[TD in DC]

As most of you know, I will be rebuilding the engine that is in my car right now, and I have bought another engine. I have two sanity/check questions.

FIRST

Is it worth it to get compression and leakdown gauges? If my new to me engine gives fine readings, is it worth it to do anything more to the engine other than merely install new rod bearings and button everything back up? I have been assuming that I should just rebuild both while out of the car, but would rebuilding my "new" engine simply be a waste of time and money if the compression and leakdown tests look fine?

What other tests could I do to determine whether a teardown is necessary or advisable, or at the very least, not a stupid thing to do?

SECOND

As some of you have witnessed, my track car has "questionable" wiring. Would it be worth the effort to rewire the car and install the fuse/relay panels in an easily accessible place? That might prevent future scenes like this:

[Mike W]

It would seem that rebuilding the new engine is a waste of time and $ if it gives good readings. What is the worst reasonable case? It brakes and you have to rebuild, and you are exactly where you would be. Then the only problem is when it brakes you might be out a run or two or in the Targa. All a question of how much risk you want to take.

PS. That doesn't look comfortable.

[}{arlequin]

doesn't make sense to build two at once really, does it?

what does the new one need? just bearings? i'd do that (it's just preventative) and put the motor in. once that's running, i'd consider how far i want to go w/ the other motor as far as getting it in spec etc.

[TD in DC]

Mike,

I am thinking along the same lines as you. However, your comments raise a few good points. First, I really, really, really, do not want to track the Targa anymore, period. I just don't feel that safe in it anymore. I back off a little while driving it, but that is very hard to do, and it still will not ensure that the unforseen could take you out. I still have DE insurance on it, but that will expire soon, and I do not intend to renew it. Once the DE insurance expires, that's it. No more track time for the Targa.

Second, it really sucks losing track time. I would hate driving/hauling the car down to VIR, have the motor break on the first or second day, and then lose all of the time while everyone else is on the track. Losing track time bugs the holy cr*p out of me.

I want to have a spare motor, and I will, which will make it far easier for me in the event that I do have a problem next year, but it is still painful to swap engines, and I don't want to "need" my spare engine unless absolutely necessary.

Also, it was NOT comfortable, and I had to be "pulled" out of the car by Vu and Eli. I am glad they did not just walk off laughing. Next time I am not sure they wont

[TD in DC]

Originally Posted by }{arlequin

doesn't make sense to build two at once really, does it?

what does the new one need? just bearings? i'd do that (it's just preventative) and put the motor in. once that's running, i'd consider how far i want to go w/ the other motor as far as getting it in spec etc.

Does it not? If the motors are already out of the car, why not do a full rebuild? Hmmmmmm

[}{arlequin]

Originally Posted by TD in DC

I back off a little while driving it, but that is very hard to do

you mean to tell us that you CAN'T DIAL IT BACK???!!!!

shame on you.....

[cmartin]

$$ and time

[William Miller]

I think your engine is simple enough to go ahead and do it. In a lot of cases it's just long term maintenance. If it's not then It won't be long (Especially under some stress) before it's inevitable. Why have a spare if it's questionable. Another thought is to do the one, and after you know what the effort is then decide what to do about the other. I also have the gauges if you want to barrow.

[TD in DC]

Originally Posted by }{arlequin

you mean to tell us that you CAN'T DIAL IT BACK???!!!!

shame on you.....

Ha ha. Since we presumably are never driving above our limit, what does it mean to dial it back? Who ever intends to go off the track or have an incident? Do you really want someone taking a sunday drive in White group or above? Some of the very scariest incidents at VIR (none of which involved me) involved the three "sunday drivers," all of whom were fairly polite. Disparity of speed is just dangerous. Better to drive at 80-90% and in control than at 70% and force much faster drivers to adjust to you.

[BlackTalon]

I think you should do leak-downs on both motors, then rebuild the one that has the better results. And with your intended track usage, I would look at a pretty comprehensive tear-down, so you'll eneter next season with a 'new' motor.

Then you can take your time deciding what to do with the second motor. Maybe you'll want to build one that is not to class specs, just for future DE fun...