132. VW Breakout Day 1

It's been far too long since the last meeting, The Hot Rod Drags 2020 is nothing more than a distant memory now. I can't go any further without mentioning the passing of two great advocates of our Sport. Dennis Priddle was my hero back when Dave and I were attending Santa Pod from the early 70's onwards, I did shed a tear when  heard of his death. Of course even more recent we lost Dave Rowlands I didn't know him that well, I did race against him in Destiny's Angel once but as Colin put it so well he was one of us. I stood in silence along with the rest of the guys and gals at the Pod at Springspeed here in Spain RIP the both of them, both legends in their own right.

First off I have increased the font size of the blog to make it easier to read on cell phones I hope this make a difference. In the last update we were waiting for the last parts to arrive so we could start work on the heads. After numerous phone calls to the States Comp Cams admitted they have no idea when the retainers would be back in stock so a refund was submitted. I would like to give ICE automotive a big shout out as Nick managed to source a set of retainers for us in short notice. Two weeks ago the real work started Steve and Dave went to the trailer dismantled the engine. The heads were bought back to Swindon, new coil, fuel lines and  new fuel shut off were fitted to the dragster. The heads were taken to the legend that is "Mr Mopar" John O'Sullivan where in his workshop the machining of the heads was carried out to fit the Big Block valve springs in the Small Block head. some trimming of parts was required to stop parts rubbing with each other. 

John O' hard at work

The heads were then assembled. not much room left in there!

While I was watching a damp Springspeed Nationals on live stream Steve and Dave were in the trailer thrashing to get the engine back together. This Thursday Steve left for the Pod got as far as Oxford when part of the Dodge's exhaust fell off, at the same time he noticed a failed valve on the trucks LPG system which was emptying his 200 litre fuel tank.

With camp set up on Friday the car was fired up and it sounded like crap after a lot of thought bashing more fuel was thrown in and some timing and hey presto smooth sounding motor but!!! low oil pressure the pump had failed so with a little financial help from Daddy a trip to Top Speed automotive a new high flow oil pump and sump gasket was purchased all fitted and buttoned up by 11 pm. The guys would like to say a big thank you to  Rob and Pete for all their help and loan of tools without which the team may as well have returned home. And to Diana for running around like a looney as usual helping out the team. I am told the team also had help from Tony Underwood as well..thanks Tony.

To make things a little more homely at the track Dave bought a caravan a little more comfortable than sleeping on the trailer floor.

So to Saturday morning the car is good oil pressure is fine and Steve has 11 guests turning up today. First session of RWYB and Steve runs a very safe tune, second gear launch check out pass which nets a 8.79 run at a new PB speed of 161.38mph but!!! he ends up covered in oil as the gasket sealer used on the valley (inlet manifold) was out of date and didn't go off properly so repairs required and a new tube of sealer, second RWYB run missed while waiting for the sealer to set.

Video clip courtesy of Santa Pod Raceway for full video click here

Timing issues put paid to the third run at this point I think the team had just about had enough and was probably thinking it's about time to pack up and go home, but they had family and friends with them today, so after more fettling and probably a lot of swearing the car is fixed and ready to go once again. Once back in the pairing lanes there was a very long hold up due to a huge oil down which meant the fifth round of qualifying was cancelled and at one point. Once the RWYB cars were back on track they only had 25 mins to get them all through. Steve lined up against Ratchet Strap Racings Cheap Thrills slingshot and at the green Steve was gone, long gone! back into the low 8's @ 8.34 at 158mph. and breathe. After missing all day Friday and half the runs on Saturday everything was right with the world again.

Video clip courtesy of Santa Pod Raceway for full video click here

Just a few of Steve's VIP guests on Saturday, also the sun made a welcome return. Roll on Sunday!