Well as stated in an earlier blog, the reliability of the SSS just had to be taken a bit more seriously. And as it so happened the parts were ordered and were eventually received a month later. Lo and Behold, someone 'Oops'd' and a very expensive set of paper weights in the form of forged race pistons are now used at the office.
Needless to say it was a very expensive lesson learned and not being able to shed a crocodile tear, another set was ordered this time with a moulded 'specification' set self made (absolutely fool proof) and sent across the pond to the manufacturers. Another month past and finally the correct groceries arrived. All other machining and engineering required for the new L20 motor had already been done and only the assembly and testing remained. This was the Saturday afternoon, a week prior to the National race to be held on the 4th August.
To cut a long story square, the motor was put in and taken out not once, not twice but three times. Although it performed to expectation, certain worrying factors such as excessive heat build up was not acceptable and it was finally decided to rather 'strip and check' than 'race and wreck'. The old faithful (original moulded piston L20) was finally returned to its engine bay compartment and was eventually driven in fine style (who said it's illegal) at 21h00 on the Thursday night to the track on the rather quiet roads en route to Killarney. Subsequent and well deserved beverages were consumed and hearty racing stories were raked up from the past all in the spirit of classics.
A couple of standard race routine checks later and all was ready for the Saturday race day. We landed up sitting around on the Friday like 'hobo's at a holiday resort' with everyone else intensely busy working on their race machinery.
Although Martin was somewhat disappointed not being able to race the new L20 motor, some satisfaction was gained in that at least he managed to identify the 'heat' problem and that at least he could race the old L20 motor and not have to sit out the entire race meeting. The temptation to do just that was great as you can imagine changing a race motor three times and what toll it takes on the ol' body (not forgetting the waining motivation factor).
Saturday came and he qualified the #46 Trans-Am SSS fifth on the grid for the first race. In heat 1 he finished in 4th place and in the 2nd heat he finished in a brilliant 3rd position after relentlessly chasing the Chev Can-Am of Fred Phillips. (Congrats to Trevor Momberg who took overall honours for the day, Charles Arton 2nd and Fred Phillips a well deserved 3rd)
Reasonable satisfaction was achieved at the end of the day all said and done but an early night was in order to give the body and mind a well deserved rest. You can bet your bottom dime he'll be back on the 1st September with the real McCoy. Watch out Fred!!
See 'Big Bang L20 gets me again !!!' after this article.
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