rtbain
Expert Class
old, fat and slow
Posts: 244
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posted October 30, 2009 02:18 AM
Build season is here! WooHoo!
Build season is here! WooHoo!
I see Mile/LSR racing as a laboratory for applied physics. Yes I stink at applied physics but that does not affect my love for the process.
My mission statement is simple; do not build a hand grenade engine. I can afford to do this once, but I can’t afford a rebuild after each event.
After bothering anyone who would listen I have decided on the following.
2mm overbore
Pistons
Rods
Ported heads
Higher compression (about 13/1)
Larger valves
Springs and retainers to match
Slightly aggressive cam (higher lift, longer duration)
Add EGT to data logger
Add oil pressure sensor to data logger
Already installed
Lockup clutch
PCIII
AFR data logger
Head work by Competition CNC. Engine build by Andy at Metric Motorcycles in Houston Texas.
The other modifications include
Lighter wheels
Lowering the bike
My modifications include weight loss and swimming. Tucking my old fat ass behind a windscreen does not provide optimum aerodynamics. The cheapest and most beneficial part of the project. Besides the important race related affects it will ease my long suffering wife's mind, somewhat.
When complete I should have a bike that can turn good numbers on the mile but retain ‘good reliability’. I can focus on tuning, riding and shooting the breeze with others. Old racer heaven.
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Randy
   
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted October 30, 2009 04:44 AM
 Edited By: Shane661 on 30 Oct 2009 12:45
Good luck with it, Randle. Looks like quite a list of engine mods. 1417cc and the works. 
I too will be tinkering with my bike in the offseason, but I don't think it will have all of the engine mods of yours. I'm also looking forward to parking the bike for the season, but the dragstrip seems to be calling my name one more time. Afterwards I will be putting myself and the bike on a diet, just like you are. 
Shane
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lar300mag
Parking Attendant
Posts: 17
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posted October 30, 2009 07:45 AM
You are gonna let me ride it, right??? LOL. Sounds like a sweet build.
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted October 30, 2009 08:28 AM
Edited By: Shane661 on 30 Oct 2009 16:33
Randle, I figured I would throw this out there too: You probably still have 25 mph to gain naturally aspirated without opening the motor. Then you could gain another 8-10 mph with a small dry shot of nitrous. Food for thought.
Shane
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TRNorBRN6001
Needs a job
Posts: 2021
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posted October 30, 2009 10:17 AM
How about some pics of bike and then build progress, pics of bike parts is like porn to some here on the boards. LOL.
How about before and after dyno runs to see what gains made what and maybe a $ per HP estimate would be kind of cool as well.
Good Luck and keep us up to date on the progress.
Gary
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TFA 200MPH CLUB MEMBER!
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entropy
Moderator
Posts: 8671
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posted October 30, 2009 11:31 AM
Randy,
COOL plans! 
I assume you are gonna pull the motor down and do the build yrself?
March will come uber fast, so yank the motor this weekend and get after it!!!
If you need an extra pair of blue-veined, age-spotted, yellow-nailed, palsy-trembling hands I am there for you.
(assuming there is some Bud Light in yr fridge)
Karl
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rtbain
Expert Class
old, fat and slow
Posts: 244
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posted October 30, 2009 02:54 PM
This is really difficult for me to write. For the first time in my life I will have my tires changed on a machine. For the first time in my life I am going to pay someone to assemble an engine.
The tires are because I am going to composite wheels. If I use spoons they will void the warranty.
The engine is because of the machining. The cases have to be split and sent off for bore and resurfacing. The head will come off and be sent for porting. Since new rods will be installed I am biting the bullet and letting Andy do the work. Having someone build an engine is like paying someone to sleep with your sweetheart. It’s just wrong on a very deep level.
When complete I should have a solid platform with which to move forward. I want to do it now (as my hero Karl said) to be ready for March. Also I was to spend the money before it goes for something stupid like the house.
I feel dirty and cheap. But I kinda like it. But that is an entirely different thread.
May the motorcycle gods have pity on my worthless soul.
Larry - sure you can ride it.
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Randy
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krexken
Zone Head
Posts: 732
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posted October 30, 2009 09:26 PM
I'll agree that it's tough to paying someone else to build your motor but luckily, I'm the someone else every now and then. Good luck with the build. Sounds like you have a builder that you can trust and that is worth a lot. ZX14, I assume?
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rtbain
Expert Class
old, fat and slow
Posts: 244
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posted October 31, 2009 03:31 AM
quote:
Randle, I figured I would throw this out there too: You probably still have 25 mph to gain naturally aspirated without opening the motor. Then you could gain another 8-10 mph with a small dry shot of nitrous. Food for thought.
Shane
I thought long and hard on this subject. The existing engine is in a raw state of tune and I agree there is more power to be had. I considered nitrous and turbo; both reasonably safe in small amounts.
Nitrous bothers me from an engine safety and logistics standpoint. Both can be addressed. The threat of the dreaded sticking solenoid can be reduced by adding a second. Lean conditions and fuel mapping are also issues that can be readily remedied with electronics. Refills can be remedied by buying a fill tank or many small bottles.
The main issue with turbo is reliability with stock rods and pistons. Most people I have spoken with who have run turbos for any length of time toughen up the bottom end as the state of tune evolves.
So I elected to go naturally aspirated sticking to the basics, bore and head avoiding a stroker crank. It will never be a record setter but will provide a solid platform from which to evolve.
Nitrous and turbo both have their advantages, but for me this seems the best route to follow. That is one of the great things about this site. If you read carefully enough information can be gleaned to make a hopefully sound decision.
I would like your opinion of your race bodywork. From the pictures I have seen it appears the lowers cannot be removed for service. Am I wrong as usual?
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Randy
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted October 31, 2009 07:44 AM
Edited By: Shane661 on 31 Oct 2009 16:04
Regarding removal of race bodywork, it depends on which race bodywork you select. None of the race stuff will fit quite like oem, and some of the fiberglass panels are actually heavier than stock (on the 14).
I am happy with my bodywork, it serves my purpose. It is probably not the best choice for most applications.
There certainly is a lot of data on this site; how you interpret that data is the key. 
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Y2KZX12R
Needs a job
CompetitionCNC.com
Posts: 3762
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posted November 03, 2009 01:55 PM
Randle,
We'll get that engine pumping out some ponies, dont you worry.
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Y2KZX12R
CompetitionCNC.com
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NOX
Needs a job
PMRA / TMRC Super Street 4022
Posts: 3745
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posted November 04, 2009 08:01 AM
As far as race body work, I can have my catalyst body off in 5 min. All of it.
Did not have to modify anything. Fit and finish is great.
____________
42 Wins
21 Runner-ups
2010 TMRC Super Street Points Champion
2010 PMRA Super Street #3 Points
2009 PMRA Super Street Points Runner-Up
6 Time Centerville Dragway Points Champion
Sponsored by:
Scorpion Helmets
Galfer Braking
AMSOIL
Steve's Speed Shop
Kawasaki Sports Center
Mickey Thompson Tires
Catalyst Racing Composites
Conway Cycle
Syed Leathers
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rtbain
Expert Class
old, fat and slow
Posts: 244
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posted November 05, 2009 03:16 AM
quote:
Randle,
We'll get that engine pumping out some ponies, dont you worry.
I have no doubt. Thanks for your advice and patience while I asked a million questions.
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Randy
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Y2KZX12R
Needs a job
CompetitionCNC.com
Posts: 3762
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posted November 05, 2009 09:04 AM
No problem Randle.
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Y2KZX12R
CompetitionCNC.com
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted November 06, 2009 04:37 AM
Randle, did you run a cut down tank in TX? If so, how did you like it? I still haven't fitted mine.
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rtbain
Expert Class
old, fat and slow
Posts: 244
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posted November 06, 2009 03:51 PM
I did run a cut tank. I liked it quite a bit. Made tucking what I could much easier. I learned I should have used a vented cap rather than a vent line. The one way valve on the vent line got sucked off on the second day. If I had to do it over again I would have cut the tank level with the seat pan. Cut at the stock seat height I had around three gallons of usable fuel. I was able to hot lap until lunch (about five passes) then fill up and finish the day.
After it’s all said and done I would have to argue that purchasing the Catalyst tank may be the best option. Definitely cleaner lines but twice as much money as you can build one. Depends on where your priorities are I suppose.
I think lowering the seat will help even more. Rather than the standard drag race seat I am going to try and shave down a stock pan and fiberglass over it.
The stepped drag race seats don’t allow enough rearward movement to stretch my old fat ass out enough to tuck in. I am working on the fat part but that will take some time.
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Randy
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted November 06, 2009 03:52 PM
A big benefit for the steel tank is that you can leave the fuel in it. You are supposed to drain the 'glass tanks after racing.
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rtbain
Expert Class
old, fat and slow
Posts: 244
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posted November 07, 2009 05:54 AM
Didn't know that. Hey, I am smarter than I thought!
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Randy
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entropy
Moderator
Posts: 8671
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posted November 07, 2009 06:31 AM
quote:
Didn't know that. Hey, I am smarter than I thought!
Also, your wife warned us that "you are smarter than you look"!
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KZScott
Needs a life
high on speed
Posts: 7235
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posted November 07, 2009 08:03 AM
we need pictures! (of the build)
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01 ZX-12R 8.84 @ 156.3 no bars, DOT tires. Pump Gas, NA.... turbo 8.47 @ 164.
00 ZX-12R 8.62 @ 165.2 no bars, slicks, Pump Gas, 55 shot.... turbo 8.32 @173
00 ZX-12R Fastest NA Kawasaki in the world 1: 222.046 1.5: 226.390 Loring AFB
00 ZX-12R street turbo 1: 227.9 1.5: 234.1 Loring AFB
00 ZX-12R LSR turbo 1: 263.1 1.5: 266.5 Loring AFB Worlds fastest ZX-12R
CMG Racing RCC Turbos
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rtbain
Expert Class
old, fat and slow
Posts: 244
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posted November 07, 2009 08:09 AM
quote:
Also, your wife warned us that "you are smarter than you look"!
Which ain't saying much. But then look who she married. Sucker!
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Randy
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rtbain
Expert Class
old, fat and slow
Posts: 244
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posted November 07, 2009 08:10 AM
quote:
we need pictures! (of the build)
I won't be able to supply many because a lot of the work is being farmed out, shameful I know. I take some pictures of the BST wheels. They are fukking beautiful.
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Randy
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osti33
Needs a job
Posts: 2973
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posted November 07, 2009 11:22 AM
quote:
I take some pictures of the BST wheels. They are fukking beautiful.
They are nice. I sure like mine.
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted November 07, 2009 11:28 AM
quote:
quote:
I take some pictures of the BST wheels. They are fukking beautiful.
They are nice. I sure like mine.
+1
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Y2KZX12R
Needs a job
CompetitionCNC.com
Posts: 3762
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posted December 22, 2009 04:16 AM
Randle, This new zx14 cylinder head has exceeded my expectations big time. Its very impressive on paper so far. I posted a few details about it on the zx14 side.
Shussh, don't tell Karl.
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Y2KZX12R
CompetitionCNC.com
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