Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 7:57 am
Hi
not really sure where to put this but I think this is the closest to an account of the season so far so. . . Yesterdays first run out and I had the engine running well, I have pretty well sorted the engine pick up issue with a new map in the ECU, it needs a bit more advance at about 1200 revs but it did a good burn out got settled and away I go!
however yesterdays first run yesterday was the first of the day and the last my season. The front suspension where it meets the chassis main tubes collapsed. . . The Mark Williams torsion tube, where it was welded onto the main tubes failed and tore out the wall of the tube at the edge of the weld. I think it is safe to say I am not pleased that it failed, it is actually the third major issue with the chassis since I bought it, I think it is safe to say I will not be goind back to this builder in the future. Petty really I did a 10.44 / 127 and if I had crossed the line on 4 wheels not 2 and a bolt head I think I would have been across in under 10 seconds.
Looking ahead I will be starting the winter strip and rebuild a couple of months early, I need to clear the garage then find a couple of 20 foot long RSJs to make myself a chassis table so I can rebuild the front of the chassis. I have decided that if it is safety critical on this thing I am trusting my own design judgment and my welding not anyone elses. I trust my maths and design skills not the "well we've always done it like that" attitude that seems to be around part of the drag racing seen.
Now I'm off to kick something!
Best regards
Mike
not really sure where to put this but I think this is the closest to an account of the season so far so. . . Yesterdays first run out and I had the engine running well, I have pretty well sorted the engine pick up issue with a new map in the ECU, it needs a bit more advance at about 1200 revs but it did a good burn out got settled and away I go!
however yesterdays first run yesterday was the first of the day and the last my season. The front suspension where it meets the chassis main tubes collapsed. . . The Mark Williams torsion tube, where it was welded onto the main tubes failed and tore out the wall of the tube at the edge of the weld. I think it is safe to say I am not pleased that it failed, it is actually the third major issue with the chassis since I bought it, I think it is safe to say I will not be goind back to this builder in the future. Petty really I did a 10.44 / 127 and if I had crossed the line on 4 wheels not 2 and a bolt head I think I would have been across in under 10 seconds.
Looking ahead I will be starting the winter strip and rebuild a couple of months early, I need to clear the garage then find a couple of 20 foot long RSJs to make myself a chassis table so I can rebuild the front of the chassis. I have decided that if it is safety critical on this thing I am trusting my own design judgment and my welding not anyone elses. I trust my maths and design skills not the "well we've always done it like that" attitude that seems to be around part of the drag racing seen.
Now I'm off to kick something!
Best regards
Mike