After the new camshaft problems earlier this year, very pleased to report a successful competition day two weekends ago. This event is a little like the Albany Around the Houses - we get to stick numbers on the car and go racing with about 20 to 30 other cars for 6 lap races. Brilliant day - good turn out of Triumphs - 3 Mk1 PIs (we formed a team of those guys and my Sprint for the 1 hour relay event), several TR4s, TR6 and TR8 and GT6.
We are assuming the chewing out of the cam and rockers was caused by very heavy double valve springs. Now running standard single valve springs and using an racing oil with zinc. Some pictures from the day. Car is now running 45 Webers. Improved lap times by 2 seconds. There is definitely more to come. The car is very noticeably quicker in a straight line. Changing into fourth much earlier and pulling 7000rpm in fourth at the end of the long straight (yes, the overdrive failed after about 10 laps - not sure of the problem as the car went straight into the garage after the event and more pressing matters such as finishing painting the house before Christmas took priority!!) However, the increased speed revealed some of the deficiencies of the car. Brakes are now struggling a little, but most of all was the understeer ( to some extent created by too much entry speed, I think) and the inability to get good traction out of the corners. Not sure that the Phantom Grip is working all that well. Anyway, plenty of food for thought in terms of driving and setting up the car. The last time I drove the car at our local racetrack was two years ago and I would have to say in hindsight that I was overdriving the car. Need to get up there and just do some more practice and set up without the racing!!
Have a great Christmas. Hoping to get in a few more competition events in 2013 - time and money allowing!!
Cheers
Paul Roberts
Perth Western Australia
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