I've got my new motor together. I'm referring to it as "my backup motor" for now. Mainly because I don't think I can get it dropped in and dialed in in 7 days. Work schedule is full. Needs lots of odds and ends items. Tonight I went thru header holes, transmission, power steering pump, and engine mount bolt holes, etc. I want to be able to drop it in without surprises. Glad I did. There are a few which need tapped or at a minimum chased.
So in 8 days is our "big money race." 75th scheduled race for the series since inception. They came up with $75 to start for the first 20 trucks. Heat races are generally $30/20/10 for the top 3. Next race is $75/50/25. I think there is a hard charger bonus as well. Then we have $750 to win. I've been dancing with the leaders but they've been walking away a bit at a time. I'm going to need to run a flawless race. If I can't start out front and hold them off, I need to be on their heels and in striking distance. People get stupid over big money. I can see the top two get into a tangle on the last lap or two while battling for the lead. I need to stay out of it or expect to be bumped or doored or run up the track if I'm out front.
Moved a shock mount that I think has caused some handling issues. 9" shock which only had 3" of rod showing. I moved the top shock mounting bracket to have 4.75" of rod showing. That right front is critical. It needs a bigger range of movement than 3" and it is bottomed out. Hopefully that improves the handling a bit.
Went thru the engine. Something was just not right at the end of the race. Came in with higher RPMs and it just sounded off. Started it the next day and there was a ticking noise in the head. One of the mouse traps was off and an exhaust valve had loosened up to where I could turn it by hand. Also found a foreign piece of metal under the valve cover. It was an intake valve seal that came out. No time for my builder to fix it. He did push another one back into place which was about to come out. Said it has probably been like that a couple races and I didn't know it. Might burn a little oil. Might smoke a little. Run it. Keep an eye on oil.
One week to watch videos, strategize, keep going over every nut and bolt. Mentally prepare.
