Gizmovr4
Well-known member
431 has been running 9 second quarter mile times for the past 4 years. During this time we have been experimenting with different setups to perhaps run 8s in the future. What most don't realize is how difficult it is to consistantly run fast times for this long.
Last Saturday Nate and I took 431 to the track once more to test a few things.... We learned a few things but almost lost the car in the process!
We suffered the most devastating engine failure to date !
Recap of the day :
First run - 10.2 @ 138 no launch just second and third gear pull @30psi to test boost control
Second run- 9.521@150 mph soft launch - car pulled hard up top - thus the 150mph trap and only 117mph at the 1/8 mile
Third run - 9.707 @117 mph car left hard !! 1/8 at 122mph ( 5mph faster than run#2) when the car shifted to 3rd we suffered the engine failure !! Still went 9.7 breaking at half track /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devil.gif
As if breaking at over 130 plus mph wasn't bad enough - the left side rear tire blew causing the car to hook right toward the right side retaining wall. 431 didn't hit the wall - so we are lucky in that respect.
Here are pictures of the engine failure ..... Rod nearly split the engine in half - only held together by small piece on the deck !!
After reviewing the parts and block .... The remainder of the pistons and rods look great including the spark plugs and valves. The damage is isolated to #1 cylinder only ! This was at 48psi - most boost we have run thru this 2.3 liter combo.
Due to the height and extent of the damage we believe the wrist pin may have failed - causing the rod to spin out both sides !!
As for the future of 431!!!! New motor is already in the works /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devil.gif
As always many thanks to Nate Crisman for helping pick up the pieces !!!
Last Saturday Nate and I took 431 to the track once more to test a few things.... We learned a few things but almost lost the car in the process!
We suffered the most devastating engine failure to date !
Recap of the day :
First run - 10.2 @ 138 no launch just second and third gear pull @30psi to test boost control
Second run- 9.521@150 mph soft launch - car pulled hard up top - thus the 150mph trap and only 117mph at the 1/8 mile
Third run - 9.707 @117 mph car left hard !! 1/8 at 122mph ( 5mph faster than run#2) when the car shifted to 3rd we suffered the engine failure !! Still went 9.7 breaking at half track /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devil.gif
As if breaking at over 130 plus mph wasn't bad enough - the left side rear tire blew causing the car to hook right toward the right side retaining wall. 431 didn't hit the wall - so we are lucky in that respect.
Here are pictures of the engine failure ..... Rod nearly split the engine in half - only held together by small piece on the deck !!
After reviewing the parts and block .... The remainder of the pistons and rods look great including the spark plugs and valves. The damage is isolated to #1 cylinder only ! This was at 48psi - most boost we have run thru this 2.3 liter combo.
Due to the height and extent of the damage we believe the wrist pin may have failed - causing the rod to spin out both sides !!
As for the future of 431!!!! New motor is already in the works /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devil.gif
As always many thanks to Nate Crisman for helping pick up the pieces !!!
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