Well since the last update I can confirm that the camshaft was indeed stripped and that having eventually stripped the motor it was soon discovered the reason why the motor would not turn. Overnight the engine had obviously cooled and at some time the valve seat had dislodged itself and fell out preventing the valve from closing and as a result prevented the engine from turning. So, we replaced the camshaft albeit with a different specification to what we normally use, re did the cylinder head and fitted new valve seats and put it all back together. Admittedly the motor sounded crisp and as fresh as ever and at last we ready for our April race.
I arrived in Cape Town on the Thursday afternoon and we headed straight to the track for a testing session, something I've never before done but with all the public holidays around, this time was somewhat different. We set the tyre pressures and headed out. This time we also connected up an AFR meter to take the guess work out of jetting the carbs. By all counts the car pulled very strongly out of the corners but simply had no top end and would not rev cleanly to 8000RPM. We made a few adjustments and re-jetted the carbs as per AFR indication. Our second and last session at about 17h15 again proved unsuccessful and again we re-jetted as well as made some further setting changes. We then left it as such and would again try on the Friday.
Friday morning we arrived early, setup and fueled up and did the first test session at 10h45. After only a few laps it was clear that this motor was not on song and would now no longer rev past 7000RPM. My 'boet' had in the interim also decided to rest the 140Z and had dusted down the old 'boxy' SSS and decided to give it a go on set of 2 year old hardened tyres. Everything sounded OK and hey the ol' 'boxy' was as crsip as a fresh lettuce leaf. Soon after his session, Mr 'Datsun' made a call and we finally agreed the camshaft was wrong on my Datti and we headed for the workshop and pulled the motor (again) where upon we replaced the cam with our preferred tried and tested own specification. By 14h45 we were back at the track ready for one last session of the day which was only at 17h15. By then the temperature had also cooled down and offered us a fair chance. This time I could clearly hear the difference as well as feel the difference in performance as she once again hit the 8000RPM with ease. Although she pulled well the times were on the wrong side of 1:30 but I was happy and felt I was still in with a chance. However, the gremlins were still out to hamper our efforts when I soon discovered that it kept jumping out of 4th gear along the back as well the main straights at about 6800RPM. In addition our jetting was again way out since changing the camshaft. We again made jetting changes for qualifying and packed up for the night which ended with our traditional 'pit braai' and liquid refreshments along with some regular mates.
Saturday was up at sparrows as per usual and our day began by making final adjustments to the Datti. Both Datsuns were fueled and ready to do our thing. The SSS managed a somewhat slower time of 1:27.4 securing second place on the grid while the Datti only managed a 1:30.4 still some 2 seconds of pace. What the heck, I was here for a fun time and settled to the fact that we had done everything we could and we had to use whatever we had to our best advantage. Race 1 saw the SSS slowly slip down the race order and was out done by the V8 Capri Perana, the BMW MLE 530 and worst still by 2 Scirocco's who were both blindingly quick. The Datti on the other hand landed up with a brilliant dice with Dave Alhadeff in the 2 litre Alfa GT Junior which I lead for 3 laps and in the interim managed my best lap time of 1:29.9 for the day but on lap 4 I now had 3rd gear jumping out as well which eventually allowed him through . I was now having to drive with only one hand having to hold it in gear in both 3rd and 4th through the fastest corners on the circuit and cost me some time. Dave drove well and held on to beat me by 0.7seconds at the chequered flag.
Race 2 was not as good as the first race as the tyres on the SSS had eventually cried enough and there was simply no grip left at all which eventually spat him out on turn 1 on the second lap leaving him stuck in the thick loose sand. He eventually go out of the loose sand and finished the race but in an unusual 10th place. I have a feeling this 'boxie' SSS will have to be taught a lesson as to who is the BOSS. Maybe next time. As for the Datti it was also not our best outing as I was again head of Dave off the start and lead him until reaching the back straight were here came past me and that was the last I saw of him. The Datti had started breathing quite a bit signaling the start of ring failure. The Mustang of Ferdi Snr was soon catching me and in lap 6 managed to overtake me on the main straight. I managed to catch him in turn 1 him pulling a slight gap up towards turn 2 but I managed to hold him on the outside of turn 2 and passed him through the kink. This lead I again held through turn 3 and turn 4 when once again on the back straight he passed me pulling at least 2 car lengths on me. The heavy weight V8 hit the brakes at about the 75 meter mark but hey the Datti only throws out the anchor after the 50 meter mark and again I caught him going into turn 5 coming out side by side with the Datti on the outside. On the main straight he again pulled a gap and crossed the line ahead once again but lo and behold I was not going to give up this chase. By turn 1 I had again caught the Mustang and held on to him with me on the outside of turn 1 this time with him now on the outside heading up to turn 2. I managed to again out brake him going into turn 2 and I got through and ahead of the Mustang and opened a reasonable gap through turns 3 an 4. The Mustang fell further and further behind apparently due to a slipping clutch but at the end of the race the Datti had managed to be the victor of the dice and a brilliant clean scrap it was indeed.
I was most satisfied with the days racing even although I knew we can do a lot better. On this day it was not to be (not for a lack of trying) but it was great to once again be involved with some close racing. All this would not have been possible if was not for the sheer effort and determination of Mr 'Datsun' who insisted we try harder and opened up his workshop to remove the engine and make the required changes to at least compete with some saving grace. As to what we do from here is now unknown but I do still have plans for the rest of the season as does 'Mr Datsun' still have some unfinished intentions with this little Datti and I therefore await with abated breath the next move.
Thanks 'Boet'
