Bonneville 2012 or Bust

[redyaris]

The Honda VT500 aero project for the Vetter Challenge, is generating problems faster than I am generating solutions, nothing very difficult but still solutions need to be found. all this will help when working on the Honda CBR600 Bonneville aero project bike latter this year. It is always very amusing how our imagination is put to the test when overcoming reality.

[JethroBodine]

It is always very amusing how our imagination is put to the test when overcoming reality.

That, right there, is the truest truism I think I have ever heard( and going in my sig!). Absolutely brilliant.

[JethroBodine]

Got the fuel tank out of the donor vehicle, and the rest of the car is going to the big scrap yard in the sky. It had about 6 gallons of off road diesel in it, so that is going in my furnace. Now I have 2 oddly shaped plastic tanks and (looks like) and easy swap from the gasoline in tank sending unit to the diesel one. Injectors are out of the engine, testing and shimming to be done asap. Marvel's in the cylinders to free the pistons. Head may come off this weekend. Injector pump will be left alone, for now. I'm also getting exhaust noises from in front of the cat, and the left drive shaft is starting to click. I would MUCH rather modify than repair.

[81rabbitdiesel]

Im Lovin this thread!

Jethro I just got my car back in June or July, it has the 1.6na diesel in it. Im hoping i can get the 70 mpg or more eventualy like the top gear show. It will take me a while to do the mods, yours look AWSOME! Ill be following this thread closely. I figure i need to keep working on the nut behind the wheel before i start adding any mods.

thanks, Don

[JethroBodine]

Thanks Don. I've been a bit too busy to get much work done on the 1.6 I have. The tail work is going to go full steam once the weather warms up a bit. I'm spending most of my free time keeping things running through the winter. Hopefully I'll have some real progress soon. No word from the USFRA, yet.

[aerohead]

The T-100 passed its safety/emissions test,so Caesar has given the nod for another year on Texas roads.So any money I might have had to spend on CAT or sensors,'n such,can otherwise go towards the Salt Flats now.
The 130 and 150 Club have been combined and will have their own course.The 130-Club is required to exit after a trap,around 112-ft beyond the 1-mile mark.
I'm considering ditching the trailer,and just doing a tail.On a short course,the extra mass of the trailer is going to eat my lunch.If I can run the longer course,then it's a different equation.I can't gamble on 'it depends'.
USFRA has been swamped with contestants and we'll only get 6-runs for the entire meet.

[JethroBodine]

I keep going back to the thought that I won't be able to hit top speed in only one mile. I'm not sure I can hit 130 in a mile now, on pavement, with the gas engine I already have.

USFRA has been swamped with contestants

I guess that could be why I haven't heard back from them.

I thought 130/150mph only got 5 runs anyway?

[JethroBodine]

Just got my USFRA membership in the mail, today!!!!!!

The newsletter that came with it did say what Aerohead said about the 130/150 club. They did mention a clarification for bikes about factory/dealer installed items, but, where you're shooting for streamliner anyway, Redyaris, I don't think it effects you.

Other progress, I have a 1500 watt coolant heater installed, and promptly broke the cheap-a$$ "y" that came with it the 4th time I used it. New "y" is installed and will be run to/from work to help get the air out of the system( again). I'm collecting cable actuated valves to direct flow to/from the WVO tank when that comes around.

Edit- I also have the 12 volt transfer pump from Harbor Freight and have changed both front axles. All 4 bearings, rear brakes/drums, and full alignment to go.

[Varn]

Good luck with trying to get your diesel to 130 mph at Bonneville. I believe that the governor is the limiting factor on my 1.6TD. I bet my car won't rev to 4000 although I don't really know as my tach is on the fritz.

You might want to put a pump from the TD in your car. I believe it has more volume. You probably have already scienced that part out.

Since I am after mileage and longevity I have no plans at adjusting the gov.

[JethroBodine]

I'm with you, Varn. I don't really care about getting 130mph, I've already been WAY over that. Young, dumb, and something something... I'm really shooting to get an accurate reading for the top speed of the shape of my car, get as good mileage as I can on the trip and (whisper mode engaged) have no breakdowns. I'm still planning on using the stock pump and, if other projects would stop popping up, getting the engine in as soon as I can, new parts in first.