2012 Vetter Challenger Build ( 1981 Yamaha SR185 streamliner)

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by bschloop

I made it home fine, though my car did not. turns out I need a new fuel pump, and it will cost $500 to fix.

Can't you get one at a salvage yard ?

[bschloop]

the car is 250mi from home, and I would need to drop the tank to get to it. the part only costs $150-$180 new, so I could do it if I had somewhere to work on it. but you don't just drop your fuel tank in a walmart parking lot.

[janvos39]

I took some pictures during the Ohio meeting of your bike.
Very nice result.
I also like the cooling adaptions you made to control your engine temperature.
What was the min and max revs you made during this run ?

[bschloop]

Thanks Jan.
I don't have a tach, so I can't track my rpm. I am running close to 30% taller gearing than stock though.
as for temperature Max temp on my head temp gauge was 366F, I ran in the low 300's for most of the run, remember this is head temp not total engine temp. I will be installing an oil temp gauge before next year's run.
just saw vic's post with the results also, looks like my official mpg is 108.5. which was good for fourth out of seven, although if you count commercially available powerplants I got second. I have lots of room for improvement, next step is a finished fairing, and fuel injection.

[woodsrat]

I've run one of those Tiny Tachs for years. They sell for $40* and are extremely simple to hook up (you wrap a wire around the spark plug lead). They have their own power and while they're supposed to only last around five years mine is still going strong and I bought it in '03. It would work great on your thumper.

*Apparently they have upgraded the Tiny Tach and it is now resettable for the indicator for maintenance (mine isn't and flashes irritatingly when it says it's time for "Oil-Lube"). It's also more expensive at around $60.

[Grant-53]

Official results are now posted at craigvetter.com

[low&slow]

Ben, Congratulations on a fantastic showing at the 2012 Mid Ohio Vetter Challenge! Your hard work paid off in one of the best performances of this event. You definitely opened some eyes as far as what can be done with a small dispalcement air-cooled motorcycle. It was great to meet and your wife and I look forward to seeing you in future competitions. I'm sorry to hear about the problems with your car and am glad you made it home OK.
all the best, Vic ( L&S)

[greenjoe]

I'm with Vic, great job to you (and all of you). When you first started this project I really liked the engine, the the chassis I had real doubts about how you would streamlime it. You did a great job, can't wait to see whats next for you and you bike.

[bschloop]

thanks Vic,
I had loads of fun, everyone was great, and I will do my best to make it next year with even more improvement.
Also thanks to everyone who helped me out on ecomodder. I am always astounded at the level of expertise I find here, and I couldn't have done it without all the advice and encouragement.
As for the car, I have found a suitable replacement. I am now the proud owner of a 2006 Chevy Colorado WT. the WT stands for work truck, and work truck it is. absolutely no frills, four cylinder, manual trans, regular cab, long bed, it doesn't even come with a CD player. it does have cruise control and air conditioning, but I probably won't use them too much. I won't be able to do too many mods on that, since I had to get financing, but I might do an aerocap, and maybe a few other little things.

[renault_megane_dci]

Originally Posted by bschloop

the car is 250mi from home, and I would need to drop the tank to get to it. the part only costs $150-$180 new, so I could do it if I had somewhere to work on it. but you don't just drop your fuel tank in a walmart parking lot.

One of my friend add the same issue and ended butchering the floor pan of his car to get access to the pump : worked great !