sweet!
MPH is getting up there now as well!
Doug Sweetman ·
Sevens are looking very close....
Dak-A-Tak ·
What was all the smoke ? Does sound nice , mate . Did you use new trailer yet .
vassy66T1 ·
Awesome runs 👍👍
RodPenrose ·
Well , here is a quick de-brief of what went on last weekend @ the Sydney Jamboree . After replacing the broken inlet manifolds with some new ones I had here I decided to join Ben and Henry for the day . I had the Adelaide tune installed and the only difference to the car was the rear shocks were stiffened a little on the compression side . I went out with an extra 2 lb's of air in the rear tyres now @ 8.5 and the car had a bit of wheel spin off the startline and than went really good . The 60 ft time was 1.29 , 1/2 track was 5.39 @ 135 and full track was 8.33 @ 164 . The car filled with smoke as I backed off and by the time I stopped the safety guy came running over to put out a small oil fire . I had purchased some you beaut fire proof matting for the base of my catch tray , well , it isn't fire proof , no real damage . After closer inspection in the pits I had blown out 4 outer and 1 inner push rod tube seals on one side .
I missed the 2nd qualifier on purpose so we weren't rushed to replace the seals . All data looked good and no changes were made at this time . On my next qualifier I went 1.22 in the 60 , 5.19 @ 135 1/2 track and 8.12 @ 164 again at the end . A little smoke again on back off and this time I only blew out 1 outer seal , on the same side as before and one of the new seals . I mopped up a little oil and compressed the tube and the seal popped back in place .
All data looked good and the chassis guy lifted the wheelie bars a little and re-adjusted the front shock extension . The 1st round of racing against the VS ute I went 1.23 in the 60 , 5.24 @ 130 1/2 track and 8.25 @ 162 full track . I was a little down on this run as I had to get out of the throttle as I shifted into top gear as the wheels started to spin and didn't seem to grip . The data tells me I peddled it twice . All in all quite a successful day that I didn't see happening . The car is ready to go again after I try to modify the push rod tube to fix the oil leaks . The track was very sticky and it is amazing what a difference a good track prep can do when compared to the VW meeting 3 weeks before . ROD.
Stanley ·
Well done Rod...runs looked solid on the vids. Same can't be said for Ute...lucky you were well ahead.
fish26 ·
Great work with the car Rod it sounded smooth and strong, 7s around the corner.