Projekt Kompressor

[Taylor]

It's always a good idea to take care of the casting seams.  Depending on the media they use and how hard they lay into it, the edges and sharp corners will be sort of rounded off anyway. 

[Mike Lawless]

With my wife's health improving, it looks like we're going to run the car at Sacramento. I haven't got the stuff back from the powder-coaters yet, but it should be any day. In the meantime, the engine bay has been refinished, and a lot of the stuff I cobbed together to get it to the track, has been re-done.
Once back together, it should look pretty nice, and some functions will be improved as well.

Since we haven't run the car since mid March, we haven't been able to dial 'er down to run the 10.60 index. On top of that, BRS has brought the "SuperComp" index at its events to 10.90. Sooooo, rather that fight with that, we're just gonna run it in Pro Eliminator which is simply a dial-in bracket and just let the car run what it runs. Last time out, with a 5lb spring in the waste gate and a very soft setting in the eboost controller, it ran 10.30 at 133. Before that, it ran 10.20 at 135 with a 7 lb spring and no controller.

The "BigQuestion" is, can I stay out of trouble?

[richie]

With my wife's health improving, it looks like we're going to run the car at Sacramento.





The "BigQuestion" is, can I stay out of trouble?

Mike really pleased to hear Cindy is doing better,please give her our best wishes




Now as to the staying out of trouble part   I have no idea how to do that         So with that in mind


Time for you to get the medical done ready to start licensing 


I know what you said before about that,and it is proberly a pain,and is expensive,but as you have said since   "never say never"  at the very least you will get a better idea if it is even feasible to run C-gas with it in its current guise
Good luck in sac


cheers Richie

[Mike Lawless]

Thanks Richie. The medical won't be an issue, as I have a full physical every year anyway. The chassis will need a few tweaks before attempting to cert that, and, I need to run good enough to justify it.

In the meantime, most of the detail work is complete.

Before....



And after...

[Fiatdude]

Thought you guys would like to know that Mike is letting it all hang out at Sacramento this weekend at Bug-o

Saturday night 9.86 @143

He is Hauling ass

[Neil Davies]

Wow! Awesome job Mike, and congratulations on your first nine. Thanks for letting us know Harold.

[Mike Lawless]

Mission accomplished!
Our only objective for this outing was to find out the car's potential. Although I put together this combo with the intent of running the 10.60 index class, for this event, the Sacramento Bugorama, I decided to enter it into the dial-in bracket class, so I could run it out rather than choke it down trying to hit the index.

After talking things over with Pat Downs before making any runs, I told him I had in mind to keep things simple and "old school" and rather than using the boost controller, just swap waste gate springs around. He agreed, so that's what I did.

On the first run on Saturday, I put a ten pound spring in the wastegate. Results were 10.05 at 137 and change. A pretty good improvement from the 10.20/135 at the March Meet. The run was smooth and straight. No wiggles, no hick-ups. I checked 'er out at the pits, everything was good, so I added a 5 pound spring to bring the spring package to 15 pounds. One of the reasons I believe methanol to be the perfect fuel for an air cooled VW is that after the run, the head temps didn't even get to 150° F

On second run, it got out of the groove to the left right out of the gate, but I nudged 'er back and the rest of the run was straight. Bam! 9.85 at 143mph!

The first half numbers are really soft for that kind of trap speed, so there's some fiddlin' to do to bring that part around. Best short time was 1.37. Not bad, but a long ways from being where it would need to be to have the best ET for that top end speed. It was 6.37 at 111mph to the eighth. Soft ET, big mph there too. Compared to other cars that are running that kind of MPH...for instance Pat Downs, who ran 9.49 at 140...well, one can see there's some room for improvement without adding more boost.

My impressions during that run was that it didn't feel all that fast. It was really smooth. It pulls really REALLY hard in all the gears, and the shift to second comes very quickly. On top, no wiggles, but it does take quite a bit more effort to get 'er slowed down after the run!

Anyway, right after we made the second run, they shut the track down to faster cars, and that automatically lit the drinking light for us! A nice Amber Lager in hand, we headed to the CB booth to socialize.

The next morning, Tech Director Mark Trembly comes by our pit for a friendly chat.  Mark says, "I hear you made a good run last night. Congratulations!"

"Yep," says I. "Mark, are we gonna have 'TheTalk?'" (I am not licensed, nor is the chassis certified to run quicker than 10 flat at this time)

Mark laughed and said yeah, we're gonna have 'TheTalk!' One more run in the nines and you're done."

"Ok Mark. I'll back 'er down," says I.

So, the ten pound spring went back in. Next two runs were 10.15 and 10.16. Then  I red lit in round one. What can I say? I haven't run on a full tree in two years. It was still a lot of fun!

We talked to a lot of people who came by our pit area, and we got a lot of compliments. Thanks to everyone that stopped by to chat. All very much appreciated!

Cindy had a good time too. She's still having a bit of difficulty getting around, but she weathered it well. She was very happy that we were able to make the event. Thank you for everyone's well wishes for her.

OK, so now what?
For the time being, we're gonna back 'er down for the 10.60 index. Yeah, we can tune on it some more and get it to run the 9.60 index. The potential really is there, as evidenced by that big top speed. Some clutch and shock/spring tuning, launch RPM, just figuring out what it likes, will probably get it there. A bit more boost too. And then I haven't messed with timing or jetting at all since the February TestnTune.

But....
And this is a big hairy butt...At this particular time, I don't want the added expense of the certification and licensing process, not the mention the added maintenance expense of running the car that hard. Maybe later when Cindy is doing better health-wise. For now, we'll just go back to a low boost setting and set to the task of winning rounds again and just try to have some fun with the car without beatin' the crap out of it.

So as far that the 9 second thing goes. We did it. I'm glad we did it, and now we know for sure. I'll work toward that goal of getting legal over time. Maybe, Just maybe, I'll be able to line up with Richie's street car in C/Gas at a March Meet one day. (9.60 index)
Two street legal 9 second VWs facing off in front of 10,000 nostalgia racing fans....Wouldn't that be something?

Interesting side note...
I dug out the best time slip for our Dodge Challenger from 1987. 9.69 @ 139. And that was a full tube chassis car with 14 inch wide tires, with a big block, injected on methanol, lexan windows...the whole bit.

Big BIG thanks to Rick Tomlinson of CB for providing meals for us and for providing some refuge for Cindy when she needed it. Thanks also to Scott Sebastian for your help this weekend. As it turned out though, when you asked for the 10mm nut for Andre's car right before round one of elimination, I should have told you to pound sand. Andre is on his own!

Just kidding of course!

[richie]

Mike

1st congrats on that ET & MPH, very well done    I know you will find a bunch of little things to improve on, but try to leave it mainly alone now it works, I don't need you going to much quicker than that please, I need to concentrate on the new cab, not be chasing after you with the old one to try catch up    Now the C/Gas idea sounds really cool, if and when you decide to do that let me know and we will be there for sure. I will even put some sissy sticks on it to make it run consistent, Bollox will I, only kidding I get enough abuse for the new car   But lining up with you and the ghia at March meet C/gas has now been added to my bucket list.

I don't know what your aims are for the 60ft, 1.37 is pretty dam good for a soft set up in a heavy car, particularly a turbo car

cheers Richie

[Mike Lawless]

Mike

1st congrats on that ET & MPH, very well done    I know you will find a bunch of little things to improve on, but try to leave it mainly alone now it works, I don't need you going to much quicker than that please, I need to concentrate on the new cab, not be chasing after you with the old one to try catch up    Now the C/Gas idea sounds really cool, if and when you decide to do that let me know and we will be there for sure. I will even put some sissy sticks on it to make it run consistent, Bollox will I, only kidding I get enough abuse for the new car   But lining up with you and the ghia at March meet C/gas has now been added to my bucket list.

I don't know what your aims are for the 60ft, 1.37 is pretty dam good for a soft set up in a heavy car, particularly a turbo car

cheers Richie

Haha Richie! You crack me up.

The Bucket List thing is a good idea. I'll add that to mine as well.

I'd imagine we'll not worry about staying within the index, hmmm?

You're right about the sixty. A soft set-up keeps trans components alive.

First things first. I have to work toward getting the chassis cert and getting licensed before we can pair off.

Richie, I really appreciate your insight throughout this project. You've been a big help!

[modnrod]

Gday Mike.
Congratulations man! 143? That's pinning the ears back a bit. 
Quick little Ghia that one, good onya.

[MeXX]

Mission accomplished!

Big CONGRATULATION Mike

 

MeXX

[Cornpanzer]

Very impressive. Way to go Mike

[Mike Lawless]

Thanks guys!

A post race inspection along with a discussion about clutch management systems on a another forum, brought something to light. As it turned out, my CM system was switched off for the entire weekend, yet the clutch engagement wasn't all that harsh. McLeod 8" "J&G" style floater, with the heavy diaphragm and a Kennedy 4 puck. I don't have a torque wrench that goes high enough to actually measure the break-away. Let's just say that it's well north of 200 ft/lbs.

The reason it wasn't harsh? I haven't taken it apart to confirm yet, but others that are using similar systems with the Biondo solenoid say that the Biondo unit is very restrictive. So restrictive that it may not make a bunch of difference whether it is on or off. If it's in line, it will restrict the flow. So we'll be looking at that over the next few weeks and reveal what we have found.

I bought into the marketing description that said "high flow". I reckon the only way to know for sure is flow test it and compare it to another brand as well as a length of the #4 tube by itself.

I really like what MeXX is doing with clutches. One of these days. I looked at the Lummus Rev6 but at the time, couldn't swing the price. So now we'll just have to work with what we have. All things considered, it works. It's just a matter of figuring out the best compromise.

[richie]

Interesting, I am just using generic jegs solenoids but haven't noticed the symptoms you are describing, both my cars are "overclutched"  If I get it wrong and there is no slip then the car just bogs real bad, or as happened this last weekend it just blew the tyres off.
I am using 2 solenoids[well not actually using as the second one is obsolete due to not needing to do what it was intended] but it does mean that when I release the clutch with it switched off it flows back through both of them so double the capability to move the fluid.

I did just open a jegs solenoid and that hole is tiny

cheers Richie

[Mike Lawless]

Part of the phenomenon in my own case Richie, is I use a Tilton flow control valve that uses a changeable jet, rather than a twist knob. For this last weekends race, since I knew I was going to be on a full .5 tenth tree, I changed the jet from the .050" jet to a .028" to slow the rate of release so I would have less risk of going red. This valve free flows in one direction and has controlled flow in the other.

I did get some wheel spin on a couple of the runs including the 9.85 run. But Sac has never been a "tight" track either. And I did redlight in round one. I attributed this to just not being worth a damn on a full tree and anticipating the last amber. Maybe, but maybe not

Based on area of the combined orifices, assuming the line loc orifice is in the neighborhood of .035" based on other peoples estimates (size of a paper clip wire), the area of the .050" orifice still exceeds that of a .035" combined with a .028" orifice.

The math says that  the engagement,  due to the small orifice in the flow control valve combined with the small passages in the solenoid, was still dampened.

Or am I miscalculating?

[richie]

I did try a couple of brands of "Adjustable Bias valves" but couldn't get the restriction I wanted, but they were just simple twist the knob types, I also had some different length clutch arms to change the ratio that way as well, all longer than the stock bus box arm.

The math is not my strong point, I prefer the "suck it and see" method But I think you are correct, but is that actually a problem for you? if you are getting wheelspin then more clutch slip is needed so whatever is already in place shouldn't affect it, unless you are getting slip in other gears? I don't see any evidence of that in my set up unless I set it to do it, or when the clutch has worn to much and the breakaway needs re-setting

Another point that I think is valid is that as the clutch discs wear the slippage rate changes, depending on what clutch combo and how you set breakaway it can change in either direction, this is why I feel the need for easy adjustment and why I don't see the RLR clutch working for me, if you race at different tracks with different start line grip levels[ as you mention Sac being different to Bakersfield ? ]  you have to remove the engine and set it up again and until you have lots of runs at each track to get the data you are just guessing what is needed.

And when you slip them a lot they do wear quick, particularly with a double disc that I have been using.

Anyway just leave it as it is, you running 9.8s gives me a good chance to drive round you, we both know I am never going to cut a light on you unless you are asleep


cheers Richie

[rick m]

You guys are tempting me to make my next car a BLOW DRYER version! LOL Every time I watch Richie's vert make a pass....it gets the wheels turning in my head. Pro Street car...with my Porsche gear box....8lbs of boost....drive it to the track....run an 11:00 (easy) and drive home...  Hmmmmmm

Might have to get some cam advice and a few other things from you two guys!

Rick M

[Mike Lawless]

I don't know what Richie is using cam-wise Rick. The Blue Car has a CB 2289 on a 112° lobe center. Combined with Pauter 1.5 rockers, which on this particular combo actually measure out closer to 1.6, the lift at the valve is around .630".
The goal for this was a 10.60 ET. Since we blew right past that with ridiculously low boost, I'm considering replacing the rockers with CB 1.4s. Maybe it'll be easier to control the boost if I can actually have it close to 8 to 10 psi and have it run close to the number.

At this point in time, and with recent developments in my personal life, I have no desire to run the car to the limit. I barely have the desire to get out and work on it all.

When I do bring it back out, I do want to be competitive in the very tough 10.60 index classes outside the VW world. I also want to get 'er backed down to that so it will have some semblance of reliability. At this point, if I were to have a catastrophic engine or trans failure, I'd probably park it.

[modnrod]

Don't talk yourself out of racing Mike. What you've achieved at such low boost levels I still find incredible really, the whole package is very, very tough.
I know personal stuff puts playtime into perspective, but I know for me at least I was once told the "racer" in me is part of who I am, it's difficult to walk away from yourself.

Keep tinkering at it when you get the urge, and I hope things improve for you off track.

[Fasterbrit]

That's some very impressive times, Mike! Well done! Matt

[Mike Lawless]

Thanks guys!
I'm starting to get back into it. It's been a couple months since my wife passed. Actual racing will resume again with the 2014 Bakersfield March Meet.
In the meantime, there is a Test n Tune session at Famoso in early November. My son Mark and I will take the car out and see if we can get it ball-parked for the D/Gas 10.60 index before the winter layoff. My hope is to find a setting that will produce a 10.50 time slip repeatedly. I talked to Pat Downs about putting lower ratio rockers on it. He feels it will make no difference, and might even make it faster.

So.... we'll start out with a 5 pound spring in the waste gate and go from there.

Over the winter, I'm going to reconfigure the oiling system to try to get a handle on it's tendency to puke a bit out the breather tank, and address oil control in the sump. I'm working on a new sump that will be around 7 quart capacity. We'll just have to wait and see how that works out.

[Mike Lawless]

With about a month to go before running the Blue Car at the last Test 'n' Tune session of the year, I have switched rockers contrary to my friend Pat's advice. I ended up putting CBs 1.3 ratio rockers on it. Net lift at the valve has gone from .630" with the 1.5 Pauters to .510" with the CBs. At the very least, it should be easier on things. What the effect will be, I don't know.

Pat thinks it's a waste of time and that I should switch cams instead. He's probably right, but the rockers were easy to do. I didn't really want to tear the whole thing down again. So we'll see how it goes.

The hope is that it will need about 7-10 pounds of boost to run a 10.50 flat out.

[Fiatdude]

Best of luck to you Mike -- I like "easier on things" too

[Mike Lawless]

Over the weekend, I took the Blue Car down off it's perches, gave it a badly needed bath, fresh oil and oil filter and buttoned 'er up. As it turns out, my alternator went bad and drained the battery. It took a bit of time to get the battery recharged, but I had a spare (Odyssey PC680), so I'll just run it with the alternator disconnected for this TnT.
I went ahead and fueled 'er up, and she lit right off. The idle speed is a little high, but it's such a pain to change (I have to make a special tool. The stop screw is kinda buried). It'll be fine for now.

My son Mark is gonna run his tan '67 streeter looking for an 11 second ET slip. He ran 12 teens at Sac in September on his final run, and if he hadn't pedaled it trying to keep from breaking out, it woulda got there. Hideaway Turbo/EFI running on E85. Total sleeper!

My good friend Allen Wiess will be stopping by to lend a helping hand, and good friend Paul Miller will be there running his tan 67. For those who don't know Paul, he is an original BugIn veteran, having won the OCIR events a couple times in the same car. Paul and that tan 67 have some history!

We're gonna be burning some animal flesh and downing some cervesas on Saturday night, and tellin' each other lies. Should be a good time.

While we're there, we'll hoist one in memory of my angel co-pilot. This will be the first time running the car without her

[Fiatdude]

Sounds like you'll have the perfect group there with you at the track Mike -- May the Fast be with you -==-

Here's to some Great passes, be thinking of you

[Mike Lawless]

Famoso TnT, November 2-3
It was a bit weird, a bit unsettling to be driving down alone. This was the only time that I've ever taken the Blue car racing without Cindy. Every now and then, I'd look over at the empty passenger seat on the way down...
Once at the track, it was pretty much down to business. Turnout was moderate. Quite a few more "Fast 'n' Furious" street cars than I figured, but other than them constantly up on the limiter in the pits, they weren't a bother. (they were "tuning". That's why they're called "tuners")
It was Paul Miller, my son Mark and I, and Allen Wiess dropped in to lend a hand and shoot some video.

Mark hit his goal of an 11 second time slip by running 11.81. His car is a full weight '67 sedan, with CBs hideway turbo, and running on E85. This car is a driver.

Paul ran a string of mid 11 second passes with no hiccups.

I had done some stuff to the car to attempt to tame it down a bit to hit the 10.60 D/Gas index. This included 1.3 ratio rockers, which cut the net lift at the valve from .630 down to .510".
That, and a 5lb spring in the waste gate, with no electronic controls.

Saturdays runs went like this....
First run, straight off the trailer, 10.60 with a zero! That's 10.600, with the goal of hitting the 10.60 index. Speed was 128 and change, short time was 1.42. Shift points were at 7300rpm and trap rpm was about 6700. I figured, that'll do just fine!
Next run, the only change was shifting at 7500. 10.50 at 128 and change. Short time consistent with the first
Third run, back to the 7300 rpm shift point, 10.587 at 130. Short time 1.41.
Fourth run, no changes, later in the day so it was a bit warmer, 10.62 at 128 and change.
All runs were driven out the back door. So, to say I'm pleased with that outcome is an understatement!

I still have soft setting for the clutch. It comes out soft and as it achieves lock-up, the wheelie climbs and loads the wheelie bars pretty hard in the middle of first gear. Pretty funny feeling! If you "slo-mo" through the mike-l131 video at about the minute and a half mark, you can seen the wheelie climb.

My best light was .063. I think I can leave that setting as is and stage a bit deeper.

I made one run on Sunday. It popped out of second, I put it back in and it popped right back out. Soooo, the dog rings need some attention. It was gonna go in for service over the winter break anyway.
At least the reaction time and sixty were consistent.

At any rate, both Mark and I left happy. We both achieved our goals.

Video links below. They're full resolution MP4s, so they may take a bit to load. Best is to open 'em in a new window, and let 'em load while you look at other stuff

Mine....
http://lawlessdesigns.com/mike-l127.MP4
http://lawlessdesigns.com/mike-l129.MP4
http://lawlessdesigns.com/mike-l131.MP4

Marks.....
http://lawlessdesigns.com/mark-l128.MP4
http://lawlessdesigns.com/mark-l133.MP4

[Fiatdude]

Fantastic Mike -- You've always had a great handle on the Ghia

[BeetleBug]

Thank you for sharing Mike! Highly appreciated.

Best rgs
BB

[dangerous]

Great videos Mike!
How did you go with your sump modifications?

[Mike Lawless]

Great videos Mike!
How did you go with your sump modifications?

I haven't implemented that yet Dave. Even so, with the reduced RPM, I hasn't getting any puking. The only thing that drained out of the overflow, was some condensed methanol.

The sump will go on during the winter break. I'd still like a bit more capacity and better "slosh" control.