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"Weekend Racer" Alpine Back running!
- Thread starter spmdr
- Start date
spmdr
Diamond Level Sponsor
Not ready for Prime Time
I guess y all are not ready for Streaming coverage (of the LBCs), YET....
(as far as I know, there were some groups streamed, but not all of the groups.)
The only changes to the WR were the Webers, since the last time at Laguna.
So I was curious how much the lap time would change.
On Friday, after the rain, there was a small stream crossing the track
on the entrance to turn 3, that gave most drivers, including me,
a reason NOT to hit turn 3 at 10 10ths!
And then, I found myself chasing a Morgan 4/4, that was more fun than trying to get the best lap times.
The Morgan would drive away from me on the straights and I would catch him under braking and in the turns.
My best lap time was 2:11.
In the Saturday morning Qualifying session, conditions were about perfect for fast times!
I took advantage and reduced my WR Best lap time to 2:03.813, with a backup of 2:04.634.
I qualified 27th out of 34 cars.
In the Saturday afternoon Race, I found myself chasing a Porsche 356 S90GT.
Like the Morgan, he would leave me on the straight and I would catch him in the turns.
But toward the end of the race, the 356 turned up the wick and left me for good.
I finished 22nd out of 30 cars.
I turned a 2:05.8 lap time, the 356 did a 2:03.01.
The Sunday morning race was a bit lonely, I could see traffic ahead of me the whole race.
I set a comfortable pace with a best of 2:05.5. I finished 22nd out of 29 cars.
I was lazy and didn't do any Weber tuning but saw a lot of high 11s on the AFg.
I'm getting a bit disappointed with SVRA, They have 19 events on their calendar this year!
I think they have reached the level of their incompetence.
Trying to deal with them regarding the logistics of their events was hopeless.
AND, unlike Fontana and other events, they did NOT give awards for ALL of the class wins at Laguna, BOOOOOO!!
I finished 1st in FP both races....
Also, The Gold medallion program seems to be falling by the wayside..... sigh
Tom Sakai ran the middle of the pack with the Tiger and finished 4th in BP.
Good times had at the track!
I guess y all are not ready for Streaming coverage (of the LBCs), YET....
(as far as I know, there were some groups streamed, but not all of the groups.)
The only changes to the WR were the Webers, since the last time at Laguna.
So I was curious how much the lap time would change.
On Friday, after the rain, there was a small stream crossing the track
on the entrance to turn 3, that gave most drivers, including me,
a reason NOT to hit turn 3 at 10 10ths!
And then, I found myself chasing a Morgan 4/4, that was more fun than trying to get the best lap times.
The Morgan would drive away from me on the straights and I would catch him under braking and in the turns.
My best lap time was 2:11.
In the Saturday morning Qualifying session, conditions were about perfect for fast times!
I took advantage and reduced my WR Best lap time to 2:03.813, with a backup of 2:04.634.
I qualified 27th out of 34 cars.
In the Saturday afternoon Race, I found myself chasing a Porsche 356 S90GT.
Like the Morgan, he would leave me on the straight and I would catch him in the turns.
But toward the end of the race, the 356 turned up the wick and left me for good.
I finished 22nd out of 30 cars.
I turned a 2:05.8 lap time, the 356 did a 2:03.01.
The Sunday morning race was a bit lonely, I could see traffic ahead of me the whole race.
I set a comfortable pace with a best of 2:05.5. I finished 22nd out of 29 cars.
I was lazy and didn't do any Weber tuning but saw a lot of high 11s on the AFg.
I'm getting a bit disappointed with SVRA, They have 19 events on their calendar this year!
I think they have reached the level of their incompetence.
Trying to deal with them regarding the logistics of their events was hopeless.
AND, unlike Fontana and other events, they did NOT give awards for ALL of the class wins at Laguna, BOOOOOO!!
I finished 1st in FP both races....
Also, The Gold medallion program seems to be falling by the wayside..... sigh
Tom Sakai ran the middle of the pack with the Tiger and finished 4th in BP.
Good times had at the track!
Last edited:
Jay Laifman
Platinum Level Sponsor
That is a bummer about the Gold Medallion program. It seemed like a good idea. But we did see at least a couple cars that were in it that made us scratch our heads about just how serious they were about it. Once we finally do get the Elva up and ready, we'll have to see where the best options are for us to bring it. We have volunteered at VARA because of people we know there. But they don't have any run groups we'd really want the Elva squeezed into.
spmdr
Diamond Level Sponsor
Some changes are happening in the world of the WR Alpine!
Tom Sakai and Steve Alcala have come to an agreement
on the sale of Steve's Alpine Racing parts.
The plan is to install Steve's Best engine in the WR Alpine
for testing and tuning.
When Steve ran this engine, he was constrained by being "Original"
and/or period correct parts with the Zenith carbs and std Stock Tri-Y
exhaust on the Sebring Alpine.
Steve knew the Alpine would not be competitive in the current VR world
(with his limited budget) so his main goal was reliability being the key to the most fun.
Tom's goal is to get in the game of current VR with the "Love Bug"
Alpine.
This means, currently, being able to run mid 1:45s or better at Willow Springs.
So the WR Alpine is the test bed.
With that goal, the WR has a NEW engine!
Steve and I swapped engines last Tuesday.
Right off the bat, we are running the 40mm Webers with 34 mm chokes,
but still with the Stock early Tri-Ys.
The Atalla header has been test fitted OK and WILL be tested
When the rest of the exhaust to go with it is made.
With the Aluminum Flywheel, the FEEL of the car is TRANSFORMED!
Previously, with the Heavy stock flywheel, it was VERY easy to quickly
open the Throttle of the Webers and cause a BIG flat spot/
stall of the engine!
NO More! At least standing still at idle...
Driving the car, is a different situation, more work
on the Webers is needed, most likely in the Accelerator pump world?
However, in spite of the BIGGER cam, Street Drive-ability is
Amazingly GOOD!
So far, with an initial "drive a-round the block",
CLEARLY, the engine runs Stronger up to 6000 RPMs,
my RPM limit so far!
My next step is mod the 40 Carbs for more flow and then
check/adjust the Jetting of the Webers.
Tom Sakai and Steve Alcala have come to an agreement
on the sale of Steve's Alpine Racing parts.
The plan is to install Steve's Best engine in the WR Alpine
for testing and tuning.
When Steve ran this engine, he was constrained by being "Original"
and/or period correct parts with the Zenith carbs and std Stock Tri-Y
exhaust on the Sebring Alpine.
Steve knew the Alpine would not be competitive in the current VR world
(with his limited budget) so his main goal was reliability being the key to the most fun.
Tom's goal is to get in the game of current VR with the "Love Bug"
Alpine.
This means, currently, being able to run mid 1:45s or better at Willow Springs.
So the WR Alpine is the test bed.
With that goal, the WR has a NEW engine!
Steve and I swapped engines last Tuesday.
Right off the bat, we are running the 40mm Webers with 34 mm chokes,
but still with the Stock early Tri-Ys.
The Atalla header has been test fitted OK and WILL be tested
When the rest of the exhaust to go with it is made.
With the Aluminum Flywheel, the FEEL of the car is TRANSFORMED!
Previously, with the Heavy stock flywheel, it was VERY easy to quickly
open the Throttle of the Webers and cause a BIG flat spot/
stall of the engine!
NO More! At least standing still at idle...
Driving the car, is a different situation, more work
on the Webers is needed, most likely in the Accelerator pump world?
However, in spite of the BIGGER cam, Street Drive-ability is
Amazingly GOOD!
So far, with an initial "drive a-round the block",
CLEARLY, the engine runs Stronger up to 6000 RPMs,
my RPM limit so far!
My next step is mod the 40 Carbs for more flow and then
check/adjust the Jetting of the Webers.
Last edited:
spmdr
Diamond Level Sponsor
Current plans are to run the WR Alpine with the Cobra Club at Willow Springs Oct 29-30.
Steve Alcala will be driving.
Depending how this goes, I may run the car at the VARA Big Bore bash the following weekend,
also at Willow.
With this stronger engine, the need for a Rev limiter is MUCH more called for.
So, I want to jump to an Electronic Ignition. It's been on my list, but I have been dragging my feet.
DW
Steve Alcala will be driving.
Depending how this goes, I may run the car at the VARA Big Bore bash the following weekend,
also at Willow.
With this stronger engine, the need for a Rev limiter is MUCH more called for.
So, I want to jump to an Electronic Ignition. It's been on my list, but I have been dragging my feet.
DW
Last edited:
spmdr
Diamond Level Sponsor
BTW, Weber 40 DCOE mods happening here:
https://forum.sunbeamalpine.org/index.php?threads/weber-40-dcoe-mods-for-more-flow.30747/
https://forum.sunbeamalpine.org/index.php?threads/weber-40-dcoe-mods-for-more-flow.30747/
alpine_64
Donation Time
Dan, what type of EI are you allowed? Just points replacement inside distributor or can you use high output distributor and coil elec ignition ?
spmdr
Diamond Level Sponsor
I currently have a MSD Rev limiter in the car that is disabled.
My plan was to change the Dist to a late model (British) Mag pickup OEM Dist
to trigger an MSD box.
I also have 2 different Pertronics units to play with.
I may go the Pertronics route, only because it's the easiest
way to keep using the stock SV Tach, currently in service.
I'm not too worried about the Vintage/Legal aspects of the EI, at this point.
DW
My plan was to change the Dist to a late model (British) Mag pickup OEM Dist
to trigger an MSD box.
I also have 2 different Pertronics units to play with.
I may go the Pertronics route, only because it's the easiest
way to keep using the stock SV Tach, currently in service.
I'm not too worried about the Vintage/Legal aspects of the EI, at this point.
DW
Last edited:
spmdr
Diamond Level Sponsor
Been awhile...
I played with the Rev limiter and was semi-happy it would keep the engine from over reving.
However, the action is quite rude by basically shutting off the engine at the limit.
...nothing SOFT about THAT limiter!
There are some differences with this other engine.
This one has a Bigger cam, bigger exhaust valves and bigger exhaust ports.
The old engine has a duel pattern cam of 238 deg INtake and 245 deg EXhuast @ .050
The new engine has a single pattern cam of 250 @ .050
Both cams have a 110 LC.
The old engine has more compression with .032 pop-up pistons
The new engine has flat top lighter pistons and lighter rods.
The two engines run quite different, more than I would expect!
The smaller cam, higher compression, and bigger flywheel engine
idles rougher and, of course revs slower.
The bigger cam, lower compression and lighter flywheel engine
idles much smoother and revs free as the breeze.... up to a point.
I was planning for a noticeable change at the Track.
We took the WR Alpine to the Cobra Club Track event Oct 29-30.
The Weather was quite good, but with a little unwanted wind in the afternoon.
But, the bad news is the Alpine would Go No faster....
Lap times were the same!
Clearly, max power was the same... sigh...
WORK continues.... slowly... enthusiasm is challenged....
However, Opportunity is KING!!
...And just as things need doing, So Cal gets an extended dose of Winter....
I drove in the Snow, and didn't need to go to the Mountains to do it.
DW
I played with the Rev limiter and was semi-happy it would keep the engine from over reving.
However, the action is quite rude by basically shutting off the engine at the limit.
...nothing SOFT about THAT limiter!
There are some differences with this other engine.
This one has a Bigger cam, bigger exhaust valves and bigger exhaust ports.
The old engine has a duel pattern cam of 238 deg INtake and 245 deg EXhuast @ .050
The new engine has a single pattern cam of 250 @ .050
Both cams have a 110 LC.
The old engine has more compression with .032 pop-up pistons
The new engine has flat top lighter pistons and lighter rods.
The two engines run quite different, more than I would expect!
The smaller cam, higher compression, and bigger flywheel engine
idles rougher and, of course revs slower.
The bigger cam, lower compression and lighter flywheel engine
idles much smoother and revs free as the breeze.... up to a point.
I was planning for a noticeable change at the Track.
We took the WR Alpine to the Cobra Club Track event Oct 29-30.
The Weather was quite good, but with a little unwanted wind in the afternoon.
But, the bad news is the Alpine would Go No faster....
Lap times were the same!
Clearly, max power was the same... sigh...
WORK continues.... slowly... enthusiasm is challenged....
However, Opportunity is KING!!
...And just as things need doing, So Cal gets an extended dose of Winter....
I drove in the Snow, and didn't need to go to the Mountains to do it.
DW
Last edited:
alpine_64
Donation Time
Dan,
Is the new engine the new school piston and rod setup?
You said you went to a single pattern cam on this motor. was this as it was what you had available..or was a conscious switch.. my understanding is that a longer duration cam on exhaust helps us for to the limitation of the exhaust port design.
What is the compression difference?
You said top power is the same.. but the new motor with lighter internals and flywheel revs faster (as expected) what's the mid range performance and response like on the new motor.. was the running on the new motor also with the new mods to the Weber's?
spmdr
Diamond Level Sponsor
MK, The current engine is an older Alcala engine.
It has Omega pistons and custom Triumph type rods.
The long block engine, with cam, came out of England.
We just bolted it in place of the older-yet Alcala engine,
Same intake and Exhaust.
Clearly, we need to make some changes.
DW
It has Omega pistons and custom Triumph type rods.
The long block engine, with cam, came out of England.
We just bolted it in place of the older-yet Alcala engine,
Same intake and Exhaust.
Clearly, we need to make some changes.
DW
Last edited:
spmdr
Diamond Level Sponsor
With the bigger cam (even though very little more exhaust timing),
bigger exhaust valves and ports, the exhaust has a noticeably bigger
Bark. I'm leaning toward changing the header next.
... I'm just a bit on the fence about what size to make the rest of the exhaust system.
DW
bigger exhaust valves and ports, the exhaust has a noticeably bigger
Bark. I'm leaning toward changing the header next.
... I'm just a bit on the fence about what size to make the rest of the exhaust system.
DW
Last edited:
jdoclogan
Platinum Level Sponsor
Jerry Titus and Doane Spencer tested different exhaust sizes in 1962. After trying larger and smaller exhaust size against the OEM exhaust size they concluded the OEM gave the best performance (track times).
I'm hoping to get some Dyno results on my (4 into 1 with 15" collector) 1.25" (versus 1.5" OEM) header system once my two engines builds are completed.
I'm hoping to get some Dyno results on my (4 into 1 with 15" collector) 1.25" (versus 1.5" OEM) header system once my two engines builds are completed.
Last edited:
spmdr
Diamond Level Sponsor
2023 is Marching on, mostly without me, because of the unusual cool and wet So Cal Winter.
But event dates add a needed incentive to Get things Done...
So I checked into the status of the Monterey Historics (by another name..)
The entries are Still open BUT the $1600 fee is a bit of a BIG pill to swallow!
And then, I read there are plans to Resurface the Laguna Seca Track and Spend
$14 MILLION on improvements! ....( BTW, $14 Mil is ...$1600 X 8750....just saying...)
The sad thing is, when I compare the way Laguna Seca is, to other Tracks, IT IS THE BEST!
And Then I hear there are more Changes in Management at the Track...
Maybe another year to sit out Monterey...
DW
But event dates add a needed incentive to Get things Done...
So I checked into the status of the Monterey Historics (by another name..)
The entries are Still open BUT the $1600 fee is a bit of a BIG pill to swallow!
And then, I read there are plans to Resurface the Laguna Seca Track and Spend
$14 MILLION on improvements! ....( BTW, $14 Mil is ...$1600 X 8750....just saying...)
The sad thing is, when I compare the way Laguna Seca is, to other Tracks, IT IS THE BEST!
And Then I hear there are more Changes in Management at the Track...
Maybe another year to sit out Monterey...
DW
Last edited: